Luo Long knew that Jiang Ning was an incredible fighter. He had seen the limits of Luo Qi's abilities. But when it came to Jiang Ning... After all this while, he had not seen what Jiang Ning was truly capable of. None of the elders could force him to reveal all his cards. Luo Qi was being manipulated by Mr Lang. He didn't deserve to die for it. Tianlian Sect needed its chief.
"Did you hear what I just said?" Luo Long began to panic when Jiang Ning didn't say a word.
He was genuinely worried that Jiang Ning might kill Luo Qi.
"Yes," said Jiang Ning plainly as he nodded.
They had discussed earlier and agreed that Luo Long would get Jiang Ning into the ancestral hall while Jiang Ning would hide himself and find a chance to make a move later that night. Time passed steadily.
Soon, night fell.
Luo Long was the one who made preparations for the ancestral worship that took place every month. There were rules on whom could attend ancestral worship, where each person was to stand and who was allowed to speak.
The sky gradually darkened.
"Watch out, don't knock those wreaths over."
"Move a little to the side. You're standing in the way."
The servants were busy with the final preparations. Those who were supposed to attend the ancestral worship had begun to arrive. "Elder Huang, you're supposed to light the incense sticks tonight," said Luo Long as he looked at the other elder. "It's your turn to do it." Elder Huang shook his head. He looked terrible. "I don't deserve to do it."
Suffering a reprimand from Luo Qi at his age had been an utter humiliation to him. If he weren't afraid of dying, he would have killed himself.
"You're the oldest elder in Tianlian Sect. That qualifies you to perform the task," said Luo Long. "It's decided. You'll light the incense sticks and escort the chief into the ancestral hall for prayers." "Alright," said Elder Huang before falling silent.
Luo Qi arrived.
His strides were wide as he walked into the room. His entire person exuded a strange aura.
It was an aura that invoked loathing instinctively.
Luo Long's heart began to race as he was assailed by an intense feeling.
The man standing before him was Luo Qi, yet all Luo Long saw was someone unfamiliar. © 2024.
A complete stranger.
"What's going on?" Luo Long looked around and saw a similar expression on everyone else's faces. They seemed to be filled with disbelief. "This feels odd."
He didn't voice his doubts nor did he say a word. He watched as Luo Qi approached the ancestral hall and looked around him.
"We should start now," said Luo Qi.
"It's time." Luo Long nodded.
Luo Qi turned around and looked at
the ancestral hall. Instead of
kneeling like he usually would, he
remained standing. Behind him, Luo Long and the others fell to their knees.
"Light the incense sticks!" shouted Luo Qi.
Everybody frowned. They had not expected Luo Qi to remain standing. His not kneeling was a sign of disrespect to their ancestors. Regardless, no one said a word.
Luo Long gave Elder Huang a look. The latter got up immediately and lit the incense sticks. A light fragrance drifted in the air. "The ancestral worship begins now!" declared the elder.
Everyone had lowered their heads and begun to chant the rules of the sect silently. Luo Qi, on the other hand appeared unconcerned about the protocols of the ritual.
SLAM!
The doors of the ancestral hall were pulled shut.
"What's wrong with the chief?"
"I can't believe it. He didn't kneel." "What's going on?1
A few elders blurted out in bewilderment.
Luo Long shook his head.
"Alright, everyone, the chief has his reasons for what he does. Let's step away." He looked at everyone. "We shouldn't disturb him."
He had everyone leave, then turned
and glanced at the ancestral hall He hoped for Jiang Ning's success and that the man managed to get the antidote from Luo Qi. They would be doomed otherwise.
Everything hinged on Jiang Ning now. He had no idea why he trusted Jiang Ning so much. They were supposed to be enemies!
Yet, right now, he was praying from the bottom of his heart that Jiang Ning was more powerful than he had imagined the man to be.