C6 Ancestor Worshipping Ceremony

After breakfast, Ye Tian left his home with an air of nonchalance and made his way to the academy for his classes. Su Xue, watching his retreating figure, was left in a daze.

"Why has the young master suddenly become so charismatic?"

As Su Xue gazed at Ye Tian's departing back, she bit her lip, feeling an unexpected ripple of emotion. Realizing her own reaction, a blush crept onto her cheeks.

The academy was abuzz today, with many students gathered in animated conversation.

Upon spotting Ye Tian, some cast him looks of scorn, as if such disdain elevated their own status.

It was common knowledge within the academy that Ye Tian's constitution was considered exceptionally weak.

Without the support of the Ye family from Luoshui City, Spirit Feather Academy would have long since expelled him.

Back in Class 3, Ye Tian was met with eye rolls from his classmates. They had been busy with their studies, while he seemed to be leisurely taking in the scenery.

"Young Master Ye, still so relaxed? Have you forgotten today's event?"

"Oh, we dare not speak or ask, but after all, you're the one and only Ye Tian of Spirit Feather Academy, aren't you?"

"Don't worry, once that she-devil arrives, he'll understand what real fury is!"

Despite the whispers and snickers, Ye Tian remained unfazed, not betraying a hint of concern, which left his classmates bewildered.

They remembered times when such mockery would have left him visibly anxious and trembling.

But today, Ye Tian's composure was suspiciously serene.

"Ye Tian, no more dawdling! You're already late, and now you're not hurrying to join us for the trip to the academy's Holy Land?" Murong Xue, Ye Tian's classmate, approached him with a poise beyond her years.

Her elegant demeanor momentarily captivated Ye Tian, reminding him of Linglong, revered as the Empress of Saints.

Yet, the thought brought a chill to his smile.

"To the Holy Land, for what purpose?" he inquired, his expression giving nothing away.

His recollection of the 'Holy Land' was limited to just the name; beyond that, there was no further information, suggesting that the previous Ye Tian had indeed been a rare breed of carefree individual.

"You're such a blockhead. Imagine the teasing you'd endure if you asked someone else about this!" Murong Xue chided, tugging Ye Tian along, fearing the young master would be even a moment late. But upon his inquiry, she halted, hands on hips, and vented her frustration.

"Today is the academy's monthly Ancestral Worship Ceremony. Miss it, and no one will let you off the hook!"

Murong Xue took the time to carefully explain the situation to Ye Tian, who nodded thoughtfully in response.

The Ancestral Worship Ceremony, held monthly at Spirit Feather Academy, honors the institution's founders, the Spirit Cloud Ancestor and Fairy Yuyun. These legendary figures may have ascended beyond the mortal realm, but the academy could never forget the pioneers who established it. This time-honored tradition has been upheld since the academy's inception, with each principal rigorously observing it without fail.

On this day, the academy's operations pause to concentrate on venerating the founders, and there are even more significant matters to attend to post-ceremony.

Yet, at the mention of Spirit Cloud Ancestor and Yuyun, Ye Tian's demeanor shifted, his mind whisked away to a time thousands of years past.

Accompanied by Murong Xue's melodious voice, they arrived at the academy's Holy Land, where all the Spirit Feather Academy disciples had assembled. No one dared to murmur among themselves; they stood in disciplined silence, guided by their instructors.

Dominating the heart of the Holy Land were two towering crystal statues, masterfully sculpted in the likenesses of Yuyun and the Spirit Cloud Ancestor, so vivid they seemed to breathe.

Beneath these statues stood the academy's principal, Daoist Qianhe, his white robe with subtle brown patterns reminiscent of a celestial crane, poised with grace.

Daoist Qianhe wore a grave expression, for to all who had held his title, the Spirit Cloud Ancestor and Fairy Yuyun were akin to deities.

Without these two paragons, what would become of the thriving Spirit Feather Academy?

From his elevated vantage point, Daoist Qianhe surveyed the gathered faculty and students, having already timed the ceremony's commencement to the minute.

"The appointed time has come. Kneel and pay homage to the founding patriarch, Spirit Cloud Ancestor, and Fairy Yuyun!"

Daoist Qianhe released his spiritual energy, his voice rippling through the air and reaching the ears of every teacher and student below.

His voice boomed, resonating within the hearts of all present.

As Daoist Qianhe's proclamation echoed, the teachers and students below reverently bent their knees, devoutly bowing with hands clasped above their heads in unison.

Observing the synchronized display, Daoist Qianhe too knelt and paid his respects to the statues of Spirit Cloud Ancestor and Fairy Yuyun.

"Hey, why haven't you knelt yet?"

Murong Xue's eyes widened in surprise as she turned to Ye Tian.

At that moment, Ye Tian stood firm like an unyielding pine, unaffected by the storm around him, his stance one of proud defiance.

Kneel?

Ye Tian couldn't help but smile.

Spirit Cloud Ancestor and Fairy Yuyun were his disciples; the notion of a master kneeling to his students was unheard of.

Imagining their reaction if he were to kneel before them was almost comical—they'd be utterly shocked!

Fairy Yuyun, Ye Tian's cherished junior disciple, was exceptionally gifted. He had always held her in high regard, treating her with great affection and seldom reprimanding her.

Spirit Cloud Ancestor, on the other hand, had started as a mere Taoist boy tending to Ye Tian's mount, earning his name for his swift pace, as quick as the wind itself.

Ye Tian had recognized Spirit Wind's diligence and had taken him under his wing. What he hadn't anticipated was that Spirit Wind and Yuyun would eventually unite and establish the grand Spirit Wind Academy.

Ye Tian's heart swelled with pride.

Well done, indeed—a pupil worthy of the teachings!

"These two have truly done well. I wonder, are you still among the living?"

Ye Tian was lost in contemplation.

Thankfully, he was standing off to the side, partially obscured by trees. Apart from Murong Xue, no one else seemed to notice his solitary, statuesque form.