The Hall of Ancestors was not built for comfort. It was built to remind every heartbeat that it was temporary.
Massive pillars carved with the clan's history rose toward a ceiling lost in shadow. Devil Emperors slicing the heads of celestials. Ancient conquests painted in crimson and gold.
The walls themselves were deep red jade threaded with veins of white, a testament to both his father's bloodline and his mother's influence.
The room judged you before you ever spoke.
Three figures waited in the center. His father sat in a throne-like chair, Saint Sovereign aura barely restrained. His mother stood beside him, white robes stark against the crimson. His grandfather occupied the space to the side, a void of absolute stillness that seemed to drink the light from the room.
Three elders lined the wall, silent witnesses serving only as political pieces.
Jue Xuanyi stepped forward.
The formation arrays along the walls flickered as he passed. Jade light warped around him, bending like reality itself acknowledged his presence.
A faint tremor rippled through the hall, so soft most would blame imagination.
"Your father's aura is crushing." The War Devil's voice carried approval. "Saint Sovereign. Good, he has worthy bloodline."
"Three elders are present," the Schemer Supreme observed: "Political witnesses to a formal unveiling."
"Your mother is crying," the Seduction Emperor said softly. "Such real tears are weapons when wielded by saints."
His father radiated satisfaction. His mother's hand went to her mouth, the other instinctively reaching for her husband's arm as if to share the weight of this moment. His grandfather revealed nothing.
Jue Xuanyi reached the center and began to kneel.
The ground rippled beneath him. His aura pressing against reality. The jade floor gave a muted crack, a hairline forming.
He suppressed it instantly. The ripple vanished. He completed the kneel with perfect grace. "Father. Mother. Grandfather. This unworthy son greets you."
His voice was steady and perfectly filial. Even his breath seemed rehearsed, like a prince sculpted in a ritual.
"Rise, Xuanyi." His father's command filled the hall. "Let me see what twenty years have forged."
Jue Xuanyi stood. Met his father's eyes directly.
His father examined him. Confirming his Saint Realm. Shock flickered across the Devil Emperor's face despite his legendary control.
"You've… exceeded all expectations, my son."
His mother took a half-step forward. For one breathtaking moment, he saw not the White Lotus Saint but a mother whose son had returned from the dead. She caught herself. Her spine straightened.
The tears welling in her golden eyes refused to be commanded.
"My son." Her voice was thick. "You've grown so much."
His grandfather still hadn't spoken. Eyes never leaving him. The elders whispered among themselves.
"Show us your cultivation."
His father's words were not a request.
"As Father wishes." Jue Xuanyi bowed.
He loosened his aura. Saint Realm power flooded the space, crimson-gold energy swirling around him. The formation arrays in the walls resonated, humming with recognition.
But he held back showing Early Saint. Maybe touching Mid. Nothing more.
"Good," the Schemer Supreme approved. "Show enough to impress, not enough to threaten."
"Coward," the War Devil growled. "Show them EVERYTHING."
"Strategic restraint," the Heartless Sage said. "Optimal."
The elders gasped. Some actually stepped back. His father nodded deeply, satisfaction radiating from him. His mother beamed with pride, though concern flickered in her eyes. She sensed more beneath the surface.
His grandfather spoke for the first time.
"Satisfactory."
Just that one word.
The hall went silent.
Coming from Jue Wushang, the word carried weight that crushed mountains. It could be the highest praise. It could be veiled criticism. No one dared guess which.
His father stood. "The Immortal Dao Conference begins in three days." He addressed the elders. "Jue Xuanyi will represent our clan at the tournament."
Murmurs rippled through the witnesses. Approval mixed with concern. The young master was untested in real combat.
"His engagements will also be formally recognized. All seven families have been notified."
"Ah," the Seduction Emperor purred. "The fiancées. This will be delightfully complicated."
"Seven destinies," the Fate Weaver added. "All meant for others. You'll rewrite every single one."
"This son will not disappoint the clan."Perfectly Dutiful, Exactly what they wanted to hear.
His grandfather moved closer. Truly examined him now, eyes boring into Jue Xuanyi as if trying to see past flesh and bone into whatever lurked beneath.
"Tell me, Xuanyi. What do you want?"
The question everyone feared.
The elders tensed. His father's eyes narrowed slightly. His mother's breath caught as the silence stretched.
"Dutiful son response," the Schemer Supreme urged. "It's the safest."
"Tell him the truth!" The War Devil roared. "You want to surpass them all!"
"Lie perfectly," the Heartless Sage said.
Jue Xuanyi smiled. It was the same gentle smile covered in warmth. He let the pause hang. Just long enough.
"To serve the clan, Grandfather. To make our family proud. To prove worthy of Father's expectations and Mother's love."
Another beat. Masterful humility.
"And to understand why Heaven chose this path for me."
His grandfather stared at him. Three long seconds. "We shall see."
The words fell like a final verdict. His grandfather turned away. Dismissed the answer but didn't reject it entirely. His father relaxed slightly. His mother smiled, believing every word. The elders exchanged relieved glances.
But Jue Xuanyi knew they'd heard what they wanted to hear. Not what was true.
His father's voice boomed, shattering the tension. "The unveiling is complete. Elders, you are dismissed." They bowed and left quickly.
"My son, rest today. Tomorrow, preparations for the conference begin."
His mother stepped forward. Her eyes shimmered. "Come to my garden this evening." It was a request. But it held the weight of a mother's love. An undeniable command.
Before he could answer, his grandfather's voice cut in, dry as ancient bone. "I will have Old Maid Chen escort you. She has… instructions."
A leash wrapped in courtesy.
"This unworthy son thanks Father, Mother, and Grandfather for their guidance."
Jue Xuanyi bowed perfectly, turning to leave. Old Maid Chen appeared at his side as if she'd been waiting in his shadow.
His mother watched him go, longing in her eyes. His father nodded approval. His grandfather's expression revealed nothing.
"…Three paths," the Nameless One whispered as Jue Xuanyi walked toward the doors. "Three tests. I wonder which will break first."
The doors closed behind him without a sound.