Chapter 16

The lights went out, and the ancestral hall was instantly plunged into darkness, with only the faint glow of the partially burned incense and candles illuminating the space.

A cold wind howled in the courtyard, and the atmosphere suddenly became heavy.

Including Xue Renzhi, everyone's hearts skipped a beat, their breathing quickened slightly, and some even let out cries of alarm, clearly shocked by the sudden change.

"What's going on?"

"Could it be the ancestors manifesting?"

Everyone became even more anxious and uncertain.

"Hmph."

Having been through wars, Xue Renzhi was the first to calm down. He said in a deep voice, "You are all important figures of the Xue family. To panic over such a small matter is disgraceful. This is our ancestral hall. Even if the ancestors are manifesting, how could they harm us?"

"Guo, Min, go check the circuit breaker. The rest of you stay here."

"Uncle, I'll go right away."

Xue Weiguo called on one person and left the hall. After a short while, the lights in the hall finally came back on.

"Uncle, it might be a poor connection that caused the circuit breaker to trip," Xue Weiguo said as he entered, noticing that everyone's faces had improved. He frowned but didn't say more.

He saw clearly that the circuit breaker had indeed tripped, but there was a shallow handprint on it. And this was the ancestral hall, where no one should have come at this time. Thinking about it, a chill ran down Xue Weiguo's spine.

Xue Renzhi nodded, looked around at everyone, and continued, "The family records state that those who violate the ancestors' will are to be expelled from the family and removed from the records. According to Shouye, the person is only about twenty years old but knows the Xue family's ancestral teachings. What do you think?"

"Head of the family, could he be a descendant of a Xue family elder who was lost outside?"

"Ridiculous. The two ancestors who practiced the Xue family boxing to the highest level didn't even know the last two sections of the mental techniques. How could others know? Even if he is a descendant of the Xue family, it's impossible for him to know."

Xue Weiguo glanced at his cousin and said thoughtfully, "Uncle, since he is familiar with all the mental techniques of the Xue family boxing, could he be a descendant of one of the ancestors' fellow disciples?"

Xue Renzhi shook his head. "No. When the ancestors passed away, no outsiders were present. The will is recorded in the family records, which only the head of the family has the right to read, and the records have never been lent out."

With the two most likely guesses ruled out, everyone looked at each other, frowning and lost in thought.

Xue Renzhi sighed inwardly. The Xue family was different now, wielding immense influence in the military, political, and business circles in the country, rivaling even the major families in Yanjing.

The more powerful they were, the more he had to be cautious, or he might lead the Xue family into an irredeemable situation.

"Min, the young man is named Lu Li, from Haicheng, and he attends Haicheng University. Haicheng is the headquarters of the Haiblue Group. Once you return, investigate him immediately. I want all his information. Weiguo, you go to Haicheng in person to meet Lu Li."

"Alright."

"Understood," Xue Weiguo nodded.

"I know you all have doubts and might not take this seriously. After all, even if he knows the ancestors' will, what does it matter to us? If you think that way, you are greatly mistaken."

After giving instructions to the two, Xue Renzhi saw that most of the younger generation were dismissive and frowned. "Your status is not high enough to know that there are many hidden forces in this world. Even I only know a little, but I can clearly tell you that he is very likely the reincarnation of the ancestors."

"What?"

"Impossible."

Shouts of surprise arose.

"Hmph, the world is not as simple as it seems," Xue Renzhi said with a deep gaze. "The question now is, if he is indeed the reincarnation of the ancestors, how should we treat him?"

"What else can we do? Give him money, people, and power, and treat him like an ancestor. After all, with our Xue family's strength, these are trivial matters," a middle-aged man said with a mocking tone. "That kid is really lucky. One word and we all go to great lengths. His life is worth it."

"I think showing respect is necessary, but giving money and people seems unnecessary," Xue Weimin said.

Xue Renzhi glared at the two and turned to Xue Weiguo. "Weiguo, what do you think?"

Among this group, in terms of martial prowess, status, and importance, Xue Weiguo was the top, and he was also the next head of the family.

"Uncle, how can we confirm the reincarnation of the ancestors?"

Xue Renzhi pondered and said, "We can't be sure."

"Then, what benefits will we gain if we confirm it?" Xue Weiguo asked.

"Your descendants will rise to the heavens."

"Rise to the heavens?" Xue Weiguo frowned. "Our Xue family is already a major family in the country. It's very difficult to advance further. How can we rise to the heavens? Is his status really that high? Could it be?"

Thinking of a possibility, he suddenly looked at Xue Renzhi, who said strangely, "It should be. 'Rise to the heavens' does not refer to career or status, but to the ascension in mythology."

Xue Weiguo was dumbfounded.

None of those present were simple people. Hearing Xue Renzhi's speculation, they were all stunned.

After a long time, someone asked shakily, "Uncle, are you joking?"

"I wish I were joking," Xue Renzhi said irritably. "Even if it's not that, do you understand the meaning of reincarnation?"

Everyone's eyes lit up.

Reincarnation, regardless of status or wealth, is an irresistible temptation.

"Remember, once his identity is confirmed, you must absolutely respect him. His words are my words. Whoever offends him will be expelled from the Xue family. Even if we can't confirm it yet, you must treat him with respect."

Xue Renzhi finally made up his mind and instructed the important figures of the Xue family.

After the group left the ancestral hall, Xue Renzhi called Xue Weimin and Xue Weiguo to his home and gave them special instructions.

To be honest, at his age, suddenly learning about the reincarnation of an ancestor left Xue Renzhi quite at a loss.

The night passed without incident. The next day, the Xue family members who had returned from various places bid farewell.

Almost all of them were yawning and had dark circles under their eyes. Clearly, Xue Renzhi's words had a significant impact, causing even these experienced people to lose sleep.

"Weiguo, book a flight. I must go to Haicheng in person," Xue Renzhi called out to Xue Weiguo, who was about to leave.

Xue Weiguo was shocked. "Uncle, you're going in person?"

Xue Weimin, standing nearby, said discontentedly, "Head of the family, Brother Weiguo can go. After all, we can't be sure if he is the reincarnation of the ancestors. You haven't left Xue Family Village for thirty years. Going in person would be too much of an honor for him."

"This matter is too important. I'm not at ease sending you."

As he spoke, Xue Renzhi secretly touched his upper pocket, his eyes flashing with surprise.

***

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