Reborn as the Last van Ambrose
Chapter 244: Moonlight Reverence

Chapter 244: Moonlight Reverence

The temple grounds lay at the heart of Pearl City, built around a natural spring that had supposedly existed since the first fox spirits entered this realm.

Grim arrived at sunset with Ruxi, noting that hundreds of fox spirits had already gathered in the courtyard. All wore white robes provided for the ceremony, and their usual social distinctions seemed temporarily set aside as they prepared for the evening’s ritual.

"The Moonlight Reverence occurs every new moon," Ruxi explained as they joined the crowd. "It’s our way of honoring the ancestors who established our realm and maintaining our connection to the spiritual forces that sustain our civilization."

"What’s my role in this?" Grim asked, adjusting the unfamiliar white robes.

"Observe, participate where appropriate, and show respect for our traditions," she replied. "The ceremony isn’t complicated, but it requires genuine reverence rather than simply going through the motions."

A fox spirit with seven tails approached them, wearing robes that marked him as the ceremony’s leader. Elder Tiānkōng was responsible for spiritual matters on the council, and his presence commanded immediate attention from the assembled crowd.

"Princess Ruxi," he said with a formal bow. "Lord Ambrose. I’m pleased you’ve chosen to participate in tonight’s ceremony."

"Thank you for including me," Grim replied. "I understand this is an important tradition for your people."

"Indeed," Tiānkōng agreed. "Though I should mention that participation requires more than simple attendance. The ritual involves opening oneself to spiritual energies that can be intense for those unprepared."

"What kind of energies?"

"The accumulated wisdom and power of our ancestors," the elder explained. "During the ceremony, the boundary between past and present becomes thin. Some participants experience visions or communications with those who came before."

Ruxi looked concerned. "Is it safe for someone without fox spirit heritage?"

"Unknown," Tiānkōng admitted. "No human has ever participated in the full ceremony. However, Lord Ambrose’s cultivation level should provide adequate protection if he remains centered and respectful."

The prospect of supernatural contact was both intriguing and unsettling. Grim had experienced direct communication with deceased ancestors before. So the prospect was interesting.

"I’m willing to participate fully," he said. "What do I need to know?"

"Follow the movements of those around you, maintain a respectful attitude, and don’t resist any spiritual contact that occurs," Tiānkōng instructed. "The ancestors will judge your intentions and character for themselves."

As the last light faded from the sky, Elder Tiānkōng moved to the center of the courtyard. The spring bubbled quietly in the background, its sound creating a natural rhythm that seemed to synchronize with the gathered crowd’s breathing.

"We gather under the new moon to honor those who came before," Tiānkōng began, his voice carrying clearly across the courtyard. "Tonight we remember their sacrifices, seek their wisdom, and renew our commitment to the principles they established."

The assembled fox spirits began to move in a slow, coordinated pattern around the courtyard. Grim followed Ruxi’s lead, noting that the movements felt more like a flowing dance than a formal ritual march.

"Think of it as meditation in motion," Ruxi whispered. "Let your mind settle while your body follows the ancient patterns."

As they moved, the fox spirits began to hum in harmonious tones. The sound created vibrations that Grim felt in his bones, and he found his own breathing naturally synchronizing with the rhythm.

The temperature began to drop despite the warm evening, and wisps of luminescent mist began rising from the spring. The mist coalesced into shapes that resembled fox spirits, though their forms remained translucent and constantly shifting.

"The ancestors," Ruxi breathed, her voice filled with obvious reverence.

The spectral forms moved among the living participants, sometimes pausing to observe individuals with apparent interest. One approached Grim, its nine tails marking it as an ancient elder of considerable power.

The spirit walked with him and stared at him. When it spoke, its voice seemed to come from within Grim’s own mind rather than through his ears.

"Human child," the voice said, carrying tones of both curiosity and caution. "You walk among our descendants seeking alliance through marriage. What do you offer in return for such acceptance?"

"Loyalty, protection, and commitment to Princess Ruxi’s wellbeing," Grim replied, unsure whether he was speaking aloud or simply thinking his response.

"Pretty words. But we have seen the path you’ve walked in your own lands. Violence and manipulation served your purposes there. What assurance can you provide that such methods won’t corrupt our peaceful realm?"

The question struck at the heart of the concerns he’d been facing since his arrival. "I offer no assurance except my willingness to learn and adapt. Your ways have shown me possibilities I didn’t know existed."

"Adaptation requires abandoning old patterns, not simply adding new ones to your existing methods. Are you prepared for change?"

"I don’t know," Grim admitted. "But I’m committed to discovering whether such change is possible."

The spirit was quiet for several moments, studying him with penetrating intensity. "Honesty is rare among those who seek power. That you acknowledge uncertainty rather than claiming false confidence suggests potential for growth."

"Then you approve of my petition?"

"We observe and evaluate. Your worthiness will be determined by your actions, not your words. However, your willingness to participate in this ceremony demonstrates respect for our traditions."

The spirit began to fade, but its final words carried clearly in Grim’s mind. "Remember that power shared grows stronger, while power hoarded eventually destroys itself. Learn this lesson well, young human."

As the ancestral spirits dispersed, the temperature returned to normal and the ceremony entered its final phase. The participants gathered around the spring, each placing their hands in the sacred water while Elder Tiānkōng spoke words of commitment and renewal.

When Grim’s turn came, he followed the example of those before him, placing his hands in the surprisingly warm water. The moment his skin touched the surface, he felt a surge of energy that seemed to flow through his entire body.

Images flashed through his mind—glimpses of fox spirit history, the establishment of their realm, the development of their civilization’s guiding principles. For a brief moment, he understood their perspective on harmony, patience, and long-term thinking in ways that transcended intellectual comprehension.

The sensation lasted only seconds, but it left him with a profound sense of connection to something larger than himself.

"How do you feel?" Ruxi asked as they stepped away from the spring.

"Different," Grim replied honestly. "Like I’ve been given a glimpse of how you see the world."

Elder Tiānkōng approached as the crowd began to disperse. "The ancestors seemed to find you... interesting," he observed. "Not everyone receives direct communication during their first ceremony."

"What does that mean?"

"It means they’re taking your petition seriously," the elder replied. "Whether that works in your favor remains to be seen."

As they walked back toward the palace, Ruxi started to talk.

"What did the ancestor tell you?" Ruxi asked.

"That power shared grows stronger while power hoarded destroys itself," Grim repeated. "And that my worthiness would be judged by actions rather than words."

"Sound advice," she agreed. "Our ancestors tend to focus on fundamental truths rather than specific guidance."

"Do you think I handled it appropriately?"

"You participated with genuine respect and admitted uncertainty rather than claiming false knowledge," Ruxi replied. "That’s exactly what our traditions value most."

[Interesting experience,] Caius observed as they reached Grim’s quarters. [Direct contact with deceased spirits isn’t something we encounter often.]

"The wisdom was genuine," Grim replied silently. "I could feel the weight of their accumulated experience."

[And their warning about power?] Caius asked.

"Probably something I needed to hear," Grim admitted. "My instincts have always been to accumulate and control power rather than share it."

[Will you act on their advice?] Caius wondered.