The Cold and Aloof Palace Master's Daily Demon-Slaying Life

Ancestor worship... In her memory, when her parents were still alive, they had taken her to participate in the family's grand ancestral worship ceremony.

She was just a child then, following the crowd, kneeling and worshipping those cold, lifeless memorial tablets, finding the ceremony long and tedious.

Now, however, she will be the protagonist, receiving the worship of the entire clan, and having her name engraved in the family genealogy in the most glorious way, to be worshipped by future generations.

Nothing in this world is more wondrous than this.

"Okay," she finally uttered.

Now that we're back, we should do what needs to be done in these formalities.

Settle the cause and effect, and save yourself trouble in the future.

Upon hearing this, the three elders visibly relaxed, their faces lighting up with joy. Zuo Xiuxian quickly said, "Ancestor, rest assured, this ceremony will be conducted according to the highest standards and will not dishonor your dignity!"

Zuo Qingqiu remained noncommittal, then asked, "Is my sister's former residence, that house, still there?"

Zuo Xiuxian was taken aback, then hurriedly nodded: "Yes, yes! That is the ancestral property of your branch, Ancestor, so it has always been preserved. More than seventy years ago, after Miss Zuo Lengqiu passed away, the house has been empty ever since. But the family has never taken it back. On the contrary, they often send people to clean and maintain it. All the utensils and furnishings are kept as they were, just waiting for Ancestor to return home so that you will have a place to stay."

That's a well-said statement.

But in reality, when Zuo Qingqiu went to Taihua Gate and didn't return home for a long time, only his younger sister with a grade E aptitude was left at home. It wasn't that no one in the family had their eyes on that well-located house with decent spiritual energy.

However, at that time, Zuo Qingqiu had already been accepted as a disciple by the famous Master Yuan Lei, and his future was limitless. After some deliberation, the family put aside their thoughts.

Later, Zuo Qingqiu's cultivation advanced rapidly, and the house became a kind of "symbol." Even after Zuo Lengqiu passed away midway and no one lived there, no one dared to touch it. Instead, the house was maintained even more diligently.

"Mm." Zuo Qingqiu stood up. "I will stay at the old house for the next three days. I will be there for the festival."

As she spoke, she began to walk down.

"Ancestor, wait!" Zuo Xiuxian hurriedly said, "Although the old house has been cleaned, it has been uninhabited for a long time and is inevitably cold and desolate. Why don't we move to the 'Qian Yuan Hall'? It is the best guest courtyard in the family, full of spiritual energy and with beautiful scenery..."

"No need," Zuo Qingqiu interrupted him, without stopping. "The old house will suffice."

She doesn't need the best guesthouse, nor does she need anyone to wait on her.

She just wanted to go back to the place that held her brief childhood and the warmth of her family, and stay there quietly for a few days.

Seeing her resolute expression, Zuo Xiuxian dared not persuade her further and could only bow and say, "Yes, this old man will have someone lead the Ancient Ancestor there immediately..."

"I know the way." Zuo Qingqiu had already walked down the steps and passed by him. Her voice drifted over, "No need to follow."

As soon as she finished speaking, her white figure floated out of the Zude Hall and disappeared into the cool moonlight outside.

The main hall fell silent for a moment.

After a long silence, Zuo Yuxuan sighed softly, his tone complex: "Ancient Ancestor... she's still the same kind of person."

"How could we possibly fathom the true nature of a sage?" Zuo Zhaocheng shook his head and looked at Zuo Xiuxian. "Third Grand Uncle, the arrangements for the sacrificial ceremony must be made immediately; time is of the essence."

Zuo Xiuxian withdrew his gaze from the doorway, the respectful expression on his face fading, replaced by the profound and shrewd look characteristic of an old man nearing death.

He slowly walked to the side and finally sat down in a chair.

"Proceed according to the highest regulations. Notify all clansmen who are away that they must return within three days. The offerings, ritual implements, music and dance, and the ceremony must be flawless in every way." He ordered in a deep voice, then paused and added, "Furthermore, while the Ancient Ancestor is at home these few days, compile a list of the clan's members who possess talent and are of stable character. After the ceremony, see if there is an opportunity to present this list to the Ancient Ancestor. Even just receiving a word or two of guidance would be an immense blessing."

"Yes!" The deacons accepted the order.

Zuo Xiuxian then looked at the five Purple Mansions, including Zuo Chunqiu, who were standing to the side with their hands at their sides, his gaze lingering on Zuo Chunqiu for a moment.

"You are the future hope of the Zuo family. Especially Chunqiu, you have been stuck at the mid-stage of the Purple Mansion realm for a long time. Prepare well these three days. After the ceremony, there may be an opportunity to privately ask the ancient ancestor for some advice. Although she is aloof, she is still the ancient ancestor of the Zuo family. If you ask, she may not refuse. You must not miss such an opportunity."

Zuo Chunqiu was startled and quickly bowed, saying, "Grandson understands, thank you for your guidance, Elder Clan."

Should I ask my cousin... no, I should ask the ancient ancestor for advice?

He smiled bitterly to himself.

Given his current state of mind, can he calmly ask questions about cultivation difficulties when facing that lofty and aloof True Lord Ancestor?

Before the words were even spoken, the momentum had already weakened by three points.

But... this is indeed a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Even a single word of guidance from a Golden Core True Monarch can enlighten him and help him break through his predicament.

He clenched his fist tightly, a determined look flashing in his eyes.

We must give it a try, no matter what.

Inside the main hall, the lights flickered.

The clan elders began to discuss the details of the festival in detail, and the deacons went in and out to deliver messages, creating a busy scene.

Zuo Qingqiu, alone, walked on the familiar yet unfamiliar bluestone path of Zuojiayu under the cold moonlight.

The ancient trees by the roadside have gnarled branches that cast dappled shadows under the moonlight.

The night wind swept through the alleyways, carrying the chill of late autumn and the scent of withered vegetation.

Xiao Bai wasn't around at the moment; before entering Cui Weishan's territory, she had sent Xiao Bai back to the spirit beast bracelet space temporarily.

Such clan gatherings are characterized by strict rules and a stifling atmosphere, which Xiaobai would not like. She also couldn't be bothered to explain Xiaobai's identity to the Zuo family.

Her steps were unhurried, her white palace dress fluttering slightly in the night breeze, like a lone wild goose lingering under the moon.

After passing through several courtyards and a moon gate, a bright and open space suddenly appeared before me.

It was a quiet little courtyard, located in the relatively secluded southeast corner of Zuojiayu.

The courtyard wall was not high, and it was covered with withered yellow vines.

The courtyard gate was an ordinary wooden door, its paint mottled, and it looked somewhat desolate under the moonlight.

Zuo Qingqiu stood quietly in front of the courtyard gate for a moment, then raised her hand and gently pushed open the half-closed wooden door.

"Squeak—"

A soft sound traveled far in the quiet night.

Inside the gate, the courtyard was kept clean and tidy. In the corner, there were several old plum trees, their leaves all gone, but their branches were strong and vigorous.

In the center are three connected tile-roofed houses with intact window paper and two faded old lanterns hanging under the eaves.

Everything seems to be exactly the same as it was back then.

But there were no more lights, no more laughter, and no more warm gazes waiting for her to return home.

Zuo Qingqiu stepped over the threshold and into the courtyard.

The moonlight bathed the courtyard, illuminating her cool and exquisitely beautiful face. In the depths of those eyes, which seemed to see through everything, a faint, misty haze finally appeared.

She raised her head, gazing at the solitary moon in the night sky. After a long while, she whispered softly, her voice almost inaudible:

"Father, Mother, Little Sister..."

"I'm back."

A night breeze blew by, swirling up a few withered leaves from the ground, making them spin before quietly falling back down.

The moonlight remained as cold and frosty as ever.