Fire Ant Tribe.
In the ancestral hall of the Fire Ant Tribe, Lie Xin and her companions arrived to find the hall eerily empty. The real activity, however, was taking place at the martial arena, where her three brothers were engaged in fierce duels to determine the next leader of the tribe.
Lie Qing glanced disdainfully at the modest ancestral hall, sneering, "What a simple and shabby hall."
Nearby, a respectful Insect Master from the Holy Ant Tribe nodded in agreement. "The Fire Ant Tribe is just a mid-sized tribe; how could it compare to the Holy Ant Tribe?"
Lie Qing smirked, unfazed, "Still, even the smallest insect has its vital organs. This Fire Ant Tribe, though humble, is still a mid-sized tribe. Taking on the role of leader here will be more than enough for me."
The Insect Master quickly showered him with flattery. "Indeed, Master, your talent is extraordinary, and your strength unmatched. Only someone like you is worthy of leading this tribe!"
Lie Qing beamed, thoroughly enjoying the praise. His tail practically seemed to be wagging with delight, his ego inflated to the highest point.
However, Lie Xin paid no attention to their exchange. She stood quietly, her gaze fixed on the new spirit tablet. She remained silent for a long time.
...
The spirit tablets in the ancestral hall were arranged in five layers. The top layer held only one tablet—this was the spirit tablet of her grandfather, Lie Yong, who had led the tribe into the ranks of mid-sized tribes.
At the very bottom of the hall were the tablets of previous leaders whose reigns had been disastrous. Some were noted for their reckless building projects that led to years of financial loss, while others had caused the tribe to suffer from endless warfare, leaving the tribe weak and vulnerable.
Her father, Lie Zhao, had served as a leader for just fifteen years. He had neither achieved anything significant nor caused any lasting harm. For this reason, his spirit tablet was placed on the second layer.
Lie Xin respectfully knelt on the cushion, performing three full bows. Afterward, she took three incense sticks and lit them, carefully placing them into the incense burner. She had already noticed that the incense inside had long since ceased to burn, and there was no heat left in the burner. It was clear that no one had come to offer incense for many days.
Lie Qing, who had been observing her actions, was about to speak when Lie Xin preemptively said, "Fifth Brother, if you are to take the position of the tribe leader, you must show respect to our ancestors."
She turned toward him, her voice firm yet composed. "You bear the Lie surname, and as such, you must offer incense and bow before our father, grandfather, and all the ancestors. No matter what you may think in your heart, the proper rituals must be observed."
Lie Qing was momentarily speechless. After a moment of reflection, he realized that, despite Lie Zhao being his nominal father, if he wanted to assume the position of leader, he would indeed need to put on a façade.
"Thank you for the reminder, Sister," he said, somewhat begrudgingly, as he followed her example, bowing three times and offering incense.
Just then, the sound of footsteps echoed through the hall, and someone entered.
"The three sons of the former chief have been fighting among themselves for the leadership, and it's been a long time since anyone has come to offer incense. Yet, here you two are, newcomers to the Fire Ant Tribe, and you immediately come to show respect..." The voice trailed off, laced with quiet disappointment.
Lie Xin and Lie Qing turned around to see an elderly man with snowy white hair standing behind them.
"Who are you?" Lie Xin asked.
"Chen Pei, my father was Chen He," the old man replied.
Lie Xin's eyes widened in surprise, and she quickly bowed deeply. "Lie Xin pays her respects to the Grand Elder."
Chen Pei smiled warmly. "Ah, so you're Miss Lie Xin."
He then glanced at Lie Qing and asked, "And this must be..."
Lie Xin introduced him, "This is my Fifth Brother, Lie Qing."
She shot a quick look at Lie Qing.
Lie Qing understood immediately and adopted a respectful posture. "Lie Qing pays his respects to the Grand Elder."
Chen Pei observed Lie Qing's tall and handsome appearance and nodded slightly. Looks, after all, were an important factor when judging a person's potential.
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