It was now the last day of the first seven days of mourning.
Tang San slowly walked up to the offering table and drew three sticks of incense from the holder beside it.
His eyes, usually so deep and composed, now surged with grief and self-reproach that would not dissolve.
"Yinzhu." Tang San's voice was slightly hoarse. He lit the three incense sticks over the flickering candle flame and choked out, "We've come to see you."
Holding the incense in both hands, he solemnly bent forward, bowed three times, and planted the sticks firmly in the bronze incense burner.
Lei Xiang strode forward, but instead of taking incense, he abruptly picked up a jar of strong liquor from the offering table, tipped his head back, and took a fierce gulp.
Bang!
Lei Xiang slammed the jar down on the offering table, splashing liquor everywhere.
He jerked his head up, his bloodshot, tigerlike eyes fixed on the three deathly pale characters spelling Ye Yinzhu's name on the black wooden memorial tablet. Every muscle in his body tensed, and his voice, struggling to contain towering fury and grief, exploded through the empty mourning hall.
"Yinzhu, rest assured!" Lei Xiang clenched his teeth and declared firmly, "I, Lei Xiang, swear here and now! Whoever gave Zi those orders, whether he hides in the hells of the Nine Netherworlds or above the nine heavens, one day I'll drag him out myself, cut off his head, and bring it before you in atonement!"
After Tang San and Lei Xiang, Sea Dragon, Tian Hen, Ji Dong, and Zhou Weiqing all wore cold, solemn expressions, their eyes heavy with suppressed grief and frighteningly bloodshot.
With heavy steps, they went forward one after another to take incense from beside the offering table.
Wisps of blue smoke spiraled upward