Above, Ji Yang observed the scene unfolding before him, choosing to ignore the complex web of family relations. Let them sort it out themselves---there was no need to rush.
These resurrected Chen clan members were not living beings, but transformed spirits. He realized he could communicate with them, which would make things more convenient.
As time passed, the souls below continued their exchanges, gradually awakening from their initial confusion. When they saw the Ancestral Hall and the family spirit tablets, they couldn't help but exclaim in disbelief.
So they really had died!
Half an hour later, the voices in the crowd began to quiet down. Everyone was left wondering what to do in their current state.
At that moment, Chen Changming noticed the shimmering, radiant tree nearby! Memories from the past seven days flooded back into his mind as he recalled his existence as a fruit, witnessed the family's worship below, and glimpsed the current state of the clan.
Understanding everything, Chen Changming hovered above the Ancestral Hall, raised his arm, and shouted,
"Fellow clansmen, let's quiet down for a moment!"
Many of the resurrected clansmen recognized this former family patriarch. However, a few, including the three who had recently died in the conflict with the Li Clan, were unfamiliar with Chen Changming.
Through conversations with other clan elders, they pieced together everyone's identities. In front of them stood Chen Changming, their ancestral patriarch, their forefather.
"Everyone, now that we've come back from the dead and reunited in the Ancestral Hall, this is no mere coincidence. It's the guidance given to us by the Divine Tree!" Chen Changming declared.
As he spoke, all eyes turned to Ji Yang.
The Divine Tree, the ancient symbol of their clan, was even older than the current clan leader, Chen Xingzhen. Some of those present had seen the tree in its former glory. Although it was damaged now, it still couldn't compare to the splendor of their Divine Tree.
Realizing that the power of the Divine Tree had brought them back to the mortal realm, they all bowed in reverence.
Above, Ji Yang nodded slightly, impressed. The former clan chief had grasped the essence of the situation even in this unusual state.
After the clan members finished their prayers, Chen Changming spoke again,
"Are there any clan members who have recently died?"
Several people stepped forward, including the three who had recently perished in the conflict with the Li Clan. Through their accounts, everyone learned about the recent events within the clan.
Many sighed as they heard about the turmoil that had unfolded after their deaths. So much had changed!
When they learned about the recent battle with the Li Clan, a wave of fear swept through the crowd. But as they witnessed the divine intervention of the Divine Tree and the salvation it brought to the clan, they were overwhelmed with gratitude and knelt down in awe.
Even though they had passed away, their bloodline and legacy lived on in their descendants!
Understanding the situation, Chen Changming continued,
"We have all heard about the current state of the clan. Now that the clan is in decline and the Divine Tree has been reborn, our help is crucial!"
"Even in death, our consciousness remains! We can still contribute to the clan's prosperity!"
"We may have fallen, but our descendants can rise!"
"Let us restore the honor of the clan; it is our duty!"
The many clan members below were filled with fervor. The return of the deceased, witnessing the gradual prosperity of the clan, and seeing the growth of their descendants---how could they refuse?
"Clan leader, I'd like to visit my son first," a pleading figure stepped forward from the crowd.
"You must be Tianshun. Go ahead," Chen Changming replied quietly.
Though years had passed since his death, Chen Changming still vividly remembered the younger generation of the clan. Tianshun, who had shown great promise in his youth, had tragically sacrificed himself for the clan.
Fortunately, he had returned, even if only as a spirit.
With Chen Changming's permission, Tianshun's ethereal form drifted toward the temple's exit.
Although the movement was unfamiliar, it was surprisingly efficient---faster than walking in his previous life---and he could even pass through walls.
Others in the crowd also remembered their younger clansmen and asked to visit them. Chen Changming did not stop them; he understood their longing.
In fact, even he wanted to see his fourth son, the current clan leader, Chen Xingzhen.
Soon, the clan members dispersed from the temple, leaving Chen Changming alone.
Although he wanted to visit as well, he didn't hurry to leave. Instead, he gazed at the Divine Tree and respectfully expressed his gratitude:
"Today, I have the privilege of reuniting with our clansmen. Chen Changming, the eleventh-generation clan leader of the Chen family, expresses his gratitude to the Divine Tree."
Ji Yang remained silent, but a trace of Yin energy absorbed by the tree dissipated and drifted into Chen Changming's ethereal form.
As the Yin energy entered his being, Chen Changming's eyes brightened. He could feel his form becoming more solid, this newfound solidity filling him with awe.
Although the family tree seemed diminished compared to its past glory, its divine power now surpassed even that of the old Divine Tree. The old tree could not have done this.
Chen Changming's heart swelled with excitement upon receiving the tree's response. The tree's approval confirmed that his thoughts were correct---the revival of the Divine Tree was for the sole purpose of strengthening the clan.
After expressing his gratitude once again, Chen Changming left the temple. He wanted to assess the current state of the family and visit Chen Xingzhen. As he departed, the temple returned to its quiet state.
Watching the transformed spirits, Ji Yang pondered. He refrained from interfering. Perhaps these spirits, with their memories and consciousness, could contribute more effectively than his direct involvement.
After all, there's wisdom in the saying, "An old person at home is like having a treasure."
Moreover, having experienced death, they likely had valuable insights into the clan's development.
However, Ji Yang faced a dilemma. How could he facilitate communication between them?
His current abilities lacked the necessary techniques for such interactions, leaving him somewhat perplexed.
Shortly after, Ji Yang sensed something nearby through the buried roots and was taken aback.
He witnessed a recently departed spirit that had just left the temple merge with a slumbering junior clan member, seamlessly integrating into the young man's body.
At first, Ji Yang considered intervening, but then he heard a murmur from the sleeping clan member:
"Father? Why are you here?"
"Did you dream about me?"
Watching this scene, Ji Yang fell into contemplation.
Who would have thought that these transformed spirits possessed such abilities? Perhaps his direct involvement was unnecessary.