Reborn as the Last van Ambrose

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?"