Shi Lang walked in the void with Amelia's corpse in his arms. He was lost and did not know what he was doing. Only his instincts were driving his actions. It took him two days to reach the Asura Hall. The entire sect knelt on the ground on one knee, this was their way of showing respect.
A tradition imparted to them by Commander Silence and the rest. This was how things worked in the federal military, and since Amelia was a soldier first, this send off was apt.
Shi Lang did not care about anyone at this moment, he did not even look at Yu Xeidi and Hao Mei, who were also effected by these events. Carole and Lullaby had told the girls what happened. They might be children but knew the cruel side of life. The two of them were worried about their master, and when they saw Shi Lang walking with dazed eyes, it became evident that their fear was correct.
Shi Tao and Raksha were following Shi Lang as he walked through the sect. Yu Xeidi and Hao Mei joined them. They walked while holding Shi Tao's hands. The three of them were comforting each other without saying anything.
Shi Lang walked through the crowd and came to the small hill behind the Hall Master residence. He said, "Amy, what do you think about this place? This is the most peaceful place in the sect. You can rest here and no one will disturb you. Okay?"
His eyes were empty but his voice was so soft as if he was afraid of waking someone up from their sleep. Shi Tao looked at the sky and shook her head before Hunk came up and said, "Lang, let us do it."
Shi Lang looked at him and nodded. Carole came forward and took out a flag from her space ring. Shi Tao and Lullaby helped her wrap the flag around Amelia, and Commander Silence said, "General Amelia Knight, we thank you for your service. May you rest in peace."
Everyone saluted as Hunk and Shrapnel finished setting up a pyre on the hill. At this moment, many martial council elders appeared around the sect. Yang Niao appeared beside Tian Long and said, "Sovereign Heavenly Dragon, please this way."
He was not very effected and knew that they were all here for the funeral. Shi Lang watched as the people lay Amelia on the pyre and then looked at him. Shi Tao gently pressed her hand on his shoulder, and he mumbled, "How can I do this?"
Shi Lang could never imagine about hurting Amelia, however, now he has to light her pyre. He felt weak. Shi Tao supported him and bought him over to the pyre, she mumbled her prayers and said, "Baba, only you can do it. She needs you to let her go."
Tian Long and Zither Soul sat inside a hall with Allure, Hou Bing and Shi Tao. Commander Silence and the rest of the people were there too, including the elders of the Asura Hall and Yan Xue. Tian Long said, "I heard that Ying Yu had come out of seclusion. She is now an Immortal Emperor and is heading over."
Shi Tao replied, "Why is she here now? To offer condolences, to grieve? As if it would make a difference."
Yan Xue sighed and said, "Tao, Ying Yu was not at fault, the person who was at fault is gone for long."
Hou Bing shook her head and said, "I do not care about the rest of the world, but I have signed a contract of equals with Shi Lang. He needs to wake up from this daze."
Allure questioned, "Your excellency, it has been six months. He hasn't even blinked once and has been gazing at that spot ever since her ashes were scattered there. None of the people can even approach him apart from his disciples and daughters, what is going on here?"
Yes, it has been six months since the night of funeral. After the flames receded, Amelia's ashes were scattered around the hill top. However, Shi Lang had been sitting on his knees at the same spot.
Nobody could understand why he was sitting there. Suddenly, Zither Soul said, "He is guarding her."
The people looked at her, and the lady said, "In the lower realm, during our time, there was a ritual, which stated that if a person guards the ashes of a departed, then there was a chance for the departed to find his or her way back to the world of living and meet with the guard."
Tian Long thought for a bit and opened his eyes wide, "Has he gone mad? He will be lost in eternity if he stayed there guarding that place."
Everyone was confused and Hou Bing asked, "What do you mean?"