Venerable Demon King & The Doting Immortal (QT)-Chapter 475: Farewell Xing Xing

Under the soft glow of artificial starlight, the Imperial Hall’s glass dome reflected the sombre occasion. Xiang Yu’s mother rested in a crystalline casket, her delicate frame adorned in her favourite emerald gown, a stark contrast to the blossoms of white lilies and violets cradling her form.

Her serene expression seemed untouched by time as if the burdens of life had finally melted away. Around her lay an air of grace, yet an unspoken sorrow filled the room.

The hall, though modest compared to the grandeur of imperial ceremonies past, held an air of intimacy that Xiang Yu had insisted upon. A handful of attendees stood scattered, their faces grave but respectful. Counsellors, select nobles, generals and the marshals gathered their black attire a sign of mourning. The officiator, draped in flowing silver robes, stood at the front of the room, his voice calm yet filled with purpose.

He spoke of resilience in the face of loss, of hope carried through the stars, and of the eternal bond between mother and child. Han Xin was sitting beside Xiang Yu’s side holding his hand. He held his hand back feeling happy that Han Xin was by his side.

Xiang Yu didn’t know this woman, but the original Xiang Yu loved his mother so much that it broke him, especially when he found out that she killed herself. The original Xiang Yu felt abandoned and that his mother didn’t love him enough to stay.

His mother would balance out his father’s behaviour, but when she was gone, there was no one left to defend him against his father. The little boy was subjected to harsh training and harsh treatment all in the name of making him an alpha.

His behaviour changed and he became intolerable to most. Not a day went by when the original Xiang Yu didn’t mourn his mother. This was why Xiang Yu was taking it seriously.

One by one, those gathered paid their respects. Xiang Yu, standing by the casket, took a breath that trembled at the edges. He looked down at her, his reflection overlapping her tranquil visage through the glass casket. Xiang Yu glanced at Lian and Mei and said, "Do you want to say something?"

Lian said, "She was so beautiful," while looking at her lying there peacefully.

Mei said, "Yes, she was. Just like our mother." Xiang Yu felt his heart break hearing the twins say that. He always felt sad knowing that he failed to save her.

He remembered after burial the two of them were crying over her grave, their tiny, thin arms hugging each other. At the time he vowed to be both their mother and father from then on.

Mei said, "We wish we met you... I hope you are happy in your next life."

Lian said, "Yes, don’t be with a jerk in your next life. Don’t ignore the red flags."

Xiang Yu said, "Okay okay, that’s enough you can go now."

Lian said, "Master, can we have ice cream now?"

Mei said, "Yes, we are in mourning. We need comfort."

Xiang Yu knew they were using this as an excuse but he didn’t expose them. He said, "I will think about it."

Lian and Mei were happy but they restrained their smiles. Their master saying he would think about it was a good thing. After they left, Xiang Yu took a closer look at her, wishing he had met her too. Maybe then he could have had a chance to experience the feeling of having a mother who loved him.

"I wish you were here," he whispered, his voice raw yet steady. "But don’t worry, Mother. I am happy now... you don’t have to worry anymore."

He tried to smile, but the corners of his mouth faltered. His eyes felt heavy, stinging with emotions that didn’t belong to him. It was as if the entire galaxy was pressed upon his soul.

The small congregation moved outside for the procession. Soldiers and palace staff, dressed in mourning whites with ceremonial sashes of deep indigo, formed a solemn line on either side of the imperial road.

The procession to the crematorium was subdued yet dignified, her glass casket glided on a hovering platform, escorted by an honour guard. Xiang Yu walked a step behind, flanked by Han Xin, who stayed silently by his side.

The crackling flames of the crematorium whispered in the windless atmosphere as the last of her physical form turned to ash. Hours later, the officiator emerged, holding a polished white box.

He approached Xiang Yu, bowing deeply before handing it to him. For a moment, Xiang Yu simply stared at the box, his lips forming words that never reached sound. Han Xin placed a firm yet gentle hand on his shoulder, grounding him.

Together, they boarded the royal spacecraft. The cockpit was silent as the craft hovered beyond the planet’s atmosphere. Xiang Yu held the box close, his expression unreadable. As the craft’s hatch, he placed the open box in the small airlock and closed the door.

The other door opened to the endless expanse of space releasing her ashes, letting them scatter and swirl with the solar winds. The particles caught the golden rays of a distant star, creating a celestial trail that faded into infinity.

He stood by the glass window, watching the remnants of his mother drift further into the cosmic unknown. "She’s part of the stars now," Han Xin said softly. Xiang Yu nodded, the faintest of smiles breaking through his solemn demeanour.

He lay against Han Xin’s shoulder, nestled in the quiet cocoon created by the vastness of space. The spacecraft drifted, its systems humming a soothing lullaby. Han Xin turned his gaze toward Xiang Yu, the weight of worry etched in his features.

"What can I do to make it better?" he asked softly, his voice barely rising above the faint sounds of their surroundings.

Xiang Yu’s eyes flickered to the stars beyond the window, luminous dots scattered across the dark expanse. "Nothing," he replied, a soft sigh escaping his lips. "Just stand here with me."

Okay," Han Xin murmured, his heart swelling with affection and concern. He continued to watch Xiang Yu’s serene face, taking in the gentle rise and fall of his chest, the faint glint of starlight reflecting in his eyes.

Leaning down, Han Xin pressed a lingering kiss to Xiang Yu’s hair, inhaling the comforting scent of him, mingled with the cold air of the spacecraft.

He returned his gaze to the stars, the universe sprawling infinite above them. His fingers curled tightly around Xiang Yu’s arm, seeking closeness and connection.