Jing Xiang's entire body trembled as he listened to the conversation between Gu Changge and the black-robed old man who claimed to be the Jing Clan's ancient ancestor. His hands and feet turned cold, filled with fear. He wasn't stupid—he could tell that this black-robed old man was definitely not the true ancient ancestor of the Jing Clan. Instead, his body had been taken over by another consciousness. The being sealed within this ancient tower was likely this very consciousness.
And he had actually hoped that such an "ancient ancestor" would help him break the curse?
Moreover, Gu Changge might very well be the master who had created that consciousness?
Such a being was simply unimaginable. How had he accomplished all of this?
Did such power truly exist in this world?
The thought that he had once addressed Gu Changge as "Brother Gu," and that his sister Jing Xiao had feelings for such a man, filled Jing Xiang with even more terror, making his scalp tingle.
What kind of demonic entity lay beneath Gu Changge's elegant and refined exterior? Unfortunately, there was no such thing as a "potion of regret" in this world.
Jing Tianyuan glanced at Jing Xiang in the distance, unsure how he had managed to come here.
However, he recognized Jing Xiang—he was the pawn he had manipulated to scheme against the Jing Clan.
"I didn't expect you, little one, to find your way here. Did you come to ask your ancient ancestor to help you break the curse?"
"You truly continue to surprise me."
He grinned, his wrinkled, withered face revealing a terrifying scar that sent chills down one's spine.
Jing Xiang's expression grew even more fearful, his face pale and filled with despair as the shadow of death loomed over him.
He had no hope that this being, who had taken over the body of the Jing Clan's ancient ancestor, would let him go.
After all, he had witnessed everything and knew the secrets hidden within.
"Remove the curse within him and let him go."
At this moment, however, Gu Changge suddenly spoke, his tone calm and indifferent, without even turning his head.
Jing Tianyuan was stunned. He didn't know the relationship between Jing Xiang and Gu Changge.
"Yes, Master."
But since Gu Changge had given the order, he naturally didn't dare to disobey. His gaping mouth slowly closed, revealing an eerie semblance of kindness and benevolence.
"Little one, why are you so afraid of your ancient ancestor? I was able to break free this time, thanks to your help."
"I promised to remove your curse, and I will keep that promise."
"Don't worry. From now on, you'll be able to cultivate like a normal practitioner."
He smiled at Jing Xiang and walked toward him, his large hand reaching out into the void.
In the next moment, a twisting black mist, resembling a small snake, screamed and struggled as it was forcibly pulled out from Jing Xiang's abdomen, seemingly unwilling to leave his body.
Jing Tianyuan snorted coldly and casually crushed the twisting black mist.
Jing Xiang stared blankly at the scene, still unable to process what had just happened. Then he looked at Gu Changge's back, unsure why Gu Changge had suddenly saved him.
"Take me to where the Eternal Life Spirit is."
Gu Changge didn't pay attention to the stunned Jing Xiang. He spoke casually and then walked past Jing Xiang, preparing to leave.
"Yes, Master."
The black-robed old man, Jing Tianyuan, was filled with ecstatic joy and excitement at the prospect of freedom. He followed closely behind Gu Changge.
Jing Xiang, still in a daze, watched as the two walked past him as if he were nothing but air. It seemed they weren't worried about him revealing what he had seen today.
Then, he fell silent, his expression complex.
At this moment, Jing Xiang suddenly began to understand.
With his strength, it would have been impossible for him to come here, let alone meet the ancient ancestor or have his curse removed.
All of this had only happened because Gu Changge had helped him.
But why had Gu Changge helped him?
Before this, he had disliked Gu Changge, feeling that his sister Jing Xiao had neglected him because of Gu Changge.
Even Ling Yuxian seemed to care deeply about Gu Changge.
This mysterious, unfathomable, and utterly terrifying man was truly impossible to understand.
Boom!
Suddenly, a deafening sound shook the heavens and the earth, snapping Jing Xiang out of his thoughts.
He quickly got up and prepared to escape along the path he had come.
This place was collapsing and being destroyed. The entire ancient tower was cracking and breaking apart, on the verge of complete collapse.
The gray sky shattered like a spider's web, spreading endlessly as if the entire world were collapsing.
Pieces of debris fell one after another, and the edges of the surroundings were set ablaze, like meteors of heavenly fire, continuously burning this world to ashes.
Outside the Demon-Sealing Tower, the members of the Jing Clan were still frantically attacking, trying to destroy the tower.
The commotion here was too terrifying, as if it were about to annihilate heaven and earth. And finally, their efforts bore fruit—the Demon-Sealing Tower began to shake violently, on the verge of collapse.
The runes on its surface were erased, the order of the Great Dao twisted, and chaotic energy surged into the sky, as if multiple great worlds had collided, unleashing an endless explosion of energy. Amidst the boundless light, the Demon-Sealing Tower finally exploded.
Amidst the漫天碎片, one after another, laughter filled with joy and excitement echoed.
At the same time, ancient, dust-covered figures rushed out, howling at the sky as if they had finally seen the light of day.
All the members of the Jing Clan stared in shock at this scene.
The Jing Clan members who had been driven to madness gradually calmed down, the black lines in their eyes fading. They looked somewhat dazed, as if they didn't know what had just happened.
"It's finally open. I hope it's not too late. Xiang'er must be safe."
Jing Xiang's parents stared intently ahead, filled with tension.
Jing Xiao also clenched her hands tightly, deeply worried and hoping nothing unexpected had happened.
Finally, among the figures who had been blasted out or rushed out, they saw a familiar figure, covered in dust and looking utterly terrified.
The cries of the family of three rang out in unison as they rushed over, filled with excitement.
Jing Xiang, who had been struck by the surging energy, felt dizzy and disoriented, almost certain he would die in the chaos.
But he didn't know if it was his good luck or if Gu Changge had saved him again, as he had miraculously survived unscathed.
"Father, Mother, Sister…"
"I'm sorry for worrying you. But everything's fine now."
He forced a smile as he looked at his parents and sister, who were filled with concern and worry.
Although he hadn't spent much time inside the Demon-Sealing Tower,
the experience felt like an entire lifetime to Jing Xiang.
"It's good that you're safe. It's good that you're safe."
Jing Xiao and her mother were on the verge of tears.
Their hearts had been in their throats, fearing they wouldn't see Jing Xiang again.
Jing Xiang also felt a sense of guilt and remorse. At the time, he hadn't known what had come over him, daring to follow Gu Changge into the Demon-Sealing Tower.
But that was all in the past now. He had broken the curse and become a normal person.
This was the best possible outcome.
However, as he looked at the collapsed and destroyed Demon-Sealing Tower, his eyes still held a trace of complexity.
Were these Jing Clan ancestors who had escaped truly their ancestors?
Whose consciousness and soul were hidden beneath their flesh and blood?