At such a critical moment, Gu Changge suddenly arrived with an unfamiliar black-robed old man.
This naturally made the elders of the Imperial Immortal Palace wary and cautious.
Ling Yuxian was in the midst of rescuing the founder, a time when she couldn't afford to be disturbed or influenced by outsiders.
"I am Jing Tianyuan. Greetings, fellow Daoists."
The black-robed old man was none other than the Jing Clan's ancient ancestor, who had escaped from the Demon-Sealing Tower with Gu Changge.
He had regained some of his former appearance—lean and bearded, with an air of scholarly elegance despite his age.
As he spoke, he cupped his hands slightly, his demeanor calm and composed, exuding an immortal-like aura.
Of course, he wasn't the same Jing Clan ancient ancestor from before. The consciousness now occupying his body was born from the dark source energy, possessing fragments of the Jing Clan ancestor's memories and influenced by the dark source power.
"Jing Tianyuan?"
The most senior elders of the Imperial Immortal Palace relaxed slightly. If he was a member of the Jing Clan, then there was no need for excessive caution.
However, one of the elders suddenly seemed to recall something, his expression thoughtful, as if the name sounded familiar, as though he had heard it somewhere before.
Then, he was struck with shock, looking at Jing Tianyuan with disbelief.
"Are you… the Jing Clan's ancient ancestor, Senior Jing Tianyuan?"
The elder blurted out, his face filled with astonishment and incredulity.
This was a figure from the same era as the founder of the Imperial Immortal Palace, a man who had left a formidable reputation in that time.
Although the Jing Clan had secluded themselves in a small world, staying aloof from worldly affairs, their strength was undeniable, rivaling many immortal Daoist sects.
And now, this lean, scholarly old man before them was actually the Jing Clan's ancient ancestor, the one who had created the Jing Clan?
Jing Tianyuan showed a hint of surprise, as if he hadn't expected anyone to recognize him.
He smiled faintly and said, "Indeed, it is I."
The other elders of the Imperial Immortal Palace were also stunned, their faces filled with awe. They quickly bowed and said, "We pay our respects to the senior."
Though they were proud and stood at the pinnacle of the mortal world, they dared not show any disrespect to such a figure.
The other elders of the Imperial Immortal Palace, while channeling energy to Ling Yuxian, also paid attention to the conversation. Hearing this, their faces also showed shock.
Who would have thought that a figure from the same era as the founder of the Imperial Immortal Palace would appear before them like this?
"There's no need for such formalities."
Jing Tianyuan waved his hand gently and said, "I've come here to help your founder escape her predicament. Although I haven't fully recovered my peak strength, I can still be of some assistance."
Hearing this, the elders and other members of the Imperial Immortal Palace showed joy on their faces and expressed their gratitude. "Then we must trouble the senior to lend a hand."
Jing Tianyuan waved his hand again and said kindly, "After all, I was a close friend of your founder. Back then, she entrusted me with guarding a certain object here. Unfortunately, I was later ensnared by that object and trapped in the Demon-Sealing Tower. Only now have I managed to escape."
"Her being trapped here is partly due to my failure in guarding that object. Naturally, I will do everything in my power to rescue her."
His explanation brought some clarity to the situation.
Previously, they had been puzzled by the Jing Clan's many secrets.
Now, it seemed there was indeed a deep connection between the Jing Clan and the Imperial Immortal Palace. But what was the object the Jing Clan's ancient ancestor had mentioned?
The elders of the Imperial Immortal Palace wisely didn't press further. Since the Jing Clan's ancient ancestor hadn't volunteered the information, it likely wasn't something they were meant to know at this time.
The top priority now was to rescue the trapped founder of the Imperial Immortal Palace.
However, some elders were still curious about Gu Changge's identity, especially since he had arrived with the Jing Clan's ancient ancestor.
Elder Jiu Lin, in particular, had always felt that Gu Changge's origins were extraordinary.
Otherwise, Ling Yuxian wouldn't have been so close to him.
Now, the way the Jing Clan's ancient ancestor treated Gu Changge even seemed somewhat deferential and respectful?
He began to wonder if he was seeing things.
"It seems that object has been corrupted by dark energy and has changed its nature. There might still be some trouble ahead."
Jing Tianyuan looked at the golden path extending through the hazy void, his expression somewhat grave.
Gu Changge, who had been quietly observing everything, nodded slightly and said, "There will indeed be some trouble. But it seems Senior Sister Ling Yuxian has already made contact with that side."
"I hope we're not too late."
Jing Tianyuan sighed softly, then became serious again, beginning to form hand seals.
Ancient, golden symbols, as radiant as the sun, condensed in his palms, resonating with the unseen forces of heaven and earth. Chaotic energy swirled, pulling out phantom images resembling a galaxy.
It seemed he was planning to open a new passage to the place where Ling Yuxian's true soul had been guided.
The elders of the Imperial Immortal Palace, seeing this, exchanged glances but wisely didn't ask any questions.
They could tell that Gu Changge's identity was special, no less significant than Ling Yuxian's. Otherwise, the Jing Clan's ancient ancestor wouldn't have treated him with such respect.
Most importantly, even as Ancestral Dao Realm existences, they couldn't see through Gu Changge's true nature.
They couldn't discern his fate, fortune, or origins.
Soon, astonishing phenomena appeared once more.
Dust and stones flew, the sky darkened, and chaotic energy swirled. Purple lightning streaked across the sky, and blood-red thunder roared, as if countless demons were howling, sending shivers down everyone's spines.
A hazy passage was opened, connecting to another mysterious and unknown region.
"I must trouble you all to protect me. I will definitely bring your founder back safely."
Jing Tianyuan let out a low roar, his hands forming seals so quickly they became a blur, and the scene before them became indistinct.
The Great Dao of the heavens and the ancient universe seemed to unfold in his palms.
"Senior, rest assured. We will not let anyone disturb you."
The elders of the Imperial Immortal Palace all wore solemn expressions as they watched Jing Tianyuan step into the passage.
Gu Changge followed closely behind, calm and unhurried, as if taking a leisurely stroll. In an instant, he disappeared, heading into the passage with Jing Tianyuan.