At such a critical juncture, Gu Changge suddenly arrived with an unfamiliar black-robed elder.
This couldn't help but make them feel somewhat vigilant and defensive.
Ling Yuxian was at the key moment of rescuing their Ancient Ancestor, where any external disturbance or influence must be avoided at all costs.
"I am Jing Tianyun. Greetings to you all, fellow Daoists."
The black-robed elder was precisely the Jing Clan's Ancient Ancestor, Jing Tianyun, who had left the Demon-Sealing Tower with Gu Changge and escaped his predicament.
He had recovered some of his former appearance, appearing refined and scholarly with a beard. Though elderly, he carried an air of cultured elegance. As he spoke, he cupped his hands slightly, his manner peaceful, embodying an immortal-like demeanor.
Of course, he was not the former Jing Clan Ancient Ancestor. Now dominating his consciousness was a dark will birthed from the power of the dark origin, possessing part of the Jing Clan Ancient Ancestor's memories and influenced by the power of the dark origin.
"Jing Tianyun?"
The expressions of the most senior Imperial Immortal Palace elder ancestors eased slightly. If he were a Jing Clan member, then it was acceptable; there was no need for excessive wariness.
However, one among them seemed to suddenly recall something, showing a thoughtful expression, feeling the name somewhat familiar, as if heard somewhere before. Then, with a jolt of shock, he looked at Jing Tianyun with some disbelief.
"You are the Jing Clan's Ancient Ancestor, Senior Jing Tianyun?"
This elder ancestor blurted out directly, his face shaking, somewhat incredulous.
This was a figure from the same era as the Imperial Immortal Palace's Ancestor Master, who had left a formidable reputation in that time.
Although the Jing Clan resided in a minor world, aloof from worldly affairs, their foundation was absolutely undeniable, comparable to many immortal Dao traditions and powers. And this refined, thin, scholarly elder before them was actually the Jing Clan's Ancient Ancestor, the very existence who created the Jing Clan?
Jing Tianyun's expression showed some surprise, as if he hadn't expected someone to recognize him. He smiled faintly, "It is indeed this old man."
The other elder ancestors of the Imperial Immortal Palace were struck speechless, deeply shaken by the revelation. One after another, they saluted and spoke, "We pay our respects to Senior." Though standing at the pinnacle of the myriad worlds, their pride couldn't mask the respect they felt for such a legendary figure.
The Imperial Immortal Palace elders, while channeling their strength to aid Ling Yuxian, were also watching the scene unfold. Upon hearing these words, expressions of shock swept across their faces. Who could have imagined that a figure from the same era as their Ancestor Master would simply appear before them?
"No need for such formalities."
Jing Tianyun's expression remained calm and gentle. With a wave of his hand, he said, "I have come to assist your Imperial Immortal Palace's Ancestor Master in escaping her perilous predicament. Though I have not returned to my peak strength, I can still be of help."
Hearing this, the faces of all the Imperial Immortal Palace elders lit up with joy, and they expressed their gratitude, saying, "Then we must trouble you to act, Senior."
Jing Tianyun waved his hand once more, softly saying, "After all, this old man and your Ancient Ancestor were good friends. Back then, she entrusted me with guarding that object. Unfortunately, I was later betrayed by it, trapped within the Demon-Sealing Tower, and have only just managed to escape."
"Her being trapped there also has to do with my failure in guarding it properly. Naturally, I will now spare no effort to rescue her from her predicament." With this explanation, the people present felt somewhat enlightened.
Originally, they had found the Jing Clan's many secrets somewhat strange. Looking at it now, it indeed had deep entanglements with the Imperial Immortal Palace. But what was that object the Jing Clan's Ancient Ancestor mentioned?
The Imperial Immortal Palace elder ancestors tactfully didn't inquire further. Since the Jing Clan's Ancient Ancestor didn't proactively mention what secret it was, it indicated it wasn't something they should know at present. The current priority was rescuing the trapped Imperial Immortal Palace Ancestor Master.
However, some elders remained curious about the identity of Gu Changge, who had come alongside the Jing Clan's Ancient Ancestor. Especially Elder Jiulin, who always felt Gu Changge had an extraordinary origin.
Otherwise, Ling Yuxian wouldn't have been so close to him.
Now, in his view, the attitude of this Jing Clan's Ancient Ancestor towards Gu Changge even seemed somewhat humble and respectful? He almost doubted his own eyes.
"It seems that object, corrupted by dark aura, has long since changed its nature. There might still be some trouble later." Jing Tianyuan looked at the golden path extending through the hazy void, his expression somewhat grave.
Gu Changge, who had been standing to the side, seemingly also observing everything, nodded slightly. "There will indeed be some trouble. But it seems Senior Sister Ling Yuxian should have already made contact on the other side..."
"Hope we are still in time."
Jing Tianyun sighed as if, then also turned serious, beginning to form hand seals.
One brilliant, ancient seal after another, resplendent as the great sun, condensed between his palms, stirring the vague, immense momentum of heaven and earth. Hazy chaos qi was pulled out, forming illusory shadows like star rivers.
He seemed intent on opening a new passageway to descend to the side where Ling Yuxian's true soul had been summoned. Seeing this, the Imperial Immortal Palace elder ancestors had flickers of light in their eyes but tactfully asked nothing.
They could see that Gu Changge's special identity was absolutely not inferior to Ling Yuxian's. Otherwise, this Jing Clan's Ancient Ancestor wouldn't possibly have such an attitude. Most importantly, even as Ancestral Dao Realm existences, they couldn't clearly discern Gu Changge's true depths.
They couldn't see his fate or fortune clearly, let alone his origin. Soon, astonishing phenomena reappeared here.
Flying sand and rolling stones, the sky darkening and the earth eclipsing, with hazy chaos qi. Amidst it all, purple lightning struck down and scarlet thunder streaked across, as if tens of thousands of divine demons roared, causing one's heart to tremble.
A hazy passage was opened and pierced through, connecting to another mysterious, unknown region.
"I must trouble you all to protect me. I will definitely bring your Imperial Immortal Palace's Ancestor Master safely back to this side."
Jing Tianyun let out a low growl, and his hands swiftly formed seals, becoming an illusory shadow that obscured all sight. Nothing could be seen through the haze anymore. The Great Dao of the heavens and the ancient universe seemed to unfold in his palms. .
"Senior, rest assured. We will definitely not let anyone disturb you."
The Imperial Immortal Palace elder ancestors all wore grave, solemn expressions, watching personally as Jing Tianyun strode into it.
And Gu Changge followed closely behind, unhurried, as if strolling through a leisurely garden. In the blink of an eye, he vanished, entering alongside him.