Elder Jin was not a figure from the Prime-Origin Civilization but a highly respected elder from the Dawn Civilization, having lived through countless epochs with an extraordinarily long lifespan.
The Saintess of Xiyuan had met him when she was very young. Moreover, her master and Elder Jin were old acquaintances, having known each other for a long time.
For some unknown reason, Elder Jin had once suffered a severe injury to his Great Dao, and his strength was no longer at its peak. However, he was still an ancient existence at the Ancestral Dao Realm, having survived seven Heavenly Decline Tribulations, and his methods were unfathomable.
To put it bluntly, such a true living fossil, who had witnessed the seas turn to dust, the thunder and lightning wither, and countless worlds reduced to ruins, would be revered by any civilization. Moreover, Elder Jin had personally experienced the chaos of the Black Calamity in the Vast Expanse and had witnessed the dark scenes of that era.
Therefore, faced with Elder Jin's arrival, the Saintess of Xiyuan had no choice but to meet him. However, she was somewhat surprised that Chu Gucheng would accompany Elder Jin.
At this moment, she shook her head slightly, stretched out her fair hand, and a flawless veil appeared, covering her immortal beauty. Then, with a light step, ripples spread through the void, and the Mirror of Reincarnation disappeared. Her robes fluttered as she left the grand hall, her grace unmatched.
The Xiyuan Sacred Hall existed largely for the purpose of sealing the source of the Black Calamity. Although the Saintess's master had long since disappeared without a trace, she had always upheld her master's teachings, striving to eradicate the remnants of the Black Calamity and purify the world.
The source of the Black Calamity had been sealed, but the scattered darkness continued to corroce various parts of the Vast Expanse. Previously, when Elder Jin had warned her, the Saintess had considered visiting the mysterious land where the source of the Black Calamity was sealed, fearing that the seal might have loosened.
However, due to the current situation with the Immortal Chu Dynasty and the ominous future foretold by the Mirror of Reincarnation, she had been forced to focus her attention on these matters. As a result, she had not left the Xiyuan Sacred Hall, let alone gone to investigate the sealed land.
If the seal were to loosen and the Lord of the Black Calamity were to re-emerge, it was likely that no one would be able to restrain him. Even if her master were to reappear, it would be of no use.
Thinking of this, a trace of worry appeared on the Saintess's flawless immortal face. These were indeed troubled times. Not only might there be issues with the sealed land of the Black Calamity's source, but an unknown and terrifying enemy was also about to descend upon the Prime-Origin Civilization.
Although she had spent a hundred years in the Mirror of Reincarnation, simulating survival alongside that unknown enemy, she still could not grasp his temperament or determine his true strength.
"If Elder Jin had not disturbed me, I might have made some progress by now. That enemy surnamed Gu is not without flaws," the Saintess thought to herself. She was also curious about why Elder Jin had come to see her.
At this moment, outside the Xiyuan Sacred Hall, Chu Gucheng and an elderly man in a golden robe stood side by side, conversing. Beneath their feet stretched an endless sea of clouds, rolling and surging. In the distance, one could faintly see towering ancient mountains, majestic and breathtaking.
"Elder Jin, with your presence, I believe the Saintess of Xiyuan will not refuse to meet us this time," Chu Gucheng said, his hands clasped behind his back. Dressed in simple gray silk robes, he did not carry the air of a monarch but rather resembled a mundane family head. He gazed at the grand halls of the Xiyuan Sacred Hall, shaking his head slightly, his tone respectful toward Elder Jin.
Previously, he had personally visited three times to request an audience with the Saintess, only to be turned away each time. This had left Chu Gucheng with a lingering resentment, and he had already begun planning to take action against the Xiyuan Sacred Hall after his birthday banquet. No matter what, he intended to seize control of the Mirror of Reincarnation.
This time, as his birthday approached, he had invited Elder Jin. However, he had not expected Elder Jin to arrive early and propose visiting the Xiyuan Sacred Hall to discuss certain matters with the Saintess. Thus, Chu Gucheng had accompanied him here.
"From what I know of that girl, she wouldn't be so inconsiderate as to repeatedly refuse your requests. There must be some reason behind it," Elder Jin said, his expression showing a hint of confusion and speculation.
He had already learned from Chu Gucheng that the Saintess had refused his requests for an audience three times, citing her seclusion for cultivation. Based on his understanding of the Saintess, she was not the type to be discourteous or inconsiderate. Moreover, Chu Gucheng and the Saintess had some history, having once worked together to eliminate remnants of the Black Calamity.
So why was the Saintess now avoiding him, as if fearing any involvement or karma, like avoiding a snake or scorpion?
Chu Gucheng smiled and said, "Perhaps the Saintess truly has some unspeakable difficulties. But we won't know until she appears in person."
Elder Jin nodded slightly, his gaze complex as he looked at Chu Gucheng. He had some history with Chu Gucheng's master, the Law Sage. Back when Chu Gucheng had not yet established the Immortal Chu Dynasty, he had nearly been killed by the current master of Purple Dew Mountain. It was only after Elder Jin intervened at the Law Sage's request that Chu Gucheng was saved.
It was because of this that Chu Gucheng held Elder Jin in such high regard.
As the two conversed, the clouds in the distance suddenly parted. The sky seemed to brighten as a stunning figure slowly approached. Her hair was tied up in a high bun, with some strands falling to her waist. A light veil covered her face, and her eyebrows were like distant mountains. Her snow-white robes revealed a section of her delicate, fair wrist, and her hands were folded at her waist. Her aura was transcendent, as if she had stepped out of a painting.
Even though he had seen the Saintess before, Chu Gucheng's gaze still wavered, unable to hide his awe. He had seen countless beauties, but none could compare to the Saintess before him. Even if their looks were comparable, their aura and grace fell far short.
As the Saintess finally appeared, Chu Gucheng snapped out of his daze. After all, he was now one of the most powerful figures in the Prime-Origin Civilization. If he were to act improperly now, it would surely become a laughingstock.
"Xiyuan greets Elder Jin and Brother Chu," the Saintess said, her eyes sweeping over the two as she gave a graceful bow.
In public, she always maintained an aloof and composed demeanor, rarely showing any emotional fluctuations. Even in front of Elder Jin, who had some history with her master, she remained the same.