However, her gaze was mainly focused on Jing Xiao, or more precisely, on the young man in white who was chatting with Jing Xiao. The two had known each other for over a decade, and their relationship was quite close. She understood Jing Xiao's temperament well and knew that it was rare for her to show such a faint smile while conversing with a young man. What was even more surprising was that Jing Xiao had subtly glanced back at him, a look that had never appeared before. This truly surprised Ling Yuxian.
Because of this, Ling Yuxian paid more attention to the young man in white. For some reason, it seemed as though he was also observing her, even smiling slightly and nodding in greeting.
This made Ling Yuxian feel a sense of confusion and unreality. The young man didn't seem simple, not like an ordinary disciple of the Imperial Immortal Palace. Moreover, for some reason, she felt an inexplicable sense of unease and palpitations. Although he had only smiled and greeted her, it somehow sent a chill down her spine. This familiar feeling was very distant, as if it had emerged from ancient memory fragments, flickering and surfacing.
Ling Yuxian suddenly felt a sharp pain in her brow, as if it had been pierced by a blunt object. Her face turned slightly pale, and she reached out to press her brow, hoping to make the pain disappear.
Although a long time had passed, she still hadn't fully recovered her memories. She could only vaguely recall some images and fragments.
The injuries she had suffered in that battle were too horrific.
That cold light had traversed countless worlds, cutting through the great universe and severing the river of time, directly piercing her primordial spirit. Even after so many epochs, that scene remained etched deep within her primordial spirit, impossible to erase.
Ling Yuxian didn't know why, but when she saw the young man in white, she suddenly recalled that scene.
"Yuxian? Are you alright?"
Ling Qiuhan, who was talking to the elders, also noticed Ling Yuxian's unusual state and couldn't help but ask with concern.
"I'm fine," Ling Yuxian replied, shaking her head.
She didn't know if it was her own problem or the young man in white's. But recalling that scene so suddenly after countless epochs was definitely not a coincidence.
Ling Yuxian took another deep look at the young man in white, as if trying to memorize his appearance.
In the hall, only a few people noticed Ling Yuxian's unusual behavior. The elders were still immersed in the joy, excitement, and enthusiasm of the Ancestor's impending return.
Ling Qiuhan did not explain Ling Yuxian's identity to the elders. Regarding the matter of the Ancestor's return, he also did not tell everyone how he had learned of it.
Then, he informed everyone that the Ancestor's return involved the secrets of the Imperial Immortal Palace. Until the Ancestor was freed, they should not let other factions or forces know about it. He was worried that forces like Purple Mist Mountain and Divine Ascension Cavern might secretly obstruct them.
The elders present were all core members of the Imperial Immortal Palace. The disciples brought here were also trustworthy, so there was nothing to worry about.
However, Ling Yuxian had not yet told him where the Ancestor was trapped or what they needed to do. Therefore, upon learning that the Ancestor was trapped somewhere and needed their descendants to rescue him, everyone in the hall was momentarily stunned.
Immediately, an elder couldn't help but ask where the Ancestor was trapped and what they needed to do.
To this, Ling Qiuhan only said that this matter could not be disclosed yet.
The elders of the Imperial Immortal Palace understood that this matter was of great importance and should not be taken lightly. Naturally, they should proceed with caution.
Regarding the matter of the Ancestor's return, the elders were all in agreement. When the time came, they would do whatever was needed. Even if it meant sacrificing their lives, they would do so without hesitation.
The disciples, infected by this sentiment, were also filled with excitement and enthusiasm, ready to shed blood and sacrifice for the Ancestor.
Ling Qiuhan smiled inwardly but also felt a sense of relief.
Then, he spoke to the elders about the importance of this matter, instructing them to stay within the Imperial Immortal Palace during this period and not return to their Dao fields. This matter was urgent and would not wait long. The elders naturally had no objections to this.
After discussing these matters, the atmosphere in the hall relaxed slightly. Ling Qiuhan's gaze swept over Jing Xiao and then landed on Gu Changge, who was not far from her.
He had been observing this young disciple from the beginning, paying special attention to him. Even when the matter of the Ancestor's return was mentioned, he had only shown slight surprise.
Otherwise, his emotions seemed largely unaffected.
This made Ling Qiuhan even more surprised and curious, so he couldn't help but ask, "Which elder is this disciple a disciple of? He seems somewhat unfamiliar."
The elders in the hall were also surprised by this question and turned their gazes to Gu Changge. They hadn't expected the Palace Master to personally inquire about the identity of a young disciple. After all, there were many young disciples in the hall who had come with them, yet the Palace Master had singled out this person.
It seemed this young disciple must be extraordinary, or else the Palace Master wouldn't have asked about him personally.
Elder Xianyun, upon hearing this, felt a wave of hesitation. In fact, ever since entering the council hall, she had been feeling uneasy.
On one hand, she was worried that Gu Changge's identity would be exposed. On the other hand, she was also concerned about other potential mishaps.
Fortunately, things had been proceeding smoothly.
But now, with Palace Master Ling Qiuhan personally asking, she didn't know how to respond.
She was deeply conflicted. Although her life and the lives of her disciples were in Gu Changge's hands, this was the council hall of the Imperial Immortal Palace, filled with powerful figures.
Just the elders who had survived four Heavenly Decline Tribulations and reached the True Dao Realm...