Ling Yuxian's gaze was primarily fixed on Elder Xianyun, trying to catch any changes in her expression.
Originally, she had been very trusting of the elders of the Imperial Immortal Palace. However, after witnessing Gu Changge's unfathomable depth, she began to feel suspicious and cautious.
Although Elder Xianyun was a figure who had survived three Heavenly Decline Tribulations, she might not pose any real threat to Gu Changge.
It was possible that she had no idea about the mysterious and special nature of her disciple.
Or perhaps Elder Xianyun did know, but her own life was in Gu Changge's hands, leaving her like a clay Bodhisattva crossing a river—unable to save herself. Thus, she could only pretend to be completely unaware.
After the council meeting ended, Ling Yuxian thought for a moment and had Palace Master Ling Qiuhan keep all the elders behind. She then spoke with each elder individually about certain matters.
Her original intention was to keep Elder Xianyun alone.
But doing so would have been too obvious. Why would all the other elders be allowed to leave, while only Elder Xianyun was kept behind?
If there were no issues with Gu Changge, then it would be fine. But if there were problems, it would immediately arouse his suspicion and alertness.
By keeping all the elders behind, it would at least reduce the chances of him becoming suspicious.
After her sister had conveyed the warning to be cautious of Gu Changge, even though Gu Changge had explicitly stated that he bore no malice toward the Imperial Immortal Palace, Ling Yuxian had already mentally categorized him as an unknown and dangerous enemy.
In the spacious hall, faint clouds of mist drifted.
Elder Xianyun stood in the hall with her eyes lowered, unsure of what Palace Master Ling Qiuhan wanted to discuss.
All the elders had been kept behind and were being spoken to individually.
"Elder Xianyun…"
Soon, a slightly cold and aloof voice interrupted Elder Xianyun's thoughts.
She looked up to see Ling Yuxian standing before her, her expression one of surprise.
Palace Master Ling Qiuhan stood not far away, not approaching, as if he wanted her to speak with Ling Yuxian alone.
Elder Xianyun was puzzled. Ling Yuxian had already approached her once before, asking about Gu Changge.
At that time, Elder Xianyun had answered flawlessly, not daring to show any signs of abnormality.
So why was she being approached again today?
Ling Yuxian stared at Elder Xianyun, her eyes glowing with a faint purple light, like a deep river of time.
"Elder Xianyun, there's no need to worry. No one will know about our conversation today. I just want to ask you a few things," she said calmly.
Elder Xianyun was stunned. She actually felt an unprecedented sense of pressure from Ling Yuxian, a junior.
"What is it that you want to ask?" she asked softly, lowering her eyes.
Ling Yuxian simply said, "Elder Xianyun should know what I want to ask. On the territory of the Imperial Immortal Palace, we cannot tolerate outsiders acting recklessly. If you are in any danger or under any coercion, you need not worry. The Imperial Immortal Palace has stood firm through countless calamities. What you fear is but a minor storm."
Elder Xianyun felt a bitter laugh rise in her heart. She understood what Ling Yuxian meant.
But would speaking up really help? Although she was only one step away from the True Dao Realm, even an Ancestral Dao Realm existence couldn't control her life and death without her noticing.
"You're overthinking it. I don't know what you're talking about."
She still kept her eyes lowered and spoke softly.
Not far away, Ling Qiuhan's brows furrowed slightly.
"In that case, Elder Xianyun, you may leave. Perhaps I really am overthinking things."
Ling Yuxian glanced at Ling Qiuhan, signaling him to remain calm, and then spoke.
Elder Xianyun nodded and then left the hall.
Ling Yuxian watched her departing figure, her gaze suddenly becoming profound. She murmured, "It seems the situation is more complicated than I imagined. Elder Xianyun is indeed under coercion. It's not that she doesn't know about her disciple's identity. The Imperial Immortal Palace is in decline, and the Prime-Origin Civilization is in chaos. An invisible calamity is quietly spreading."
In the following days, the atmosphere within the Imperial Immortal Palace underwent subtle changes.
The elders who had been informed of the situation began to gather and recall their elite disciples.
Many disciples who were out traveling were also summoned back, and they were strictly forbidden from leaving. It seemed as though the sect was preparing to seal itself off and withdraw from the world
Outside, many factions and forces speculated wildly, feeling that the Imperial Immortal Palace was planning to avoid the calamity before the Immortal Chu Dynasty.
This move also caused panic among many cultivators and beings who were unaware of the truth.
After all, if an ancient and powerful superpower like the Imperial Immortal Palace was taking such measures, did it mean that the Prime-Origin Civilization was truly about to face great turmoil?
Within the Imperial Immortal Palace, Gu Changge seemed unaware of Ling Yuxian and the others wariness and caution toward him. He continued to act like an ordinary disciple, quietly cultivating while waiting to participate in the rescue of the trapped Ancestor.
Jing Xiao, as usual, would visit him during her free time to discuss the Dao and chat. Their relationship seemed to grow more familiar and natural.
Ling Yuxian watched all of this but grew increasingly uneasy and worried.
She wondered if Gu Changge knew about Jing Xiao's identity and background. Was that why he was deliberately getting closer to her? There were many young disciples in the Imperial Immortal Palace, and there were plenty of stunningly beautiful female disciples. Why had Gu Changge chosen Jing Xiao?
Jing Xiao was naive and at the age of her first crush, while Gu Changge was exceptionally handsome and elegant. How could Jing Xiao resist his sweet words? She had probably already told Gu Changge everything.
Thinking of this, Ling Yuxian felt even more uneasy and thought it necessary to warn Jing Xiao.
After Elder Xianyun left the council hall that day, she worried whether Gu Changge would question her afterward.
She felt anxious, but since Ling Yuxian had kept all the elders behind and not just her, she gradually relaxed.
Gu Changge didn't seem to think much of it and didn't seem to care.
PS: Last night, I was too tired while writing and accidentally fell asleep. This is to make up for yesterday's update. There will be more tonight.