Although, in the present reality, the Saintess Xiyuan had not yet truly encountered that formidable enemy,
she was already filled with some confidence and certainty, believing she could find his flaws.
On that future path she had previously experienced, in order to survive and find a chance for the Xiyuan Sacred Hall, she had endured humiliation and hidden her strength, lying low by that enemy's side, feigning submission, expanding his territory for him, and spreading the tenets of the Heaven-Slaying Alliance.
Often, she even acted as a serving maid, pouring tea and water.
All of these efforts, however, did not allow her to discover even a shred of information or clues about him.
Fortunately, on that future path, their relationship was on the verge of progressing further, and she had already gained some measure of his trust.
In the eyes of the Saintess Xiyuan, this point was crucial. Within the Mirror of Reincarnation, a flash of light shimmered, and faint images and text surfaced once more on its blurry surface.
The Saintess Xiyuan focused all her attention and mental energy upon it.
Unbeknownst to even herself, in this repeated process of restarting and reloading, her memories in the present reality were also being influenced by the future trajectory within the Mirror of Reincarnation.
The Imperial Immortal Palace remained largely unaffected by the events unfolding in the outside world during this period.
Urged on by Elder Jiulin, Jing Xiao had begun to actively visit the immortal island where the disciples of the Fine Cloud Dao Academy resided. Under the pretext of exchanging insights and discussions, she would arrange to meet Gu Changge.
At first, she felt somewhat embarrassed, worried that other disciples might see them and spread unpleasant gossip.
Simultaneously, she was concerned that this might disturb Gu Changge's cultivation or that he might find her bothersome.
Because she sensed that this senior brother seemed quite indifferent to matters outside his immediate sphere.
Even upon hearing the news of the Ancestor Master's imminent return this time, he showed no excitement, remaining just as nonchalant and casual as ever.
She speculated that perhaps it was because during his time at the Fine Cloud Dao Academy, Gu Changge seemed to have always been in secluded cultivation, rarely appearing before others.
This might have cultivated his temperament of not being swayed by joy or sorrow from external things.
Fortunately, Jing Xiao's worries proved unnecessary.
Although the female disciples of the Fine Cloud Dao Academy were somewhat displeased by her visits, they never said much about it. It seemed Elder Fine Cloud had already given them strict instructions to keep quiet.
Moreover, Gu Changge did not seem to choose perpetual arduous cultivation either. When she arrived, he would accompany her as they left the courtyard.
The two of them would stroll and converse amidst the mountain peaks and cloud tops near the immortal island, under brilliant rosy clouds and the faint light of dawn, exchanging insights on the Dao, discussing ancient lore and modern affairs.
Regarding the dissatisfied, envious glances from the female disciples, Jing Xiao gradually grew accustomed to them, pretending not to see.
She truly enjoyed the atmosphere of conversation when she was with Gu Changge; it was relaxed and natural.
At the same time, she could learn about many things she had never understood before, which also helped her comprehend the Dao and her cultivation, offering numerous benefits.
She felt that her relationship with Gu Changge was growing more familiar.
Afterward, she also gathered her courage and proactively asked Gu Changge about his name and background. However, to her slight disappointment, Gu Changge did not reveal his true name, only smiling and replying that his surname was Gu.
Though Jing Xiao felt a tinge of disappointment, she did not press for reasons. She was, by nature, someone who understood propriety and knew when to advance or retreat.
Perhaps their relationship hadn't yet reached that level of familiarity and closeness.
Subsequently, Jing Xiao addressed him as Brother Gu, inquiring about his years cultivating at the Fine Cloud Dao Academy, or about interesting anecdotes and such.
And Gu Changge would sometimes ask about her affairs as well, including her cultivation, background, parents, and other aspects.
Jing Xiao, of course, told him everything without reservation, not seeing any reason to hide it. Moreover, in her view, Gu Changge's initiative in asking about her matters indicated that he cared.
If he showed no interest or curiosity about her background at all, that would, on the contrary, make her feel a faint sense of loss.
Jing Xiao herself didn't quite understand why she felt this way.
It seemed that ever since the day Elder Jiulin approached her, asking if she had any intention of finding a Dao companion, this thought had suddenly sprung to her mind.
Then, after giving it a little thought, having a perfect Dao companion like Brother Gu seemed rather nice.
However, later on, when certain topics were broached, it inevitably involved Ling Yuxian.
Jing Xiao knew that the dispute and conflict between her and Ling Yuxian some time ago had caused quite a stir within the Imperial Immortal Palace.
Although Gu Changge had been in secluded cultivation at the Fine Cloud Dao Academy, he must have certainly heard about such things.
It was only natural for him to be curious.
However, this involved her own family background and Ling Yuxian's origins.
Such secretive matters could not be casually spoken of to outsiders.
Seeing the slight difficulty on Jing Xiao's face, Gu Changge didn't seem to press her. He waved his hand with a light laugh and said, "It's alright. I was just curious, asking casually. If it's inconvenient for you to say, Junior Sister Jing Xiao, then forget it. This matter mainly came up because I often hear the disciples around me talking about it, so I just asked in passing..."
Hearing this, Jing Xiao shook her head. "Actually, it's not something completely unspeakable. Brother Gu, you've been so considerate towards me these past few days. Telling you this is fine."
She trusted Gu Changge's character. Once he knew, he certainly wouldn't spread it around carelessly, nor would it cause any consequences.
"It seems this matter is more complicated than I imagined. It might even involve some secrets," Gu Changge said, yet he waved his hand again with a smile, stopping her. "If that's the case, Junior Sister Jing Xiao, you don't need to tell me. I wouldn't want to put you in a difficult position."
Jing Xiao was taken aback, a warm current flooding her heart. She had already been prepared to share this as a topic of conversation with Gu Changge, not wanting to dampen his interest.
But she hadn't expected him to notice her dilemma and to be so considerate of her feelings.
At this moment, Jing Xiao felt an indescribable sense of being moved.
"Actually... such matters are just things one shouldn't casually tell outsiders..."
"To me, Brother Gu... isn't really an outsider anymore."
Jing Xiao stole a glance at Gu Changge, lowering her head to look at her barely visible toes. Her voice suddenly became very soft, as faint as a mosquito's hum.
She felt her face grow very hot after saying this, her ears flushed white with a hint of red.
Jing Xiao didn't even know where she found the courage to say such words.
"Junior Sister Jing Xiao, what did you just say?"
Gu Changge, however, looked slightly surprised, as if he hadn't clearly heard what she just whispered.