This long-awaited reunion was not as joyful as Jing Xiang had imagined.
Instead, because of Gu Changge's arrival, Jing Xiang felt increasingly uncomfortable.
After so many years apart, he noticed that his younger sister, Jing Xiao, seemed less attentive to him and more focused on the "Senior Brother Gu" by her side.
Even Ling Yuxian had clashed with Jing Xiao over this.
In Jing Xiang's mind, Ling Yuxian was a transcendent, otherworldly figure—aloof, coldly beautiful, and detached from the mundane world. She shouldn't be entangled in such disputes, especially not over a man who happened to be his own sister.
And this man, with his refined and elegant demeanor, looked like a figure from a painting, perfectly matched with Ling Yuxian.
Jing Xiang's good upbringing prevented him from showing his displeasure on his face, but his words and actions subtly revealed his discomfort.
Jing Xiao noticed her brother's feelings and felt a bit guilty.
After all, her focus had been entirely on Gu Changge since her return, inevitably neglecting her brother. To make amends, she began sharing stories of her cultivation experiences and adventures at the Imperial Immortal Palace over the years.
Jing Xiang's mood improved slightly. He then asked about the purpose of their visit to the Jing Kingdom.
Jing Xiao didn't hide anything. She explained that she had returned to find their parents but had just learned that they were away visiting friends and not at home. She hoped Jing Xiang might know where they had gone.
Jing Xiang had no answer to this question because he didn't know either.
Before their parents left, they had also told him they were going to visit friends and would be away for some time.
But as to which friends they were visiting, they hadn't mentioned a word.
"Father and Mother… they probably returned to the ancestral land…"
At this moment, Jing Xiang recalled the words of that voice and hesitantly spoke.
The Jing family had existed for a long time and had another hidden ancestral land.
However, it was unknown to most, and even Jing Xiao might not have known about it.
Hearing this, Jing Xiao was surprised. "Ancestral land? Brother, do you know something?"
Jing Xiang glanced at her. After thinking for a moment, he said, "I've been studying ancient texts in the royal archives recently and did find some clues. I suspect Father and Mother returned to the ancestral land. Something might have happened there."
"The Jing family's ancestral land isn't in this world—it's hidden in a Void Realm, impossible for outsiders to find."
These details were told to him by that voice.
But at this moment, Jing Xiang could only say that he had read about them in the royal archives.
"Would such things be recorded in the royal archives? I've also read many ancient texts in the palace before, but I've never seen anything like this," Jing Xiao said, her face showing some confusion.
Jing Xiang nodded calmly. "You might have missed it back then. Also, after you left, some new records might have been added to the archives."
Jing Xiao didn't doubt this.
However, Ling Yuxian suddenly gave Jing Xiang a meaningful look.
If this matter was a secret of the Jing family, and even Jing Xiao hadn't known about it before, how could it appear in the records?
Where did Jing Xiang learn this from? Or was it just his guess?
"The recent events at the Imperial Immortal Palace are closely related to our ancestors. Senior Brother Gu, we came to the Jing Kingdom to ask our parents about the location of the ancestral land. We don't want to waste time in the Western Yan Province."
Jing Xiao explained, giving Jing Xiang a brief overview of the situation.
Jing Xiang was stunned. He hadn't expected Jing Xiao and the others to be targeting the ancestral land.
Moreover, the fact that the Jing family's ancestors had such a deep connection with the Imperial Immortal Palace was simply unbelievable.
However, if Jing Xiao and the others were going to the ancestral land, could he join them?
Jing Xiang, who had always deeply desired to resolve his curse and become a normal person, was now extremely tempted.
"Regarding the location of the ancestral land, I can check the ancient texts again. Maybe I can help you."
Thinking this, Jing Xiang hesitated for a moment before speaking.
He planned to ask the ancestor about the ancestral land's location the next day.
Then, he would find a way to convince Jing Xiao and the others to take him along.
As long as he could reach the ancestral land, he would have the opportunity to find where the ancestor was sealed and ask for help in resolving his curse.
"If Brother Jing Xiang can help us, that would be great."
Jing Xiao was already surprised that her brother knew about the ancestral land.
Now, hearing that he might even be able to locate it, she was about to ask more questions.
At this moment, Gu Changge, who had been quietly sipping tea, suddenly smiled and directly agreed to Jing Xiang's proposal.
Ling Yuxian glanced at him, her beautiful eyes flickering with a hint of meaning, as if trying to figure out Gu Changge's intentions.
Jing Xiang had no fondness for Gu Changge.
However, Gu Changge's decisive words softened his attitude slightly, and he no longer seemed as openly hostile as before.
"In that case, I'll go to the royal archives tomorrow to check again."
"It's rare for you and Yuxian to return. I'll have Ling'er and the others prepare a feast."
Jing Xiang forced a smile, then turned and left.
Jing Xiao glanced at Ling Yuxian and then personally led Gu Changge to a guest courtyard.
Ling Yuxian, having lived here before, didn't need Jing Xiao to guide her. She effortlessly returned to the courtyard she had once occupied.
At the feast, Ling Yuxian and Jing Xiao showed no intention of conversing.
Although Jing Xiang tried to engage Ling Yuxian in conversation, she remained silent, her expression unchanged as she drank and ate.
He felt bitter but had no choice.
Gu Changge excused himself, citing the need for meditation, and did not attend the feast.
In the courtyard, everything was shrouded in mist, and all heavenly secrets vanished.
Before him appeared a crystalline ancient mirror, reflecting the changes occurring across the Prime-Origin Civilization.
Far away, beyond countless realms, Zhuo Fengxie and Hun Guangjun were rushing toward the Prime-Origin Civilization under his orders.
In the Demon Court, Di Kun, having gained power, rallied demonic armies under Demon Ancestor Di Huang's command, marching toward the borders of the Immortal Chu Dynasty.
The endless demonic armies blotted out the heavens, their killing intent soaring. They aimed to attack on Chu Gucheng's birthday, and a great war was imminent.
Meanwhile, within the Immortal Chu Dynasty, the hidden pawn he had planted was also at work.
On a famous mountain within the Imperial Immortal Palace's territory, Ye Suyi, who had gone out to train, encountered a woman in a purple dress. All her suppressed hatred and anger erupted like a volcano in that moment.
Once seemingly weak and powerless, she unleashed unparalleled strength and effortlessly subdued the cousin who had sold her into the Riverside Pavilion.
Gu Changge watched the scenes reflected in the ancient mirror, his expression calm and unmoved.