Chapter 1685. The calamity of the love affair has fallen upon you, eyeing the Reincarnation Mirror

Elder Xianyun looked at the familiar figures with some surprise. She hadn’t expected that not only did Gu Changge release her, but he also released the entire group from the Yuxian Palace. It seemed that Gu Changge wasn’t as bad as she had thought. Although he didn’t abide by all of his promises, he had not harmed anyone from the Yuxian Palace.

However, as she looked at the elders and disciples from Yuxian Palace walking towards her, Elder Xianyun felt a mix of surprise and a vague sense of unease. Just now, she thought that Gu Changge had come for her and deliberately lifted her restraints, but it turned out not to be the case. She had misinterpreted the situation. This feeling of unease was sudden and inexplicable, and she couldn’t understand why she felt this way.

She shook her head, pushed the emotion aside, and turned to join the others from Yuxian Palace, intending to leave the place.

“It seems everyone is fine. It was just a false alarm,” one of the elders said.

“Young Master Gu is magnanimous. He spared us all from Yuxian Palace and did not make things difficult for us…”

“This time, it was our Yuxian Palace who wronged him,” said Elder Jiulin, Elder Li Yu, and others. They quickly joined Elder Xianyun, and many of them had expressions of shame and relief, as if they had narrowly escaped death.

The faces of many of the disciples were filled with guilt and melancholy. Having personally experienced the Xi Yuan Alliance’s agreement, they now understood that Gu Changge’s decision to spare everyone from Yuxian Palace was a gesture that required a great deal of magnanimity. They knew they could never match Gu Changge’s level of generosity, letting go of so many enemies.

Elder Xianyun heard their words and moved her lips, wanting to say something. But remembering Gu Changge’s words before he left, she could only silently swallow the words she wanted to speak.

“Where are the Young Ancestor and the Master? Why aren’t they here?”

At that moment, one of the elders noticed that Ling Yuxian was not present and asked in surprise.

“The Young Ancestor was not imprisoned with us. She is closely related to Young Master Gu, so he wouldn’t harm her,” said Elder Xianyun calmly.

“As for the Master…”

Several senior elders sighed upon hearing this. They were worried that although Gu Changge had spared them, it didn’t mean he would spare Master Ling Yuling. Besides, Gu Changge had let them go with certain conditions. He was not a benevolent man after all.

Though Yuxian Palace had no casualties and was not as severely weakened as other orthodox factions, they could no longer impede the expansion of the Fallen Heaven Alliance. On the contrary, Yuxian Palace would have to acknowledge the Fallen Heaven Alliance as its master and obey its orders, becoming its vassal.

This was the request Gu Changge made before letting them go.

After discussing among themselves, the elders of Yuxian Palace realized they had no other choice. It was better to temporarily submit and escape from danger than to remain trapped in the dark prison. Being a vassal of the Fallen Heaven Alliance was something they could accept for now.

The terror of Gu Changge and the might of the Fallen Heaven Alliance had been witnessed by the entire Xi Yuan civilization. Many factions had already joined the Fallen Heaven Alliance and willingly accepted its control.

Elder Xianyun was stunned. She hadn’t expected that Gu Changge’s decision to spare Yuxian Palace would come with such a precondition. If even Yuxian Palace chose to submit, then the entire Xi Yuan civilization would be under the shadow of the Fallen Heaven Alliance from now on.

No wonder Gu Changge had said those words. It seemed that the entire situation of Xi Yuan civilization had long been within his expectations and control.

Meanwhile, on the other side, after releasing Ling Yuxian from her restraints, Gu Changge, at her request, took her to meet her sister, Ling Yuling.In the dark, deep dungeon, black mist swirled, an overwhelming silence pervading the air, as if they had been exiled to a cold, eternal, boundless void.

A faint ripple spread, and Gu Changge appeared with Ling Yuxian in tow. He did not step into the dungeon but waited outside, his gaze cold and calm.

Ling Yuling, her hair loose, sat quietly, her delicate, pale ankles bound by shackles, leaving small wounds from the chains. Her clothes were stained with blood. Though disheveled, she maintained an elegant, dignified demeanor, like a snow lotus blooming amidst the filth.

On her abdomen, the wound that had been pierced through was healing slowly, still visible and horrifying. And on her forehead, there was a deep wound, almost to the bone. Though the edges had scarred over, fresh blood still oozed from it.

“Big sister…”

Ling Yuxian, upon seeing her sister in this condition, couldn’t help but feel a sharp pain in her heart. She covered her mouth, nearly bursting into tears.

Though she knew this was the result of her sister’s “own doing,” she couldn’t bear to see her in such a state. Her sister had always been so clean, graceful, with skin as smooth as jade, pure and elegant. When had she ever been so ragged and torn?

“Yuxian…”

Ling Yuling, hearing the sound, slowly opened her eyes. Despite her current predicament, there was no trace of resentment. Her expression remained calm.

“I’ve let you down, but you must believe me.”

She looked at Ling Yuxian, her gaze tinged with a slight apology. Noticing that her sister wasn’t shackled, she couldn’t help but feel a self-deprecating smile appear on her lips.

Ling Yuxian nodded firmly. “I believe you, big sister. I should never have doubted you. You are not what they said, not scheming, cruel, or ungrateful.”

Ling Yuling nodded in return, her heart eased. “Seeing that you’re safe, I can rest easy.”

Ling Yuxian glanced at Gu Changge, who stood outside the dungeon in the dark, and whispered, “Senior Brother Gu didn’t make things difficult for the people of Yuxian Palace. He didn’t harm anyone from Yuxian Palace.”

“After I visit you, I must return to Yuxian Palace. The situation there can’t be chaotic, but I’ll find a way to rescue you, big sister.”

Though she believed her sister would never have schemed against Gu Changge, there was no evidence to prove this, no way to confirm her innocence. Gu Changge, for the sake of past connections, had already spared everyone from Yuxian Palace, showing great kindness, but she couldn’t ask for him to unconditionally release her sister either.

“It’s fine. This time, I’ve dragged Yuxian Palace down. Your decision and actions were correct. I was wrong…” Ling Yuling said with a slight smile.

She glanced at Gu Changge, who stood outside the dark cell. Though the black mist concealed him, she knew he was undoubtedly there.

Without Gu Changge’s permission, how could Ling Yuxian have come to visit her? In this matter regarding the Xi Yuan Alliance, Gu Changge had already made the greatest concession and showed utmost benevolence towards Yuxian Palace. Even she couldn’t help but feel guilty and somewhat regretful. If it weren’t for the previous prejudice and misunderstanding, perhaps the situation would have been entirely different.

Afterward, Ling Yuxian spoke with her sister, Ling Yuling, about various matters before reluctantly saying goodbye. She had intended to help heal her sister’s injuries but worried that doing so would upset Gu Changge. Thus, she could only helplessly watch her sister endure the pain, her heart filled with torment and helplessness.

“All the elders and disciples of Yuxian Palace are waiting for you outside. From now on, Yuxian Palace must obey the rules and orders of the Fallen Heaven Alliance. If something like this happens again, I won’t show mercy to Yuxian Palace.”

Gu Changge said calmly, watching Ling Yuxian emerge from the dark dungeon.

“I understand. I’m not like my sister. I won’t cause you any trouble.”

Ling Yuxian nodded, then looked up at Gu Changge with her clear eyes, as if she wanted to say something but didn’t know how.

“Thank you for showing mercy this time because of me. Otherwise, Yuxian Palace’s fate wouldn’t have been as good as it is now.”

“My sister wronged you, but I believe she was wrongfully accused. I will find the real culprit and clear my sister’s name, and also expose the people who tried to hinder you.”

“I don’t know how to repay you in the future, but I definitely can’t repay you like I joked before… by offering myself,” she said shyly, worried her voice was too soft for Gu Changge to hear. Then, suddenly, she stretched out her arms and embraced his waist, burying her face against him, trying to hide the pink hue on her face and her reddened ears.

Gu Changge lowered his gaze, his eyes a little complex as he looked at her. The hand he had initially intended to push her away with slowly fell down and rested on her hair.

“I don’t need any repayment from you. Many things in this world aren’t done with the expectation of a return…” he said softly.

Ling Yuxian, who had been hiding her face, suddenly raised her head, her bright eyes gazing at him, filled with a shimmering affection.

“My love calamity should fall upon you…” she muttered, avoiding Gu Changge’s gaze, feeling awkward.

Ling Yuxian never thought that the straightforward and candid person she had always been would one day say such words.

Gu Changge smiled lightly. “Then, when you want to cross your love calamity, come find me.”

Ling Yuxian froze, and upon realizing Gu Changge had understood her meaning, her face turned even redder. She hurriedly explained, “Eh… I… I didn’t mean that…”

What she meant wasn’t to see Gu Changge as a tool to resolve her love calamity. The love calamity was not something every practitioner would encounter. It might be due to fate, the awakening of emotions, a sudden impulse, an obstruction in cultivation, or a premonition of an impending catastrophe. For Ling Yuxian, encountering this calamity was simply a result of her many years of cultivation and the blossoming of her feelings.

“I understand what you mean. It’s getting late, and the people from Yuxian Palace are still waiting outside.”

Gu Changge smiled and didn’t let Ling Yuxian finish her explanation. He escorted her out of the dungeon space. To him, Ling Yuxian was a pawn—she had been one in the past, and she might be one in the future.

After Ling Yuxian’s figure disappeared, Gu Changge’s smile faded, and he seemed a bit thoughtful. He gently shook his robe and stepped into the dark dungeon where Ling Yuling was imprisoned.It seemed that Ling Yuling had already anticipated his arrival, so after Ling Yuxian left, she did not close her eyes to rest.

“Do you regret the choice you made that day?” Gu Changge asked, his expression devoid of any pity as he looked at her current state.

Ling Yuling glanced at him and shook her head, then nodded. “Some things I regret, others I don’t. But if I had thought it through earlier, things might not have turned out this way.”

“Young Master Gu, you showed mercy to Yuxian Palace and saved me from that dark space, showing kindness to me multiple times. Yet, I repeatedly let down your goodwill and trust. I am truly ashamed,” she said, her voice soft.

“Such perfunctory words… you speak so sweetly, yet when you act, you are ruthless, without any mercy. When will you speak honestly?” Gu Changge said, his gaze briefly flickering over her.

“I apologize… But I truly am grateful for your understanding. I will never forget your kindness,” Ling Yuling whispered softly.

“Since you’re so grateful, why don’t you tell me honestly, who was behind encouraging and assisting you with the Xi Yuan Alliance’s formation?” Gu Changge asked with a dismissive smile, his eyes locking onto hers.

Ling Yuling was momentarily stunned. She didn’t understand how Gu Changge had figured this out, since she had never mentioned involving anyone in the formulation of the Xi Yuan Alliance, nor had she told anyone about the chaotic space and the matters with Nanyin.

Why was he so certain that someone had assisted her from behind?

“Is this your version of gratitude?” Gu Changge observed her reaction, then reached out, lifting her chin so she would look him in the eye.

Ling Yuling snapped out of her thoughts, shaking her head. “This was something I decided on my own. No one was behind me, encouraging or assisting me. The matter with Nanyin, after all, involved the ancient clans who fought against the Tian Organization, which is a sensitive subject, so I couldn’t casually mention it. As for the Xi Yuan Alliance, I did make that decision on my own, though I did briefly mention it to Nanyin once when we were at the Sacred Ancestor Mountain in the chaotic space.”

Gu Changge gave a small smile, releasing her chin. “It’s fine. You don’t have to say more. But from now on, you will tell me everything honestly.”

He looked at her intently, his eyes gleaming as he observed her reaction. He wasn’t surprised by her answer. It was clear that Ling Yuling didn’t seem to have direct contact with other sages, but there was certainly some external influence guiding her actions.

Before Ling Yuling could gather her thoughts, she suddenly found herself in a peaceful valley, the dark dungeon completely vanishing like ice and snow. The air was fresh with the scent of flowers and the gentle sound of flowing water. The valley was filled with rare and ancient mystical flowers, casting a strange sense of tranquility and harmony.

A woman named Mu Yan, standing nearby, was watching her with a surprised expression.

Ling Yuling was taken aback by the scene before her, not understanding why Gu Changge had brought her here. However, Gu Changge did not offer an explanation. Instead, he instructed Mu Yan to take Ling Yuling and help her change.

“Take her to bathe, clean her up, and tend to her wounds,” Gu Changge said indifferently before vanishing from the valley.

Ling Yuling, still shackled and wearing a collar, could barely move, and her cultivation was suppressed. She was, for all intents and purposes, no different from an ordinary woman at the moment.Mu Yan had no fondness for Ling Yuling. Hearing Gu Changge’s orders, she reluctantly approached and said with little enthusiasm, “Come on, Yuxian Palace’s ancient master.”

Ling Yuling was momentarily confused by Gu Changge’s intentions in having her leave the dark dungeon. She hesitated for a moment but eventually followed Mu Yan’s instructions.

However, she walked slowly. The heavy shackles, connected by several chains, restricted her every movement, and each step required considerable effort, completely limiting her freedom.

At the headquarters of the Fallen Heaven Alliance, in the main hall, Gu Changge’s figure appeared, and several figures, including Hunyuan Jun, Zuo Fengxie, and Chu Heng, all approached to report. They shared the latest developments about various factions and their movements.

“The Holy Maiden of Xi Yuan, after escaping, didn’t get far. She fell into a time-space vortex due to her severe injuries. Her fate and whereabouts are unknown.”

“However, as you predicted, many factions and tribes are keeping an eye on Xi Yuan Holy Palace’s movements. Even beyond Cangmang, several civilized nations have sent spies to learn about the whereabouts of the Holy Maiden and the Reincarnation Mirror.”

“The forces eyeing the Reincarnation Mirror are far too numerous,” one of them reported.

Ling Yuling’s disappearance with the Reincarnation Mirror had created a great stir. Her nominal senior sister, Xiyin, along with some elders and disciples, had been imprisoned in the Fallen Heaven Alliance’s dark dungeon. This caused a wave of anger among many ancient beings in Xi Yuan Holy Palace, and although they were furious and wanted to storm the Fallen Heaven Alliance, they were wary of Gu Changge’s power.

Some immortal sects were also observing the situation, and recently, they had received support from external civilizations, which gave them more confidence. They were considering joining forces with Xi Yuan Holy Palace to pressure the Fallen Heaven Alliance and demand the release of the captives.

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