The spring wasn't very large, and because Ling Yuling's physical body had been sitting there, it wasn't very noticeable.
Now that she had stood up, the spring was fully revealed to everyone.
A hazy glow, like mist, spread out from it.
Faintly, a portal could be seen standing behind the spring, ancient and weathered, as if it were an eternal divine artifact of heaven and earth.
Gu Changge had actually noticed it a long time ago but hadn't mentioned it. His purpose in coming here wasn't to find the Gate of Eternal Life, but to search for clues about the Sixfold Celestial Abyss.
However, as a treasure of the first-generation civilization, the Gate of Eternal Life, like the Mirror of Reincarnation of the Xiyuan Sacred Hall, had its own mysteries.
Since it was right in front of him, why not take it along?
"The dark energy in this place mostly seeped out from here. The main reason is that there's a trace of dark origin left behind."
Gu Changge explained.
Of course, this trace of dark origin was actually a backup plan he had left behind.
But how it had evolved and developed into its current state was beyond Gu Changge's expectations.
As he spoke, Gu Changge acted. With a flick of his sleeve, his wide robe seemed to contain the evolution of the stars and the vastness of the universe. In an instant, the entire spring was swept into his sleeve.
"It was taken away so quickly?"
Ling Yuxian was surprised. She hadn't even seen the true form of the Gate of Eternal Life.
Gu Changge said naturally, "The Gate of Eternal Life has been severely corroded by dark energy. It will take some time to purify it. I plan to take it away first and deal with it slowly after leaving this place."
Ling Yuxian nodded in understanding, knowing that this wasn't a place to stay for long.
Her true soul had been separated from her physical body for too long, which could easily lead to problems.
"In that case, I'll open a passage for us to leave."
Jing Tianyuan, who had been guarding them from a distance, spoke up. With a wave of his hand, vast energy surged, and in the hazy light, the large rift they had come through reappeared, transforming into a dimensional passage.
Gu Changge nodded slightly and was the first to step into it. Ling Yuxian's true soul followed closely behind him.
Ling Yuling, who was at the back, kept her eyes on Gu Changge's figure, a hint of complexity flashing in her gaze.
Before leaving, she turned back to look at this dimensional space, as if confirming something.
Deep within the Land of Eternal Life.
A hazy passage was opened, as if extending from a distant time and space.
Golden Great Dao meridians intertwined there, illuminating the dark void with brilliance.
Several figures walked out slowly, with Ling Yuxian's true soul at the forefront.
She took the lead, transforming into a wisp of smoke and drifting straight toward her physical body to return to it.
"We're out, finally out!"
"This is wonderful!"
The elders of the Imperial Immortal Palace, who had been guarding Ling Yuxian's physical body, were overjoyed and relieved.
Even the Ancestral Dao Realm elders let out a long breath, their faces breaking into smiles.
"We've troubled you, Senior."
They hurried forward, cupping their hands respectfully toward Jing Tianyuan.
Jing Tianyuan smiled and waved his hand. "It was an honor. If you want to thank anyone, you should thank Young Master Gu."
These elders of the Imperial Immortal Palace were true living fossils, having lived through countless epochs.
Hearing this, their expressions couldn't help but show a hint of awkwardness.
After all, Gu Changge was still a disciple of their sect, though his origins were extraordinary.
But for them to personally thank him still felt somewhat awkward and uncomfortable.
Gu Changge, however, didn't mind such trivial matters.
In his eyes, these Ancestral Dao Realm existences were the most suitable candidates for his future plans.
In the near future, they would likely all serve him.
"I only did what I could. There's no need for thanks."
He smiled casually, not dwelling on the topic.
"Young Master Gu is a benefactor of our Imperial Immortal Palace. If there's anything you need, please don't hesitate to ask. Our sect will do its best to fulfill your requests."
The elders, being tactful, all cupped their hands in gratitude.
Then, they all turned to look at Ling Yuling, who had emerged last, their expressions turning solemn.
They instantly recognized that the stunning woman before them was the founder of the Imperial Immortal Palace.
Ling Yuling's appearance and figure were seventy to eighty percent similar to Ling Yuxian's. Apart from differences in temperament and expression, there were almost no other distinctions.
"We, your descendants, pay our respects to the Founder."
"We welcome the Founder's return."
At this moment, the elders and the other members of the Imperial Immortal Palace all stood up and bowed.
Everyone's face was filled with respect and excitement.
Ling Yuling's expression was gentle as she swept her gaze over everyone. She made a motion to help them up and said softly, "There's no need for such formalities. Please rise. I never imagined that after countless years, the Imperial Immortal Palace I founded would have developed into what it is today. You haven't disappointed me."
"I was able to escape today thanks to your efforts. Otherwise, I don't know how much longer I would have been trapped."
For the Imperial Immortal Palace, meeting the founder who had established the sect countless years ago was an incredibly honorable and exciting event.
Even the Ancestral Dao Realm elders were no exception.
If the timing hadn't been inappropriate, they would have loved to share the trials, tribulations, and developments the Imperial Immortal Palace had experienced over the years.
This excitement and joy were hard to put into words.
"The Founder was trapped here for countless years, and we only learned of it recently. We feel deeply guilty for allowing the Founder to suffer here for so long."
"If it weren't for the young ancestor informing us of this, we might never have known."
The elders of the Imperial Immortal Palace could see that the Founder's body was very weak, with almost no vitality left in her physical form.
Trapped here for countless years, anyone else would have long since perished, their lifespan exhausted.
Only someone like the Founder of the Imperial Immortal Palace could endure for so long.
The top priority now was to escort the Founder back to the Imperial Immortal Palace and help her recover.
Once her body was restored, they would announce her return to the world and inform the Prime-Origin Civilization.
At that time, all the forces of the Prime-Origin Civilization would come to pay their respects.
Who in the world would dare not show respect?
Then, the vast assembly of the Imperial Immortal Palace began to prepare to leave the Land of Eternal Life.
Regarding the Jing Clan, Jing Tianyuan had already explained much.
For the members of the Imperial Immortal Palace, it would be best to visit the Jing Clan afterward.
This way, they could clarify many matters and avoid future troubles.
Ling Yuling's physical condition wasn't as weak as the Imperial Immortal Palace members thought.
After all, in that dark dimensional space, Gu Changge had used his vast, pure mana to cleanse her physical body.
Her previously dried-up cells and physical form had been nourished by the immense mana.
Although she was far from fully recovered, she wasn't as weak as everyone imagined.
What Ling Yuling was more concerned about now was the current state of the Jing Clan.
The words the Eternal Life Spirit had spoken earlier were still firmly etched in her mind.