The battle between Xiong Yu and Nie Tong reached a momentary pause as their divine senses brushed against the newcomers. Though their expressions remained composed, a flicker of surprise passed through their eyes when they sensed the overwhelming draconic aura emanating from Long Xi.
Xiong Ba, locked in combat with Ling Xuan, sneered as he delivered a crushing punch that sent her skidding back. "Five thousand years ago, I could step on your head. Today, I can still do it!"
Ling Xuan wiped a trickle of blood from her lips and smirked. "That was five thousand years ago, brute."
Nie Tong and Xiong Yu ignored their disciples' exchange, their attention fully fixed on Long Xi.
Nie Tong took a cautious step forward. "Are you... a Dragon God?"
Long Xi's draconic pupils gleamed coldly. She remained silent, her posture guarded.
Nie Tong raised a hand to show she meant no harm. "We bear no hostility. It's just... your aura is similar to someone we met before—a Dragon God named Long Qingxuan."
At the mention of her daughter's name, Long Xi's composure cracked. "You've met Qingxuan?"
Xiong Yu's eyes narrowed. "You know her?"
Long Niu stepped forward urgently. "Where is she?!"
Nie Tong and Xiong Yu exchanged glances. After a brief silence, Xiong Yu spoke gruffly, "She was imprisoned in the Ruins of the Forgotten Time for a million years."
Long Xi's heart clenched. A million years...
Nie Tong continued, "Later, a man named Yun Lintian arrived. They reunited, then ventured deeper into the ruins. We left before them."
Long Xi's expression darkened. Yun Lintian had found Qingxuan, yet now she was missing again.
Nantian Fengyu, who had been lazily observing, suddenly perked up. "Wait, Yun Lintian? My good junior brother is here too?"
Yue Chuntao giggled. "Ohoho~ So the hubby already rescued her? Then why are we even looking?"
Long Xi ignored their banter. "Where are they now?"
Xiong Yu shook his head, his deep voice rumbling. "We have no idea. The ruins collapsed five thousand years ago. We left before the Temporal Palace fell."
Long Xi's heart tightened. If the ruins had collapsed, where was Qingxuan now?
"Where is this ruin?" she demanded.
Nie Tong and Xiong Yu exchanged another glance.
Nie Tong spoke first. "We owe Senior Yun a debt for helping us inside the ruins. Since you're connected to Long Qingxuan, we'll take you there."
Without hesitation, the two True Gods led the way, guiding Long Xi's profound ark toward an isolated island in the distance.
Soon, they arrived above an isolated island.
The once-majestic entrance to the Ruins of the Forgotten Time was now nothing but a desolate stretch of land. The Mirror Lake, which had once reflected countless realms, had long since dried up.
Long Xi stepped onto the cracked earth, her fingers brushing the ground lightly. A faint pulse of draconic energy lingered—Qingxuan's aura.
"She was here," Long Xi murmured, a flicker of relief in her eyes.
Nantian Fengyu kicked a pebble lazily. "So, she's definitely in this timeline. That's good, right?"
Long Niu clenched her fists. "But where is she now?"
Long Xi turned to Nie Tong and Xiong Yu. "Do you know why the ruins collapsed?"
Nie Tong frowned slightly. "No. But there is someone who might."
Xiong Yu crossed his arms. "The Celestial Pavilion's Lan Huiqian and Jian Kun. They stayed behind back then and might have answers."
Long Xi didn't hesitate. "Take me there."
They set off towards the Celestial City again.
The Celestial Pavilion loomed before them, its towering spires gleaming under the sun. As they landed, a figure emerged from the grand entrance—Jian Kun, his expression unreadable.
Nie Tong greeted him casually. "Right in time, Elder Jian, we've brought guests."
Xiong Yu nodded stiffly. "This is Senior Long. She's searching for Lady Long Qingxuan."
The moment Jian Kun heard Long Qingxuan's name, his eyes gleamed with something dark. A plan formed in his mind instantly.
He bowed respectfully. "Senior, it is an honor."
Long Xi studied him, her draconic senses sharp. There was something… off about this man.
Jian Kun ignored them, smiling warmly at Long Xi. "If you seek answers about the ruins, perhaps we can discuss this over tea?"
Long Xi hesitated but nodded. She needed information, and if this man could provide it, she would play along—for now.
As they followed Jian Kun inside, Long Niu glanced back at Nie Tong and Xiong Yu. "Aren't you coming?"
Nie Tong shook her head. "We have our own matters to attend."
Xiong Yu nodded and said nothing.
With that, the two True Gods departed, leaving Long Xi's group alone with Jian Kun.
The moment the doors of the private room closed behind them, Jian Kun's smile widened—just a fraction too much and invited everyone to sit down.
He poured tea with practiced grace, the steaming liquid filling the delicate porcelain cups. "You must have come from far away," he said smoothly, his eyes flickering across Long Xi's regal features. "The Celestial Pavilion is honored by your presence."
Long Xi accepted the cup but didn't drink immediately. Her draconic pupils remained fixed on Jian Kun. "Tell me about the ruins' collapse."
Jian Kun chuckled, setting down the teapot. "Ah, the Ruins of the Forgotten Time... A place of immense power and danger. Many have sought its secrets, but few—"
Nantian Fengyu slammed her cup down, tea sloshing over the rim. "Enough nonsense! Answer the question!"
Jian Kun's smile didn't waver, though his fingers tightened slightly around his own cup. "Very well. The ruins collapsed because of Yun Lintian's arrogance."
The temperature in the room seemed to drop.
Long Niu's hands clenched into fists. "What do you mean?"
Jian Kun sighed theatrically. "He believed he could conquer the Temporal Palace's trials alone. Instead, he triggered its defenses. The resulting backlash nearly killed everyone inside." He shook his head. "If not for Lan Huiqian's quick thinking, none of us would have escaped."
Nantian Fengyu's eyes blazed. "Lies! My junior brother would never—"
"Your junior brother?" Jian Kun interrupted, feigning surprise. His heart raced—this was better than he'd hoped. Not only was this fiery woman connected to Yun Lintian, but she was his senior sister! The perfect target for his schemes.
Yue Chuntao, who had been quietly observing, suddenly giggled. "Ohoho~ So this is why you invited us for tea? To badmouth Yun Lintian"
Jian Kun spread his hands innocently. "I merely speak the truth. If you seek Long Qingxuan..." He paused dramatically. "I'm afraid she likely perished in the collapse."