Gazing at the retreating figures of Hún Lín, the Tongxuan Elder moved slightly and appeared before Xun'er, asking, "Xun'er, are you all right?" Xun'er shook her head slightly. At the side, Xiao Yan hesitated a moment, then bowed and inquired, "Senior Tongxuan, I wonder where the young healers and others have gone now?" "They left three months after you entered the Heavenly Tomb, and they must have returned to the Star-Devouring Pavilion. However, they didn't explain the reason for their departure—only saying that if you came out, you should quickly return to the Star-Devouring Pavilion." The Tongxuan Elder paused and said. Upon hearing this, Xiao Yan's brows furrowed slightly, then nodded. After a brief pause, he turned to Xun'er and said, "It seems something has indeed happened. Perhaps we won't be staying with the ancient clan for long. Shall you accompany me on this journey?" "Heard this, Xun'er paused slightly, about to nod. Just then, the Tongxuan Elder quickly interjected, 'Xun'er, there's a major matter unfolding within the clan. After deliberation by the Elder Council, you must absolutely not leave the Ancient Realm.' 'What's going on?' Xun'er furrowed her brows, asking. The Tongxuan Elder hesitated, glanced at Xiao Yan beside her, and was about to speak when Xun'er calmly replied, 'Tongxuan Elder, go ahead and say what you have to say—there are no outsiders here.' Seeing Xun'er's composed demeanor, the Tongxuan Elder could only nod in resignation and spoke softly, 'The Spirit Realm has suddenly closed...' 'The Spirit Realm? Closed?' Both Xiao Yan and Xun'er were taken aback, with Xun'er's expression instantly turning pale. 'The Spirit Clan?' Seeing Xun'er's changed expression, Xiao Yan pondered briefly and realized—this Spirit Realm must be the domain of one of the ancient eight clans. 'How could the Spirit Realm have suddenly closed?' It's no wonder that the Lin clan didn't send anyone this time...," Xun'er said, frowning slightly. "As for that, we've dispatched powerful scouts, yet received no word at all. The original space where the Spirit Realm once stood has completely vanished—even the elders who went to investigate found nothing. It's as though the Spirit Realm has been entirely concealed. Senior Tongxuan frowned, clearly puzzled by this strange occurrence. "To seal off a space and hide it completely—such a measure is only taken in the face of an extraordinary, world-shaking event. Could it be that the Lin clan is now facing a crisis so severe that even they cannot resolve it themselves?" Xun'er murmured softly. "This is unclear. Though the Ling clan has shown a declining trend in recent years and has rarely interacted with us, their foundational strength remains exceptionally robust. It would be difficult, even for the ancient clans of the same era, to drive them to such a pass." Master Tongxuan's expression conveyed a sense of concern. "The clan elders are currently conducting a thorough investigation. Should the Ling clan indeed face a catastrophic crisis, we must remain vigilant. Therefore, for the time being, you will likely need to stay within the Ancient Realm." Xun'er gently pressed her lips together, her face also serious—this was the first time in her many years that she had heard of another ancient lineage sealing off and concealing its space entirely. Such an unexpected development always carried a weight that settled heavily on one's heart. "Xun, since the timing now seems unfavorable, we should remain within the Ancient Realm. This is truly the safest place..." Xiao Yan furrowed his brows, his expression growing serious. Though he was unfamiliar with the so-called Spirit Clan, he knew they must not be ordinary—being an ancient lineage, they were surely formidable. If the disaster they faced was of a non-human nature, that would be manageable. But if it were caused by human-made calamities, that would indeed be alarming. Hearing Xiao Yan's words, the Tongxuan Elder exhaled softly, and after a moment's hesitation, Xun gently nodded, her eyes fixed on Xiao Yan. "Then, Brother Xiao Yan, please be careful outside. As your enmity with the Soul Clan deepens, they may send their true power at any moment." "Don't worry," Xiao Yan smiled. "Hehe, for today, we'll have Xiao Xin stay overnight in the Ancient Realm. Tomorrow, our Ancient Clan will send all of you together out of the Realm," said Tongxuan with a smile. "Brother Xiao Yan..." As Xiao Yan sighed softly, a gentle, tender voice suddenly echoed from behind him. Instantly, the palm he had resting against his back felt the delicate, warm grip of a slender, smooth jade hand. Before him emerged a face so radiant it seemed to outshine even the celestial moon, its beauty radiating a warm, soothing glow. The gentle smile brought a deep sense of warmth to Xiao Yan's heart. "Xun... there's something I'd like to tell you..." Looking into that face, filled with gentle smiles, Xiao Yan hesitated slightly before speaking. Upon hearing this, Xun's long lashes fluttered gently. Her cheek rested against Xiao Yan's chest, and she murmured softly, "Is it about Cai Lin?" As she said this, she clearly sensed Xiao Yan's body stiffen slightly. Raising her face, she found him looking at her with a look of surprise. "You... you know?" Xiao Yan stared at Xun'er's smiling face, laced with a touch of cunning, and was utterly astonished. "I never feel at ease leaving you alone. I always need to hear from you before I can rest. Moreover, given my status within the ancient clan, quite a few people are eager to deliver updates about you—among them, Ci Lin is particularly active." Xun'er murmured softly. "This thing..." Hearing Xun'er's soft, almost conversational murmur, Xiao Yan's heart warmed deeply. Just as he had intended to say something, he only managed to utter two words before finding himself at a loss for what to say next. His usual sharp tongue seemed completely ineffective here. He knew well that the girl in his arms—whether within this ancient clan or elsewhere—was regarded by countless people as a goddess. To hold such a near-perfect girl in one's arms was already a great privilege. And if, in her presence, he still hoped to enjoy the full measure of a shared life with others, many might well consider that somewhat excessive. Seeing Xiang Yan's clumsy and awkward demeanor at this moment, Xun'er slowly shook her head, murmuring to herself, "Back then, I was indeed annoyed, but I couldn't help but forget you. As long as I don't want to forget you, I'll have to endure it. Still, this situation shouldn't be too lenient toward you..." Just as she finished the last word, she opened her mouth and bit firmly onto Xiang Yan's chest. This time, she didn't spare him much mercy—her bite was strong enough to make Xiang Yan's lips tremble, yet he remained still, unwilling to move, and carefully restrained his inner ki, fearing it might rebound and harm Xun'er. "See if you dare to be fickle again!" After a while, Xun'er released her hold, lifting her delicate face. The pretend stern expression, illuminated by the moonlight, appeared especially charming. Gazing at the now particularly youthful and delicate Xun, Xiao Yan felt a surge of warmth stirring within him. He suddenly bent down, firmly sealing her small mouth with his own. "Wooohh..." Surprised by Xiao Yan's sudden move, Xun's body instantly went rigid. A blush, as vivid as a sunset, spread swiftly from her slender neck up to her delicate ear tips, where it finally settled. After a moment of stiffness, Xun began to gently struggle, yet she was tightly held by Xiao Yan's arms around her slender waist. After a brief struggle, she grew increasingly touched and allowed him to take what he desired. At last, the ancient clan's goddess had completely transformed into the gentle, yielding strength that could melt all things. Under the moonlight, the two figures seemed to blend into one another, their deep affection so profound that even the moon itself quietly retreated behind the clouds. As the moonlight gradually faded, the two lovers, who had been closely intertwined, finally parted. Gazing at Xun, her cheeks flushed with modest warmth and especially alluring, Xiao Yan felt a surge of passion rise in his abdomen, his gaze burning with intensity upon her. His hands, which had been gently cradling her slender waist, slowly traced the graceful curves of her form. Yet, just as Xiao Yan prepared to take the next step, a soft cough suddenly broke the quiet stillness of the bamboo grove. The light cough that suddenly rang out was like a thunderclap, instantly separating Xiao Yan and Xun'er as if struck by electricity. Following the sound, their eyes turned toward a middle-aged man dressed in ordinary robes standing at some distance—his face was unmistakably that of the elder of the Ancient Clan, Xun'er's father, Gu Yuan. When Xun'er saw Gu Yuan, her already flushed cheeks turned even deeper red. With a firm twist of her jade hands around Xiao Yan's waist, she swiftly moved and retreated into the room. Seeing Xun'er retreat, Xiao Yan could only sigh and, with a touch of embarrassment, bravely faced Gu Yuan.