Qiao Xuan pushed the door open forcefully and strode inside.

The room was dimly lit. Taichu leaned against the stone bed, his pale face devoid of color, and his lips bloodless. Only his dark eyes, looking at Qiao Xuan, still held their usual warmth and calmness, just as they always had.

Qiao Xuan’s hands, hanging by his side, clenched tightly. He had never seen his master in such a state. Even at the end of the ancient era, when his master had felt sorrow and helplessness, he had never looked this weak, as if all life had been drained from him…

Why? Why hadn’t Qiao Xuan noticed anything before?

His lips trembled. He knelt in front of his master, grasping his hand, and hoarsely asked, “Master… what’s happening?”

Taichu lowered his eyes to look at him, smiling gently, “It’s just that my destiny is approaching. Don’t worry.”

How could I not worry? What destiny approaching? Isn’t that just another way of saying you’re dying? How can you be so calm, so indifferent, and say something like that…

Qiao Xuan’s eyes reddened, his voice hoarse, “That’s not possible. Master, you were perfectly fine before, nothing was wrong. How could you suddenly… just…”

“It wasn’t that sudden,” Taichu said, sounding a little tired. He coughed softly and then added, “Shu Chen, explain it to him.”

Shu Chen, who had been standing behind Qiao Xuan, remained silent for a moment before nodding and speaking quietly, “Alright.”

Qiao Xuan turned his head to look at Shu Chen.

“You once asked me how we survived, and I didn’t tell you at the time…” Shu Chen pursed his lips, closing his eyes briefly before reopening them, his gaze tinged with helplessness as he slowly began to explain, “After you were swallowed by chaos, the three realms were consumed by flames, leaving only Senior Brother and me. I thought we would die too. But Taichu… Senior Brother, at the last moment, chose to sacrifice himself, merging with the Heavenly Dao. Using the power of the Heavenly Dao, he sealed the Chaos Fire that had already consumed the three realms. But the cost was that he became a servant of the Heavenly Dao, bound to guard the Chaos Seal forever. If he failed in his duty, the Heavenly Dao would turn against him… And yet, the Chaos Fire has still resurfaced…”

Shu Chen’s voice trailed off, as if he could no longer continue.

Taichu gently patted Qiao Xuan’s head, laughing softly with a calm tone, “I actually died that day. I’ve merely been extending my life with the power of the Heavenly Dao since then. It’s my fault for failing to protect the seal, so it’s only right to pay for it with this life.

“But don’t worry too much. There are three Chaos Seals in total. As long as they aren’t all broken, the world-ending fire won’t fully return.”

Shu Chen added, “Even if something happens to Senior Brother, I will continue to guard the last seal. I won’t let the world-ending fire return.”

Qiao Xuan clenched his fists tightly, and suddenly he let out a chuckle, “So, after all that, you’re telling me you’re going to die, but the three realms will be fine, and we’ll all be okay. Is that what you’re saying?”

Taichu looked at him with tenderness, “Don’t…”

Qiao Xuan abruptly shook off Taichu’s hand, his chest heaving with anger, and snapped sharply, “You’re telling me not to worry, right? Or maybe you’re telling me not to be sad?”

You’ve planned everything out. Even your death, even what happens after… you’ve already made arrangements. And now you’re telling me not to worry, not to be sad…

Why? Do you think I wouldn’t care at all?

Do you think I’m that heartless?

After all these years together, do you think I wouldn’t care?

Qiao Xuan took a deep breath, then suddenly turned and ran out.

He didn’t dare stay any longer, afraid he might lose control and say something irrational.

His master was already in this state, surely feeling worse than him. How could he add to his master’s disappointment or grief…

Qiao Xuan ran far away, stopping only when he was out of breath, hands on his knees, gasping. The cold air filled his chest, gradually calming him down. He turned to see Shu Chen had indeed followed him.

Shu Chen’s gray eyes were dim, watching from a distance, looking hesitant and uneasy, as if he wanted to approach but didn’t dare to.

Qiao Xuan stood up straight and walked over to Shu Chen, looking him in the eye, gritting his teeth, and speaking word by word, “You knew all along, didn’t you?”

Back at the Northern Burial Sea, when Master had left so abruptly—was it because of this?

And yet you kept it from me.

You acted as if nothing was wrong.

You all had this planned out, treating me like a fool. Do you find that fun?

Shu Chen’s face turned pale, his lips tightly pressed together. He spoke seriously, “If you mean about Senior Brother merging with the Heavenly Dao, yes, I knew. But about the Chaos Seal breaking and his limited time… that I didn’t know. I thought…”

I thought there was more time.

Qiao Xuan looked at Shu Chen, nodding without pushing further. He asked coldly, “Alright. But I still don’t understand something. Since Master merged with the Heavenly Dao to protect the three realms and guard the seal, now that the seal is broken, why can’t he just seal it again? Surely there’s a way to fix it, right?”

Shu Chen’s voice was hoarse, “The appearance of the Chaos Fire signals the restarting of the three realms. It’s its destiny. The last time the Chaos Fire appeared, it destroyed the three realms. Even if Senior Brother hadn’t intervened, the fire would have burned out when there was nothing left to consume. That was when it was at its weakest… Senior Brother split its essence into three and sealed it, hoping to delay its return. But after all these years, the seal’s strength has weakened. Now that the Chaos Fire has resurfaced, he can’t seal it again. Senior Brother can’t do it, and no one else can either…”

“One day, it may all happen again,” Shu Chen said with a self-mocking smile, “But for now, we can still delay it—thousands of years, tens of thousands, millions… It’s not impossible. As long as the Chaos Fire hasn’t fully merged, it won’t become the true world-ending fire, and we still have time.”

Qiao Xuan’s fists tightened until his knuckles turned white.

So there really isn’t a solution?

Is this the price Master paid for surviving back then?

Becoming a part of the Heavenly Dao, living on borrowed time, and serving as a prisoner of the Dao, spending his life guarding the seal, protecting the three realms… He had done so much, lived for hundreds of thousands of years, but if he failed, the Heavenly Dao would discard him, punish him.

Is this what they call the Heavenly Dao’s mercy?!

Does the Heavenly Dao have no sense of justice? Is this the fate for those who serve it?

Qiao Xuan suppressed the anger rising in his chest, “The heavens are truly heartless. Even if the Chaos Fire has returned, why must Master suffer after all he’s sacrificed?”

Shu Chen’s face paled, and he quickly said, “You mustn’t speak recklessly about the Heavenly Dao. Besides, this was Senior Brother’s choice. As cultivators, we must fulfill our vows, or face retribution. The heavens are above, and we…”

Qiao Xuan clenched his teeth in frustration, but gradually, a look of defeat appeared in his eyes.

He hated the heavens for their indifference.

He hated his master for not telling him everything.

But most of all, he hated himself, feeling that he was the one who had brought this fate upon his master.

That love tribulation from his past life… the real disaster lay here.

If he hadn’t saved Bai Cang, Bai Cang wouldn’t have gone mad, resorting to using the Chaos Fire…

“Bai Cang was the one who broke the seal, wasn’t he?” Qiao Xuan asked, enunciating each word carefully.

He had once thought of killing Bai Cang before leaving, but he had let his compassion get the better of him. Now, he regretted it. Why hadn’t he killed that demon?

Yes, he had felt pity for Bai Cang, but if Bai Cang’s actions led to the destruction of the three realms and the loss of his master’s life… he wouldn’t hesitate next time.

Shu Chen hesitated for a moment before replying, “Perhaps. That day, the flames he wielded resembled the Chaos Fire…”

“But I’m not sure. There are many divine and demonic flames in the three realms; it could be a similar flame,” Shu Chen tried to reassure Qiao Xuan, “Bai Cang is dangerous and deeply obsessed with you. You must not act impulsively.”

Qiao Xuan’s eyes turned cold, “And if it is the Chaos Fire? If killing Bai Cang would allow us to seal it again, wouldn’t that spare Master from the Heavenly Dao’s punishment?”

Shu Chen frowned, “I’ve already told you, whether it’s Bai Cang or not, once the seal is broken, no one can reseal it. Don’t do anything reckless… Besides, there are still three seals. What we should be doing now is protecting the last seal.”

Qiao Xuan gritted his teeth, turned abruptly, and walked away.

…

The next morning, Qiao Xuan personally prepared a meal for his master and brought it to him.

When Taichu woke, seeing Qiao Xuan by his side, he smiled, “When did you get here?”

Qiao Xuan was silent for a moment. His master rarely slept this deeply and had always been able to sense Qiao Xuan’s presence. Now, perhaps because his time was running out, he seemed more tired than before. He was becoming more like a human, but Qiao Xuan would rather his master remained as aloof as ever, a god who never displayed human frailty…

“Master, are you hungry?” Qiao Xuan carefully handed the bowl of porridge to his master, looking at him expectantly.

Taichu’s eyes were warm as he nodded, “I am, actually.”

He propped himself up to sit, his elegant demeanor still present, but as he drank the porridge, there was a hint of human warmth in the scene. It made him seem more approachable, less ethereal and distant, as if he were within reach…

Qiao Xuan rested his chin on his hand, watching his master in a daze.

When he had first arrived in this world, he had taken the form of a bird. Having been human before, adjusting to being a bird had been difficult at first. He couldn’t even walk properly. Lost and scared in this unfamiliar world, it was his master who had been by his side, patiently caring for him, teaching him, and giving him hope to live again as a person…

Master knew he was afraid of bugs and never let them near him. Master knew he liked clean food, always washing the fruits carefully before slicing them and placing them before him. Master even made him a soft, clean nest to sleep in and would gently and patiently groom his feathers for him…

Even though Qiao Xuan had poor comprehension and learned slowly, his master, while strict, had never been frustrated with him. He taught him over and over again without complaint…

Eventually, Qiao Xuan began to feel that as long as he stayed by his master’s side, it didn’t matter if he remained a bird forever. It wouldn’t be so bad.

As long as his master was there, even if the sky fell, he wouldn’t be afraid…

For all this time, it had always been his master taking care of him, protecting him.

And he had been so useless, always playing around and getting into trouble…

Of course, someone like him—what would be the point of his master telling him all this? He couldn’t help anyway. In his master’s eyes, he must seem so incompetent.

Even if he had known, what difference would it have made?

But now, Qiao Xuan suddenly didn’t want to be the same as before, always waiting for his master to protect him, always accepting fate without resistance. He didn’t want to simply accept things as they were.

Qiao Xuan’s lips moved slightly, and then he spoke in a hoarse voice, “Master, if the Chaos Seal is broken, is there really no way to reseal it? I know who broke the seal…”

Taichu smiled gently, shaking his head and interrupting him, “After all these tens of thousands of years, the seal’s strength has weakened. This day was always going to come. It doesn’t really matter who broke it.”

Qiao Xuan retorted angrily, “So, by that logic, if the world is bound to be destroyed, then why are we still fighting? Why don’t we just give up and wait for death?!”

Taichu sighed helplessly, looking at him, “Don’t say that. There’s still one seal left, isn’t there? Shu Chen will continue to guard it for me. After I’m gone, I’ll leave Xuanhe Valley to him. Even if one day the past repeats itself, that day will be far, far away…”

Yes, maybe thousands of years later, tens of thousands, or even millions…

By then, maybe I’ll have lived long enough to be tired of it all.

But you don’t have that much time left.

Qiao Xuan clenched his fists and lowered his gaze, “I’m leaving.”

He walked out.

Taking a deep breath.

And letting out a bitter laugh.

Master had thought of everything, even arranged his affairs after death. But Qiao Xuan still couldn’t accept it. He couldn’t face it as calmly. He didn’t have that kind of heart or magnanimity to accept this fate peacefully…

Qiao Xuan abruptly turned and headed toward the valley’s exit.

At the entrance, Shu Chen intercepted him, “Where are you going?”

Qiao Xuan raised an eyebrow, “Perfect timing. Come with me to see Bai Cang. Maybe if we can reseal the Chaos Fire, Master can be saved. What’s the point of staying here?”

Shu Chen immediately grabbed Qiao Xuan’s wrist, frowning, “I told you, don’t go after Bai Cang. You’re no match for him, and going there won’t help…”

Qiao Xuan stared into Shu Chen’s eyes, and suddenly, without warning, asked, “I’ve been wondering since last time—why aren’t you angry? Bai Cang almost destroyed the three realms and indirectly caused Master’s death. Why don’t you want to kill him? Why don’t you let me go after him? Why are you so calm? And how do you know it’s pointless if we haven’t even tried… Don’t you care enough to try? Are you really willing to just accept this?”

Shu Chen’s face paled slightly, and he lowered his eyes, “I just don’t want you to take unnecessary risks or do anything pointless.”

Qiao Xuan sneered, “Oh, is that so?”

Shu Chen tightened his grip on Qiao Xuan’s wrist, speaking slowly and deliberately, “This is fate. Don’t be too fixated… If something happens to you, Senior Brother won’t be able to rest easy. Do you really want to add to his worries at a time like this?”

Qiao Xuan stared at Shu Chen for a long time. Finally, he said, “Fine. I won’t go. You can let go now.”

Shu Chen seemed unsure, asking, “Really?”

Qiao Xuan forced a smile, “You’re right. I’m no match for Bai Cang. I barely escaped last time. Why would I walk into a trap? I’m not going anywhere. Master doesn’t have much time left. I just want to spend it with him.”

Seeing no sign of deception, Shu Chen finally relaxed his grip, his voice softening, “I’m glad you understand.”

Qiao Xuan shook his head, “Sorry, I won’t make you worry anymore.”

Together, they returned to the valley.

That night, Qiao Xuan sat alone in his room, the door shut tightly.

Sitting cross-legged on his bed, he suddenly opened his eyes in the middle of the night, a dark, unreadable expression on his face… He had to see Bai Cang again, to find out what had truly happened.

His master was running out of time. How could he just sit back and do nothing?

He couldn’t.

Determined, Qiao Xuan’s gaze sharpened. With a wave of his hand, a golden feather dropped to the ground, transforming into a handsome young man… The external avatar technique was something he now performed effortlessly, far easier than it had been in the past.

…

In the Demon Palace of the Western Desolation Territory, Bai Cang sat alone in the vast and empty grand hall, absentmindedly holding a golden feather in his hand, staring at it.

There was a hint of longing and nostalgia in his eyes.

Suddenly, a soft laugh echoed through the hall. Goddess Ruohua stood at a distance, covering her mouth as she chuckled, “Why the sudden change of heart, Your Excellency? Are you willing to let Qiao Xuan go now?”

Bai Cang coldly lifted his gaze, “That’s none of your concern.”

Ruohua sighed softly, “Why be so cold, Your Excellency? I only want to cooperate with you. Are you truly unwilling to come with me to the Heavenly Realm? If we open the final seal, we’ll be invincible. Whatever you desire will be within reach.”

Bai Cang’s sharp gaze fell on Ruohua, his lips curling in mockery, “You’ve been trying to get me to help you break the seal for so long, but I’m curious… Is it really just for power?”

Ruohua’s eyes flickered slightly, “Why do you ask that? As cultivators, Your Excellency should know better than anyone that in a place as ruthless as the Western Desolation Territory, only power in your own hands is truly reliable. What’s so strange about wanting to become stronger?”

“Of course it’s strange…” Bai Cang’s voice was slow and deliberate, laden with meaning, “Back in that ancient ruin, though we both obtained a wisp of demonic flame, the seal remained intact. Yet now, according to you, the seals in both the Mortal and Underworld Realms have been broken. Clearly, the seal isn’t as difficult to break as it seems. With your current power, you could easily break the final seal on your own. So why do you insist on having me do it? Or could it be… that you aren’t the one who broke the other seals?”

Ruohua’s expression finally changed, her eyes narrowing as she looked at Bai Cang.

“And in all my years, I’ve learned one truth: there’s no such thing as a free gift in this world. Invincibility and immortality—such grand temptations… What will I have to pay in return if I want them?” Bai Cang’s voice was cold and sinister, “Why don’t you enlighten me today, Goddess?”

Ruohua stared at him for a long moment before suddenly bursting into laughter, the sound like the tinkling of silver bells. Smiling, she replied, “If even you, Your Excellency, can’t figure it out, how could I possibly know? I’m afraid I can’t provide you with an answer.”

Bai Cang shook his head, “If that’s the case, then leave. We walk different paths, and we’ll never see eye to eye. Don’t come back.”

Ruohua’s gaze turned distant, thoughtful.

Her figure gradually faded from the hall.

Bai Cang stepped outside alone.

He lifted his eyes to the deep night sky, narrowing them as memories from five hundred years ago surfaced in his mind.

Back then, he had already dominated the Western Desolation Territory. But no matter how thoroughly he searched, he couldn’t find a way to revive Qing Xun. Qing Xun had sacrificed herself to save him, giving up all her blood essence, her soul scattering. She had been dead for so long, and though there were many dark arts in the Western Desolation Territory, none could retrieve her soul. He had even ventured into the Underworld, battling with Xue Ming, but to no avail…

Finally, he wandered the Mortal Realm and came to the Nanyue Kingdom.

Due to an accident, he stumbled into an ancient ruin. Though it seemed ancient, it was still incredibly dangerous, a relic left by a powerful figure known as Sage Emperor Dong Qian. Bai Cang narrowly survived in the ruins, eventually being pulled into a deep abyss. There, he met Ruohua, who had also been drawn in, as well as a strange, mysterious seal that resembled a water-like barrier.

Inside, a flame was sealed.

It was this flame that had drawn them there. Mesmerized, as if under a spell, Bai Cang approached it…

It felt like falling into a dream.

Bai Cang frowned, pulling himself from his thoughts. He opened his palm, where a small flame flickered. Though the seal had seemed fragile at the time, it was not something they could break. But the flame had released a small wisp for them through a crack…

Bai Cang knew this was only a taste of the power that awaited. Once he experienced the flame’s strength, he would inevitably become its prisoner, driven to open all the seals…

But he had never believed in free rewards falling from the sky. Though it was just a small flame, it had taken him hundreds of years to refine and control even a portion of it.

Its initial power had been terrifying.

This flame, along with that ancient ruin and the long-forgotten Sage Emperor Dong Qian… could such a terrifying existence really be unleashed into the world?

He had already made many mistakes.

He had hurt the ones he loved.

How could he make the same mistake again?

Bai Cang walked slowly through the hall when footsteps suddenly echoed ahead. Ji Xiao hurried over, taking a deep breath and reporting, “Your Excellency, Young Master Qiao has returned.”

Bai Cang stopped in his tracks, disbelief flashing in his eyes, “What did you say?”

Ji Xiao, though surprised himself, kept his composure and repeated, “Young Master Qiao has returned. He’s waiting outside.”

Bai Cang’s expression shifted, and after a moment of silence, he strode forward.

Qiao Xuan stood quietly in front of the Demon Palace, ignoring the countless demon cultivators around him. From a distance, his figure stood alone, tall and proud.

He heard the approaching footsteps and slowly turned to look at Bai Cang.

Bai Cang stopped not far away, his gaze complicated.

Ji Xiao quickly ushered the surrounding demon cultivators away, knowing that His Excellency didn’t want any disturbances at this moment.

Finally, Bai Cang’s hoarse voice broke the silence, “Why have you returned?”