Shu Chen stared at Qiao Xuan, his expression slowly becoming serious as he spoke, “Stop thinking about it.”

Qiao Xuan raised an eyebrow and said, “You know what I’m thinking?”

Shu Chen replied, “You want to use the Chaos Flame to fight against the Heavenly Dao. If that’s the idea you have, I advise you to give it up soon. That’s not a power you can control…”

Qiao Xuan giggled, “You’re overthinking it. I’m just… tired, I’m heading back now…” With that, he staggered, drunk, as he walked away.

Shu Chen grabbed his wrist, frowning as he said in a deep voice, “Are you really not…”

Before Shu Chen could finish, Qiao Xuan turned his head and simply collapsed onto Shu Chen, closing his eyes and falling asleep.

Seeing Qiao Xuan in such a drunken state, Shu Chen sighed helplessly. After a moment, he smiled bitterly and carefully picked him up, carrying him back.

Outside Qiao Xuan’s house, Xue Ming, in his white wolf form, lazily lay there as if he hadn’t moved all night. When he saw Shu Chen carrying Qiao Xuan back, he wasn’t surprised. He merely gave Shu Chen a cold glance and moved aside.

Shu Chen carefully placed Qiao Xuan on the bed, covering him with a blanket. After a long, complex look at him, Shu Chen left the room.

As Shu Chen stepped out, Xue Ming’s golden eyes flickered before he asked in a deep voice, “He went to see Tai Chu?”

Shu Chen nodded.

Xue Ming lowered his head again, closing his eyes, and continued to rest.

Shu Chen, a bit surprised, asked, “You don’t have any questions?”

Xue Ming cracked open his eyes slightly, speaking indifferently, “Where he wants to go, what he wants to do, I’ll be by his side. I don’t care about anything else.”

Shu Chen was stunned for a moment.

…

Qiao Xuan lay in bed with his eyes open, the morning light seeping through the cracks in the window. He squinted slightly.

After a night, his head still hurt a little.

However, he hadn’t forgotten anything. He remembered everything clearly.

Shu Chen’s words had indeed given him an idea, but this wasn’t something he could act on impulsively. It was far too risky. As for the power of the World-Ending Flame, Qiao Xuan had witnessed its strength firsthand. If things went wrong, not only could he lose his life, but he might also end up as the criminal responsible for the destruction of heaven and earth.

So he needed to plan carefully.

The Chaos Flame had come to him twice before without him doing anything, which showed that over the years, the power of the seals had indeed weakened. But that was for the other two seals. Sage Emperor Dong Qian and Emperor Fu Yi had long since died…

This last seal must be in his master’s Xuanhe Valley, where his master personally guarded it. Opening it wouldn’t be as easy as before.

But that was only the first step…

Qiao Xuan’s goal wasn’t to destroy the world. He just wanted to obtain leverage to negotiate with the Heavenly Dao. So he needed to make preparations.

After pondering for a long time, Qiao Xuan suddenly sat up and walked outside.

Xue Ming lay on the ground, as if he hadn’t moved all night. When he saw Qiao Xuan emerge, he opened his eyes and glanced at him.

Qiao Xuan reached out and patted the giant wolf’s head, speaking softly, “I’ve thought of a way to save Master, but it’s quite dangerous. I’m not sure if it’ll work…”

Xue Ming responded, “I’ll help you.”

Qiao Xuan was stunned, “Aren’t you even going to ask what I plan to do…?”

Xue Ming lazily replied, “Does it matter?”

Qiao Xuan stared at him for a while, then smiled. Of course, Xue Ming had always been like this—never questioning any of his decisions, never asking or probing, just silently staying by his side.

Thank you.

After calming himself, Qiao Xuan said with a smile, “I need to go out for a bit. I’ll be back in a few days.”

Xue Ming asked, “Do you need me to come with you?”

Qiao Xuan replied, “No.”

What he needed to do was better done alone.

…

The Cloud Sea Heavenly Palace, where Hua Lan resided, had been rather quiet lately.

The Emperor had been refusing visitors for some time, so no one had come. A few celestial servants guarding the entrance had nothing to do but chat.

“The Emperor has been turning people away for a long time now. Could it be he’s preparing to go into seclusion?”

“No idea. Ever since he came back from the banquet at the Buddha’s place, he hasn’t seemed to be in a good mood.”

“I know why! It’s said that the Emperor has feelings for someone, and that person used to be Sword Master Qing Heng’s Dao companion. The Emperor almost fought with the Sword Master at the banquet.”

“Really? If that’s true, the Palace Mistress Mi Yun must be furious.”

“Of course! But it’s been a while since anyone’s seen the Palace Mistress. Maybe she’s gone into seclusion too?”

The celestial servants were eagerly discussing the matter. It had only been a few months, but there were already various rumors circulating outside, including all kinds of stories about Qiao Xuan’s identity. Some said he was the last phoenix in the Three Realms!

The gossip in the Heavenly Realm was really quite interesting.

“So there’s still a phoenix in the Three Realms. If it’s a phoenix, that would actually make a good match for the Emperor.”

“But that phoenix has no shortage of admirers…”

“Who do you think the phoenix likes more—the Emperor or the Sword Master?”

The discussion heated up.

Suddenly, the palace bell rang, signaling a visitor.

The celestial servants stopped their chatter, and two of them hurried to the side door, asking respectfully, “Who might this honored immortal be?”

Qiao Xuan stood at the entrance of the palace, nodding with a smile, “Xuanhe Valley, Qiao Xuan.”

The celestial servant was momentarily stunned. This young man looked unfamiliar, and his name didn’t ring a bell. He seemed like an unknown little immortal. What was he doing here at the Cloud Sea Heavenly Palace? Even the most renowned gods weren’t being seen at the moment. Following the Emperor’s instructions, the servant said, “The Emperor is not receiving guests. Please leave.”

Qiao Xuan wasn’t in a hurry. He smiled and said, “Could you please inform him? The Emperor should be willing to see me.”

The celestial servant grew impatient. Who did this guy think he was? Did he expect the Emperor to entertain everyone who came calling? Even other gods were being turned away. If he had to pass on every message like this, the Emperor would be furious!

Though the servant’s expression cooled, his tone remained polite, “The Emperor has given strict orders not to receive anyone at this time…”

As he spoke, the other servant, who had been watching Qiao Xuan closely, suddenly seemed to remember something. Nudging his companion, he whispered, “Wait, Qiao Xuan… I’ve heard that name before!”

The servant raised his head to look at Qiao Xuan again, asking respectfully, “Are you the Phoenix God from Xuanhe Valley?”

Qiao Xuan nodded.

The celestial servants were immediately stunned, staring at him in disbelief.

The quicker-thinking servant quickly smiled and said, “Please wait a moment, I’ll go inform the Emperor.”

Even though the Emperor had said no visitors, this was the Emperor’s beloved! The one who had almost caused a public fight with the Sword Master at the banquet and strained the Emperor’s long-standing relationship with Mi Yun Palace Mistress… This whole period of seclusion could very well be due to a broken heart! Now, with the one on the Emperor’s mind standing at the door, turning him away would be disastrous!

Qiao Xuan waited outside for only a short while before the servant returned to respectfully escort him inside.

But instead of leading him to the main hall, they took him through twists and turns to a hidden forbidden area—the same place where Qiao Xuan had first discovered the puppet on his earlier visit. Then, the servant quietly withdrew.

The forbidden area hadn’t changed. It was still designed to resemble the house from Qiao Xuan’s past life in the mortal world, but now, there were no restrictions.

Qiao Xuan strolled leisurely into a secluded courtyard.

Hua Lan sat alone at a stone table beneath an osmanthus tree. When he saw Qiao Xuan approach, he put down his wine cup and spoke with a complex expression, “Why did you come?”

Qiao Xuan looked around but didn’t see the puppet from before. Perhaps it had been hidden away since he was here.

Of course, facing your lover’s puppet would be rather awkward…

Hua Lan seemed to guess what was on his mind and said softly, “Since the person is still here, there’s no need to rely on objects to remember them.”

Qiao Xuan was stunned for a moment, then smiled, “True.”

The two of them fell silent.

Qiao Xuan, seeing Hua Lan’s quiet demeanor, sighed and sat across from him, “Actually, I lied to you before about cultivating the Path of Emotionlessness.”

Back when they had met in the mortal realm in Nanyue Kingdom, Qiao Xuan had pretended to be detached from emotions to deter Hua Lan’s feelings, hoping he would let go.

Hua Lan’s gaze shifted, his voice low and hoarse, “Oh? Then why are you telling me now?”

Qiao Xuan replied, “I’ve come to ask the Emperor for something. Since I need your help, I ought to be honest.”

Hua Lan looked at Qiao Xuan intently.

Qiao Xuan explained everything he knew—about the ancient World-Ending Chaos Flame, the secret of the Three Realms’ reincarnation, and how Tai Chu had fused with the Heavenly Dao to guard the seal. He also told Hua Lan that the ruins in Nanyue Kingdom were left by the ancient Sage Emperor Dong Qian.

The Chaos Flame had been split into three parts and sealed. If the seals were all broken and the Chaos consciousness merged with the Chaos Flame, another world-ending disaster would occur.

Hua Lan listened in surprise, realizing the truth about the cycle of reincarnation in the Three Realms.

Once Hua Lan had digested the information, Qiao Xuan calmly said, “I am the Chaos consciousness, and that’s why the Heavenly Dao wants me dead. I almost died under the Heavenly Tribulation… My master saved me by sending me through seven lifetimes of reincarnation, one of which was with you.”

Hua Lan finally understood and let out a bitter laugh. So, he was merely one of Qiao Xuan’s seven love tribulations.

Qiao Xuan shook his head and smiled, “So, these tribulations weren’t about cultivating anything. I was just trying to survive each time, but as you can see, I didn’t have much luck.”

Hua Lan’s lips curled in self-mockery, “So, the Heavenly Dao used me to bring you disaster.”

Qiao Xuan blinked, “You could say that. But I don’t really mind.”

Hua Lan’s expression soured.

Yes, there was no Path of Emotionlessness. No love, no hate.

He simply didn’t care.

That’s all there was to it.

Hua Lan lowered his gaze, his voice hoarse, “I understand. So, what do you want me to do?”

Qiao Xuan replied slowly, “My master is about to die. Heaven has decreed his death, and he cannot escape it. But I want to save him, to gamble on my luck…”

He stood up and leaned close to Hua Lan, whispering something in his ear.

Hua Lan’s face changed dramatically. He grabbed Qiao Xuan’s arm, exclaiming, “Are you crazy?!”

Qiao Xuan smiled brightly, his eyes shining, “Of course not. I’ve thought about it for a long time before coming up with this plan.”

Hua Lan’s expression was grave, “Do you realize how dangerous this is? It’s not just you at risk—it concerns the Three Realms! You…”

Qiao Xuan spoke casually, “I know. I don’t want to die either, which is why I’m asking for your help. Would you be willing to lend a hand?”

Hua Lan looked at him, eyes filled with sorrow and resignation.

To you, it’s just one lifetime’s tribulation, but what about the feelings we shared in that life? Weren’t they real? Why can you so easily let go of me, but for Tai Chu, you’re willing to go this far…

I don’t know if you’re deeply in love or utterly heartless.

Seeing Hua Lan’s conflicted expression, Qiao Xuan sighed and said, “I know this is difficult for you, but if I had any other choice, I wouldn’t ask. Don’t worry, even if I die, I won’t bring disaster to the Three Realms.”

Hua Lan’s voice trembled, “You know that’s not all I care about…”

Qiao Xuan looked at him steadily, then softly said, “Your Majesty, I’ve always known you care about me.”

Hua Lan was visibly shaken, never expecting Qiao Xuan to address him like that.

Qiao Xuan’s gaze was gentle, “I know my request puts you in a tough spot. But you once promised me something and never fulfilled it… After all these years, in a new life, I’d like to ask Your Majesty for a favor. Will you grant it?”

Hua Lan looked at the youth in front of him, pained by how Qiao Xuan’s words, looks, and pleas seemed to make it impossible for him to refuse.

So this is your choice.

For Tai Chu, you would go this far, even asking me for help…

It’s not that you’re incapable of love, but sadly, I’m not the one you love.

Hua Lan smiled bitterly and, after a long pause, nodded slowly.

A thousand years ago, I watched you die in the sea of flames and couldn’t fulfill my promise to you. How can I refuse you now?

…

After leaving the Cloud Sea Heavenly Palace, Qiao Xuan flew for over a month, asking many immortals along the way, before finally arriving at the gates of the Guiyuan Sword Sect in the Heavenly Realm.

He looked up at the immortal-filled mountain range before him.

The Guiyuan Sword Sect’s territory was vast, spanning a thousand miles with no trace of human habitation.

Qiao Xuan had never been here before and wasn’t familiar with the place, unsure of how to enter. So, he wandered around outside for a while.

Fortunately, his luck wasn’t bad. Before long, he encountered two patrolling disciples.

Both disciples wore identical white robes and carried long swords on their backs. They looked at Qiao Xuan with suspicion, asking, “Who are you?”

Qiao Xuan smiled and cupped his hands in greeting, “I’m Qiao Xuan from Xuanhe Valley, here to see Sword Master Qing Heng.”

One of the disciples replied impatiently, “The Sword Master is in seclusion and not seeing anyone.”

It seemed like they hadn’t heard of him. The sword cultivators here were so isolated from the world. How out of touch were they! If it was going to be like this, it would be difficult to see Jiang Weiqing directly.

It was hard to imagine that back when he first arrived in the Heavenly Realm, Wu Zimo—who was such a know-it-all—had been a disciple of Guiyuan Sword Sect…

“This is the Guiyuan Sword Sect’s territory. If you have no other business, please leave,” the patrolling disciple said sternly.

Qiao Xuan was turned away, rubbing his forehead in frustration.

Of course, he couldn’t just leave. It was impossible to expect these two disciples to pass on his message, but Guiyuan Sword Sect was one of the most prestigious sects in the Heavenly Realm. He didn’t have the power to barge in on his own. It was disappointing to be stopped at the gate like this. Qiao Xuan frowned in thought.

The disciple, seeing Qiao Xuan still lingering, grew stern and urged, “Please leave immediately!”

Such tight security…

Suddenly, Qiao Xuan clapped his hands, thinking of an idea! He waved his hand, and the Gu Yuan Sword appeared in his grip!

The disciple saw that not only was Qiao Xuan not leaving, but he had also suddenly drawn his sword. Alarmed, he drew his own sword and sounded the alarm! This young man seemed formidable, and without a word, he had drawn his weapon. Could he be here to cause trouble for Guiyuan Sword Sect?

Although they didn’t know which bold person from the Heavenly Realm had come to challenge them, they must have some skills to dare do so.

In the blink of an eye, a dozen streaks of light shot over, and the disciples surrounded Qiao Xuan, shouting, “What are you trying to do?!”

Qiao Xuan: “…”

He looked down at the sword in his hand and quickly explained with a smile, “Misunderstanding, misunderstanding, I’m not here to fight.”

But no one believed him.

The tension rose, and the atmosphere grew more dangerous.

Qiao Xuan sighed helplessly. He really didn’t want to fight. He looked down at the sword in his hand.

The Gu Yuan Sword and Jiang Weiqing’s life-bound spirit sword, Ji Guang, were a pair. Once, they had been Dao companions, connected in mind and soul. Even their life-bound swords could sense each other. But after all these lifetimes… He was no longer the Feng Xuan of that time, and he and Jiang Weiqing were no longer Dao companions. By now, they should have no connection…

He wasn’t even sure if this method would work.

No matter, he would give it a try.

Qiao Xuan lightly brushed his hand over the blade of the sword. The sword let out a clear ring, sending out a wave of energy…

The disciples, seeing Qiao Xuan move his sword, immediately grew tense and attacked without hesitation!

Qiao Xuan quickly spun around, striking out with his sword and knocking the disciples away. After all, he was an adult phoenix, and these ordinary disciples were no match for him.

With just one move, the disciples were all shocked, realizing how powerful this young man was.

As they were about to call for reinforcements from the elders, a white figure shot over like a streak of light and appeared in front of them.

The disciples were stunned and immediately bowed in greeting, “Sword Master.”

Seeing Jiang Weiqing arrive, they all breathed a sigh of relief. No matter how strong this young man was, he couldn’t possibly be a match for the Sword Master. But… it was strange that the Sword Master had arrived before they had even called for help. Wasn’t that a bit too coincidental?

Something seemed off…

As the disciples stood there puzzled, they saw Jiang Weiqing staring directly at Qiao Xuan, a complicated expression on his face as he sighed, “I thought you’d never come to see me again.”

The disciples: … Wait, what? They’re old acquaintances?!

Jiang Weiqing gazed at Qiao Xuan in silence, his expression dark and complex.

Since their parting at the Northern Burial Sea, his Dao heart had been shattered. He returned to Guiyuan Sword Sect and went into seclusion, cutting himself off from the world. But when he felt the call of the Gu Yuan Sword, he couldn’t help but show up.

Qiao Xuan sheathed his sword and smiled slightly, “Shall we talk?”

Jiang Weiqing nodded, “Alright.”

This time, no one stopped them. Under the curious gazes of the onlookers, Qiao Xuan casually followed Jiang Weiqing into Guiyuan Sword Sect, looking around curiously at what was known as the Heavenly Realm’s top sword sect.

Back in that lifetime, if he hadn’t been so useless, he would have ascended and joined this sect.

Jiang Weiqing’s secluded mountain peak was desolate, with no signs of human presence. There was only a simple bamboo courtyard. He lowered his gaze and said faintly, “The place is simple. Forgive me.”

Qiao Xuan smiled, “No worries. I just have a few things to say before I leave.”

Jiang Weiqing nodded, “Speak. If it’s something I can do, I won’t refuse.”

Qiao Xuan raised an eyebrow.

Jiang Weiqing smiled bitterly, “If it wasn’t something you needed, you wouldn’t have come to see me. And…”

And it must be something difficult, something that would make you come to me.

Qiao Xuan chuckled. Talking to a smart person was so much easier—no need for extra words.

“Everyone says that Sword Master Qing Heng is the top sword cultivator in the world, capable of reaching the divine with a single sword and slaying anything in his path. Just with a sword, you ascended to the position of a god…” Qiao Xuan began slowly, “Your mastery of the sword is universally acknowledged.”

“It’s just others overpraising me. I’m still far from truly understanding the limits of the Heavenly Dao…” Jiang Weiqing replied calmly, “And I’m destined to stop here, unable to progress any further. You know that, don’t you?”

Qiao Xuan nodded, “I understand. That’s why I’ve come to ask you for a favor. If it works, it’ll be a win-win for both of us.”

Jiang Weiqing looked at him.

“This is a long story, so bear with me…” Qiao Xuan sat down and poured himself a cup of tea, then explained the whole story about the cycle of reincarnation in the Three Realms and the Chaos Flame.

Jiang Weiqing listened with a calm expression. When Qiao Xuan finished, he responded in a detached tone, “The Three Realms follow the cycle of reincarnation. Even the Heavenly Dao is powerless against it. So that’s how it is.”

“I don’t care about the cycle of reincarnation or the Heavenly Dao, but I want to save my master. I plan to break the final seal, but it’s incredibly risky, and I don’t think I can come out of it unscathed…” Qiao Xuan paused, then smiled, “Just in case, if I fail, I want you to kill me. That way, I won’t really become a threat to the world.”

Jiang Weiqing’s expression finally changed. He stared at Qiao Xuan, a mix of anger and sadness in his eyes.

Qiao Xuan seemed not to notice and continued calmly, “If you agree to this, no matter the outcome, the grudges from our past life will be wiped clean. You’ll owe me nothing.”

Jiang Weiqing’s face turned pale, his lips trembling slightly.

Qiao Xuan met his gaze and said firmly, “Once I forgive you, you’ll be able to let go of yourself as well. Your Dao heart will no longer be hindered, and you might even have the chance to advance further. Isn’t this a win-win for both of us?”

Jiang Weiqing took a deep breath and let out a bitter laugh, “Yes, it truly is a win-win.”

You want to save someone else, yet you’re asking me to kill you…

To kill you again…

And then say it’s my redemption, that I’ll owe you nothing, wiping away my guilt.

How cruel.

Qiao Xuan looked at Jiang Weiqing and said softly, “Don’t worry, I’m very fond of my life. I don’t want to die. If I succeed, you won’t need to lift a finger. In any case… as long as you come along, everything I’ve said will hold true. What do you think?”

“You just said you wouldn’t refuse anything within your power, didn’t you? Are you going back on your word now?” Qiao Xuan raised an eyebrow, staring deeply at him.

Jiang Weiqing swallowed hard, his throat bobbing, as he looked at the youth before him with pain in his eyes.

The boy was still smiling…

After a long time, Jiang Weiqing closed his eyes and, with great effort, said a single word: “Alright.”

If that’s what you want.

I’ll agree.