Before I Die, Let Me See You One Last Time - Chapter 1:

Chapter 1: Azure Cloud Continent.

On the Azure Cloud Continent, within a quiet courtyard hidden among lush greenery, sunlight filtered through the gaps between the leaves, scattering mottled patterns of light and shadow across the ground.

The pond in the courtyard was crystal clear, its bottom visible at a glance. Colorful carp darted joyfully through the water, scrambling for the fish feed drifting down from above. Splashes rose again and again, accompanied by lively ripples, adding a touch of life to the otherwise tranquil courtyard.

A silver-haired middle-aged man stood by the pond. His posture was upright and imposing, his bearing extraordinary. He gently scattered fish feed from his hand.

Sunlight shimmered faintly on his silver hair. His gaze was deep, as though it could see through the passage of time itself.

Chen Chang’an looked at these longevity fish that had lived for two hundred years, and a bitter smile curved at the corner of his lips. “Unable to develop spiritual intelligence, yet as long as no external force kills you, you can live until the end of time. I truly envy you.”

His eyes grew distant, as if traveling across time and space, recalling the long and complicated journey of his life. “As for me, the strongest in this world, yet I will die before you do.” His voice carried endless sorrow and helplessness, as though he were speaking to fate itself.

Everything in the courtyard seemed unusually calm, but inside Chen Chang’an, waves surged like a violent storm.

He thought of his beloved, a girl who would never grow up. Her departure and stubbornness had filled his heart with powerlessness and grief.

Her leaving home in anger had become a torment that gnawed at him endlessly.

Struggle and helplessness flickered in Chen Chang’an’s eyes.

He knew clearly that he had little time left. The system’s ruthless reminder was like a countdown to the end of his life.

[250 days remaining.]

The system’s voice was cold and merciless, like a piercing northern wind that shattered his last illusions.

Chen Chang’an’s hands trembled as he scattered the final handful of fish feed into the water. Watching the carp feast joyfully, a strange determination rose within him. “I cannot lose to a group of fish.”

He slowly turned and walked toward the house. Each step was heavy and slow, as if every movement was a struggle against destiny itself.

He took out the sound-transmission jade once more and, gathering all his strength, poured his heartfelt words into it. “My wife, I truly have something very important to tell you. Please come back and see me.”

Waiting was long and agonizing. The sky gradually darkened, yet there was still no response from the sound-transmission jade.

Disappointment and bitterness filled Chen Chang’an’s eyes. He lowered his head to look at the jade in his hand, complicated emotions flickering within his gaze.

At last, he let out a long sigh. With a heart ashen as death, he sat on the rooftop, the world before him seeming to lose all its color.

Endless loneliness and sorrow flooded his heart. “System, is there truly no room for change?”

The system’s answer fell upon him like a final verdict.

[No. This world will soon face a great calamity, and your existence is meant to confront it. I told you this clearly long ago. And only if you die will everything you cherish survive.]

Chen Chang’an silently gazed toward the western horizon. The afterglow of the setting sun slowly faded, taking with it his last sliver of hope.

His heart was filled with boundless sorrow, yet at the same time, an inexplicable calm settled over him.

The sky darkened further, night falling like ink. Yet in Chen Chang’an’s eyes, a faint light seemed to flicker.

He knew his time was short, but there was still one final thing he had to do.

Suddenly, a knock sounded at the courtyard gate, breaking the silence.

Chen Chang’an did not turn around. He simply took a deep breath and said calmly, “Come in.”

The door opened gently, and a young woman stepped inside.

She wore a plain white long dress. Her figure was tall and graceful, her features stunningly beautiful. Yet her expression remained unchanged, as if frozen in ice, and her aura carried a chilling coldness.

Her way of walking was peculiar. She deliberately avoided stepping on the gaps between the stone bricks.

As night deepened, Chen Chang’an’s figure on the rooftop seemed to merge with the surrounding dusk. Stars shimmered in the sky, adding a sense of mystery and depth to the quiet night.

“Master, did you need me for something?” Li Bingyun’s voice drifted through the still night air as she looked up toward the rooftop, her eyes filled with boundless admiration and affection for Chen Chang’an.

“Come up.” Chen Chang’an’s voice was gentle and deep, blending into the calm of the night.

Light as a swallow, Li Bingyun rose gracefully beneath the moonlight, like a spirit descending from the heavens, and landed softly beside Chen Chang’an.

“Sit.” Chen Chang’an turned slightly and spoke gently, a trace of fatherly warmth flickering in his eyes.

Li Bingyun obediently sat down beside him. Her gaze was full of reverence and dependence toward her benefactor and master.

Chen Chang’an’s expression grew distant and tender. “Fifty years ago, I saved you from evil men in the marketplace. Seeing how pitiful you were, I brought you back to the sect and raised you. Compared to being my disciple, you are more like my daughter.”

Warmth tinged his voice with memory.

He reached out and gently rubbed Li Bingyun’s hair, as though stroking something precious.

“Thank you for raising me, Master. Bingyun will never forget your kindness!” Li Bingyun’s voice carried deep gratitude and respect. A faint blush appeared on her face from the affectionate gesture.

Then she added seriously, “Master, rub this side too. You were a little off just now.”

Her tone carried a hint of childish stubbornness.

Chen Chang’an smiled faintly, indulgence and helpless affection filling his heart as he gently rubbed her head once more.

In the quiet night, Chen Chang’an’s voice turned slightly solemn. “Bingyun, I called you here this time to ask you for something. For the sake of our many years together, you must promise me.”

“Please speak, Master.” Li Bingyun’s voice was firm and respectful.

“I intend to hand the sect over to you. You will become the sect master.” His words drifted into the night breeze, heavy with reluctance.

His gaze wandered into the distance, his thoughts returning to the Eternal Peace Sect he had founded more than two hundred years ago. It had now become the most powerful cultivation holy land on the continent, worshiped by countless sects.

Li Bingyun froze for a moment, then said anxiously, “Master, I cannot!”

Her voice was filled with unease and doubt in her own ability.

Chen Chang’an fell silent. The stars above seemed to listen quietly to his thoughts.

At last, he took a deep breath and, in a tone close to confession, revealed the secret buried in his heart. “Bingyun, your master… I am going to die.”

His words echoed through the silent night, carrying an indescribable desolation and helplessness.

Everything around them seemed to grow even quieter, as if even heaven and earth mourned.