Jiang Wuji may have had many ideological conflicts with him, but ultimately, both shared the same dream and hated evil with a passion, able to stand on the same front line.

So, for Jin, Jiang Wuji was always someone worth describing.

Their relationship was no longer just mentor and student but more like comrades who have fought side by side for decades.

"My time is running out."

He held his chest, trying his best to keep his tone calm.

"So in the end, I still want to give some instructions to you...to my students."

"Wuji."

He gently stretched out his hand, and Jiang Wuji immediately reacted, quickly grasping Jin's hand.

"I've always known that although your personality appears easygoing on the surface, there's a flame burning inside you that will never go out."

"Because of this, I've always trusted you...I also know you have never agreed with my path and have your own ideas, but now, those disagreements aren't important. I have come to realize that everyone will eventually die, and if I were to constrain my disciple's thoughts, it would essentially violate the founding principles of the Equality Association."

"So... as for what happens later, I will not force you to make a choice, decide your own fate."

"..."

Jiang Wuji did not say anything, just paused for a moment and softly said, "I will protect your life's work. As long as I'm here, the Equality Association will never change."

Jin pulled at the corners of his mouth, revealing a somewhat difficult smile.

"Don't force yourself."

Afterward, he turned his gaze to Vitinya and Tang Jin.

"Vini, Tang Jin."

"I actually always felt that there isn't such a large conflict between us."

"Ideals and family don't necessarily require choosing one."

"Of course, I still say the same—I'll respect each of your choices, just like with your senior brother, I won't force you to choose a path for your future."

"Real ideals cannot be achieved through coercion."

"..."

The two also remained wordless.

They had both betrayed Jin before and were considered "traitors" of the entire Equality Association.

But Jin never blamed them.

Because in this world, there are few who can always stick to their original intentions. Most people have various desires and expectations, even he could not demand his students to align with him.

However, having said this, the two naturally would not mention their betrayal again, instead silently bowing their heads, vowing inwardly to assist in the continued development of the Equality Association.

They had already missed once and could not afford to miss again.

Seeing this, Jin gently nodded but did not say much more, just turned to face Chen Zaikun.

"Zaikun, I still remember, this name was given by me."

Chen Zaikun lowered his head.

"That's right, teacher."

"My original name was 'Chen Hou,' and when you found me in the Lower City, you said my name was very down-to-earth and nice, but it lacked the spirit to turn the tide, so you named me 'Chen Zaikun,' meaning bearing the world, and turning Heaven and Earth."

"Unfortunately, I ultimately didn't meet your expectations, teacher, lacking the stature to bear the world and the ability to turn Heaven and Earth."

Hearing this somewhat self-deprecating remark, Jin shook his head.

"You always belittle yourself, Zaikun, there is no need for it because, in my eyes, you are someone who truly possesses great wisdom, capable of bearing responsibility."

"I have indeed always had some regret regarding you. Since taking you in, besides providing you with some money and body-strengthening techniques, I haven't paid much attention to you, but you've still grown to a level comparable to your senior brother; you have never been someone who 'rests under a big tree for shade,' but a stalwart man, the tree itself."

"I cannot see what the future holds, but I believe, with you and Wuji, the Equality Association will eventually carve out its own unique path."

"So, Zaikun, go ahead and act boldly. No one will stop you, nor will anyone obstruct you."

"..."

Chen Zaikun's body trembled slightly, unsure whether it was due to being moved by the recognition from his teacher or excitement.

He remained silent for a long time before nodding.

"Rest assured, teacher."

"I will bear the responsibility, regardless of how, I will do it. I promise you."

Hearing this, Jin smiled happily.

In his final moments, this old man truly didn't want to add further sorrow, so he did his best to keep smiling.

"Lastly, Ah You."

Jin looked at Yun You, his eyes instantly softening.

If there was someone among his disciples he couldn't let go of, it would undoubtedly be Yun You.

The little girl was very strong, but essentially still a sixteen or seventeen-year-old child, as an elder, Jin indeed still felt somewhat uneasy.

"Ah You..."

For some reason, he repeated Yun You's name.

Seeing this, the little girl paused slightly but immediately reacted...

The old man's condition had worsened again.

She hurriedly grasped Jin's cold hand.

"Ah You, I know you're a good child who cherishes memories."

"But...don't keep looking back, at those, the shed blood and fallen people."

"They are worth remembering, but cannot become your...burden."

Yun You's heart felt as if it had been tightly twisted, knowing well what Jin referred to—those deaths she had witnessed, those sacrifices.

Once upon a time, Yun You cared so much about the past that after avenging her parents, she lost the will to live.

"They are too heavy."

Jin's gaze locked onto her, almost pleadingly.

"They will weigh you down and prevent you from moving forward. So, look ahead."

"The road ahead may be dark, may be unclear, but...as long as you strive, you'll always see some light."

"Teacher, I understand..."

Yun You's throat was somewhat sore, nodding vigorously as tears unwittingly welled up in her eyes.

"I understand everything, rest assured, I will look ahead, now I'm no longer held back by the past."

Upon hearing this, Jin seemed to slightly breathe a sigh of relief, but the heaviness in his eyes did not diminish, instead, gazing at her more deeply.

That gaze was no longer of a loving elder, but more of a leader surveying their successor.

He spoke again with difficulty, yet his voice was deeper.

"Nest City No. 3, those people downstairs, the entire 'Equality Association'..."

Effortfully, he gestured with his chin, signaling towards the window, perhaps referring to the entire organization, and all those currently living under their protection.

"They cannot disperse, cannot become chaotic."

"Someone has to step up...to stabilize...the situation..."

He gasped, his chest heaving violently, the ventilator sounding a shrill alarm for a moment, before drifting back into the monotonous "hissing" noise.

A nearby doctor guard approached with concern, but Jin gestured for them not to come over, knowing better than anyone his current state; he didn't have much time left, rather than lingering aimlessly, it was better to clarify things once.

"This burden..."

Jin mumbled, "Ah You, only you, cannot hide, cannot retreat..."

At these words, everyone present was stunned.

Though Jin didn't state it directly, they understood his implication.

He intended to pass the leadership role to Yun You!

Maybe everyone had been somewhat prepared for this, but realizing this fact still left them in disbelief.

Yun You had been by Jin's side the shortest amount of time, and she was the youngest among all the students.

Why could she become the leader? Why did Jin choose her?

The group was perplexed and unconvinced.

Yet Jin neither cared nor had spare strength to care, instead silently...voicing what lay in his heart.