Simulated immortality allows me to calculate talent stats.

"To attain the Dao..."

This isn't the first time you've heard of the Daoist cultivation system.

[In the last simulation, we encountered top-tier human combat power, fought against Celestials and Void Breakers, and even confronted a projection in the sky.]

[I have a general understanding of various cultivation systems outside of martial arts.]

But when the old Taoist priest said it, the meaning was completely different.

You can sense the sublime and profound realm of that state from the words "harmony with the Dao."

"Master, what path do you follow?"

[You immediately inquired out of curiosity, "This old Taoist's character must be extraordinary; his attainment of the Dao must be exceptional."]

[Otherwise, how could they possess such terrifying combat power?]

"Lei Quan?"

You can't help but guess.

The old Taoist priest shook his head; his ancient, weathered face was serene, inspiring a sense of profound reverence.

"I have not attained enlightenment."

[The experienced man's answer will surprise you.]

"Has he not attained enlightenment?"

[You sound surprised, as if you really want to tease him: Master, you're not good at this either, only a minor Divine Travel at the sixth realm.]

[But I witnessed him wielding the power of divine retribution and defying the heavens.]

I just can't say that sentence.

Instead, my heart was filled with turbulent emotions.

[If one has not yet attained the Dao, how can one enter the seventh realm of the Dao Palace?]

How did they acquire their current status and formidable combat power?

The old Taoist priest's face was slightly lowered, his features blurred by the firelight, the light and shadow shifting.

"I have not yet attained the Dao, nor can I. This matter cannot be stated clearly for now. You will understand when the opportunity arises in the future."

"Tsk..."

You grinned, "When did this old Taoist priest take to riddles?"

[Don't dwell on it. The first time you encounter something like this, you'll feel frustrated; the second time, you'll feel stifled; but the third time... the fourth time...]

I've gotten used to it, and I understand.

This world is filled with too many strange and supernatural things, existing not only in the human world and the heavens, but also spanning the present and the distant past.

Many things cannot be said frankly, for fear of attracting the scrutiny of the unknown.

Just like whispering a few words behind someone's back can bring about a severe punishment that strikes right to the top of one's head.

[What could make the old Taoist priest so wary and cautious?]

[This is bound to be even more troublesome than Wei Zhi's fate as a femme fatale.]

You changed the subject: "Then how did you, Master, acquire unparalleled combat power in the mortal realm?"

[If one hasn't attained the Dao and entered the Seventh Realm, how can one possibly skip directly to the Eighth Realm?]

As for the eight realms of the Dao Mansion system...

[Then one becomes an immortal.]

[The Eighth Realm of Martial Arts shatters the void; the Eighth Realm of Daoist Ascension leads to immortality.]

This is a transformation that transcends dimensional levels.

The old Taoist chuckled, raised his head, and the shadow of the orange-red firelight sculpted deep and brilliant angles into his face.

"Yu Jing, do you know that although cultivation level is linked to combat power, and the higher the cultivation level, the greater the destructive power, conversely..."

"True skill level is also a limitation on combat power."

【"limit?"】

Your eyes widened slightly; it was the first time you'd heard such a claim.

You might dismiss this with just anyone, but the old man's words force you to think deeply.

Regardless of the cultivation system, the most authoritative benchmark for measuring its strength is its cultivation realm.

[Seven Realms of Celestial Harmony, One Realm of Body Tempering.]

That's the difference between the noble and the petty.

But the old Taoist priest said that one's cultivation level can also limit one's combat power...

If such a path truly existed, you should have said so earlier.

Why strive so hard to achieve breakthroughs? Perhaps you can better unleash your talents on this unconventional path.

[His thoughts are playful and imaginative.]

[Finally, everything came together; now we await the old Taoist's answer.]

"That's right, it's a restriction."

"The path of cultivation, if traced back, goes to an unknown and ancient era."

"In the beginning of time, heaven and earth were created, and all things began to awaken."

["What defines the system and the division of realms?"]

Seeing the old Taoist priest looking over, seemingly considering you, you guessed, "Taoist Ancestor, Sage, Buddha... Immortal Venerable."

You have provided your own answer.

[Taoist Ancestor, Sage, Buddha.]

[These correspond to Taoism, Confucianism, and Buddhism, respectively.]

[This also represents the highest level of faith that each person worships and offers sacrifices to.]

[As for "Immortal Venerable," that's your conjecture about immortal cultivation based on Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism.]

"As for martial arts..."

[Your brow is slightly furrowed; martial arts are most widely practiced, with the largest number of practitioners, encompassing ninety percent of all cultivators in the mortal realm.]

As for who created it and where it originated, there is really no definitive answer.

[Because the various stories and anecdotes circulating among the people alone could fill a book.]

The old Taoist priest neither nodded nor rejected your answer.

[He glanced longingly at the finished roast chicken.]

[You immediately understood, and kicked Xu Kun, who was squatting there listening intently, seemingly lost in thought.]

"Go, catch a few more to offer as tribute to Master."

Xu Kun meowed in dissatisfaction, feeling that listening to it a little longer would awaken memories from his ancient past.

However, seeing the old Taoist's expression, it became clear that without giving him roast chicken, he wouldn't be able to continue listening to the story.

【call out!】

[It disappeared into the darkness like a black streak of light, returning moments later with three cleaned pheasants.]

When the roast chicken sizzles over the campfire, releasing its rich, caramelized aroma...

The experienced man leisurely picked it up, took a bite, and savored it slowly.

He thoroughly enjoyed the expectant looks from you and your cat. You were clearly in a hurry, but didn't dare rush him, quietly watching him play PUBG.

【suck!】

The old Taoist priest took a satisfying sip of the chicken head.

He slowly began to speak.

"To whom will the martial arts be passed on...? The answer has already been given to all living beings."

[You feel helpless against the old man's roundabout way of speaking; the only thing you can do is analyze his words.]

The answer has already been given to the people.

[In what way?]

Suddenly, a flash of lightning streaks through your mind.

Who rules over all living beings? Who is the most revered being in this world? And who has established the rules of humankind?

Your tone was calm and even, yet your eyes shone with a fierce, untamed light.

[He uttered two words.]

"The Human Emperor!"

The old Taoist priest smiled and nodded.

You exhale softly.

I felt both shocked and that it was only natural.

[Of the rules governing the human realm, the one you are most familiar with is the restriction on high-level combat power.]

[Heavenly beings are not permitted to remain in the human realm.]

Moreover, the Human Emperor established the Great Cang Dynasty, which has stood for ten thousand years, and the world remains firmly in the hands of the royal family.

Let the world be in turmoil.

The Great Cang royal family possesses an inexplicable composure and certainty.

Even the last simulation.

[With the fall of Nancang, Xiang Che, Chen Chaomang, and Yin Qian joined forces to attack the central courtyard of Dacang.]

[You wielded the power to kill your lord, breached the capital, stormed the imperial city, and ascended to the Taiyuan Palace.]

Even so.

You still felt no fear or trepidation towards this ancient dynasty.

[And the scene behind the gate of Taiyuan Palace...]