Simulated immortality allows me to calculate talent stats.

In the grand hall, where orange palace lanterns swayed, you, Pang Hai, and Xu Hui took your seats.

[You review the trajectory patterns from several simulations.]

[Analyze Jiang Bofu's position within the Western Regions' power structure and his relationship with Yin Qian.]

[There is no doubt about Yin Qian, and the faction he belongs to.]

They relied heavily on Jiang Bofu.

[In the previous simulation, after Yin Qian established the Zhou state, Jiang Bofu was appointed prime minister, becoming a powerful minister who controlled the military and political affairs of the Zhou state.]

This was not solely based on Yin Qian's trust in him.

[It's also an affirmation of his abilities, or perhaps... a demand.]

Yin Qian needs Jiang Bofu's abilities.

[It could even be said that Jiang Bofu was the only person capable of helping Yin Qian raise an army to contend for the Mandate of Heaven in terms of military affairs.]

So, why is this puzzling situation occurring?

The cause can only be attributed to one person.

That is... Jiang Bofu.

His relationship with Yin Qian and the forces of the Western Regions is more complex than you imagine.

This was not a conventional loyalty between ruler and subject, but rather a cooperation based on a balance of interests, where each party got what they needed.

This explains why the Western Regions relied heavily on Jiang Bofu and needed his military capabilities.

However, he did not take command of the army at the outset, thus failing to establish a decisive advantage and secure the overall victory.

Because Yin Qian could not fully command Jiang Bofu.

You looked up, your gaze meeting Pang Hai's and Xu Hui's, realizing that they had all guessed this factor.

You hold the wine cup and sway it gently.

[In an enigmatic tone: "What is Jiang Bofu plotting? And what is his background?"]

Pang Hai and Xu Hui gaze at each other, each communicating with their respective first-generation selves within their consciousness.

Then he shook his head.

"Hahaha..."

After Pang Hai finished laughing, his expression turned solemn: "According to my memories from the last reincarnation, Jiang Bofu's origins are unknown."

"His first appearance was to salvage the declining military strength of the Western Regions, demonstrating his military capabilities to rival Han Jing."

After the establishment of the Zhou state, he became a powerful minister, second only to the emperor, controlling the military and political affairs of the Zhou state.

["Before this..."]

Pang Hai scratched his head, and the oppressive aura he had exuded dissipated.

He grinned slightly: "Then we'll know nothing."

After listening to Pang Hai's account, Xu Hui nodded to you in confirmation.

This is exactly what you expected.

[In the last simulation, he was a figure in the State of Chu whose status was almost equal to that of Pang Hai and Xu Hui.]

[Furthermore, they also controlled the Chu state's intelligence system.]

[As for intelligence on powerful figures in the world, Pang Hai and Xu Hui knew the same things you do.]

Xu Hui added, "Because the Chu state and the Western Regions separated the southwest, the two sides had almost no contact."

Therefore, it is impossible to analyze his background from his methods.

【"but……"】

[Xu Hui's eyes flashed with a cold, rational light.]

"One thing is certain."

"That's because his military capabilities are comparable to Han Jing's."

You nodded solemnly.

Xu Hui's words were not empty rhetoric; they contained a profound meaning.

[His military capabilities are on par with Han Jing's; even the first leader, Pang Hai, wouldn't dare claim he could achieve that.]

Therefore, we can have a general idea of ​​Jiang Bofu's identity and background.

【military commander!】

The reason is simple.

[Because if Jiang Bofu were like Han Jing, possessing unparalleled talent and rising to power solely through his own efforts.]

Therefore, the path taken back must have been left behind.

Han Jing fought his way through the most brutal forces in Da Cang, realizing his talent step by step.

[To achieve the might of the Great Azure Army God.]

Looking back on his life, each stage is an epic saga woven with blood.

[Jiang Bofu, on the other hand, was quite the opposite.]

He rose to prominence suddenly, astonishing everyone with his remarkable achievements; his origins are shrouded in mystery.

This means that he must have a successor.

[The ability to quietly cultivate individuals with military capabilities comparable to Han Jing's—this legacy can only come from a military strategist.]

Moreover, it represents the pinnacle of military strategy.

Your thoughts gradually become clearer.

Jiang Bofu possessed extraordinary talent, coupled with the highest level of military expertise.

[The combination of these two factors, along with the legacy of the late emperor in Yin Qian's possession.]

It's understandable that they were able to withstand Han Jing's military might.

"It seems the waters of this world are truly deeper and deeper..."

You raise your wine cup, drink it all, and chuckle with a touch of melancholy.

[Analyzing Jiang Bofu's background, they unexpectedly uncovered a hidden lineage of military strategists.]

It also possesses a top-tier, complete lineage.

Why do you make this judgment?

That's because Jiang Bofu's military expertise is no less impressive than Pang Hai's three reliefs depicting the tombs of military geniuses.

Therefore, Jiang Bofu's military strategist lineage is not only complete, but also represents the continuous refinement and improvement by generations of sages in this lineage.

[The culmination of painstaking effort.]

Only then can one attain this position.

After all, the fragments from the tomb of the God of War are still a legacy of the God of War.

Suddenly, you thought of someone.

The hand holding the wine cup paused, a cold glint appearing in its eyes.

"I suddenly thought of someone who looks very similar to Jiang Bofu..."

Upon hearing this, Pang Hai and Xu Hui immediately cast curious glances at them.

[At the same time, he racked his brain, but couldn't figure out who this person was.]

Your gaze fell upon the two of them, your shattered eyes gleaming with a mysterious light, piercing through their consciousness.

Pang Hai and Xu Hui lowered their guard, understanding your meaning.

[Let the consciousnesses of the first generation Pang Hai and the first generation Xu Hui emerge.]

"Big brother, who is this person?"

[The illusory figure of the first generation leader, Pang Hai, in his black robes, lazily stretched and slung over.]

The first generation leader, Xu Hui, smiled and nodded in greeting.

You twirl the wine glass between your fingers, a cold smile playing on your lips.

[You also suddenly remembered this person before, and analyzed and dissected them.]

【“Wei Yuan…”】

Your ancient, magnetic voice echoed throughout the hall.

Upon hearing this name, the first leader, Pang Hai, froze in his stretch, his imposing face turning solemn and serious.

The first generation leader, Xu Hui, also had a cold glint in his eyes, and his body was surrounded by a mysterious aura.

The expressions of the second-generation Pang Hai and Xu Hui were initially puzzled, then alarmed, and finally turned into deep apprehension.

Wei Yuan...

[This was the teacher of Pang Hai and Xu Hui in the last simulation.]

[To guide them onto the paths of spiritual cultivation and military strategy.]

Then, before parting ways, they were sent to Jingzhou to seek a change in the situation.

[Then, it was a natural progression to appoint Pang Hai and Xu Hui as captains to suppress river bandits, establish a base of forces, and seize the opportunity to rise to power.]

Ultimately, the state of Chu was established.

[At the time when the states of Qi and Wu divided the state of Chu.]

Xu Hui has gone missing after being possessed by a demon; you and Pang Hai died in battle amidst the ruins of Xiangyang.

[The remaining important officials of the State of Chu.]

[Bai Guanting and Zhang Xiu fought to the death without yielding, while Xun Huaijie went on a three-month hunger strike and starved to death in prison.]

After venting his anger with a torrent of curses, Wu Yangui committed suicide.

[Only Wei Yuan vanished without a trace, as if he had never appeared at all.]

Just like Jiang Bofu's sudden appearance.