Simulated immortality allows me to calculate talent stats.

Your gaze fell upon the azure imperial edict, upon the four-character title.

[A smile inexplicably appeared as she concealed the thoughts lurking in her eyes.]

He looked up and surveyed the doubtful expressions on everyone's faces.

[He chuckled lightly, "A great teacher it is then. It seems Wei Zhi has given this matter considerable thought."]

You naturally understand Wei Zhi's maneuvering within the court regarding the request for amnesty.

[If you were to assume the identity of the second-generation Pang Hai.]

Even with unparalleled talent, one may still reach the level of a celestial being.

The imperial court wouldn't hesitate to give him a powerful official position; it's more about giving Wei Zhi face.

There was a lack of consideration for the bigger picture.

You are different.

[A direct disciple of Zhang Bingcheng from the Celestial Master's Mansion, a lock-door disciple of the Daoist lineage, and a contemporary Daoist prodigy.]

This identity exists within the Taoist community.

They are all among the most outstanding of the younger generation.

[He can be considered one of the future leaders of the Taoist school.]

Although the Taoist sects belong to different lineages, there is even fierce competition between them.

[But on the surface.]

[It still belongs to the larger, more colossal entity.]

[If the old Taoist priest were to rise up and issue a call now...]

The Taoist sects will undoubtedly respond enthusiastically, whether genuinely or merely for show.

Therefore.

[You hold this identity, yet you cause trouble in Yongzhou and the Western Regions, and now you even aspire to enter the imperial court.]

How could the Confucian school possibly give you a chance?

The positions of officials were a private domain that the Confucian scholars obtained in exchange for their complete allegiance to the Great Cang royal family.

From academic instruction to the imperial examination system, and finally to officialdom.

[It was all completely controlled by Confucianism.]

Even within the imperial court, factions are numerous, and the power struggles are fierce.

[The same applies.]

All parties tacitly maintained the basic foundation of Confucianism.

Whether one gains or loses power, the ability to maintain one's official rank belongs to Confucianism.

Confucianism and Taoism belong to two different systems of self-cultivation, and their ideals and pursuits are also completely different.

They see you as an outsider within this door.

They might not value it, or even despise and ridicule it, thinking you're unorthodox and ungrateful.

But that doesn't mean we'll give you a chance.

[To infiltrate the imperial court.]

In a daze, you seem to see a court of nobles, looking down at you with haughty postures and contemptuous smiles.

They tightly control power and exclude you.

They're provoking you!

[For the first time in a long time, I felt a strange sense of exhilaration.]

[It's a constant battle of wits and courage with all sorts of cunning old foxes in this godforsaken world; sometimes I even wonder if I'm playing a game with thin air.]

But traces everywhere suggest otherwise.

The waters of this world are terrifyingly deep.

What good is unparalleled talent and extraordinary status?

Weren't Pang Hai and Xu Hui, at one time, merely pawns in someone else's game?

Once the script written by others has been performed, the curtain falls completely, and it is ultimately buried by the dust of history.

[In the annals of history spanning millennia.]

I wonder if I'll be able to leave behind even a few words.

Now, you sense the arrogant, condescending, disdainful, and resistant attitude of the court officials.

It seems I've received a match invitation.

[Feeling restless.]

That's more like it.

[Spending all day battling those old, scheming bastards whose existence is unknown, and those filthy things whose whereabouts are also unknown.]

You're becoming almost neurotic.

I feel like I'm gradually becoming paranoid and insane.

Now, we've finally been matched into the Human Realm, no longer the Abyss Realm.

You're eager to unleash your full potential and get things done.

Isn't it just court intrigue, factional power struggles, and the ups and downs of officialdom?

"You're familiar with this, aren't you?"

[As long as there's a power game governed by rules, your previous habit of reading in a low-quality, unregulated manner won't have been in vain.]

I may have seen it before but forgotten it.

However, the blue entry "learned and knowledgeable" clearly unearthed and remembered these fragmented memories.

At this moment...

You are not alone in this conflict...

[Wei Qi, Pang Hai, Xu Kun, Xu Hui (first generation), Zuo Shi, Yu Ci...]

Faced with your intense gaze, people instinctively looked away, their doubts deepening.

[After you see the words "Great and Wise Teacher"...]

[That enigmatic, strange expression.]

[And now.]

[The unreadable look in his eyes.]

[There was excitement, anticipation, confidence, reminiscence, and pride...]

Meow~, it's as complicated as a demon in my heart.

Xu Kun rubbed his hands together, inwardly complaining.

[Given your current state, it's something it truly doesn't dare to say to your face.]

[Pfft.]

Finally, the silence was broken by Zuo Shi's gentle laughter.

She is also unaware of your current thoughts and plans.

But as someone who knows you inside and out for more than a year, two years, or even a lifetime.

I can sense the excitement in your emotions.

This is a record of our many years of ups and downs, through thick and thin, through trials and tribulations, through mutual support and companionship.

[Something I've rarely experienced.]

[The most prominent characteristic she has of you.]

It means restraint, rationality, deliberation, and deep thought.

[A step-by-step approach, far-reaching moves, and unfathomable cunning.]

It's as if invisible enemies are lurking all around, keeping you on edge.

Only at night, or occasionally during the day.

[You only reveal a little when you are alone.]

Therefore, she often felt ashamed and rude, yet she also tolerated your manipulation.

At this moment, I don't know the source of your emotions, but I know you are excited and passionate.

Empathy with you is enough.

"It seems my husband is quite pleased with this title; why don't we all raise a glass in celebration?"

[Zuo Shi's gentle and soft demeanor unexpectedly revealed a hint of arrogance.]

"Hahahaha... Damn!"

The second-generation Pang Hai remained lost in thought, unable to unravel the situation.

But I heard the sound of dry wine.

[They immediately and diligently brought over wine jars and filled them for everyone.]

[Raise a glass with a hearty laugh.]

[Xu Kun meowed, joining in the fun.]

You snap out of your elation, realizing you've been daydreaming.

But I can't blame you.

[After playing too many Abyss matches, it's rare to be matched with a Human match.]

How could you not feel the urge to go all out?

As for the cunning and intrigue of the imperial court, does Confucianism harbor a great secret behind it?

This means nothing to you.

I think so...

You had a fleeting moment of self-doubt, a moment of uncertainty.

Then let go of the habitual self-doubt and fear.

Anyway, the first ten-year goal of entering the Central Court is intelligence gathering and establishing a foothold.

[Something lurks somewhere, a cunning old fox plotting something.]

[Speak to yourself in your later years.]

That's their real opponent.

Right now, all you want to do is make the most of the human world and utilize the methods you've been forced to develop over the years.

The term "intelligence master" hasn't appeared on screen for a long time.

[Returning to its usual mysterious and unpredictable, ethereal and profound demeanor.]

You raise your glass and drink with everyone.

[Eleventh year, twenty-seven years old, the dead of winter.]

[The imperial decree was issued, and the emperor entered the court.]

The grand stage in the central courtyard has met with its ominous fate.