Simulated immortality allows me to calculate talent stats.

You stand silently amidst the swirling mist and snow, holding the invitation delivered by Chen Zhe.

[Signed by Wei Zhi.]

Compared to the signature, the content of the post is more worthy of your deep reflection.

Someone wants to see you, and the message will be conveyed through Wei Zhi's channels.

In the entire Great Cang, who possesses this identity and qualification?

No need to overthink it, there's only one person.

Lord of the Great Azure Sky, Emperor of the Mortal Realm, Holder of Imperial Power...

[Emperor Xuanwu.]

Since arriving in the capital, you have kept a low profile for several months, waiting for the right opportunity.

[The idea is to start with the changing situation, stir up the muddy waters, probe all sides, and gather intelligence.]

【result.】

The time has come; a new era is dawning.

But as they were feeling around in the pool, they pulled out a huge creature.

Even with my current state of mind, I can't help but feel a profound sense of awe.

That's really unexpected.

[Have you considered the possibility of Confucian scholars visiting your door, powerful figures paying a visit, or even being summoned by Wei Zhi?]

Only the Xuanwu Emperor.

[This person, who wasn't on your ten-year test list, actually asked to see you.]

[Countless simulations, a long period of time, and a vast amount of intelligence surge through your mind like a torrent.]

[Gather information about Emperor Xuanwu from fragmented information.]

[Build a personal profile.]

The conclusion is...

[If we disregard the scene witnessed in the Taiyuan Palace at the end of the last simulation...]

【Damn it!】

It's impossible to let go of it.

[You curse inwardly.]

How can I possibly dismiss a scene I still dare not recall?

Therefore, Emperor Xuanwu is extremely mysterious.

It wasn't that it was deeply hidden or unfathomable, but rather that it inspired a sense of dread that dared not even try to fathom its depths.

After you reviewed the post, Chen Zhe remained silent, surrounded by wind and snow, as if he had detached himself from the scene.

[I had to whisper a reminder: "Mr. Wei, that person... is waiting for you."]

Even with Chen Zhe's impetuous nature, he always kept a respectful distance from Wei Zhishi.

It's not a question of whether or not one dares to draw their sword.

Rather, it was a resistance born of unwillingness, reluctance, and fear of soiling the sturdy sword.

He felt the same way about you.

But you'll call him a swordsman!

[It's definitely not that person...]

[After weighing the situation in your mind, should you go and meet them?]

That person wields imperial power; they are the true ruler of the Great Cang.

[In case of any conflict, or if the other party tries to do something to you.]

[Even if we use up all our remaining cards and exhaust our trump cards, we may still find it difficult to escape defeat.]

[But are you suggesting I avoid their sharp edge?]

[Regardless of whether there's room for refusal, your unwavering commitment to intelligence makes you unwilling to shy away.]

The worst that can happen is dying once.

[Resurrected using the passive ability of the gold-tier attribute "Never Died".]

If we are truly forced into this situation, the information we gain from this passive approach will be worthwhile.

[After making a decision.]

"Let's go."

You casually put the post away and gestured for Chen Zhe to lead the way.

[After delivering the intelligence, the black cat Xu Kun, without your orders or permission, is no longer taking it to watch the excitement.]

The round, plump creature climbed onto the deer's head and hugged its two forked antlers.

[Riding a white deer, speeding through the snowy forest.]

[The Central Palace, the residence of Empress Daicang.]

The palace is magnificent, its layout solemn, exuding both majesty and dignified elegance.

The carriage was parked in front of the palace gate.

Chen Zhe turned back and whispered, "Mr. Wen, I can only escort you this far. Enter the inner palace, and do not act rashly."

He gave very careful instructions.

I'm afraid you might not understand the rules of the palace and offend the imperial family; that would truly be a grave offense.

You gently smoothed your long skirt as you stood up and casually patted his shoulder.

He chuckled lightly, "Don't worry, I always know what I'm doing."

Chen Zhe forced a smile.

I witnessed your dark figure, stepping across the snow-covered arched bridge, into the palace.

Even after your figure disappeared from sight, I still let out a long, worried sigh.

You crossed the arched bridge, passed through the passageway, and passed through the majestic palace gate.

The vast front yard was blanketed in snow.

You are like thick ink, dripping onto rice paper.

After walking for a while, we ascended the long steps and arrived at the magnificent palace.

Along the way, you saw no imperial guards, eunuchs, or ladies-in-waiting.

If it weren't for the gentle snowfall, it would truly evoke a sense of profound stillness.

[Stand silently before the hall; no announcement is required.]

[The femme fatale and the black smoke, though at odds, have already found common ground and resonance.]

You pulled back the rebellious fate of a husky released from its cage.

Wei Zhi suppressed the surging emotions within him.

【"Enter."】

[A moment later, Wei Zhiruo's melodious and majestic voice rang out.]

You raise your hand and gently push open the door.

The sound of flowing water pours forth, like a lively melody being composed.

A thin mist, carrying warmth, dispelled the chill of winter.

It also stirs up restless emotions in people.

The step you were about to take stopped.

Oh dear...

[Why does this scene look a bit inappropriate?]

[You don't seem to have ever used the alias of Marquis Changxin before.]

[Although I was prepared for the passive ability to be revealed with the golden attribute "survived a great calamity".]

But that's assuming there's sufficient information and intelligence.

To die beneath the peony blossoms may be romantic, but if my brothers knew, they would laugh at me.

"Is the Empress taking a bath?"

【"Um?"】

[The slightly off-key tone revealed Wei Zhi's absurd emotions.]

【"Oh……"】

[A sound of exasperated laughter rang out.]

[Having shed her imposing demeanor, her radiant charm became even more alluring: "You certainly dare to dream."]

You denied it: "It's not that I dare to dream, but rather that I'm cautious and prudent."

[Wei Zhi whispered with interest.]

"It is said that people of different temperaments, witnessing different scenes, will be evoked with different thoughts."

"Those who are loyal to the emperor, upon seeing the imperial seal, will only submit and obey his commands."

"Those who plot rebellion covet imperial power, harboring ambitions to usurp it."

"Gazing upon jade feet, one's thoughts turn to lewdness."

"Even I understand that this is a natural human tendency to indulge in fantasies."

Wei Zhi paused, then continued.

The tone conveyed a sense of disbelief.

"Listening to the flowing water and watching the misty colors reminds me of..."

She stopped herself from saying anything more explicit.

[Since you're imagining her taking a bath, saying it directly would seem too ambiguous.]

"Mr. Wen, you are trying to overturn my opinion of you."

"Does Your Excellency believe that I would so easily sway my judgment and be swayed by your words?"

Wei Zhi's final words were sharp and incisive.

[It reveals a smug satisfaction that sees through your facade.]

[You directly stated that you were trying to use flippant language to reverse the image you had built and lower her guard.]

This is impossible.

You slightly raised an eyebrow.

【what? 】

【I see?】

Is that what I think?

"The Empress's insight is uncanny; she has such keen perception that she couldn't hide anything from you after all."

Finally, your heartfelt expression of emotion and admiration.

Wei Zhi has excellent taste.

[He understands me so well.]

[You've seen through a noble virtue that even you yourself hadn't realized.]

There were some errors in the process.

But the outcome was good.

You discerned the situation from the underlying emotions and atmosphere conveyed in the words.

There is no crisis at the moment.

Then we can get down to business.

"Your Majesty, who wishes to see me?"

【"I."】