Simulated immortality allows me to calculate talent stats.

[A majestic, magnetic, deep voice, like the distant echoes of ancient bells and tripods.]

[No pressure was exerted, nor was imperial power invoked.]

[Based solely on the single word "朕" (Zhen, meaning "I, the Emperor").]

It contains a majesty that commands the submission and worship of all people.

All your teasing and jokes have been put away.

[The eyes, pierced by a broken mirror, gleam with a cold, sharp light.]

[His expression was somber.]

[Only the Emperor, Xuanwu, can refer to himself as "朕" (Zhen, meaning "I" or "I").]

[You already had a guess about the person you arranged to meet through Wei Zhichuan.]

But when the moment actually arrives, my heart still skips a beat.

I have indeed witnessed the scene inside the Taiyuan Palace, where immortals stood in rows like hemp.

[Completely understand how others feel when they are around you.]

"So it's His Majesty."

In an instant, your fleeting emotions will calm down, and you'll smile gently and gracefully.

The Xuanwu Emperor seems to find your attitude amusing.

[A voice imbued with divine might, yet tinged with amusement.]

[His attitude was unexpectedly humble.]

"Great and wise teacher, please enter the hall for a discussion."

A polite invitation somehow makes you instinctively want to comply.

It seemed that every word the other party spoke carried an absolute, unyielding command.

Before you came, you had prepared for the worst.

Moreover, the current situation is much better than you predicted.

There was naturally nothing to fear or apprehension about.

[Gently stroking her long hem, she stepped across the threshold.]

Inside the palace, the pool water was warm, and a misty white vapor rose from it.

The magnificent and elegant layout, shrouded in white mist, resembles a fairyland.

You waded through the mist, stirring up its swirling hues.

Finally, we arrived at the foot of the high platform within the palace.

Looking around, Wei Zhi was nowhere to be seen.

Looking up, you see a divine presence pressing your head down.

Even the eyes of a broken mirror cannot penetrate the majesty of imperial power to see clearly the presence on the high platform.

"The Great and Wise Teacher..."

[The Xuanwu Emperor's gentle voice once again softly murmured your name.]

The complex thoughts involved are difficult to discern at a moment.

The course of the meeting has indeed deviated from your predictions.

They came with the resolve to die, intending to cause chaos and upheaval.

The other party responded with humility.

"His Majesty seems to have a particular fondness for this title?"

"It's not out of favor..."

Emperor Xuanwu rejected your description.

He reiterated, "I, the Emperor, hold you in high esteem."

【Um? 】

You slightly raised your brow.

The Xuanwu Emperor solemnly declared: "The title of 'Great Teacher of Virtue' is one that the common people uphold."

【"I."】

"We deeply respect what you have done for the sake of the people."

Upon hearing this, your expression was enigmatic and difficult to decipher.

"Your Majesty doesn't blame me for raising an army in Yongzhou, causing chaos in the Western Regions, and fracturing imperial power?"

[Emperor Xuanwu chuckles softly.]

"I only care about the results."

His smile deepened, even revealing a hint of mockery: "Besides, you've already entered the capital, not requested amnesty, so how can there be any talk of separation?"

[Emperor Xuanwu's words and viewpoints will once again change your impression of him.]

[If it weren't for the horrifying scenes I witnessed in the last simulation, and the numerous simulations that exposed the tragic plight of the people...]

You both believe the other person is a benevolent ruler.

The Xuanwu Emperor seems to have noticed your attitude.

[He asked doubtfully, "Does the Great Teacher seem to have a prejudice against me?"]

【"well."】

Before you could answer, he sighed deeply, revealing his guilt and self-reproach.

"It's only natural."

"The Great and Virtuous Teacher, who saves the world and its people, has witnessed the suffering of the common folk and should therefore rebuke and criticize me."

[Facing his self-reflection.]

You remained unmoved.

He inquired, "May I ask what brings Your Majesty to see me today?"

Emperor Xuanwu composed himself.

The Heavenly Might once again exerted its invisible and traceless influence on all directions.

"I am merely expressing my gratitude in front of the Great Teacher."

"Is that all?"

"That's all."

"Shall I leave now?"

After you finished speaking, you prepared to turn around and leave.

The situation doesn't seem to be going well, overturning many of your assumptions.

[I need to go back and analyze and disassemble it properly.]

It is not advisable to start a game at this time.

[It's easy to fail to uncover the other party's true nature and instead reveal a lot about yourself.]

[Information asymmetry, coupled with incorrect predictions.]

It's best to slip away now.

You did not hear Emperor Xuanwu's response, nor did he try to stop you, nor did he rebuke you for your disrespect.

It was as if you were the only person left in the entire hall.

[Walking through the swirling white mist.]

[Crossing the pool.]

[As they approached the palace gate.]

【"etc."】

A melodious voice called out to you.

[It was not Emperor Xuanwu, but Wei Zhi.]

You turn around and look; this time, without the oppressive authority of the emperor, you can clearly see the scene on the high platform.

A figure in a crimson and gold palace dress stood silently on the high platform, gazing downwards.

You feel slightly puzzled, as if Wei Zhi is deliberately keeping his distance from you.

[Wanting to get close, yet staying away.]

[Playing hard to get.]

Are you fishing here?

You glance around; besides Wei, you don't see anyone else.

He's gone.

Wei Zhi understood what you were looking for and said directly.

The slight anxiety in your heart subsided a little.

The Xuanwu Emperor was too unfamiliar, possessed a lofty status, held imperial power, and was subject to a lack of information.

[Under the condition that it is not a dead end.]

You don't want to have too much contact with him right now.

As for Wei Zhi...

That's a different story; they're practically old acquaintances.

You chuckled softly and strolled forward, preparing to return to the palace.

【"stop!"】

[Wei Zhiwei's imposing and authoritative order.]

Judging from their reaction, they seem quite emotional.

[Stop if you're wondering.]

"I apologize for my abruptness. We are a man and a woman alone together; it would indeed be best to keep our distance."

Wei Zhi glared at you.

[While possessing an overwhelming, oppressive aura, she also exudes a captivating and alluring charm.]

To win her favor is enough to make one willingly succumb.

You possess an absolutely unwavering will and have never been tempted by beauty.

"What is the Empress's purpose in detaining me?"

Wei Zhi calmed down.

Her brows furrowed slightly, her eyes lowered in a lingering gaze.

"What did he say to you?"

You looked up and met his gaze.

[He asked in confusion, "Does the Empress not know?"]

Wei Zhi didn't answer, but you already understand.

[Your previous conversation with Emperor Xuanwu was conducted outside the bounds of imperial authority.]

Wei Zhi had neither the authority nor the courage to probe or eavesdrop at will.

[That's why, after Emperor Xuanwu left, he kept you behind, hoping to find the answer from you.]

Unfortunately, you lack information.

[We can also test the waters with Wei Zhi.]

You did not fabricate anything.

He calmly replied, "His Majesty's visit to me shows respect for my title as a virtuous and wise teacher, and gratitude for what I have done for the people."

"Is that all?"

"That's all."

The same dialogue, in the same setting.

Observe the changes in Wei Zhi's expression.

Upon hearing this, he seemed both helpless and understanding.

[A final, soft sigh: "He's always been like this."]

【? ? ? 】

You tilted your head slightly.

Is this always been the case?