Simulated immortality allows me to calculate talent stats.

[The sixteenth year, early spring.]

All things flourish, vibrant with life; withered branches sprout new green buds, and frost and snow melt into clear streams.

The magnificent chassis departed from the courtyard.

[Ahead lies the border between Huaizhou and Shuzhou.]

Continuing south, you will need to choose one of two directions.

You sit quietly in the carriage, boiling water to make tea.

Yu Ci buried himself in his books, his clear, glassy eyes blinking less and less frequently.

A black cat, with a small, jade-green dried fish in its mouth, lazily lay on the edge of the table.

"Swordsman, stop the car."

You put down your teacup and spoke leisurely.

【"yes."】

Chen Zhe readily agreed and immediately stopped the carriage.

You lift the curtain and step out.

Yu Ci closed the book, and the black cat rolled over and got up.

"Meow~ Big brother, what's wrong?"

Your figure, clad in a dark robe, stands swaying before the bicycle frame.

[Looking up and gazing southward.]

"Now that we've begun our celestial survey, let's start on foot."

The black cat tilted its head, didn't argue, packed its things, and jumped off the bike.

[I also followed suit swiftly.]

The two people and the cat headed south.

"Meow~ Big brother, should we go through Huaizhou or Shuzhou?"

"Huaizhou."

"Meow~, very well. That damned place, the Immortal Sect, is hiding some cunning old devil. Let them temporarily avoid our sharp edge."

You couldn't help but chuckle as you listened to the black cat's rebellious words.

Then, realizing something, she stopped and turned around.

Chen Zhe did not follow; he sat quietly before the carriage, his hand on his sword.

"Meow~ Swordsman, let's get off and walk."

[Xu Kun, the Black Cat, has already obtained Chen Zhe's activation code.]

Upon hearing this, Chen Zhe tightened his grip on his sword.

[He lifted his drooping face.]

"Mr. Wen, this is my way of seeing you off."

[For the first time, Chen Zhe refused the offer to use the title of "swordsman."]

【"Meow?"】

The black cat tilted its head at a ninety-degree angle in surprise.

A smile crept onto Chen Zhe's resolute face.

I gaze intently at your figure, then look northwards, where a fierce and desolate aura surges within you.

"I promised you, sir, that my sword would become bigger, deeper, and longer..."

Therefore.

Chen Zhe's eyes were resolute as he drew his sword and thrust it straight at Wei Mang with murderous intent.

[Even before the sword is drawn, it is already terrifying.]

"I will head north."

Listen quietly to Chen Zhe's inner thoughts.

[I understand his aspirations.]

[The title "swordsman" was often used, though it frequently carried a hint of teasing or joking.]

But it also makes things clear to you.

Chen Zhe is a pure seeker of the way of the sword.

Therefore, his decision at this moment is not surprising.

"No one can stop the swordsman's will."

You raise your hand to press your sword.

The sword trembled slightly, emitting a resounding sword cry.

[A straight thrust of the sword—the sword intent of "annihilation," brimming with extreme ferocity and a desire to obliterate and destroy.]

[It caused the surrounding scenery to be cut apart and destroyed, creating a terrifying phenomenon.]

Chen Zhe's eyes widened in surprise.

I never imagined you possessed such terrifying sword intent.

[I usually see you with a long sword at your waist, but when you do use it, it's always against fate and with corrupt lightning magic.]

I thought you carried a sword like many other young masters from noble families.

[Primarily decorative.]

At this moment, the sword intent that once threatened him with death overturned his perception of you.

【and…… 】

Why is the essence of this sword intent so similar to his "Draw Sword and Thrust - Wei Mang"?

But the devastating nature of the horrific massacre.

This has already far surpassed his previous reckless and impulsive actions.

"Swordsman, what do you think of this sword?"

[You deliberately revealed your sword intent to give Chen Zhe pause and observation.]

[Originally, you planned to impart your swordsmanship insights to Chen Zhe during your celestial patrol.]

[After all, it's a direct thrust of the sword – the intent of slaying.]

[This was deduced by a brilliant insight during your ominous final years.]

[Whether it's realm of power, rank, or pure lethality.]

[This far surpasses Chen Zhe's own reckless and fearless understanding.]

[Previously, we feared that he would suffer a blow if he directly faced the sword intent of the word "Execution."]

Just like the time of the Canglan Sword Sect.

That unknown youth confronts your swordsmanship head-on.

[Without even making a move, his swordsmanship had already crumbled, and he lost the will to wield a sword again.]

If it weren't for your helping hand...

The youth will be utterly ruined.

However, just now...

[You all went on ahead, but Chen Zhe stopped and watched you go, then resolutely headed north.]

【you understand.】

[He was repeatedly referred to as a swordsman.]

It wasn't a waste of time.

Chen Zhe is the most resolute swordsman you have ever witnessed.

His swordsmanship talent is even inferior to that of the nameless youth.

Not to mention comparing him to Brother Lü, who is born with a natural sword talent.

But his resolve to cultivate the sword remains steadfast.

Neither of them can compare to him.

Therefore, you are now unleashing the full power of your sword intent to annihilate.

Chen Zhe witnessed a sword intent that shared the same essence as his own, but was on a far higher level.

[I was so shocked I trembled all over.]

There was no frustration or fear in his eyes.

[A relentless, unwavering spirit in my heart.]

[It was his swordsmanship that sustained him.]

[His voice trembled violently: "This sword... is... too wonderful..."]

You chuckled softly upon hearing this.

[Sword Two is drawn.]

[Clang!]

The sword's cry, imbued with the power to destroy all things, reverberated.

The scene is distorted, time stands still, and the void shifts.

Chen Zhe stared intently at your hand gripping the sword.

[However, we have yet to witness the dignified blade of the sword drawn from its sheath.]

[His mind was pierced by a sword intent that could annihilate all things.]

The sword intent of "Slaying" did not unleash its destructive power.

Instead, it was deeply imprinted in the space of his consciousness between his brows.

You slowly loosen your grip on the sword.

The sword's murmur fell silent, the chaotic scene subsided, and frozen time and space returned to normal.

You stand still, your black robe fluttering in the breeze.

It was as if what had happened before was merely an illusion, as if you had never drawn your sword.

"Swordsman, I hope that when we meet again, you will be able to break through this sword intent."

"I will certainly not fail to live up to the sword you bestowed upon me, sir!"

Chen Zhe bowed deeply.

[I felt a chilling pressure from the killing intent pressing down on my brow.]

[A solemn guarantee.]

You chuckled lightly, then turned and headed south.

Yu Ci nodded to Chen Zhe, and the black cat raised its paw and waved it.

Then follow your pace.

Chen Zhe bowed before the carriage, looking up to see it off.

Until your figures disappeared into the dappled sunlight of early spring.

He gradually straightened his back.

He raised his hand and touched his brow.

[Suddenly, he withdrew his gaze in surprise.]

[Look at the fingertips.]

[A wound had been opened, and bright red blood dripped down.]

A robust and resilient physique.

It can't be fixed at all.

Chen Zhe's eyes widened slightly, fully realizing the terrifying power of your killing intent.

[You two and the cat, head south to Huaizhou.]

Huaizhou and Nancang are separated by the Huai River.

The flames of war have not yet reached them.

The situation should have been stable.

[But once you enter Huaizhou...]

[But instead, I witnessed the scene of ordinary people boiling leaves and digging up roots amidst the vibrant life of early spring.]

[Boom!]

Thunder rumbled, and dark clouds hung low.

It's getting dark...

The common people cried out...

[A great and wise teacher!]