Simulated immortality allows me to calculate talent stats.

[You're facing the black cat; it's your turn to step in.]

[The expression on my face as I eagerly await your performance.]

[Shaking his head and chuckling.]

Looking up at the vast, clear sunlight soaring into the sky, one can see that the scholars of Bailu Academy were quite angry.

The three most prestigious Confucian academies in China.

The Imperial Academy in the capital was the most powerful, upholding imperial authority and emphasizing the strict hierarchical relationship between ruler and subject.

[Qingya Academy is deeply devoted to scholarship; for nearly ten thousand years, generations of scholars have studied the sacred texts of sages.]

Bailu Academy is known for its strict adherence to rules, and its students are always encouraged to speak "reasonably," "insightfully," and "without reservations."

[They claim to be reasoning, but in reality they're indecisive and try to smooth things over.]

At this moment, Qinghui was so angry at your 2.5-point brother that she felt as if she were setting the sky ablaze.

[This shows that even without using their powers, inner demons are still unpredictable and mysterious.]

When it comes to provoking others, he is still unparalleled.

The clear, soaring sunlight transforms into a magnificent canopy, draping out a grand and majestic path.

You witness an elderly man, dressed in a scholar's robe and with white hair, strolling towards you.

The profound principles of propriety and virtue that surround one's being are materialized into the principles of rules and regulations.

The old man moved in an instant.

Standing before the boundary of Bailu Academy, it stands as a solitary embodiment of noble integrity amidst a sky full of filth.

"This old man greets the Celestial Patrol Envoy."

The visitor greeted them politely.

[Neither humble nor arrogant, with a dignified and solemn character.]

Since the other party is being reasonable, and you are not someone who argues unreasonably.

[After a polite response.]

He sighed, "I am here on imperial orders to patrol the heavens. I cannot bear to see the people suffer, so I have risked rebellion and overthrow. If I have offended you, please forgive me."

The old man's lips twitched slightly.

That's exactly what they're saying.

Bailu Academy controls the destiny of Huaizhou, yet it does nothing and ignores the suffering of the common people.

As the Celestial Patrol Envoy, you have no choice but to take action personally.

[Defying fate could shake the very destiny of Bailu Academy.]

We can only endure it.

"The Imperial Envoy's words are reasonable; I am deeply ashamed."

You glanced sideways upon hearing this.

[This Bailu Academy is really a bit... soft.]

[I heard Wei Qi introduce it before.]

[It is said that Bailu Academy enshrines the rules and regulations of sages and is extremely particular about discipline.]

I initially thought he was rigid, stubborn, and inflexible.

[I never expected him to be so tactful.]

Since the other party is easy to talk to, you give them a smile.

"It is rare for an old gentleman to reflect on his own actions. We hope that in the future, he can restore peace and stability to the people of Huaizhou."

Your words were sincere and your tone earnest.

"I don't seek to share in the prosperity of this era, but only to live a life of basic sustenance."

"Are my demands too high?"

The old man was moved by your words, his weathered face touched.

For the first time, I peeled back the facade of polite pretense and stared directly at your unspeakably filthy figure.

[I am shocked by the rebellious destiny you bear.]

It's unimaginable what kind of pain you've endured.

I cannot understand what you are seeking at such a high price.

Are your standards high?

For him, it was impossible to judge whether something was high or low, easy or difficult.

Because most of the time, it's not within the realm of his dialectical thinking.

[Reading aims to understand the principles of sages and saints, to elevate oneself and clarify one's true nature.]

As for the basic needs of food and clothing...

How can people go hungry?

He immediately suppressed the "rules" that you had stirred within him.

The art of cultivating inner peace involves calming the mind and spirit.

[He spoke politely: "Your Excellency's words are righteous and reasonable. What do you wish to do?"]

[In response to the question he threw at me.]

You bluntly stated, "Huaizhou boasts a thousand-year-old aristocratic family and a long-standing, profound heritage."

"My meager efforts are sufficient to fulfill my request."

The old man hesitated.

[In that still gentle tone: "The censor's words are reasonable, but wealth is the sole possession of an individual, and even with my meager strength, this old man cannot forcibly seize it."]

"This...is against the rules."

Your smile is gentle and refined.

Continue talking to this seemingly easy-going old man.

[It can be discovered gradually.]

The other party maintained that their argument was reasonable and insightful.

[But the argument is one of helplessness, against the rules, and fear of forcing others to do what is impossible.]

The smile on your lips gradually faded.

[His eyes flashed with a cold, profound light.]

Ultimately, they didn't waste their breath and simply stared coldly at the situation.

The old man remained humble.

It makes people feel soft.

In reality, they are completely unyielding, making all sorts of excuses and digressions, and simply won't agree to your requests.

[Facing your cold, piercing gaze.]

The old man lowered his head, yet did not retreat an inch.

"Sir, is my request excessive?"

The old man bowed and said, "It is reasonable to save the people."

"Then why not save them?"

"This is illogical."

【"hehe……"】

Your eyes, cold and piercing, are veiled by a pervasive black mist, and a hazy trace flickers at the corners of your eyes.

The laughter carried a mocking veil, concealing a barely suppressed anger.

The old man remained calm and unmoved.

Bailu Academy has its own strengths.

Although you are an Imperial Envoy appointed by the Emperor to patrol the heavens.

[This reflects the long-standing tradition of Confucianism in holding official positions and the great legacy of sages spreading their teachings.]

This position cannot be shaken by a mere temporary appointment.

[This is solely due to Bailu Academy's status as one of the three Confucian academies in the world, and the fortune it controls.]

[Because of imperial power, there's nothing I can do about you.]

But you can't do anything about him; don't even think about using your official position to force or order them around.

[Huaizhou.]

Ultimately, it's still them who call the shots.

"The imperial envoy is on a celestial inspection tour; this old man will not delay his journey."

"Since we yearn for the well-being of all people, we must not be fixated on the situation in Huaizhou alone."

"Please stop."

The old man's words clearly implied something.

[This means you should leave Huaizhou. Don't stay here and pollute the place; go find trouble elsewhere.]

[You sighed softly.]

I realize how naive I was.

I thought Bailu Academy was truly reasonable and respected the rules.

In reality, he was stating his own reasoning.

[What is respected is also one's own rules.]

[If it violates their principles and rules.]

All they can do is say, "What they say makes sense, but I'm powerless to change it."

[You feel a sense of melancholy.]

[I didn't expect you to be so kind and gentle in your discussions.]

[In the end, I only ended up feeling angry.]

Looks like we'll have to resort to the old methods again.

Whether he does it willingly or not, as long as he does it, that's enough.

Your expression was composed, your eyes misty and shrouded in a hazy light.

[Glancing sideways in acknowledgment.]

"I resigned and went to find a stone tablet for this official."

"Yes, teacher."

[Upon hearing your instructions, I immediately responded.]

The once tranquil and clear eyes began to flicker again.

[The image of you erecting a monument, setting forth words of wisdom, and establishing rules at the border of Qingzhou flashed through her mind.]

My heart was instantly filled with emotion.

We eagerly await the earth-shattering words you will utter.

[The black cat, Xu Kun, tilted its head, its eerie green eyes showing a look of confusion.]

[Meow~ Shouldn't the big brother just throw mud at the mountain? Why has he suddenly become so fond of reasoning?]

The old man's lukewarm, insincere smile suddenly froze.

[I suddenly looked up at you.]

[They had clearly also considered the matter of the Qingzhou border.]

What would you do if you were terrified?

You chuckled lightly.

[Gently stroking his long robe, he sat upright in the muddy pool.]

[Raises hand in greeting.]

"Since Bailu Academy has always upheld its rules, I will now explain the rules to you."

【"today……"】

"Empty-handed discussion!"