Simulated immortality allows me to calculate talent stats.

[In the cool of late autumn, as you stand in the Yin-Yang stance, your Qi and blood surge, tempering your skin and penetrating your body from the outside in.]

"Upon entering the first stage of body tempering, one's strength has increased dramatically, far surpassing that of ordinary people."

[You deeply appreciate the sublimity of martial arts in this world; having only reached the initial stage of Body Tempering, you can easily lift a stone bell weighing over a hundred pounds with one hand.]

"Unfortunately, I only thought about being a rich young master before, and I couldn't endure hardship. I missed the foundation-building stage, and coupled with my mediocre talent, my progress was too slow."

[Martial arts training begins with medicinal baths to nourish the body before the age of five, followed by body tempering after that. Even with mediocre talent, one can complete body tempering within ten years and attempt to break through to the second realm of Qi Refining.]

You've missed the optimal period; to complete body tempering now, you'll likely need to put in two to three times the effort and time.

Compared to foundational training in physical conditioning, progress in martial arts skills has been quite gratifying.

[Perhaps because of the "Sword Charm - Celestial Immortal" inscription etched between your brows, you possess considerable aptitude for swordsmanship.]

[Using his position in charge of arithmetic and accounting, he obtained a basic sword technique from the mountain stronghold's manager, mastered it in three months, and had it memorized.]

Today, having completed my body tempering training, I returned to my tent, retrieved this month's ledger, and prepared to report to the village chief.

After observing for more than half a year, are you sure this village is not just a simple band of mountain bandits?

The chief leader was stern and strict in his administration, conducting daily drills for his soldiers and forcing able-bodied men to work outside the village.

You are filled with suspicion and disbelief; this action seems almost like preparations for a rebellion.

[However, the martial arts and immortal paths of this world have created a vast chasm between the strong and ordinary people. Countless powerful figures exist in imperial dynasties, Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism stand in a tripartite balance, and the immortal sects are elusive and mysterious.]

To think of rebelling is nothing but wishful thinking.

Unless there's a deeper mastermind behind this counterfeit operation.

You sense something, but outwardly pretend you know nothing.

Upon entering the hall bearing the plaque inscribed with "Righteousness Reaching the Heavens," a burly man sat atop a high seat, his gaze sharp and his imposing presence commanding respect and a sense of oppressive weight.

"Boss, this is this month's accounting book."

You present the account book, which details monthly income and expenses, as well as the number of people in the household.

The leader glanced at it, nodded in satisfaction, and hummed in agreement, his voice deep and resonant like a tiger's roar.

"Good job. Since you took over the accounts, the village is much more organized. You've done a great job."

When praised, you feign joy.

【boom!!!】

Just as you were thinking of humbly dealing with the situation and waiting for an opportunity to gain some advantage, a thunderous roar resounded from the heavens.

Then came a deafening roar, the earth trembled violently, making you stagger and your mind still reeling from the deafening noise.

You turn to look outside the hall; the aftershocks rage like a whirlwind across the entire village, smoke and dust billowing into the sky, with a faint crimson aura swirling around.

Then, the sounds of charging and fighting filled the air, clashing weapons and screams rang out.

【call!】

The leader appeared before you, accompanied by a gust of wind, wielding a broadsword, his brow furrowed, and charged fiercely outwards.

[Clang!]

A short, clear, and resounding sword cry echoed, followed by a blinding flash of sword light.

[Then, a scene that will make your heart race appears.]

[The seemingly invincible leader in your eyes had his enormous head thrown into the hall, his eyes wide with shock.]

Footsteps sounded, and you saw a tall, slender figure enter the hall, clad in crimson armor, hand on a longsword, which remained sheathed, as if the previous chilling sword light had been merely an illusion.

The young man's eyes flashed with murderous intent when he saw you holding the account book.

"I was captured."

Upon hearing this, the young man's eyes, which had been flashing with murderous intent, slightly subsided. He turned his head and gestured, "Gather outside."

[You followed the instructions and walked out of the hall, only to find corpses everywhere; all the mountain stronghold soldiers had been killed, none survived.]

The young men and women who had been abducted were gathered on the training ground, their faces showing the joy of escaping death.

You look around; rows of fierce soldiers in crimson armor stand guard, surrounding a young general.

[The young general, clad in bright red armor and wielding a long spear, straddles the black horse with its head held high.]

[The young man was spirited and ambitious, displaying his sharp wit and invincible demeanor, yet also possessing an air of nobility.]

Noticing your gaze, the young general turned to look at you, his sharp eyes piercing.

Your refined and elegant appearance, coupled with your superior attire compared to others, has led to questions about your identity.

Fortunately, the villagers who were abducted with us spoke up for us, proving that your care during this time was worthwhile.

After being cleared of suspicion, the young general did not pursue the matter of your management of the mountain stronghold's accounts. After clearing out the surrounding bandits, he led his troops down the mountain.

The young and strong women who had been captured had all had their homes destroyed. Now rescued, they didn't know where to go, and many were weeping in bewilderment.

The young general raised an eyebrow slightly; your consistently calm demeanor had caught his attention.

"Aren't you going home?"

Hearing this, you shook your head: "Home? What is a home?"

The young general did not press further. He looked around and announced loudly, "I am heading to Golden Scale City. If any of you have nowhere to go, you may accompany me."

Upon hearing this, you were the first to follow.

In this world, unless you're hiding in a coffin, every extra step you take outside increases the risk.

With military trains escorting them, that would be even better.

The rest of the group had no objections and departed with the army.

[As you observe along the way, this army is small, perhaps only a hundred or so men, but they possess an imposing presence and a fierce, intimidating aura, giving them the imposing presence of a thousand troops.]

The previous stronghold, with over five hundred soldiers and bandits, occupied a strategically advantageous earthen fortress, yet it was swiftly and decisively captured without any resistance.

[Furthermore, the chief is rumored to be a fourth-realm martial artist, and the fierce soldier who killed him with a single sword strike is now standing close to the young general.]

If even his personal guards are this strong, then this young general must be even more powerful.

Because he saw profound respect and admiration in the eyes of all the fierce soldiers.

[The mountain stronghold is some distance from Golden Scale City, and to accommodate you, we've slowed down our pace and will set up camp under cover of night.]

[A group of valiant soldiers ventured deep into the forest and killed several large wild boars. Among the captives were former butchers who handled the animals, and former cooks who prepared a meal together.]

The young general and his fierce soldiers were surprisingly friendly, chatting and laughing with everyone around the campfire while eating roasted pig.

[You noticed the young man holding a sword, leaning against a tree; he was the fierce soldier who killed the bandit leader.]

After a moment's thought, he stepped forward, his demeanor gentle and humble: "Swordsman, your sword strike earlier truly broadened my horizons."

The young man, who initially seemed resistant to your arrival, showed a slight change in expression upon hearing the words "swordsman." He didn't chase you away, but simply nodded.

"May I ask for your guidance?"

[Your question is presumptuous; this decision was made after careful observation along the way.]

The young general was strict in disciplining his troops but approachable to civilians, which is why I approached him to ask for his advice.

This is a rare opportunity; if we miss it, who knows when we'll encounter such a top-tier expert again.

"Want to learn?"

You nodded immediately.

The young man chuckled coldly, his sharp brows slightly raised, gesturing, "Draw your sword and thrust straight in."

[You immediately calm your mind and grasp the sword that was not confiscated from your waist.]

[Clang!]

The sword was drawn, a flash of cold light, and thrust straight out.

The young man seemed slightly surprised, then resumed his indifferent tone: "Ten years to get the basics down, are you in?"

【"study!"】