Simulated immortality allows me to calculate talent stats.

A light rain veils the landscape, washing away the lush greenery of the mountains.

You, in your flowing black robe, stroll along the cobblestone path by the river, holding an oil-paper umbrella.

The Xiang River surges and roars, its turbid waves crashing against the shore, as dense rain patters down.

【Kalenga.】

The antique wooden building sits beside Xiangshui Lake, nestled in ancient forests.

[The instant they drew near.]

[You perceive the surrounding space, but it is blocked by a mysterious aura.]

An invisible pressure permeated the area, sealing it off.

[By the window sill of a high-rise building.]

[A figure in ceremonial robes sits regally.]

[Handsome face, dignified demeanor.]

[His every glance exudes an air of supreme authority, as if he were ruling the world.]

"You've come..."

A deep, authoritative voice rang out.

You stop at the bluestone courtyard in front of the pavilion.

A paved path leads through the town, where raindrops ripple across the still pond.

"What important matter requires your personal journey to Jingzhou to see me?"

You open the oil-paper umbrella to the side and look up at Yin Qian by the window.

His imposing gaze fell, an oppressive aura emanating from him.

"I've come to stop you from courting death."

【"oh?"】

You chuckled lightly, seemingly surprised, your eyes crinkling slightly, your nonchalant demeanor completely unconcerned by his startling words.

"Wen Yu, shed the rebellious fate that you bear."

[Yin Qian offered earnest advice.]

Your gaze pierced through the raindrops falling along the edge of the oil-paper umbrella.

"Some burdens, once taken on, can never be removed."

Yin Qian gazes at you from afar.

[Sincere words: "I can help you."]

You chuckled softly upon hearing this.

The curve of the eyes is more pronounced.

"Will you help me turn this hellish world upside down?"

Yin Qian was speechless.

[His expression hardened: "Everything you've done is futile in the face of fate's trajectory; it's like a mantis trying to stop a chariot."]

"Ultimately, it will be utterly crushed by the tide of history."

The smile in your eyes faded.

"So you're not going to do it?"

Yin Qian continued his somber admonition: "I hope you will prioritize the greater good."

Your oil-paper umbrella tilts slightly, letting a curtain of rain fall obliquely.

"Ah, the bigger picture."

There's a hint of sarcasm in your laughter.

"Those who are advised to prioritize the greater good are often those who are not truly involved in that greater good."

"Since the bigger picture is none of my concern, why should I care?"

[Yin Qian faces your mockery.]

There was no rebuttal or anger.

The emotional silence in his tone transformed into a cold, emotionless indifference.

"This is the last time I'll try to persuade you, and it's your last chance."

"You can name your conditions, and if I can meet them, I will definitely agree."

Yin Qian saw that words could not sway him.

Ultimately, he resorted to his familiar tactics of playing the big-time gambler.

You raised an eyebrow slightly, asking suspiciously, "Why did you make this deal? Following your warning, I'm courting death. So, once I'm dead..."

"Wouldn't that just end it all?"

Yin Qian's solemn and dignified face revealed a hint of emotion.

"People... always need something to remember them by."

"There's absolutely no need for that!"

Faced with his sincere outpouring, you forced a smile, your tone decisively resistant.

He did not attempt to defend himself.

He was also only sixteen years old back then, when you were buried in the mass grave.

He awoke to find himself in the Western Regions.

[After several years, he finally understood his identity and the truth.]

I only just learned your ending.

At that time, the mission he carried had already suppressed his urge to vent his anger.

Although he was the son of the late emperor and the ruler of the Western Regions.

However, military and political power were controlled by Jiang Bofu, and the nameless eunuch constantly reminded him of his status.

The once naive and innocent page has long since lost himself.

【"well."】

He sighed softly, rose, and turned to walk into the attic.

[The figure stopped just as it was about to disappear into the shadows.]

"This is the last chance."

"Thank you."

You remained composed and serene, unmoved.

【"goodbye."】

Yin Qian's tone revealed his judgment on your final fate.

Mysterious talismans were engraved in the void, their faint light flickering, and a passageway opened in the space.

Yin Qian walked in.

The faint light dimmed, and the talisman vanished.

A slight smile played on your lips: "Inviting someone over for a chat, yet refusing to even let them in the door—how rude!"

"I apologize on your behalf."

A deep, aged voice suddenly rang out.

[Responding to your whispered complaints.]

You turn around and look.

[The old man with the ancient face and immortal bones stands quietly in the street. 】

[Clearly visible, yet imperceptible and nonexistent in perception.]

[Jiang Bofu.]

"Yin Qian has left, isn't Grand Tutor Jiang following him?"

Jiang Bofu shook his head.

The cloudiness in his eyes was washed away by the ethereal light.

"I did not come with him."

【"oh?"】

[You smiled mysteriously: "The Grand Tutor came without Yin Qian's knowledge; it seems he harbors ulterior motives and has sinister intentions..."]

A chilling current swept through your heart.

Suddenly, you realize you've overlooked a misconception.

That is, the prevailing belief is that Yin Qian was the son of the late emperor.

[Bearing the Mandate of Heaven and the legitimate lineage, this forms the foundation of our plans in the Western Regions.]

All parties are dependent on Yin Qian's status and the legacy left by the late emperor.

But there's another possibility.

That was Yin Qian, also being manipulated as a pawn.

Jiang Bofu's appearance at this moment may only be a trivial signal.

However, it's enough to put you on your guard.

Because you always assume the worst about this ghostly world.

[If Jiang Bofu is like this, what about the third-party force represented by the aunt?]

[Furthermore, there was the nameless eunuch who was Yin Qian's most loyal lackey and the one entrusted with the care of the young emperor.]

[Does he really only play the role of a loyal dog?]

Does he know Jiang Bofu's and his aunt Wen Fei's attitudes?

You suppressed all your doubts and thoughts.

[Jiang Bofu's untimely appearance alone stirred up a storm of thoughts and speculations in your mind.]

[He seemed to notice the change in your expression.]

Jiang Bofu exclaimed, "Your insightful and discerning talent is truly awe-inspiring!"

You sneered inwardly upon hearing this.

[They plotted their escape by hanging, and struggled in the mire for two hundred years.]

How can you survive in this world without making some progress?

"Grand Tutor Jiang, did you secretly seek me out without Yin Qian's knowledge? Is there something you're hiding?"

[You asked a direct question.]

Jiang Bofu looked at you with regret.

"You should have agreed to his conditions earlier."

Why?

"Because, as he said, this is your last chance."

[Jiang Bofu's aged and deep voice.]

[A cold, chilling murderous intent suddenly arose.]

[Predetermined by fate, cause and effect, destiny, directly predicting life and death.]

Your gaze is composed, and your demeanor is serene.

[Holding an oil-paper umbrella.]

Suddenly, I noticed the falling raindrops.

[It's still.]