Simulated immortality allows me to calculate talent stats.

You sense a familiar feeling within it, and your heart is filled with joy.

That was Pang Hai's unstoppable, invincible blade light, releasing terrifying killing intent, its clanging sound echoing through the heavens.

[Like heavy cavalry trampling through the void, their aura of clashing metal and iron horses was fierce and overwhelming.]

"The King of Chu's sword flashes!"

[Bai Guanting exclaimed excitedly, as he was practically Pang Hai's student and naturally knew him very well.]

The flash of a blade pierced the night sky from the distant horizon, drawing ever closer in an instant, about to reach Xiangyang City.

At the same time, everyone felt as if they had been struck a heavy blow, their heads buzzing.

The overwhelming and domineering force crushed his will, nearly causing him to collapse and faint.

You remain completely unaffected, gazing at the horizon, your brow slightly furrowed.

[That being has not yet revealed itself, yet its mere aura has already crushed Xiangyang City, demonstrating its immense power.]

You also know who the other person is.

[In all the world, there is no one more domineering and awe-inspiring than Xiang Che, the Hegemon-King of Qi.]

[It seems they are still persistent and continuing to pursue Pang Hai.]

[A golden radiance emerged, carrying with it overwhelming divine might, sweeping in from all directions.]

Pang Hai's imposing figure had already arrived at Xiangyang City, standing suspended in mid-air, looking back.

A fierce and ruthless sneer appeared on his imposing face, and the killing intent in his eyes materialized into a tangible blade of light.

"Having reached Xiangyang City, you still dare to pursue me? I'm afraid I've trapped you for a year, making you forget my title..."

"Young Marshal! It's the Young Marshal!!!"

"King Chu!"

"Young Marshal!!"

The generals and soldiers were in high spirits, shouting loudly, and the vast majority still habitually referred to him as the Young Marshal.

[Because it was the young marshal who led them in raising an army to resist oppression, fighting battles in the south and north, and establishing the present-day State of Chu.]

Therefore, the title "Young Marshal" holds special significance in the minds of everyone in the military.

Upon hearing the long-awaited call, Pang Hai's stern face softened into a gentle smile.

[Hand resting on the powerless blade, right hand wielding it with effortless grace, the wide sleeves of his black robe fluttering and whistling as they tore.]

"Everyone... rise up!"

【"promise!!!!"】

The soldiers' and generals' resounding commands shook the heavens and earth, brimming with passionate fervor, stirring the hearts of all who heard them, igniting a powerful fighting spirit, and inspiring fearlessness.

【boom!】

The formidable military might of the young marshal, leading his vast army, rose above Xiangyang.

Standing atop the city wall, witnessing the scene before you, you too are deeply moved and touched.

This person is truly the backbone...

[During the time that Pang Hai cut off contact, including with you, we were all filled with unease and a chill.]

[I considered and weighed various ideas and possible escape routes.]

Now, I feel at peace.

What if the states of Qi and Wu betrayed each other and joined forces to invade?

The real battle has only just begun.

There is no turning back in this battle...

The military might that Pang Hai commanded was far more imposing than that of Bai Guanting and Zhang Xiu when they led their armies.

It's not that either of them is weak; looking at the world as a whole, they both belong to the ranks of top generals and commanders.

However, Pang Hai is unparalleled in military strategy; he is a truly exceptional individual.

The advance of the armies of Qi and Wu, intimidated by Pang Hai's formidable military might, instinctively halted.

The figure suspended high in the sky instilled in them a sense of invincible powerlessness.

【"snort!"】

A furious snort shook the heavens, and golden light traversed the night sky, soaring towards the city of Xiangyang.

[This is your first time witnessing Xiang Che, the Hegemon-King.]

[With a heroic appearance, sharp features, clad in black armor, and wielding a long halberd.]

[A domineering and awe-inspiring aura materialized into tangible golden light, floating and swirling around its towering body.]

With strength capable of uprooting mountains and rivers, and an aura that swallows the heavens, his unparalleled heroic figure inspires awe and submission.

[Xiang Che's halberd swept horizontally, its powerful undulations causing the space itself to twist and distort as if it could hardly contain it.]

He took over military command and, without showing any weakness, directly clashed with Pang Hai.

Xiang Che's military strategy was inferior to Pang Hai's, but he incorporated the ruthless, fierce, and tyrannical nature of a hegemon into his military tactics.

[They were forced into a stalemate with Pang Hai, resulting in a deadlock.]

"Your Majesty, I humbly request that we first reorganize our strategy."

Fan Li stepped out of the central military tent, bowed respectfully, and made his request.

Xiang Che lowered his gaze, looking down with disdain, ultimately suppressing the burning fighting spirit within him.

"I'll let you live a few more days."

He looked down on Pang Hai, his eyes filled with arrogance and wildness.

Having finished speaking, he concealed his terrifying aura and entered the inner tent.

【"snort!"】

Pang Hai was not afraid of him at all, and scoffed disdainfully: "You think you're qualified to fight me after dragging this out for a year?"

[Relaxing his grip on the powerless sword, the soldiers' momentum dissipated, and he landed on the city wall.]

[His eyes were filled with eager, excited gazes.]

Pang Hai nodded in acknowledgment and walked straight up to you.

"Lord Wen, I need to know the whole story."

"King of Chu, please come with me."

Your gaze sharpened slightly; you sensed something amiss in Pang Hai's words.

Without showing any emotion, you led him to a heavily guarded underground chamber of the Censorate, protected by multiple arrays and with magical artifacts suspended in the air.

This is arguably the safest place in Xiangyang City.

【"puff!"】

Upon arriving here, Pang Hai, who had remained silent throughout, coughed up blood, and his aura rapidly weakened.

The imposing and majestic aura of his face dissipated, replaced by a desolate and decaying appearance.

[Your brow is furrowed, and the spurting blood is nothing compared to the fact that even severed limbs and missing internal organs can be repaired at the Innate Realm.]

[And what about the physical bodies of celestial beings?]

What weighs heavily on your mind is that you can clearly sense Pang Hai's aura, plummeting from what seemed like a lofty cloud to the mortal realm.

Under normal circumstances, you wouldn't notice any changes in Pang Hai.

Even if he doesn't reveal his presence, you wouldn't see him even if he were standing right in front of you; you wouldn't be aware of his existence.

"Are the injuries serious?"

Your expression was solemn, and you inquired with concern.

Pang Hai, who had been putting on a brave face, managed a bitter smile and shook his head.

"It's not a matter of injury."

His eyes betrayed his deep worry.

A growing gloom is settling in your heart; the situation is worse than you imagined.

Pang Hai suppressed his waning aura, and his expression finally softened.

[Finally, they revealed what happened.]

"I've fallen from grace."

[A simple sentence can strike you like a thunderbolt, leaving you momentarily stunned.]

【"how so?"】

[You calmed your trembling heart and inquired rationally.]

Pang Hai sat down at the desk: "Any news of Xu Hui?"

You shook your head.

Seeing this, Pang Hai sighed softly, his eyes filled with worry. He cared more about Xu Hui's safety than about his own fall from the Heavenly Realm.

While he was being held back by Xiang Che, he had already learned about Xu Hui's situation from him.

[Entered by demonic possession.]

Otherwise, given Xu Hui's calm, rational, and strategic mind, how could he have been outmaneuvered?

The reason lies in one's state of mind; a flaw appeared, allowing inner demons to invade, leading to possession and disappearance.

Upon hearing Pang Hai's words, you couldn't help but wonder, "Becoming a demon? Martial arts have such a thing as inner demons?"

【"No."】

Pang Hai's answer will surprise you.

You haven't heard of inner demons, and you might have thought they were perilous challenges faced only at higher levels of spiritual cultivation, but that's not the case.

Pang Hai's eyes were sharp and menacing, his tone low and menacing.

"I only heard about this for the first time from Xiang Che."