Simulated immortality allows me to calculate talent stats.

The old Taoist priest confirmed that you had not been possessed by evil spirits and released the lightning spell that had been binding the space.

You looked at the majestic, awe-inspiring lightning, its power capable of annihilating all things, and felt a pang of envy.

"Old Taoist, is your thunder magic a legacy of the Celestial Master's Mansion?"

The old Taoist priest glanced at you disdainfully, a smirk playing on his lips, revealing a few wrinkled lines: "Want to learn?"

【"think."】

"Dream on."

The old Taoist chuckled, becoming even more pleased to see your slightly hesitant expression.

"This thunder magic is the orthodox art of the Celestial Master's Mansion; it cannot be learned by anyone other than a disciple of the Celestial Master."

"So, if I send roast chicken to the Celestial Master Tiantian, will he accept me as his disciple?"

【"Won't."】

"Even roast chicken won't do?"

"The requirements for talent in the Lightning Mage class are too high."

[In the past, these words would have been enough to put you into a state of enlightenment and extinguish your desire for lightning magic.]

But times have changed.

"An ominous end to life," a taboo associated with black.

[The older one gets, the higher one's understanding becomes; at the moment of death, one may even hear the Dao.]

"I believe my talent is unparalleled throughout history."

"Tch, you think I haven't calculated your destiny... Huh?"

The old Taoist was suddenly astonished, his eyes flashing with a mysterious light. He felt your profound wisdom rising up like a tangible mist, dazzling and magnificent, surpassing even the wonders of heaven and earth.

"How strange! When did you become so gifted, little one?"

[Compared to him, they are only two, three, seven, eight, or ten points inferior.]

Looking across the world, those who can even look up to him are few and far between; those who are seven or eight points behind are enough to dominate an entire era.

"Have you ever heard of 'late bloomers'?"

"Hmph! I've heard of the saying 'a late bloomer is ill-fated.' Great talents mature late, but that only means jade lies hidden in stone, waiting to be carved."

【Huh?】

You look at him in surprise: You also know that old age is an unlucky time?

"Unfortunately, your vital energy is declining; you only have about ten more years to live. It's too late."

"What if we could do it all over again?"

"Hahaha, are you dreaming? You think you can start over?"

[You are unusually serious: "If I could do it all over again, and I found you when I was young, what method could I use to get you to take me as your apprentice?"]

[With ten years remaining until this final stage of your life, you've already begun considering plans for the next simulation.]

[Previously, in your plan, the old Taoist priest was someone you wanted to befriend and maintain a good relationship with.]

[His lightning magic, his spatial manipulation techniques, and his arrogant, domineering attitude that challenged the heavens were all evident.]

[You've changed your mind. The Tomb of the God of War is a must-see; once you obtain it, you'll need to carefully plan your next move.]

[It's too dangerous to get involved in a world in chaos; it's a bottomless pit, and once you're trapped, it's hard to escape.]

Therefore, the Celestial Master's Mansion on Zhenwu Mountain is indeed a good place for this old Taoist.

At least by joining the sect, one can find a powerful backer.

The old Taoist priest, puzzled by your persistence, stroked his chin and pondered.

"If you could do it all over again, come to Zhenwu Mountain and shout, 'In heaven and on earth, I alone am supreme! Zhang Bingcheng, your destined disciple has arrived! Quickly welcome him!'"

After listening, you stared at him expressionlessly.

"Old Taoist, just say you want me dead."

"Hey, how dare you talk like that, little brat?"

"If I shout 'I am the only one who reigns supreme in heaven and earth' on Zhenwu Mountain, am I sure I won't be crushed by the rules of heaven and earth?"

And are you sure you can resist the urge to strike me dead with lightning after hearing this?

"Hmm...no way...it shouldn't be..."

Your face darkened.

The old Taoist priest burst into laughter, his expression turning solemn.

"Little one, if you truly have a second chance, climb Mount Zhenwu and shout! This old Taoist will surely accept you as my disciple, and I can withstand any calamity, no matter how great!"

"Ha, what a boastful tone."

After you finished speaking, you suddenly realized something, your brows furrowed, and you looked out into the courtyard.

"Hey! What's going on today? Why do these filthy things keep coming to my door? Do they think my Zhenwu Mountain is a cesspool?"

The old Taoist priest flew into a rage, rolled up his sleeves, and stood up, ready to fight.

Suddenly sensing something, I sat down again.

"It's your brother who's come knocking."

【"brother?"】

You were first confused, then you understood.

[Your brothers in this life, Pang Hai is dead, who else could you be?]

He turned and walked towards the yard, stopping just before leaving: "Did you just curse at me?"

"No, I never swear."

"Hmph! I'll make you pay one day."

You step out of the courtyard and see a figure standing before the grave in the drizzling rain.

A long, black robe, as dark as ink, outlined a slender figure. In the rain, the silhouette was blurry and eerie, long hair cascading down.

Footsteps were heard.

The figure turned around; his handsome face was excessively pale, almost unrealistically transparent.

His eyes were icy cold, yet a strange smile played at the corners of his lips.

"Hehehe... Brother Wen, long time no see."

You paused, stepping into a puddle, your eyes widening as you stared at the other person with a look of astonishment.

Is this...is this still Xu Hui?

[The white-robed gentleman, aloof and clear-headed, the absolutely rational Xu Hui?]

[That eerie, grating laughter is absolutely chilling.]

"Hehe... What's wrong? Brother Wen doesn't recognize me?"

Xu Hui was unusually satisfied with your expression; his eyes remained calm, but the curve of his lips widened even further.

[The upper and lower facial features are extremely contrasting.]

"Xu Hui?"

"It's naturally me, who else could it be?"

"How could you...?"

"After suppressing oneself for too long, one suddenly awakens and discovers one's true self."

["What happened during your disappearance? And what brings you here today?"]

【"well……"】

A soft sigh, carrying complex emotions.

Her eyes held sadness, yet a wild smile played on her lips.

Xu Hui looked at Pang Hai's tombstone, his eyes dim, but he opened his mouth and said, "Oh, Hai Zi, when did you get so sloppy?"

I was gone for a while, and I actually ended up lying on a flat board, hehehe...

You stared at Xu Hui's black-clad back with a dark expression, finding it difficult to find any familiarity in him.

Is this what it means to become a demon?

[It's filthy, absolutely filthy.]

Suddenly, Xu Hui's head snapped to one side, shaking violently. His expression shifted, his gaze filled with anger, and his lips were repeatedly pressed down.

[It's so distorted it creates afterimages.]

[After a moment, his figure, twisted into a bizarre afterimage, returned to normal, enveloped in a mysterious, unblemished aura.]

"Big brother..."

A cool, rational voice rang out.

Xu Hui turned his back to you, not daring to turn around.

【"Huizi?"】

A familiar feeling compelled you to walk over and look at his downcast face.

Guilt, self-blame, grief...

Rain soaked their faces, mingling with tears as they streamed down.

[I cried.]

【"sorry……"】

The voice was very low, choked with sobs.

【"sorry……"】