Simulated immortality allows me to calculate talent stats.

[Fifty-third year, age sixty-nine.]

As snow falls in the cold winter and the old year gives way to the new, the capital city is enveloped in a festive New Year atmosphere.

[Jinglanfang, Anshun Street, an elegant old mansion.]

Xu Kun, his black robe as dark as ink, stood out against the snow-covered courtyard as he gazed at the persimmon tree laden with fruit.

"Brother, how's your comprehension going?"

A somber, eerie voice drifted and lingered.

[In the courtyard pavilion, you sit cross-legged with your eyes closed, your temples now streaked with even more red.]

[If a wise and insightful person were present, they would be able to perceive the aura of wisdom emanating from the top of your head, a truly rare sight in the world.]

The profound truths of heaven and earth contained in the relief sculpture "Predicting the Enemy," and its subtle analysis of the mysteries of all things in the world, will fill your mind.

[The "Preemptive Struggle" relief sculpture, previously difficult to understand, achieves its purpose purely through "persistence."]

[Finally, it opens to you, allowing you to truly break through and experience the vast and beautiful scenery within.]

[You have been in the capital for almost a year now, and your understanding of "ominous later years" has increased at an astonishing rate.]

[Enough for you to try and advance the progress of the "Enemy" relief.]

Hearing Xu Kun's urging, you suppressed the strange insights in your mind, opened your eyes, and your clear gaze gave off a chilling feeling of being riddled with holes.

It seems that in your eyes, no pretense or falsehood can deceive you.

"Some progress has been made."

Your answer was vague.

[We need to be restrained in our progress on "The Enemy's Premonition," because if we fully comprehend it, that bastard Xu Kun will start having other ideas.]

You should understand it at the right time, within the timeframe that aligns with your plan.

【"cut."】

Xu Kun can naturally sense your thoughts, but he can't force you to.

[Whether it's finding traces of the immortal sects through the Great Cang royal family, or vying for the position of killer.]

[Or we can directly rely on "Predicting the Enemy" to find the mastermind behind the assassination.]

I can't live without you.

The only thing he can rely on is controlling Xu Hui's body, making you hesitant to act against him.

After all, even his second-youngest brother was so affectionate, how much more so his second brother?

"Let's go, let's see how the legendary Empress Wei truly captivated everyone, and compare her fate as a femme fatale to yours."

You gently stroked the hem of your robe, its dark blue color fluttering in the breeze.

After meeting Lü Zhen, he introduced you to Empress Wei.

Finally, on the day before the New Year, Empress Wei returned to her parents' home for a visit, and you both found a meeting place that suited you both.

Furthermore, Wei Qi is returning this year, which could act as a bridge between you.

[For the past six months or so, aside from your cultivation, you've been working with Lü Zhen to carry out his schemes against the powerful clans of the sword-wielding aristocracy.]

[Lu Zhen had already begun his operation, and with your involvement, the progress has accelerated.]

According to his plan, getting involved in the Han Jing case was only the first step.

Now that your intelligence network in the central courtyard has been established, the second step of your meeting with Empress Wei can begin.

The Emperor's father-in-law's residence boasts a luxurious and imposing gate, requiring one to look up to see the two gilded characters.

[The Wei residence.]

[They can be considered the most prominent clan in the Great Cang Dynasty.]

[With imperial relatives and Empress Wei wielding real power, they were able to rival Emperor Xuanwu.]

[With increasing dignity.]

Today, General Wei Qi, who commands hundreds of thousands of imperial guards and guards the northern Great Wall, returns to the capital.

[This made everyone more clearly aware of the Wei family's immense power and influence.]

You and Xu Kun emerged from the shadows beneath the gate, looking out at the brightly lit long street. The entire area belonged to the Imperial Father-in-Law's residence.

[Horse-drawn carriages came and went in a constant stream, carrying gifts and offering congratulations.]

[The heavily armored and armed soldiers are arrayed in battle formation.]

[Especially a column of iron cavalry clad in red armor, exuding a fierce killing intent, their aura of iron and blood burning intensely.]

Let the ice and snow melt away.

These are Wei Qi's personal guards who returned from the northern battlefield.

The most formidable cavalry in the world.

Few could rival him, such as Pang Hai's three thousand heavy cavalry who perished on the battlefield of Suzhou.

[In a daze, you see a familiar face, a smile of remembrance and sincerity.]

"Chen Jianxia, ​​it's been many years, but your charm remains undiminished."

[Your teasing voice rang out.]

Upon hearing the title "swordsman," Chen Zhe's lips instinctively curled into a smile, which he barely managed to suppress.

His cold, sharp gaze pierced you like a sword. Upon seeing your face, he was first taken aback, then overjoyed.

The figure, sword in hand and mounted on horseback, flashed indistinctly and appeared before you.

Suddenly, his eyes flashed with a sword-like light, piercing towards Xu Kun, before noticing your two streaks of scarlet hair.

[Her joyful expression froze; she silently took half a step back, her hand on her sword gradually clenching.]

[Two comrades he hadn't seen for years—one possessed by inner demons, the other with red hair who seemed ominous—forced him to be wary.]

You couldn't help but smile bitterly.

[He shook his head and explained, "This is Xu Kun, my second-in-command, who is temporarily staying in Xu Hui's body."]

[You then introduced him to Xu Kun.]

"This is my comrade-in-arms from back then."

[In the last simulation, the technique of drawing the sword and thrusting straight forward was taught by Chen Zhe.]

[Although years of honing skills, coupled with improved comprehension and analytical thinking, as well as attribute bonuses.]

[It has reached an exceptionally terrifying level, completely different from the sword technique I once learned.]

But you deeply remember the good deeds of others, and you can never forget the bad ones.

Chen Zhe remained vigilant, his reckless and arrogant nature still brewing within him.

"I have made an appointment with Wei Qi and Lü Zhen to meet an important person."

[You know your own appearance as the Red-Haired Monster is hard to believe, especially with that freak Xu Kun around.]

[Chen Zhe didn't immediately draw his sword and stab, nor did he shout "monster!" which already shows he was showing some consideration for their past relationship.]

Upon hearing your words, Chen Zhe was initially puzzled, but then he understood.

[You address Wei Qi and Lü Zhen by their full names; in their presence, who else could truly be considered a noble person?]

[Naturally, it was Empress Wei, who had returned home to visit her family.]

"I'll go inform them; please wait a moment."

Chen Zhe quickly left, only relaxing his tense posture and no longer gripping the hilt of his sword as if ready to draw it at any moment once he was far away from you two.

"See? I told you to tone it down, and look what happened! You scared my friend."

You turn back and complain.

Xu Kun glared defiantly: "What right do you, you red-haired old monster, have to talk to me like that?"

"Ah, I'm magnanimous, I won't hold it against you."

You wave goodbye, standing quietly on the snow-covered street.

[A moment later, Chen returned, seemingly having received clarification from Wei Qi and Lü Zhen. No longer cautious and hesitant, he led the way.]

[You didn't use the main gate; all the high-ranking officials were queuing up to present gifts there. Cutting in line would have been too conspicuous.]

Enter through the side door and head directly to Wei Qi's residence.

Wei Qi has been stationed on the northern border for many years, yet his residence is still maintained daily.

[A tranquil and solemn style, subtly conveying nobility.]

You see two figures in the wind and snow.

[Lü Zhen was slender and dressed in plain clothes, while another wore a dark red armor robe.]

The two of you gazed at each other, a sense of nostalgia for the years that had passed since your last meeting welling up within you.