Simulated immortality allows me to calculate talent stats.

"Why are you so badly injured? I'll go get a doctor."

"No need, I know my own situation, Wen Yu..."

[You face a beautiful woman, deeply wounded and broken, and gently call her name, your eyes even filled with a pleading humility.]

My heartstrings are touched and stirred; even with a thousand requests, I will readily agree.

[Then, with supreme reason, he pressed her down.]

"Ah... ever since I met you, you've always been as calm as a still lake, without a ripple..."

Shang Qingdai's eyes dimmed.

"My destiny wheel has been shattered, and eighty or ninety percent of my strength has been lost. I fear it will be difficult for me to survive in the demonic sect from now on."

"You are an elder of the Demonic Sect..."

"Hehe... Elder... This requires strength to maintain. In my current situation, I will only become a fish on the chopping block."

I climbed to this position on the blood of too many people.

All of these need to be repaid.

You understand that your opponent is severely injured, and even if they recover, they will likely retain less than one-tenth of their former strength.

Finding you is clearly a way to secure an escape route.

[But considering your own strength at the eighth level of Body Tempering, what ability do you have to protect her?]

"How can I help you?"

You asked frankly, just to satisfy your curiosity, but whether you'll do your best is another matter entirely.

It all depends on how they respond.

Shang Qingdai gazed at you with deep affection.

Yes, are you sure you saw those eyes shrouded in a thin mist, and there seemed to be a glimmer of emotion within them?

"I want you to marry me."

【"ah?"】

Upon hearing this unexpected answer, you were first surprised, then your heart skipped a beat, and you even began to let your imagination run wild.

The hand of supreme reason pressed down once more.

Shang Qingdai toned down her alluring demeanor and solemnly answered your questions.

"I admit, I do have feelings for you, but not enough to make me disregard my shame and beg in a low voice..."

The reason for this is that, after being seriously injured, I hope to find someone to rely on and be able to get through the rest of my life.

"To be honest, why should I be able to protect you?"

"Your abilities."

Shang Qingdai stared intently at you, captivated by your abilities.

["Is this elder of the Demonic Sect a genius?" you wonder.]

"Now that you are in charge of the intelligence organization and have been valued by Cao Jin, I have been able to conceal my injuries for two or three years. During this time, we will get married."

I will do everything in my power to help you climb to the top, and you will protect my peace and security for the rest of my life…

You weigh the pros and cons and consider how to choose.

"I never imagined that after a life of unwavering integrity, I'd only be able to live off a woman at forty..."

Wen Yu lay in the coffin, suddenly filled with emotion.

Then he removed his hand of supreme reason.

This is what makes simulations special: everything in a simulation is something you experience and feel firsthand, yet you can also detach yourself from it.

For example, when making certain decisions, one can detach oneself from the situation, think rationally, and influence the direction of the simulation.

Of course, this only applies to oneself, and there are limits to the impact of this detachment from reason.

Even when faced with powerful illusions or soul-capturing spells, one cannot withstand them and will still fall victim.

【"good."】

You agreed without hesitation.

Shang Qingdai stared at you in astonishment, her expression just as blank as when you first met.

She chuckled softly, "I thought you would refuse."

The tone was sincere, conveying a sense of relief and joy.

Then, seeing him rise and sit upright, his figure as smooth as warm jade, his demeanor captivating, the fragmented beauty dissipated, his weakened aura returned to its peak, and the familiar oppressive feeling returned once more.

It seems the previous serious injury was just an illusion.

[I noticed you looked puzzled.]

Shang Qingdai said playfully, "If you don't agree, I'm prepared to use force."

You scoffed dismissively, standing with your hands behind your back: "A true man is born between heaven and earth...he should be able to bend and stretch."

【"loquacious."】

[Shang Qingdai sighed, then instructed you on your next steps.]

"The Demonic Sect ordered me to rebuild the intelligence agency in order to break away from the original complicated and cumbersome system, improve efficiency, and have the ability to monitor Chen Chaomang."

If they learn that I am seriously injured, they will surely send someone to take over my duties.

At that time, without my support, your situation will be uncertain.

You know the other person is telling the truth, and perhaps because of their outstanding abilities, they will continue to be highly valued.

However, it's more likely that because Shang Qingdai had personally promoted him, he was targeted and even eliminated as a member of the old faction.

"Chen Chao's reckless attack on Wu will take at least two or three years to end. Your most important task now is to secure the Cao Jin line."

When the war ends, and the intelligence agencies of all sides re-establish themselves and become independent, and when I too am wounded, this will be our way out.

Shang Qingdai rose from the couch, her bare white feet touching the ground. Upon closer inspection, she noticed a gap between her toes and the bluestone floor.

This demonstrates the high level of his martial arts skill.

[He flicked his wrist to make tea, gesturing for you to sit down, and continued, "My injuries have been exposed. If the higher-ups send someone to seize power, I will side with Chen Chaomang. If I can still mediate, I will retain control of intelligence."]

You nodded in understanding, and then discussed the details with the other person, such as when to get married and what etiquette was required.

[She was quickly driven out of the secret room by Shang Qingdai, whose face was flushed.]

As winter deepened, light snow began to fall in Yangzhou.

After winter set in, the fighting temporarily ceased, allowing the people to spend the winter in peace.

[A rumor also spread among the powerful figures in Yangzhou: Shang Qingdai, an elder of the Demonic Sect and commander of its intelligence agency, will marry her deputy, Wen Yu.]

The news has sparked considerable discussion.

[Shang Qingdai, this elder of the Demonic Sect, was treated with respect even by Chen Chaomang, who held a preconceived notion that members of the Demonic Sect were unpredictable, sinister, and ruthless.]

It's hard to believe she would choose to get married, especially not a marriage that would be beneath her.

[Suddenly, your name became known to the powerful elites of Yangzhou, including the Demonic Sect, who took notice, and intelligence information quickly appeared in various plans.]

Then, even more astonishing news arrived.

[Governor of Yangzhou, Chen Chaomang, in recognition of your outstanding performance in gathering intelligence for the campaign against Wu, hereby bestow upon you a mansion, brocade, gold, silver, and jade.]

[The Wen residence, a gift from Chen Chao on the day of the wedding.]

[The snow was brightly lit and decorated with lanterns and colorful streamers; the orange glow of the lanterns illuminated the snow, making it appear as if it were ablaze.]

[You changed into your wedding dress with the help of your maids.]

[That matchmaker, who has worked at the Yan Family Chamber of Commerce for over ten years and tirelessly introduced you to potential partners, cheerfully guided you through the ceremony.]

[You don't have many friends; you mostly interact with colleagues, especially Shang Qingdai. The closer the friendship, the more likely the betrayal will be.]

Therefore, no guests were invited; just a few young and middle-aged people from the villages, mountain strongholds, Jinlin, and Yangzhou.

Just as the ceremony was about to begin, the butler hurried in.

"Master Wen, the head of the Yan family has come to offer his congratulations."

"Oh? That's thoughtful of you."

You greeted them politely with a smile.

Then, the butler rushed over, shouting as he ran.

[“Lord Wen! Military Advisor Cao Jin has come to offer his congratulations!”]

【call!】

Before you could react, Yan Ming abruptly stood up, his face filled with shock, his clothes soaked with spilled wine.