Simulated immortality allows me to calculate talent stats.

[Lu Zhen's face was slapped raw, but he remained unmoved, even smiling.]

Teeth stained crimson with blood, mixed with bits of flesh; gruesome wounds revealed stark white bone.

He had a slight smirk, and beneath his disheveled hair, his eyes held a resolute determination of unknown origin.

[He was struggling to hold on, as if he wanted to witness something.]

Before the misty gates of the imperial palace, carriages flowed in a stream, and officials awaited, witnessing Lü Zhen's tragic end.

[From the initial shock, or chilling, or sorrowful, or even gloating.]

Now, nearly a hundred days have passed, and everyone knows of Lü Zhen's impending doom.

Since the chaos in the Great Cang Court began, the officials and nobles of the court have been waiting at the palace gates every day to submit petitions to Emperor Xuanwu to convene a court assembly.

However, Emperor Xuanwu refused to see him and issued no further decrees except for punishing Lü Zhen.

[Slap! Slap! Slap!]

The sound of whipping echoed clearly before the solemn gates of the imperial palace.

Some of Lü Zhen's protégés, who hadn't participated in his schemes, still retained their official positions, and now they couldn't bear to look away.

[Some former political enemies also offered their scathing mockery and ridicule of Lü Zhen's ungratefulness.]

[He held the position of prime minister, second only to the emperor, and was the head of all officials.]

What immense power and influence!

What do scholars toil for? Isn't it simply to get promoted, make money, and protect their descendants?

However, Lü Zhen did not cherish this opportunity and even attempted to undermine imperial power.

The whip, imbued with destiny, struck Lü Zhen, but the most devastating blow was not the physical injury.

Rather, it was the oppressive force that penetrated deep into the soul and shattered consciousness.

Even after Lü Zhen attained enlightenment in Longchang and forged his own unique path, achieving a lofty and transcendent realm, [it was still possible].

They could hardly endure nearly a hundred days of whipping.

His consciousness gradually dissipated, his pupils became vacant, his vision blurred, and in a daze, he seemed to see himself in his youth.

[A born swordsman, hailed as the current head swordsman of the Canglan Sword Sect.]

[I have failed my master's high expectations, and have abandoned swordsmanship for literature.]

That day, I met you in the small building on Cangshan Mountain. After our conversation, we solidified our beliefs, and I went into seclusion in Longchang.

After passing the imperial examination, he achieved top honors, entered the Hanlin Academy, and took charge of the cabinet, attempting to save the crumbling empire.

But he discovered a cruel and chilling truth.

[Da Cang needs no salvation, for the imperial power representing the legitimate rule of Da Cang is unshakeable.]

The suffering is borne by the millions of ordinary people.

Thus, a deadly trap was formed in his mind.

[Until we met again, together we orchestrated this fabricated destiny, bestowing fate upon all sides, stirring up trouble in the Central Court of the Great Cang.]

[For decades I have wandered aimlessly, enduring countless hardships and afflictions, severing my very bones and flesh, yet finding no cure; I have even severed the foundations of an empire that has stood for millennia.]

He wanted to change the world, hoping for peace and prosperity for all people, so that they could live in happiness and joy forever...

[Lü Zhen's eyelids gradually closed, his gaze unfocused.]

The final scene appears to show a figure clad in dark blue.

Is it a hallucination...?

A forced smile tugged at the corner of his mouth, which was raw and bleeding.

[On the road to the underworld, the story continues endlessly.]

Brother Wen, I am tired. I hope we can talk more about romance and nature on the way.

The officials waiting before the palace gates, all of exceptionally high cultivation levels, immediately sensed that Lü Zhen's life force was as faint as a candle flame, about to dissipate.

[Step...step...step...]

The sound of hesitant footsteps approached.

On the wide main road, a figure in a dark blue robe walked with difficulty, yet resolutely headed towards the gallows.

A young man in a long, dark robe stood protectively behind him.

[One hand was deeply inside his robes, as if he were touching some precious treasure, unwilling to let go.]

You gaze at Lü Zhen, hanging from the gallows, and the horrifying sight of his tragic state moves you deeply.

【Clang!!!】

A dazzling golden light emanates, its sharp aura striking. The Imperial Guards are on high alert, their terrifying presence locking onto the two of you.

【"snort!"】

Xu Kun let out a cold snort, his gloomy and deep eyes revealing a terrifying killing intent.

Pure, sublime, transcending cause and effect, annihilating all.

[The killer in his arms murmured softly.]

[In an instant, all the oppressive force, aura, and divine sense present...]

【Kill them all.】

"As expected of the Lord of Slaughter who controls life and death, truly extraordinary."

A majestic, deep voice echoed from within the imperial city, accompanied by the rolling celestial phenomena.

"But do you, this evil and filthy creature, think that you can act recklessly in the Great Cang Imperial Capital just because of this?"

The voice was chilling, and an overwhelming pressure descended like the heavens crushing down.

Officials quickly made way, while Xu Kun's face, cracked with worry, turned grave.

Xu Hui's poor physical condition limited his performance.

Although the method of killing the master was mysterious, each use of it only accelerated the collapse of Xu Hui's body.

But since he promised to come to the capital with you, he won't break his promise; otherwise, where would his conscience lie?

[Boom boom boom!]

Just as Xu Kun was preparing to make a desperate gamble, a deafening roar shook the heavens and the earth.

Like a vast army, they formed an invincible force, trampling down upon us.

Those present turned to look on in astonishment.

But then it was discovered.

[Where are the thousands of troops, and where are the arrayed formations of soldiers?]

Only one person came galloping along with the reins loose.

[A handsome face, simple and elegant attire, and a serene and tranquil demeanor.]

Those who could see his face were all filled with deep awe.

[Han Jing, the Great God of War.]

He rode slowly towards them, yet exuded the terrifying aura of a million-strong army.

[A true one-man army.]

The voices within the imperial city grew wary.

"Han Jing, never forget your place!"

Han Jing withdrew his gaze from Lü Zhen, the sorrow in his eyes fading, leaving behind a chilling ferocity.

"This commander has not forgotten, therefore I cannot bear to see loyal ministers wronged and humiliated, nor can I bear to see emperors incompetent and inactive."

[Han Jing drew his sword, unleashing a fierce killing intent that enveloped you and Xu Kun, demonstrating his stance.]

You walked step by step to the gallows, grabbed the knot, and tried to pull it open.

[A menacing aura emanates from the knot, seeking to punish your disrespect.]

Your gaze was icy cold. You tore off a lock of red hair and wrapped it around your fingertips, ignoring the oppressive force, and untied the knot.

[Lü Zhen's almost mangled body fell, and you caught it.]

"Brother Lü..."

[Lü Zhen struggled to open his eyes; his vision was blurry, but he recognized your voice.]

A bloodstained hand gripped the hem of your dress.

"Did we... succeed?"

"It will succeed."

You look back at the palace with its golden tiles and red walls.

The plan was a great success; the states of Zhou, Qi, and Wu have already launched their northern expeditions, and the Great Cang Central Court is teetering on the brink of collapse.

If this trend continues, the collapse of imperial power is only a matter of time.

But you could also say it was a failure.

[Because the balance between Wei Zhi and Emperor Xuanwu is beyond your imagination.]

Such a chaotic situation could not be broken, nor could it provoke conflict between the two sides.

【"Yeah……"】

[Lu Zhen was plunged into complete darkness; he could no longer see.]

He has an inexplicable trust in what you say.

So you're laughing very happily.

"Brother Wen, I have something to entrust to you."