High Martial Arts Races: I Ascend to the Future in a Simulation

Within the high celestial enclosure formed by the edge of the colossal wall, roughly every few hundred miles, there is a section said to be a trace left by the Great One.

The content is completely repeated and engraved at the very bottom of the wall: a position that ordinary people can see at eye level, while children need to look up.

To many, these are symbols of incomprehensible meaning.

They were too lazy to investigate what it actually meant.

[At most, it's just curiosity: how did the great ones leave their marks on the wall, and how did they manage to leave such marks on every corner of such a massive wall?]

These symbols look familiar.

These are characters created by Cangjie.

Although it was abandoned by this era long ago, some people still remember it.

Those who experienced it firsthand are naturally the ones.

[Like you, like Xuanyuan.]

You found the beginning, then read it bit by bit.

This is a history book, but more importantly, it is an autobiography.

The chronicler recounts that he was born into a primitive and corrupt tribe. His exceptional talent made him a potential threat to the rulers, so his mother sent him away for his safety.

Are you sure this is a record from Xuanyuan?

You're eager to know what happened to him, so you read on, bit by bit.

[I watched him sleep for a thousand years, surrounded by the great sun, until he awoke, and then, with the help of his brother who transcended cause and effect, ascended to the celestial realm, and even conquered all the heavens and myriad worlds.]

[Then I realized it was all just a dream, a lie.]

The existence of unimaginable enemies beyond the heavens forced him to lose his loved ones and compelled him to fight with all his might.

[What follows is a series of rambling, diary-like records.]

[Describe his spiritual practice and the achievements he made.]

[Describe the realm he broke through, describe the new path he pioneered.]

There's also the joy of reuniting with a loved one, and the happiness of discovering oneself and reaching new heights.

[And he returned to the mortal realm to govern the chaotic and often inflicting-in-fighting populace, guiding future generations back to the old order.]

Finally, as he stepped into a certain realm, as he stepped into an even higher realm.

[It's even powerful enough to recover everything it has lost in the past, powerful enough to create something from nothing, to create the world from nothing.]

Yet, no trace of that close relative's past can be found.

Everyone else is here, everyone is here, including former enemies and those supposedly erased from history.

Only he wasn't there.

On the contrary, in tracing back to the past, it was discovered that his closest relatives had probably told him some more lies.

This wasn't the first time the other person had lied, but in the past, when the lies were exposed, he knew it was all for his own good.

But this time, he discovered some contradictions.

[Some clearly unnecessary contradictions that could completely destroy the edifice of trust!]

He was on the verge of a breakdown.

[I've discovered that my entire past... seems to have been nothing but a scheme, a complete illusion!]

[Some of the things he fought for with unwavering determination and pushed his limits to achieve constituted an ultimate, fearless belief.]

[It seems it never existed in the first place.]

He was confused.

As you continue walking along the giant wall, engrossed in the unfolding story, you see a disheveled middle-aged man blocking your way.

The middle-aged man excitedly pointed to the ancient runes: "Are you also interested in deciphering the traces left behind by the Great Ones?"

"I suspect that what's recorded above are his reflections on life!"

"Perhaps there are some earth-shattering secrets hidden within the human kingdom!"

Upon hearing this, you nodded slightly: "I also think... this will be a world-shaking secret."

Then you walk past him and continue watching.

[But seeing how intently you were watching, as if assuming you'd gained some insight, that person eagerly followed behind you, which you ignored.]

However, after only ten days or so, he left to replenish his food supplies, and they were never seen again.

Many people went to comfort him, but their comfort was all built on a colossal lie.

No one could understand him.

Later, he came to the mortal realm to clear his mind and witnessed the chaos of war.

He witnessed powerful superhumans battling in the mortal realm, and he saw countless people perishing in their greed and desire.

He recalled the days when he was first called king.

So he put that lie behind him and began to focus on building a supreme kingdom for humanity.

The concept of a human nation was thus born.

Everyone here has the freedom to choose and the ability to live happily, from the beginning of life until its end.

There is no war here, no disease or natural disasters, and no disability, because all needs are met.

Many years later, a perfect utopia, the Ideal State, emerged.

People slept soundly in the cradle he had personally built for his descendants.

But when he left, many old friends did not understand him.

He didn't understand those people either.

Isn't this kind of world a better place?

Everyone can do as they please, freely choose their job, choose the life they want after growing up, find their ideal partner, and even change their gender and start a new life.

Those people of later generations were clearly grateful to him and felt that this was a very happy thing.

He did nothing wrong, never.

But he didn't want to argue anymore, so he chose to shut himself off.

I will not hear what I do not wish to hear, nor see what I do not wish to see.

And so those voices never reached his ears again.

【…】

Your mood is growing increasingly heavy.

[According to historical records, Xuanyuan gradually became domineering and autocratic.]

He was the same in the past, but these later actions were different.

He's too strong, far stronger than everyone else.

He can achieve immortality without anyone's help; he is no longer the king who needs to be lifted up by the masses and lead tribal warriors and numerous generals to conquer the world.

[And it was because of that incident that he changed.]

The records become increasingly scarce.

It is no longer specific content, but rather a kind of conceptual expression.

[For example, choosing to ascend one's own throne, or becoming the sole ruler of this desolate world, sitting alone in the darkness, existing forever.]

[There are also those who escape into confusion, distancing themselves from everyone, simply waiting for that person to reappear.]

He said that if that person reappears and is willing and able to meet him again, please call his name.

He had one question.

And so, you softly called out, "Xuanyuan."

Look at the last question.

He was asking that closest relative.

[That passage contains countless doubts, grievances, confusion, anger, sadness, loneliness, despair, hope, fear, and fearlessness.]

You turned around.

[He saw Xuanyuan standing behind him.]

Why?