Simulated immortality allows me to calculate talent stats.

[Waaaaah...]

The vast, clear light raged, stirring up mournful cries, much like Han Xuan's current state of mind.

His eyes were bloodshot as he stared intently at the old man on the suspended platform.

Why...?

[His voice was hoarse, yet he persisted in asking the question.]

To this day, he still doesn't understand why his wife, Shen Jinyue, was plotted against and killed.

The old man's face was solemn and dignified.

[Faced with Han Xuanhe's questioning.]

[In a calm and even tone:] "Why?"

His sudden, cold laugh shattered that facade of appreciating talent.

[Speaking with an air of self-assurance, as if observing a chess move:] "Because it was her destiny."

"It was destined..."

Upon hearing this, Han Xuanhe's expression momentarily dazed, and he murmured in disbelief.

[Continuing to question: "Why her?"]

【"well."】

The old man seemed to lose patience, shaking his head and sighing softly: "Judging from your age of thirty, you have attained the level of a great Confucian scholar; you should not be such a stubborn and unenlightened person."

"Since things have come to this, why keep arguing?"

The old man's dismissive tone and disdainful words.

[This inflicted a deeply painful humiliation on Han Xuan.]

That's his wife.

[Unclear and ambiguous, they died because of scheming.]

Even his persistence in pursuing the truth was seen as a lack of manners and rudeness.

The person before me possesses an arrogance and disdain etched into their very bones.

This intensified the anger and hatred in his heart.

The old man sensed Han Xuanhe's murderous intent.

[His demeanor remained calm and composed: "I advise you not to seek your own death and cut off your own chance of survival."]

He turned around and looked up at the stone tablet.

The imposing aura in his eyes faded, replaced by an almost humble reverence.

"This is about the bigger picture, Han Xuanhe. Let's prioritize the bigger picture."

"To hell with the big picture!"

[Han Xuanhe is a man of refined elegance and cultivated manners.]

[Completely abandoning the integrity of a scholar, he angrily denounced it.]

His righteous spirit caused his white robes to flutter and his hair and beard to dance wildly.

[Crimson eyes, a mixture of hatred and rage.]

"You must give Han an explanation for the past grudges."

[Han Xuanhe, who came with the resolve to die.]

[They've long since become unscrupulous.]

[I only ask for justice for my deceased wife.]

"Explain?"

The man, with a sinister face and calculating eyes, sneered.

He slowly and deliberately played with the thumb ring in his hand.

[Raising his eyes with disdain: "Han Xuanhe, what right do you have to demand an explanation?"]

The mocking curve of his lips gradually widened.

[He informed Han Xuan of the cruelest truth.]

"You think Shen Jinyue's death was part of our scheme?"

"Hehehe... If you think that way, you're being far too naive."

The man's mocking smile faded.

[His gaze was cold, yet tinged with reverence.]

"The overall situation was already decided. Shen Jinyue's death was predetermined, and the meaning of his existence lay entirely in this predetermined fate."

Facing the bloody truth.

Han Xuan remained surprisingly calm, showing no loss of composure, no outburst of anger, and not even a hint of surprise.

[They clearly had already sensed it.]

"Yes...it was already a done deal..."

His burning anger and hatred dissipated, and even his once vigorous figure seemed somewhat slumped.

A bitter smile played on his lips.

[Whispering softly: "Though I am a pawn, I am already part of the game, at the mercy of others."]

"However, Han, who has reached the level of a great Confucian scholar, is certainly not a foolish person."

"You have disturbed my mind, confused my senses, and led me here..."

Han Xuan's deep, cold gaze swept over the five people on the suspended platform.

"For whom is this scheme being set up?"

He swept away the weariness and dejection, revealing a radiant and clear light.

[The scholar's integrity is lofty and unyielding.]

"That imperial envoy? No, he's too young. Even if he's involved, it was just a side job."

Han Xuan raised his eyes and gazed intently at the two characters "Feng Huang".

Although he had relinquished his official rank, he still deeply felt the oppressive power of the emperor.

His expression was solemn, and his words were sharp: "The most important identity I hold is that of the Prefect of Wu Prefecture..."

[Amidst analysis and speculation.]

His gaze fell, landing on the five people.

"So, who do you want to attract attention by using my official rank as governor?"

Han Xuan's tone was distant and lingering, as if he were questioning the other person, or perhaps talking to himself.

Finally, he slowly uttered two words.

"Emperor?"

【boom!】

His two casual words caused the five people on the suspended platform to change their expressions and their auras to fluctuate.

A man with a sinister expression.

Looking at Han Xuanhe, her eyes revealed surprise, fear, and jealousy...

Ultimately, it all transformed into a deep, dangerous killing intent.

[He always considered himself to have flawless strategies and enjoyed manipulating others in his schemes.]

At this moment, facing Han Xuanhe.

[Despite being part of the bigger picture and having already reached a conclusion, they were led astray by distorted perceptions.]

However, they still managed to see through the mystery and pinpoint the truth.

"Looks like I guessed right."

Han Xuan's hoarse voice, heavy in tone, became even more solemn upon learning the truth.

"Are you kidding me!?"

The sinister-looking man reacted, his eyes changing drastically as he glared at Han Xuanhe with a mixture of shock, shame, and anger.

[Faced with his chilling, murderous threat.]

Han Xuan remained unmoved.

His brows were furrowed, revealing his worry.

[Emperor.]

[This grand scheme, using him as a pawn, is actually a trap set for the Emperor!]

You concealed your tracks.

[Observe Han Xuan's conversation with the five heads of the Merchant Alliance.]

I have gained a new understanding of Han Xuanhe.

[Truly a scholar worthy of reaching the level of a great Confucian scholar.]

It should be noted that ever since Confucianism became subservient to imperial power and took control of the ranks of officials...

Many scholars focused their attention on vying for power.

The higher one's official rank, the more abundant the blessings and the more prestigious one's position.

[Years of diligent study, delving into knowledge, and a long and arduous journey of discovery?]

Why waste time and take unnecessary detours?

That's why the old man expressed his praise and appreciation for his talent.

At the age of thirty, one reaches the level of a great Confucian scholar.

Besides natural talent and comprehension, a resilient and wise heart is even more essential.

Han Xuan, while playing chess, pondered the question of who had killed Shen Jinyue.

[Although influenced by distorted perceptions.]

However, he did not completely succumb to their influence or allow himself to be manipulated.

[That look of grief, hatred, and questioning just now.]

[Natural and genuine feelings.]

But it was also a test on his part.

Ultimately, the answer was found in the sinister-looking man.

Han Xuan felt a chill run through him; this answer was far too heavy a burden for him.

He never imagined that he would face the worst possible outcome, despite his meticulous and painstaking analysis, testing the waters layer by layer.

【result.】

The truth is horrifying.

Even if he knew the truth now, he couldn't turn the tide.

[Even those who relinquished their official rank in order to gain entry into the game were now unable to admonish the Emperor.]

Han Xuan sighed inwardly; his resolve to die had been formed.

Her gaze fell upon the five people.

"Your subject can only fulfill his final duty by dying..."

Han Xuan stepped forward, preparing to fight to the death against the five Celestial Beings.

[Smack!]

【Sudden.】

A hand patted him on the shoulder from behind.