Chapter 7: Evaluation

"Congratulations to the player on successfully navigating the simulated world exploration. The assessment of this life simulation is rated as a C. A brief and regrettable life has been led. Would you like to review the detailed evaluation and reap the rewards?"

The resounding voice reverberated within Lu Bu's mind, momentarily leaving him in a state of bewilderment. First dying, then being reborn into another family, only to find himself returned to the very body he believed had perished. The life simulator didn't sever his connection to life?

The memories of another life still lingered vividly in his mind, though now it all felt like an elaborate dream, one that stretched indefinitely.

Lu Bu had now mastered the workings of this thing called a life simulator. By mere thought, new information would unveil before him.

Experience: Life of a Farmer

Current Status: Completed

Status: 1 (You singlehandedly razed the village, gaining notoriety among many criminals. Alas, it culminated in your execution. Should you choose to continue, the path of redemption might lead to accomplishments.)

Reputation: 15 (You started as a teenage prodigy, and while the outcome was inglorious, your refusal to submit to oppression earned you admiration from the oppressed posthumously.)

Offspring: 0 (A lack of filial conduct befits no true man.)

Age: 12 (Many youthful geniuses perish due to their impetuous nature. Recklessness has deprived you of life's significant moments.)

Initially, your entrance into the simulation garnered a low C grade due to your brief survival. In all other aspects, your performance was commendable. Apart from the 28 life simulation points acquired in this realm, you've earned the privilege to choose one enhancement as a reward. Three options are presented, and you must decide promptly:

1. Basic Carpentry Skills

2. Basic Tailoring Proficiency

3. Slight Enhancement to One Internal Organ's Resilience

Carpentry? Tailoring?

As he contemplated the choices, even though the last option sparked curiosity, Lu Bu dismissed any thoughts of becoming a carpenter or tailor. His decision was to strengthen his heart.

Upon making his choice, Lu Bu sensed a series of palpitations, followed by warmth spreading from his chest to his extremities. Concurrently, his breaths flowed easier than before, leaving him feeling invigorated.

Attention to bodily transformation was fleeting. While heart strengthening and life simulation points held merit, the most profound benefit offered by Sims this time was personal growth. Though he knew it was true, this was his first immersive experience. Yet even now, he remained perplexed: What if he hadn't acted that way? Would he have been subjected to subjugation?

This reality Lu Bu couldn't accept. The demise of his family was inextricably linked to him. Unacceptable. Given a chance, he would choose differently...

"The player's world experience is automatically recorded. The host can commence anew with the original identity. Would you re-enter the simulated world - the life of a farmer?"

Prompted by the simulator, a sense of elation welled up in Lu Bu. The opportunity for a fresh start seemed enticing. However, he hesitated. First, he needed to fathom how to address the situation. Moreover, while this realm might be a dream for the world, for Lu Bu, it had been twelve years of absence. A yearning for his home, his nagging wife, his eight-year-old daughter was overwhelming. Completing this battle swiftly became his goal; he yearned to return.

Footsteps reverberated in the distance, signifying the march of an army. Evidently, Hu Zhen's ineptness was about to manifest. Thoughts swirled in Lu Bu's mind; he was already wide awake. Awaiting the prowess of the Jiangdong Tigers was his resolve.

Approaching the city wall, Yiqueguan's gate stood ajar, soldiers streaming out. The dark of night was waning, soon giving way to dawn, yet this juncture was the darkest interim.

Standing on the city wall, Zhao Cen kept a vigilant watch on the exterior, wary of potential chaos-triggered attacks. Here for a battle? Yet are we to fight together?"

"Commanding troops outside one's jurisdiction is ill-advised. We can't unleash our full power without proper amalgamation. I've unsettled business with Hu Zhen. Sending troops collectively now would surely lead to defeat!" While they both answered to Hu Zhen, the troops were Lu Bu's domain. Even though Hu Zhen held nominal power, in practicality, he wielded control. Marching jointly would squander potential, their forces stymied by internal rivalry.

"Then, Commander Lu, what's your strategy for victory?" Zhao Cen inquired with a smile.

"It hinges on Hua Xiong's military might." Leaning against the battlement, Hu Zhen's troops had exited the city, and the gates were beginning to seal shut.

Zhao Cen hesitated, then bowed to Lu Bu, stating, "So, Cavalry Commander Lu, you won't intervene? A loss in this battle... General Hu might evade retribution, but your standing as the Cavalry Commander could be tainted."

In the past, Lu Bu would have reveled in Hu Zhen's downfall. His demise was Lu Bu's desire. But now... Lu Bu didn't outright dismiss the suggestion. From a broader perspective, defeating Sun Jian was ideal. Homesickness surged within Lu Bu; he yearned to be with his wife and children. Continued lingering held no appeal. He saw no harm in enabling Hu Zhen's involvement to expedite matters.

"Open the gate. I'll assemble our forces. Perhaps we can save Hu Zhen from punishment." Lu Bu's gaze fixed on Zhao Cen. While aware of his unwitting aid to Hu Zhen, Lu Bu was unwilling to dawdle further. Memories from twelve years prior were fading. Opening the gate, Lu Bu roused Hou Cheng and Wei Xu, directing them to lead the troops beyond. He used this interval to recollect the roots of the incident and gather intelligence. Once resolved, troops could be dispatched. What's more, Hu Zhen lay ahead.

"Fengxian, why assist Hu Zhen?" Hou Cheng and his companions rallied their Qi troops, their tone laced with resentment.

"I seek a swift resolution. Moreover, I'm not aiding him." Lu Bu's indifference was palpable. The rift with Hu Zhen had transpired long ago for others, but for Lu Bu, it was a bygone era—twelve years distant.

Under Lu Bu's command, a thousand soldiers filed out of the gate. Behind them, the city's portal resembled a gaping maw, shrouded in night's obscurity. The detachment vanished into the inky abyss.