19. My first simulation.

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In my first simulation, I was a meticulous and kind person, though extremely lacking in talent. Through relentless effort, I overcame countless difficulties to pass the trial.

I was about to enter the sect to train, and once I succeeded, I was determined to return to my village and marry Meri. Meri, wait for me.

On the vast square, immortal energy floated everywhere. The sect master, a dignified man in his 30s, glanced around before suddenly growing angry and marching straight toward me. With each step, the earth trembled and mountains quaked, his pace urgent. In front of everyone, he grabbed both sides of my robe and shouted directly in my face.

"The master has urgent matters that need your personal attention."

His voice echoed loudly. Everyone was stunned, including me. My body swayed like grass in the wind, and with each shake, the entire world seemed to shatter. The ground beneath me broke apart, and I fell straight into... my bed. In front of me was Zhao Yu, looking at me with worry and urgency.

Lying on the bed, I took a deep breath and calmed myself. I was the master of the manor after all—a sensible and friendly senior.

"What is it? If it's not something important..."

Zhao Yu, his face anxious, interrupted, "Master, it's a matter of life and death... A group of people outside wants to join the manor. I've tested them, but those who failed refuse to leave. They're threatening to kill themselves. I tried reasoning with them, but they won't listen. Please, Master, come out and speak to them before they follow through, or it'll damage the manor's reputation."

A group of people wants to join? The system must have handled that. I opened the manor's notifications.

Manor status: 20 new members added.

Hmm.

"Lead me to them."

Outside, the atmosphere was so quiet you could hear a pin drop. Everyone was staring at the master of the manor. He wasn't tall, and his entire form seemed blurred, surrounded by faint light and... loneliness. If you looked too long, you would feel disoriented and uncomfortable. To the remaining 20 people, this master seemed ordinary, but his eyes held the vastness of the sky, and each of his movements radiated an overwhelming pressure.

Some had already started considering leaving.

Princess Lalatina Celeste, her heart trembling, took a deep breath and called out, "Master, you are kind and compassionate. Please allow me to stay. Though I may lack talent, I will work hard and diligently. I beg for your mercy..."

Noah Drake looked at the beautiful young woman standing before him, then glanced at Zhao Yu.

Zhao Yu quickly responded, "Yes, these are the ones who didn't pass the trial, Master."

Noah Drake.

"System, what trial? ...Ah, it seems they don't meet the requirements of the Heavenly Dao. Is the Heavenly Dao sending them here to be trained as experts?"

But, a stunning servant? Such beauty, like jade and pearl. This is the kind of face that could ruin nations. Their clothes don't look ordinary either. The whole group—women are graceful and lovely, while the men are handsome and extraordinary.

Looking at this beautiful girl, her face filled with suffering, tears streaming down... It's heartbreaking!

Stay calm... Stay calm.

"Alright, I can accept you, but will you truly keep your word and do what you've promised?"

Lalatina took a deep breath, her voice firm, "I swear, everything I said is sincere. If I break my word, let the heavens strike me down."

"Very well... From now on, you are a member of this manor."

Princess Lalatina Celeste was momentarily stunned. "Really? Thank you, Master!"

Once they saw this precedent, the crowd immediately became noisy.

"Please, Master, have mercy! If we're not accepted, we'll face terrible fates. Please, Master, show compassion, we only wish to stay..."

Zhao Yu shouted, "Silence! Speak one at a time."

A prince from the Aurelius Empire stepped forward.

"Master, you are wise and merciful, and I greatly admire your greatness. Please, Master, grant me a chance to serve you. I swear I will not disappoint you."

Looking at the handsome young man, Noah Drake then turned his gaze to the remaining rejected group.

Noah Drake turned back to Zhao Yu and whispered, "Sort it out. Ah, and... keep the women, dismiss the men. Why are you just standing there? Get it done and bring them to the main hall when you're finished."

Zhao Yu nodded, "Yes, Master, but... what if they try to kill themselves?"

Noah Drake turned and looked at the crowd.

"Life is a gift, and seeking death is a grave mistake. You must all choose your path wisely. If you don't succeed this time, there will always be another selection."

He turned to leave.

Zhao Yu was left bewildered. "Another selection?"