19. My first simulation.

In this first life simulation, I am a meticulous and kind person, but my innate talent is extremely poor.

However, through relentless effort, I overcame countless difficulties and passed the trials.

Soon, I will join a sect for cultivation. Once I succeed in my training, I will definitely return to the village to marry Meri. Meri, wait for me.

On the vast square, immortal energy swirled around.

The sect leader, a dignified man around 30 years old, scanned the crowd before suddenly storming toward me in anger. Each step he took caused the ground to quake and mountains to tremble. His hurried steps brought him right in front of me.

Before everyone, he grabbed my lapels, lifted me off the ground, and shouted directly in my face:

"The manor lord has urgent matters that require your immediate attention!"

His voice echoed loudly. Everyone was stunned. I was stunned too. My entire body was shaken like grass in the wind. With each shake, the whole world trembled, and the space beneath me shattered.

I fell straight… onto the bed. In front of me, Zhao Yu was looking at me, anxious and worried.

---

Lying on the bed, I took a deep breath to calm myself. I am a reasonable manor lord, a friendly elder.

Noah Drake.

"Speak. What's the matter? If it's not important, then…"

Zhao Yu, with a panicked expression, ignored my indifference.

"Manor lord, it's a matter of life and death. There's a group of people outside… They want to join the manor. I've tested them, but those who failed refuse to leave. They're threatening to commit suicide. I tried to reason with them, but they wouldn't listen. Please, manor lord, say a few words to them. If they all die, it will tarnish the manor's reputation."

Noah: A group wants to join…? Let the system handle it.

'Open announcements.'

[Manor notification: 20 additional slots available.]

"Hmm… Take me to see them."

Outside, the crowd was so silent that even a pin drop could be heard. All eyes were fixed on the owner of the manor.

He wasn't tall, but his entire being exuded an aura of distortion, light and shadow blending in an unsettling way. He seemed like a manifestation of chaos and destruction. Just staring at him for too long induced dizziness and discomfort, making some consider leaving.

To the 20 remaining individuals, this manor lord appeared ordinary, yet his gaze seemed to hold the entire sky. Each movement radiated immense pressure.

Princess Lalatina Celeste, trembling inside, thought to herself, "There's no turning back now. I have to go all in!"

"Manor lord, your heart is vast and benevolent. Please accept this humble woman. Though my aptitude is lacking, I will work tirelessly. Please have mercy..."

Noah looked at the stunning young woman before him, then at the steward standing cooperatively nearby.

Zhao Yu quickly interjected,

"Yes, this is the group that failed the assessment."

Noah:

'System, what assessment?...'

A flood of information poured in. "They didn't meet the requirements of the Heavenly Dao? So, the Heavenly Dao sent them to be trained as experts?"

But this stunning beauty, with her jade-like eyes and elegant brows—her beauty was captivating, a true femme fatale. Her clothing was also extraordinary. This group was far from ordinary; the women were graceful and charming, while the men were handsome and imposing.

Looking at the stunning young woman, who seemed utterly devastated and tearful, he thought, Heartbreaking!

Calm down… Stay calm.

"Accepting you is fine, but can you truly keep your word?"

Lalatina Celeste took a deep breath and answered resolutely,

"I swear. Everything I said is from the heart. If I break my promise, may the heavens punish me."

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

Princess Lalatina Celeste was momentarily stunned.

"Really? Thank you, lord!"

Seeing this precedent, the rest of the crowd became noisy.

"Manor lord, please have mercy! If I'm not accepted, my fate will be tragic. Please show kindness, I only ask to stay. I'll…"

Zhao Yu shouted,

"Silence! Speak one at a time."

A prince of the Great Prosperian Dominion stepped forward.

"Manor lord, wise and magnanimous, I deeply admire your greatness. Please give me a chance to work for you. I promise I won't let you down."

Looking at the exceptionally handsome young man, then glancing at the rest of the failed group,

Noah turned to the steward and said,

"Handle it here. Oh, by the way—" (speaking softly) "accept the women, reject the men."

"Why are you standing there? Do it quickly, then report to me in the main hall."

Zhao Yu, stunned for a moment, quickly responded,

"Yes, lord, but what if they commit suicide?"

Noah Drake turned to face the crowd.

"Life is a gift. Seeking death is a crime. Choose your path wisely. If you fail this time, there will be another recruitment round."

He turned and left.

Zhao Yu muttered, "There's another round?"

...