Chapter 17: The Enemy at the Gates

"Bastard! Bastard! Bastard!"

Qian Renxue's expression was furious as she pounded the table in front of her.

Emperor Xue Ye was truly short-sighted!

How could a genius like Sheng'an be abandoned just to appease the anger of the nobles?

Even putting personal feelings aside, Qian Renxue was still certain—Zhou Sheng'an alone was worth more than all the nobles of the Heaven Dou Empire combined!

In terms of importance to the Soul Master world and even the entire Douluo Continent, Zhou Sheng'an might even surpass Emperor Xue Ye or the Pope!

Taking a deep breath to suppress her irritation, Qian Renxue pondered, "Even though this is just a simulation, it's entirely based on Emperor Xue Ye's behavioral patterns! If things continue this way, Sheng'an will undoubtedly face this situation in the future!"

"Rather than sulking, it's better to see if there's a way to break the deadlock!"

"Besides... hmm? What's this?"

Qian Renxue glanced at the simulation log and suddenly froze.

[The night you left the palace, just as you were about to make arrangements, you suddenly felt nauseous and began retching. The physician advised you to avoid intense emotional fluctuations during pregnancy, as it could affect fetal development.]

"!!!"

Qian Renxue was dumbfounded, completely stunned.

Instinctively, she placed a hand on her abdomen. It might have been an illusion, but she seemed to sense a faint heartbeat beneath her flat stomach.

"This... he... I..."

Before this, she had been reading through the logs, enjoying all the joyful experiences with Zhou Sheng'an, feeling quite pleased—especially since she could even recall those memories.

But now, she was actually pregnant...

And at such a critical moment!

"How did everything pile up at once? If I have a baby, I can't travel around as much. But without my help, how will Sheng'an protect himself? I should just have Uncle She Long bring him back."

Qian Renxue gritted her teeth as she made her decision.

...

Meanwhile, Zhou Sheng'an, who was also reading the simulation logs, twitched at the corners of his mouth.

In this simulation, he had deliberately concealed his theoretical talents and had finally obtained a brief moment of peace.

But his governance skills still brought him danger!

Just when he was thriving, the empire decided to stab him in the back?

Taking a deep breath, Zhou Sheng'an considered his many available choices.

Even though this was just a simulation, he still had to follow his heart and make the decision that best suited his personality.

A few seconds later, he made his choice.

The scene shifted.

He found himself inside a hall built from stone bricks.

He was clad in battle armor, looking imposing and dignified, exuding a powerful aura. However, his face was hidden behind a demonic mask.

Without it, his appearance was simply too stunning to command the respect of his troops.

Standing before him was a burly man clad in golden armor.

Snake Spear Douluo!

"Mister Zhou! I have received orders from the Young Lord to take you out of Yanmen Pass immediately. There are 200,000 troops from the Star Luo Empire outside—if you continue defending, there's no chance of victory."

Snake Spear Douluo's expression carried a trace of regret.

He truly felt that Zhou Sheng'an had been treated unfairly. Due to his secret mission of protecting Qian Renxue, he had also investigated Zhou Sheng'an in secret.

The more he learned, the more shocked he became.

How could such a brilliant individual exist in this world?

And yet, that foolish Emperor of Heaven Dou actually wanted to betray this man?

"I appreciate your kindness, Mister She, but I cannot leave. I will live and die with my soldiers."

Zhou Sheng'an cupped his hands and smiled freely.

"Withdraw, Mister Zhou! This is not your fault—it's Emperor Xue Ye's! He lacks discernment, has a narrow vision, and completely fails to recognize your greatness! If you die here, it will be a loss for the entire Soul Master world!"

She Long thought back to the guidance Zhou Sheng'an had given him and felt even more enraged.

Zhou Sheng'an suddenly chuckled and shook his head. "There's no need to say more, Mister She. I will not retreat!"

"Why?! Mister Zhou..."

She Long's gaze was complicated. He respected Zhou Sheng'an, which was why he hadn't forcibly taken him away.

"Hahaha... Because there is no second Yanmen Pass in this world, nor a second Zhou Sheng'an. The Star Luo army? I see them as nothing more than mere chickens and dogs. Just watch me shatter their forces!"

Zhou Sheng'an laughed heartily.

Seeing his confidence, She Long sighed inwardly, but a newfound respect gleamed in his eyes.

Fine, then. If the city falls, I'll just have to rescue him...

...

In Spirit Hall, inside the Pope's Palace, Bibi Dong was also watching the events unfold.

She hadn't intervened in this simulation, merely observing Zhou Sheng'an's development and the trials he now faced.

But now, she realized something—Qian Renxue also had this so-called simulation system!

Otherwise, Qian Renxue wouldn't have made these particular choices, and her actions seemed to be intentionally avoiding Bibi Dong.

"But now... what's the point of avoiding me?"

"You still ended up in this situation, didn't you? And that rumor... looks like you've also fallen in love with a man."

"Should I destroy you?"

A crimson glint flickered in Bibi Dong's eyes, and a devilish smile curled her lips.

Even though they were mother and daughter, their relationship was strained, and her hatred for the Angel Clan had long since extended to Qian Renxue.

Now, just like back then, Qian Renxue's heart was being consumed by darkness.

Since this was a simulation, why not take revenge to the fullest?

In reality, she might not have the heart to do it, but in the simulation... she could cross any line!

If she had suffered back then, why not let Qian Xunji's daughter taste the same pain?

The scene shifted again.

Inside the simulation, Bibi Dong appeared within Yanmen Pass.

She had been secretly observing all this time, but now, she finally revealed herself in the dead of night.

As Zhou Sheng'an was bent over his desk, strategizing, he suddenly looked up in surprise.

"You are...?"

Bibi Dong said nothing.

When she wasn't wearing that cold expression, she was a breathtakingly beautiful woman.

Alone with her in the night, any man would find it hard to resist.

However, Zhou Sheng'an's gaze toward her was devoid of even the slightest desire.

Bibi Dong spoke indifferently, "I can help you survive. I can also help you win this war."

"Oh?"

Zhou Sheng'an raised an eyebrow, but he showed no excitement or doubt.

His calm demeanor made Bibi Dong frown. "You don't believe me?"

"I only believe in myself."

Zhou Sheng'an smiled.

"I am the Pope of Spirit Hall."

Bibi Dong's voice turned cold.

"Then perhaps the Pope truly can help me win this battle."

Zhou Sheng'an chuckled.

"Since you understand that, don't you want to secure victory? I can help you, as long as you..."

"Hahaha, Your Holiness, no need to continue. Even without external help, I will still win this battle."

Zhou Sheng'an laughed freely, his eyes brimming with confidence.

Everyone else thought he would lose, that he would be sacrificed to appease the nobles and Star Luo's wrath.

But he had never been worried.

Because he knew he would win!

His overwhelming confidence stemmed from his absolute belief in his own abilities.

Bibi Dong stared at Zhou Sheng'an, momentarily stunned.

She had always compared him to that man, but now, looking into his eyes, she understood—Zhou Sheng'an was not Yu Xiaogang.

He was something far greater.