[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-simulated-to-reality-i-once-looked-down-upon-ten":3,"chapter-simulated-to-reality-i-once-looked-down-upon-ten-simulated-to-reality-i-once-looked-down-upon-ten-chapter-650":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"chinese","Simulated to Reality: I Once Looked Down Upon Ten Thousand Ages?",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},2347665,4587,"Chapter 650: Lu Chen","simulated-to-reality-i-once-looked-down-upon-ten-chapter-650",650,"\u003Cp>Bianjing, Taofu Street.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The moon hung high, its clear radiance like gauze, gently shrouding the ancient street.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the street’s end, a towering structure stood silently, facing south with its back to the north, a five-story brick-and-wood building with a hard-eave multi-tiered roof, its sloping eaves lined with green tiles like fish scales, stacked in layers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Under the moonlight, it glowed faintly, resembling a garden.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On Taofu Street, whether common folk hurrying past or powerful officials and nobles, all who reached this spot bowed slightly—even those among the Nine Surnames, normally arrogant and domineering, dared not whip their horses or spur them forward here.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They slowed their carriages, and the nobles inside pushed back the curtains, gazing silently, their eyes filled with an unspoken reverence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even the most reckless young aristocrats dared not act out here.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The reason was simple—the vermilion gate bore a plain wooden plaque.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It bore two characters: “Academy.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No ornate embellishments, merely two simple characters, yet enough to awe the powerful and noble who filled Bianjing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since the Master founded the Academy, this place had become a sacred site watched by all under heaven.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The four Masters of the Academy were renowned throughout the land.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Layer upon layer of glorious titles gathered here.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To the people of Da Qi, the two characters “Academy” weighed heavier than Mount Tai.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Today, Taofu Street was unusually quiet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On ordinary days, before midnight, both sides of the street would be brightly lit, the aroma of fried snacks thick in the air, children laughing and chasing each other through the crowds, alive with bustle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But today, the street was desolate, few pedestrians, the lanterns dimmed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because the Qunfang Banquet was being held in the West Pavilion, nearly all of Bianjing’s officials, nobles, and literati had flooded there, leaving this usually crowded street unusually still.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And then!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On the cobblestone street, a soft hoofbeat echoed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A black donkey appeared slowly around the corner, chewing contentedly on a handful of fresh grass, its head held high.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Its fur was glossy black, its hooves idly scratching its ear, exuding calm ease.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The donkey pricked its ears, studying the high walls of the Academy ahead, its eyes holding a trace of fear.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This black donkey had been brought into the Xie Fu by Lu Hua.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It had lived well and comfortably in the Xie Fu for a month and a half, growing plump and robust.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Originally a centuries-old donkey kept by the Sanzhen Sect on Mount Zhongnan, it had lived over a hundred years, already possessing spiritual awareness, immense strength, and a hind leg capable of kicking a striped tiger to death.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Having listened to the Dao for years on Mount Zhongnan, it had gained supernatural abilities—its mouth could spit torrents of flame, beyond the reach of even experts of the upper three realms of martial cultivation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In its youth, this black donkey had been the terror of Mount Zhongnan, rampaging without restraint, destroying terraced fields and greedily devouring crops, provoking bitter complaints from villagers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Helpless,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>the villagers reported the matter to Mount Zhongnan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The previous Patriarch heard of it and descended personally to subdue the demon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The donkey had nowhere to flee and was caught red-handed; they intended to skin and tendonize it as a warning. The donkey, sensing imminent doom, screamed in terror.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet in the Sanzhen Patriarch’s Hall, the portrait of Master Lu Chen suddenly manifested a rare divine sign—a beam of spiritual light struck the donkey.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Patriarch, seeing this, spared the donkey’s life and took it into the Sanzhen Sect, bestowing upon it the Dao name “Kong Lüzi.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Due to its low rank, the donkey’s position came after Lu Hua’s, and it often suffered Lu Hua’s bullying.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now, this black donkey ambled slowly to the Academy’s gate, gazing up at the towering walls, exhaling a puff of white vapor, its face displaying a human-like expression of contemplation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It seemed both awed and curious about the Academy, and finally circled to the western wall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With a light leap of its four hooves, it soared effortlessly over the high wall and landed steadily within the Academy grounds.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Its donkey face wore a look of triumph.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It stepped cautiously toward the highest building in the Academy: Xiushen Tower.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The highest point of the Academy was the five-story Xiushen Tower.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Legend said this was where the Master once cultivated and read; because it stood only five stories tall, no other building in the Academy, nor along Taofu Street, had ever risen higher, as a sign of respect for the Master.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Today, the Academy was unusually quiet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Most Masters had accompanied the Third Master to the Qunfang Banquet, leaving only a few on duty for the day.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From the front courtyard buildings, faint sounds of students studying by lamplight drifted through the air, adding a touch of life to the silent night.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The black donkey moved lightly, landing without a sound—even leaping over eaves produced no noise.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It looked up at the five-story building with its surrounding verandas, its eyes flickering with caution and hesitation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It leapt lightly, landing not far from the main gate, without disturbing anyone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The donkey felt as if several pairs of eyes were fixed on its rump; it flicked its tail, trying to dispel the faint sensation of being watched.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The donkey drew a deep breath, fixed its gaze on Xiushen Tower, and prepared to leap again—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Suddenly!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Its fur bristled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A sharp blade pressed against its neck.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The cold metal scraped its fur, sending chills straight to its marrow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The donkey had no doubt this sword could sever its head with ease.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The one holding the sword was a middle-aged scholar wearing a tall hat, his gaze as frosty as ice, staring coldly at the donkey.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Where do you come from, demon? How dare you trespass into Xiushen Tower?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The donkey was already terrified, its three souls and six spirits nearly fleeing its body.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The man had appeared beside it without a sound—his strength was clearly far beyond its own.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fortunately, it had prepared in advance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The donkey frantically spat out a letter, then collapsed to the ground, clumsily raising its front hooves in a bow, emitting a few “huff-huff” sounds.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It had already forgotten Lu Hua’s instruction: do not disgrace the Sanzhen Sect’s dignity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The tall-hat scholar stared, startled, his eyes falling on the yellow parchment the donkey had spat out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was damp with saliva; seeing this, the donkey obediently wiped it with its hoof.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The scholar sheathed his sword, picked up the letter, unfolded it, and saw only a few characters—but the ink bore a familiar touch.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The letter read:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“For An’s Eyes Only!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Signed by—Xie Hong!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The tall-hat scholar’s eyes sharpened; all in the Academy knew the Second Master’s courtesy name as Yu’an, but few knew his given name.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even among the Academy, few knew the Second Master’s courtesy name.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The tall-hat scholar with the sword was an unnamed disciple serving the Second Master.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He murmured softly, “It’s Master Hong’s letter.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The scholar frowned, his gaze shifting between the donkey and the letter; after a moment, he snorted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If this letter is from Master Hong, why didn’t you enter through the front gate? Why climb the wall?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this, the donkey’s eyes rolled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the scholar had already tucked the letter away and said coolly, “Enough. Since you have proof, wait here. I’ll be right back.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The donkey sighed in relief, quickly rising to its feet, its face beaming with a servile smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It did not dare delay, and from its mouth spat out another letter, carefully nudging it forward with its hoof toward the tall-hat scholar.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The scholar looked down—the seal on the letter was a deep black stamp, inscribed with five ancient characters: “Sanzhen Heavenly Master Seal.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The scholar’s brow furrowed, his tone growing colder: “Sanzhen Sect of Mount Zhongnan?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The donkey nearly collapsed again from fear, nodding and bowing frantically, its eyes filled with terror.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The tall-hat scholar hesitated briefly, then took the letter and turned toward Xiushen Tower, without looking back, saying:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Wait here. I’ll inform the Master.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The donkey finally exhaled, its eyes darting—letter delivered, time to flee.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As soon as it lifted a hoof, it sensed several faint, hidden presences lurking nearby.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The donkey reluctantly lowered its hoof and stood still, not daring to make a move.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The tall-hat scholar climbed to the fourth floor of Xiushen Tower but did not ascend further.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The fifth floor of Xiushen Tower was a forbidden zone—even he dared not enter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Moreover, though he had reached the ninth realm of martial cultivation and the eighth realm of Primordial Spirit, he felt a deep, instinctive dread toward the fifth floor, as if something terrifying dwelled within.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He stood at the stairwell, bowing respectfully: “Master, a black donkey has come to deliver a letter.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From the fifth floor, a long pause followed, then a hoarse voice, weary:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Is it… Xu Zhi? Why didn’t you go to the Qunfang Banquet?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing the familiar voice, the tall-hat scholar’s expression stirred with emotion; he whispered:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“We three disciples are willing to guard the Master.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A soft sigh came from above.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though the Second Master had long secluded himself on the fifth floor of Xiushen Tower, he had three named disciples—all masters of both sword and literature, cultivators of the ninth martial realm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though they had never formally become his disciples, they revered him as a deity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Zhi stood at the stairwell, two letters in hand, a quiet unease stirring within him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It seemed these two letters would shatter the academy’s long-standing silence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The voice from above came again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Whose letter?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The tall-capped scholar’s throat moved slightly as his fingertip brushed the black seal of the Celestial Master on the wax closure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“One is from Master Hong.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At those words, the entire fourth floor fell utterly still, as if the air itself had frozen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Zheng—”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The bronze sword case hanging from the eaves of the fourth floor suddenly trembled, and nine ancient, sheathless swords hummed in unison.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The bamboo curtains hanging from the fourth floor were ripped halfway up by sword qi, revealing the mountain of scrolls piled inside—each tied with faded red cords.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though the tall-capped scholar had anticipated it, he was still shaken by the Second Master’s reaction.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He held his breath, not daring to move a muscle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It’s Zhongshan’s letter!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From the fifth floor, the hoarse voice carried a hint of warmth, like a wine jar sealed for thirty years suddenly cracking open.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The tall-capped scholar gazed at the dust-shaking sword case and added, “And one from Mount Zhongnan.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On the fifth floor, the Second Master’s voice now held a thread of doubt:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Mount Zhongnan?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The two letters suddenly fluttered like weary birds returning to their nest, spiraling upward along the sword qi’s path into the fifth floor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The letters vanished at the top of the stairs; the sword qi on the fourth floor receded, and calm returned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The tall-capped scholar stood where he was, silently pondering: Master Hong’s letter could move the Second Master so deeply—so the rumors were true; the Second Master and Xie Hong were close friends.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He looked up toward the fifth floor. Though curious, he dared not ask more, only withdrew quietly and returned outside the Xiushen Building, resuming his watch over the black donkey.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On the fifth floor, the pearl curtains swayed gently.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Moonlight slipped through the gaps, illuminating two low white beds.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As the footsteps on the fourth floor faded into distance, the fifth floor sank once more into silence—save for the faint chime of colliding pearl chains.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A withered hand slowly lifted the curtain, revealing what lay within.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The hand’s owner lay on the outer bed: a thin, middle-aged man with disheveled hair.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His upper body was bare, ribs protruding like a skin-wrapped skeleton; his right arm was gone, leaving only a left hand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That left hand was covered in countless eyes—each pupil spinning ceaselessly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He lifted his head slightly, revealing a grotesque face—devoid of any features except a mouth, pale as paper.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Under the moonlight, the face was chilling, sending a cold shiver down the spine.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>More horrifying still, when he slowly rose, his back was exposed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There, on his back, was a clearly defined old man’s face!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The face was deeply wrinkled, with distinct brows and eyes—as if the voice just heard had come from there.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old man’s eyes were closed, but his lips twitched faintly, as if whispering something.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Zhongshan… you’ve finally written.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Moonlight fell behind the pearl curtains.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On the other bed lay an old man.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On the bed lay a tall, elderly man in a Confucian robe, his face ruddy, expression gentle, demeanor serene—as if merely asleep, yet without heartbeat or breath.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was a corpse!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If Lu Hua and others were here, they would instantly recognize him as nearly identical to Master Dong.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the old man was missing one arm, covered in dense, tooth-marked scars.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Utterly terrifying, chilling to the bone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Second Master, with the old man’s face on his back and hair disheveled, walked to the desk on the fifth floor, where a broken sword lay.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He placed the two letters on the table and first opened the one bearing Xie Hong’s name.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Moonlight flowed over it, revealing only a few characters:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Break the Jingshen Array!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Second Master traced the handwriting, his body trembling slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After a moment of silence, he opened the other letter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The paper bore only four characters!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Lu Chen’s Edict!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old man’s face on his back suddenly opened its eyes—pupils flashing with shock and complexity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Lu Chen… Lu Chen…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then, the old man’s eyelids slowly closed, his lips parted slightly, and a voice unlike his own emerged—deep, resonant, full of martial vigor:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“How to wield the Heaven-Supporting Sword…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Second Master’s hand gently brushed the broken sword on the table, his fingertips tenderly touching its cracks.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Beneath the moonlight, the broken sword trembled faintly, emitting a low, resonant hum—as if answering an inner call.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The tall-capped scholar descended slowly from the fourth floor, his gaze falling upon the black donkey, which now bore a cautious, almost human expression.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This made the tall-capped scholar wonder inwardly: Where did this donkey come from? How could it possess such spirit?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hong—”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Xiushen Building shuddered violently; the entire academy seemed shaken by an invisible force. Roof tiles rained down, bronze bells on the eaves swung wildly, emitting piercing sounds.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It’s… the Master!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The tall-capped scholar’s face turned pale; he looked up sharply toward the fifth floor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The next instant!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A vast sword intent surged upward from the fifth floor!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The sword roared like a dragon!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The black donkey’s fur bristled; its hooves sank deep into the blue stone slabs, its eyes filled with terror.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Deep within Yu Ke’s heart-sea, the great tripod roared, trembling violently.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In a thunderous crash, the great sound was silent, deafening.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The four-legged tripod slowly rotated, radiating myriad rays of aurora; the inscriptions upon it came alive, as if ready to burst free from the vessel.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Master suddenly looked up, gazing toward the sky of Bianjing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Beyond the emerald-glazed “Jingshen Array,” a vast snowy mountain range suddenly projected itself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Endless peaks, their dragon-and-tiger lines, with one solitary summit towering above all.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The peak rose majestically, piercing the clouds.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Its cliffs were carved as if by axe and chisel, exposed rock striated with intricate patterns.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Streams trickled through the mountains; ancient trees towered, their dense canopies blotting out sun and sky.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Stone steps wound along both sides, like celestial ladders leading straight to the summit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Snow crowned the peak year-round; mist curled around its mid-slopes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A simple Daoist temple flickered in and out of view—green tiles, red walls, soaring eaves and pavilions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The entire peak stood suspended in the heavens, dreamlike and illusory.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“This is…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Hua also looked up, stunned, exclaiming aloud:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Mount Zhongnan!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>(End of Chapter)\u003C\u002Fp>",2651,"2026-06-21T01:33:03.787Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","d1a0d36601eb8f97de5c064e1ec11094c480b265b65702719c25c673229b145f","simulated-to-reality-i-once-looked-down-upon-ten-chapter-651","simulated-to-reality-i-once-looked-down-upon-ten-chapter-649",728,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fsimulated-to-reality-i-once-looked-down-upon-ten-cover.jpg"]