[{"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-696":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},2347711,4587,"Chapter 696: A Tree That Bears Wind and Storm!","simulated-to-reality-i-once-looked-down-upon-ten-chapter-696",696,"\u003Cp>Two elderly men emerged from behind Crane Pine Hall—one a Confucian, one a Buddhist monk.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhuge Jian’s spiritual sense stirred slightly; he immediately recognized both as cultivators who had ignited their Primordial Spirit’s divine flame, their bodies wreathed in pure qi, clearly possessing profound cultivation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Around the courtyard, faint energies stirred—several pressures, no weaker than those of those present, were stealthily drawing near. Though Xie Family had lost many elite members due to Xie Ling’s transfer, the Xie clan members and guests remaining at the ancestral home numbered at least a dozen, including Upper Realm martial experts and Divine Flame cultivators.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Nantian’s gaze darkened slightly; he silently mused: The Xie clan ranked among the Nine Great Surnames yet always kept a low profile—yet their depth of heritage was no less than that of illustrious houses like Zhuge or Zhao.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The legacy of a thousand-year lineage was indeed no empty title.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Suddenly, a servant hurried in and bowed at the steps: “Grandmatriarch, another guest has arrived at the gate.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lady Yuan’s gaze sharpened. With ancestral matters at stake, no servant would dare announce a visitor unless of extraordinary status. She gently set down her teacup: “Who is it?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The visitor is the Imperial Princess and a certain Master from Dongshan.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lady Yuan’s teacup froze mid-air; the celadon base clinked sharply against the sandalwood table. Cold fury flashed in her eyes—she could no longer suppress the nameless rage rising within.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What does she want here?!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Imperial Princess of Da Qi—this name, dormant for nearly a decade—was deeply entwined with the Xie clan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Had it not been for that palace upheaval, she would have become a Xie wife, wed to Xie Ling.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Three years after Emperor Chen Yan ascended the throne, he conspired with the Zhu family and the powerful Wang clan in the military to orchestrate a palace coup, seeking to reverse the tide and restore imperial authority—only to be crushed by Su Xiang.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Xie clan also participated, but thanks to Xie Ling’s secret report, they extricated themselves and became one of the Nine Great Surnames.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since then, Emperor Chen Yan had sunk into the pursuit of mystical cultivation, neglecting state affairs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Imperial Princess, who once presided over the Dalisi  and imperial prisons with iron-fisted ruthlessness—even men dared not challenge her—had since vanished from public view, no longer meddling in court politics.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Today, this long-silent Imperial Princess had reappeared at the Xie residence!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet Li Nantian caught a name few had noticed: “Master Dongshan.” To ordinary ears, it might sound obscure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But among the Nine Great Surnames, it rang like thunder—this man was the true proprietor behind Yuehua Pavilion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rumors about him abounded: some claimed he was the twin brother of the Great Master of the Academy, bound by blood; others said he was a reclusive transcendental sage dwelling in Bianjing, feeding on mist and dew; some insisted he had deep ties to the Academy, having once been the Master’s copyist; still others swore he was a wealthy merchant outside the Nine Great Surnames.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Had he not refused to enter court politics and left no heirs, he would have been a great family in his own right.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even the Nine Great Surnames granted him deference; even Su Xiang, who dominated the court, held him in high esteem, reserving a bed for him in the Su residence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Why had he come to the Xie residence?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Nantian’s eyes flickered; his gaze swept over Xie Guan, standing silently below. A thought flashed through him: Could this elusive Master Dongshan have come today for this boy?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Grandmatriarch frowned deeply, her gaze sweeping over Zhuge Jian and the others. After a long pause, she finally spoke slowly: “Let them in.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lady Yuan urgently protested: “Grandmatriarch!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The Xie clan… still owes her.” The Grandmatriarch closed her eyes and sighed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The servant bowed and hurried out to deliver the message.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Inside the main hall, the air grew thick. Xie Yuan stood beside you; hidden currents surged all around.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing the name Imperial Princess, you recalled the proprietor of Qimochunfang—she was this same woman.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Less than half a cup of tea later, jade pendants tinkled outside the door, and a figure entered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She wore a brocade cloak woven with gold thread, shimmering like dawn clouds; twelve-layered Xiang skirts trailed behind her like drifting mist. Though not a stunning beauty, she carried an air of noble elegance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lady Yuan narrowed her eyes—and when she recognized the visitor’s face, her fingers clenched tightly around her sleeve.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chen Zhi rong stepped forward gracefully and bowed deeply to the Grandmatriarch: “Zhi Rong, pays respects to Grandmatriarch.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her voice was calm and unhurried, yet carried the chill of accumulated frost and snow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Grandmatriarch’s grip on her staff trembled slightly; her expression was complex. “My legs are unsteady—I beg your pardon, Your Highness, for not offering full rites.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Grandmatriarch fixed her gaze on this unexpected guest: “Why has Your Highness come to our humble home today?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chen Zhi Rong did not answer immediately. She glanced around—the ancient pines before the hall, the bronze bells at the eaves—then her eyes settled on the distant outline of Daguan Garden. Softly, she said: “Ten years have passed. Every brick and tile of Crane Pine Hall remains unchanged; the scenery of Daguan Garden is as it was.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She turned her gaze to the ladies present, then shifted tone: “Yet the people within this house… have become unrecognizable. All things remain, but the people are gone.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhuge Jian and the others bowed: “We pay homage to Imperial Princess.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, they were ministers of Da Qi.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chen Zhi Rong’s lips curved into a faint smile—though it never reached her eyes: “Today, I have come not to settle old accounts. Time has passed; all is forgotten, and no one will mention it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Grandmatriarch’s gaze softened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chen Zhi Rong’s eyes settled on the young man in blue robes: “I have long heard that the Xie clan has produced another jewel—his name echoes loudly in Xixiang Lou. I dare to beg Grandmatriarch for a favor on behalf of this young Master Guan.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I humbly ask Grandmatriarch to grant me this courtesy.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lady Zhao’s gaze turned hostile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lady Yuan said nothing, but her gaze grew colder than ever toward Xie Guan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Grandmatriarch stared directly at her: “Why? I do not understand.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chen Zhi Rong recited softly: “Alas, the virtue of the loom’s pause; pitiable, the talent of snowflakes in verse.” She turned her back to them, gazing at the hanging scroll: “Grandmatriarch, consider this—this princess values talent, and cannot bear to see it wasted here.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing her words, you bowed to her, your blue robe falling with calm dignity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Grandmatriarch fell silent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Beside her, Li Nantian’s eyes darted; he could not help interjecting: “Your Highness, has Master Dongshan arrived?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Master Dongshan has already departed.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Nantian sighed in regret—he had long wished to meet this legendary Master Dongshan, but had never had the chance. Rumor said he was a true transcendental sage, regarding power, wealth, and fame as worthless dust.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chen Zhi Rong drew something from her sleeve—a seal of Qingtian stone appeared in her palm. The seal was entirely black, save for the vermilion characters “Dongshan” carved in seal script, glowing softly in the candlelight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Nantian and the others recognized it immediately—it was Master Dongshan’s personal seal.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“When Master Dongshan left, he left this behind—and also a message.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Grandmatriarch snapped back to attention, her tone now tinged with greater respect: “What message did Master Dongshan leave?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chen Zhi Rong spoke slowly: “He said he will come again to request a brushwork from Master Guan.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chen Zhi Rong had unexpectedly encountered Master Dongshan at the Xie gate today—and it seemed he, too, had come for Xie Guan. Thinking of this, a faint smile touched her lips—today’s visit had indeed been worthwhile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Grandmatriarch’s frown deepened. Master Dongshan had once saved the Xie clan—he had healed Xie Hong’s old illness after he nearly drowned in the lake.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had also guided events behind the scenes during that great upheaval years ago.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Master Dongshan had said nothing—only left one phrase: “I will come again to request a brushwork from Master Guan.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Its meaning was already profound.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Nantian’s gaze burned as he reexamined the boy in the hall. The Imperial Princess had come in person; Master Dongshan had taken notice. Both extraordinary events centered on this seemingly ordinary youth in blue robes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He silently wondered: Could this boy truly possess extraordinary ability?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xie Yuan’s eyes gleamed with delight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chen Zhi Rong smiled warmly at you: “Master Guan, if you have leisure, do visit Qimochunfang.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She did not wait for the Grandmatriarch’s reply—she turned to leave, leaving behind a faint, meaningful sigh: “Actually, the Xie clan is better off without her.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chen Zhi Rong departed—arriving like a startled crane, leaving like drifting clouds.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Grandmatriarch stared blankly, silent for a long while.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xie Xuan watched the Imperial Princess leave, his eyes filled with hatred. A mere illegitimate son—today he had drawn nobles one after another, turning the Xie ancestral hall into his stage of fame.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Those in the main hall fell into deep thought.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhuge Jian and the others said nothing more, waiting for the Grandmatriarch’s final decision.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Grandmatriarch sat upon the high seat, gripping her deer-head staff, candlelight casting shifting shadows across her face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lady Zhao opened her mouth several times, then clamped it shut. Xie Renfeng’s face was ashen, his temple veins throbbing faintly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this moment—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A flurry of hurried footsteps shattered the silence. A servant burst in, kneeling and reporting: “Grandmatriarch, a crowd of Academy students and onlookers has gathered outside—hundreds strong. They demand to see… Grandmatriarch.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing this, Zhuge Jian stroked his beard and smiled faintly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Absurd!” Lady Zhao rose and slammed her hand on the table. “Will the Xie clan allow these scholarly beggars to run wild?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lady Yuan asked coldly: “Who are they?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The servant bowed low: “Most are poor Academy students. Few are from the Nine Great Surnames.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“And many are courtesans from Xixiang Lou…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Then what are we waiting for?” Lady Zhao swept her wide sleeve. “Drive them all away! The Xie family gate is no place for these poverty-stricken scholars. Courtesans dare to come here? This is no brothel or alley!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The servant’s brow broke into cold sweat; he stammered: “But… but among them are several venerable elders—Master Jin Zitan, Master Xu Wei…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lady Yuan asked: “What do they want from Grandmatriarch?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She sneered: “These people dare claim they have the face to come to the Xie residence and beg for mercy? Do they think they’re worthy?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>All fell silent—none had anticipated this turn.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The candle flame in the hall flickered violently, casting the servant’s face in pallid light. He shrank back, stealing a glance at the quiet blue-robed youth, his throat bobbing—but he dared not speak further.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You wretched fool!” Lady Zhao leapt to her feet. “If you dare hesitate again, I’ll flay you alive!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The servant collapsed to his knees, forehead pressed to the blue bricks: “R-Return, Madam—the students… they’re not here to beg mercy… they’re…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His voice grew fainter: “They’ve volunteered to take Master Guan’s punishment. They’re all waiting outside the gate.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lady Yuan froze again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lady Zhao could no longer contain herself: “Good! Good! This is outright rebellion!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Qinlan stared at the scene, her fingers unconsciously brushing the dagger strapped to her thigh. Today’s Crane Pine Hall had shifted like storm clouds—this seemingly fragile youth stood like a lone boat in the river’s heart—enduring wind and rain, yet never capsizing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since entering the hall, that blue robe had stood straight as a pine—though a thousand pointed fingers accused him, his spine never bent. Li Qinlan could no longer tear her gaze away.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Grandmatriarch’s eyes fell upon you—for the first time, truly. Her gaze was like a blade, as if seeking to strip flesh and see bone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>You met it without flinching, without retreat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When the Grandmatriarch slowly looked away, her grip tightened on the deer-head staff.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This illegitimate son, this Xie clan’s curse, barely past boyhood—had already, silently, grown into a tree capable of bearing wind and storm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>(End of chapter)\u003C\u002Fp>",2033,"2026-06-21T01:33:03.787Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","9b6b3c2bfe41397d5abf1bb3015c16a0c94291ccdccb5cbd56d846c5b83dbd8b","simulated-to-reality-i-once-looked-down-upon-ten-chapter-697","simulated-to-reality-i-once-looked-down-upon-ten-chapter-695",728,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fsimulated-to-reality-i-once-looked-down-upon-ten-cover.jpg"]