[{"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-702":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},2347717,4587,"Chapter 702: Xie Guan Has Come. You","simulated-to-reality-i-once-looked-down-upon-ten-chapter-702",702,"\u003Cp>You walked in from the street corner, and suddenly a deep emerald lake came into view. At its center stood the famed Zi Xiao Pavilion—the Tingyu Tower.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Your steps were unhurried, indifferent to the oddness around you. The once-bustling marketplace had somehow emptied of people.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From the shadows, countless eyes followed like shadows, each brimming with lethal intent, as if wolves circled, waiting for the prey to step into death.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In your heart-sea, nine swords trembled and sang; the divine fire in your crown dantian burned silently.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>You walked slowly to the shore; the street corner was now empty, save for a few scattered figures by the lakeside, all eyes turning to you as you arrived.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>～\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was the hour of Qiu, the afternoon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He Lan Zhen Shu grew restless; this matter concerned their repatriation from Da Qi to their homeland—how could it not be taken seriously?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He rose for the fifth time, pacing back and forth. He had gathered so many hands, laid out a heavenly net—and yet the main target had not shown his face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Could it be that Xie Guan won’t come?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“He will come,” Xie Renfeng said with certainty.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Du Kong frowned at Xie Renfeng. “Young Master Xie, why are you so sure?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xie Renfeng said, “Someone like Xie Guan is just like those figures in books—undoubtedly talented, undeniably capable.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“To befriend such a man, he would die for his friends, live his life by righteousness—but never manage his own life well, refusing to compromise even for a tile.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“So if you call him a gentleman, I say he’s stubborn. Even the writers who left such words behind couldn’t live by them—how could he?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Yuan, Crown Prince of Da Sui, listened with a complex expression, a pang of regret stirring in his heart.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Had he not been trapped in prison himself, he would have welcomed such a man as a friend—men die for those who understand them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Had he been a sovereign, such a national treasure ought to have been his honored guest, bought with gold for his bones.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There would have been a timeless tale of ruler and minister.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Too bad… Liu Yuan tilted his head and drained the last of the wine in his cup.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He would use this fine head to shatter the cage of Bianjing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The highest level of Yanbo Tower fell silent once more.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only Prince Chen Mu idly peeled sunflower seeds, the crisp crunches piercing the stillness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Soon, the tall eunuch in charge of court protocol, Xiao Yu, lifted his gaze, his voice low, slow, and soft:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The person you’re waiting for… seems to have arrived.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Yuan rose abruptly, strode to the window, fingers tightening in his sleeve, his voice barely concealing suppressed excitement:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Xie Guan… finally here!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He Lan Zhen Shu froze for a moment, then burst into loud laughter, slapping the window frame with his palm, eyes gleaming with bloodlust:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What a fool—he actually came to die!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Yuan drew a deep breath, all emotion vanishing from his eyes, leaving only coldness:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Move. Seal this place.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chen Mu slowly swallowed his last bite of pastry, brushed crumbs from his fingertips, and rose to walk to the window.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The lake shimmered with the crimson glow of the setting sun; faintly visible beneath the surface, a massive dark shadow glided slowly, like a sleeping beast.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hidden beneath the water lay deadly intent—flashes of blade and sword glinted with cold light.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Killing intent had already enveloped Yanbo Lake like a dense net.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chen Mu’s lips curled slightly, a hint of amusement flickering in his eyes—these princes of various states truly hated Xie Guan enough to set up such an elaborate trap.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Too bad…” he chuckled softly, tapping his finger against the window frame. “I wanted to see you beg at my feet—now you’ll die too quickly.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xie Renfeng’s gaze was locked on the far end of the street.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A figure in blue robes approached, sword in hand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His face wore a mad grin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Xie Guan, today I’ll see how you escape death!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>～\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not far from Yanbo Lake, a three-story private mansion stood quietly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On the top floor, the window stood half-open; Princess Chen Zhirong leaned on the railing, her slender hand resting on the carved wooden balustrade, gazing far toward Yanbo Lake.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Your Highness, Xie Guan has arrived.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yan the maid bowed her head behind her, voice low. Seeing no reply, she added: “I delivered your words exactly as you commanded.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I know.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chen Zhirong sighed softly; rare regret flickered across her usually composed features. “I thought today I’d finally found a pillar capable of holding up the heavens.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before the words faded, another sigh followed: “Too bad—he won’t even mature before he’s broken here.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yan the maid spoke: “When Master Guan walked onto Changning Street, Master Dongshan stopped him.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What did Master Dongshan say?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Our people dared not get close—we only asked passersby,” Yan said respectfully. “It’s said Master Dongshan advised Master Guan that a gentleman shouldn’t act on fleeting anger.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chen Zhirong nodded slowly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“So Master Dongshan, though he values Xie Guan, is powerless.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Your Highness, won’t we act? Perhaps we could save Xie Guan.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chen Zhirong shook her head. “That one… is here today. No one in Bianjing dares move.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yan the maid stiffened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She knew perfectly well who “that one” meant—the all-powerful Prime Minister Su Xiang.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Could he be watching this very moment?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chen Zhirong said, “Where do you think Xie Guan is now?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“According to our scouts, he’s reached Yanbo Lake.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chen Zhirong nodded. “Wait.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I find it strange—a mere bastard could draw his attention to this place.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Xie Guan… is there something about him I haven’t seen?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>～\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It’s him!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xue Huai’an sharply sensed the hidden masters by the lake’s edge freeze—their gazes all fixed on the far end of the street.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A slender, upright figure walked slowly forward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Luo Susu’s fingertips trembled. The shadow that had haunted her thoughts these past days now stood before her, stealing her breath.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mei Qingsu scanned the surroundings and saw that although the hidden experts maintained their postures, their spiritual senses had all locked onto the boy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“So this killing trap today… was set for Xie Guan.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even as she spoke, Mei Qingsu found it unbelievable: “Why would the Yan Prince and the princes of other states unite against one Xie Guan?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What puzzled her more—“And he came alone?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The two courtesans watched the approaching figure. Liu Zixin whispered softly: “Today’s Master Guan seems different from that day…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The boy had tied his long hair high, his blue robe fluttering in the wind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The former scholarly gentleness had faded, replaced by an unyielding, sharp vigor—like a sword drawn from its scabbard.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Luo Susu also noticed the sword in Xie Guan’s hand, her heart jolting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The boy had finally taken up his sword.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xue Huai’an asked, “Should we help?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“After all, last time at Xie Family’s Daguan Garden, Xie Guan aided us.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mei Qingsu hesitated. “If we intervene, given today’s situation, we’ll be dragged in too… Let’s wait and see.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Daguan Garden incident had always troubled him—why had Baigu Guan not struck the Xue family? Was it because of this Xie bastard? He couldn’t make sense of it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Today, he felt somewhat certain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Had they been entangled last time because of Xie Guan?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Also, he had noticed Xie Guan’s strange face—bearing the countenance of nobility beyond mortal measure: “Immortal features aren’t about physical beauty, but inner radiance, heavenly bone naturally formed—that’s the sign of unattainable nobility.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet he also bore the mark of early death—could it be fulfilled here today?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A fate sealed by heaven!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Luo Susu had already gripped her sword, her face resolute: “I, Luo Susu, never owe debts. He saved me once—I will draw my blade without regret.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mei Qingsu felt helpless, yet knew the current manager of Jinxiu Tower spoke without compromise—unbending, unyielding.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He could only urge: “First, protect the Young Master and the two girls. The Xue family has been deeply kind to us—if anything happens to the Second Young Master, can we bear the consequence?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If this Master Guan is in danger, we can still save him later… even if we do, you saw last time at Daguan Garden—could you even block his sword?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Luo Susu looked back at Xue Huai’an and the two girls, hesitation crossing her face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Especially those last words—her grip on the sword trembled slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The scabbard clashed against the blade with a clear “jing”—and finally, she sheathed it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Fine.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mei Qingsu exhaled inwardly, eyes sweeping the lake—the old fisherman, the seated nun on the boat, the monk drinking and eating meat, the submerged pig-dragon—all radiating power equal to the Night Demon Generals of Baigu Guan that day.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Today’s trap was far deadlier than Daguan Garden.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The lake wind carried a faint fishy odor, and killing intent surged!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xue Huai’an watched Xie Guan, seeing him about to board a boat—his heart tightened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Bad. If he enters the lake, he’ll be surrounded on all sides—especially with that pig-dragon lurking beneath.” Xue Huai’an said anxiously.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>～\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>【Before you reached the lakeside, a faint, elegant scent of powder drifted to you on the wind.】\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>【A maid in a pale blue ruqun approached gracefully; her face was lovely, and she possessed the strength of the third realm of Primordial Spirit.】\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>【The maid bowed deeply and offered a plain sheet of paper with both hands.】\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>【On the paper, the ink was elegant and clean, bearing only one line: “We humbly request Master Xie Guan to step aboard the boat.”】\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>【You pinched the paper lightly between your fingers; it ignited without fire.】\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>【You shook your head. “The handwriting is terrible.”】\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>【The maid froze for a moment, then vanished as quietly as she had come, saying not a single word more.】\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>【You lifted your gaze to the lake’s surface—though no wind stirred, ripples moved of their own accord, deep currents pushing the waves into Cengcengdiedie  layers.】\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>【Near the lakeshore, a small, flat boat rested silently.】\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>【At the stern sat an old man in a straw rain cape, his bamboo hat pulled low; his fishing rod remained utterly still, as if fused with the lake and mountains, as though he had been waiting for you here all along.】\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>【On the shore stood a burly man wearing a straw hat and short tunic, his left ear missing. He looked up at you—his expression was utterly simple, yet held not a trace of warmth; instead, only the raw, blood-soaked killing aura forged by years of slaughter struck you like a wave.】\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>【You did not hesitate, walking straight toward them.】\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>【The old man flicked his fishing rod lightly; an invisible thread tugged, and a lively perch leapt onto the deck, landing in the basket.】\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>【“Good luck today,” the old man rasped, his voice like dry leaves being rubbed together. He threaded fresh bait onto the hook and cast it back into the water.】\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>【The fisherman finally turned to face you, grinning. “The fish has bitten. Reel it in.”】\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>【You stepped calmly onto the bow of the boat.】\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>【The burly man on shore followed you aboard without delay.】\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>【The small boat moved forward on its own, cutting through the water without an oar.】\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>【Several other boats on the lake also began to stir, all deliberately drawing closer to this spot.】\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>【If viewed from above, one would be startled to see—a vast, elongated shadow beneath the boats, slowly coiling, its scales gleaming with cold, dark green-black light. The deep currents it stirred had already carved a black vortex at the lake’s center.】\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>【The burly man removed his straw hat, staring at your back. His knotted muscles twitched beneath his coarse tunic; his fingers clasped together, knuckles cracking in a rapid series of pops as he fixed his gaze on your back.】\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>【He tilted his head, staring at your neck, his Adam’s apple rolling, his smile chilling.】\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>【“I wonder what the blood of the Nine Families tastes like.”】\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>【The fisherman sat at the stern; the man stood in the center of the boat.】\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>【You stood at the bow, your blue robe fluttering slightly in the lake wind, your long sword trembling faintly, emitting a clear, ringing tone.】\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>【Your gaze crossed the shimmering waves, landing on the distant Tingyu Pavilion with its upturned eaves and ornate brackets—leaving only your back to the two behind you.】\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>【The burly man narrowed his eyes, clenching his fist. “You’re arrogant!”】\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>(End of Chapter)\u003C\u002Fp>",2070,"2026-06-21T01:33:03.787Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","dc6e614f36607c449dac2bfae1608ac468fc724ac6c436d35a13ef372df69799","simulated-to-reality-i-once-looked-down-upon-ten-chapter-703","simulated-to-reality-i-once-looked-down-upon-ten-chapter-701",728,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fsimulated-to-reality-i-once-looked-down-upon-ten-cover.jpg"]