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 in bed, my first simulation faded. I took a deep breath to calm myself. I am a reasonable manor lord, a friendly elder.
"What's the matter? If it's not critical, I'll…"
Zhao Yu, visibly anxious, cut in.
"Manor Lord, it's a matter of life and death. A group outside wants to join the manor. I tested them, but the rejected refuse to leave. They threaten suicide. They won't listen to me. Please, speak to them, or their deaths will taint the manor's name."
People want to join? System's doing? Checked notifications.
Manor notification: 20 new members added.
"Alright. Lead me to them."
Outside, silence reigned, so still a pin's fall could be heard. All eyes fixed on the manor's master.
Not tall, his form shimmered, light warping around him, exuding… solitude. Prolonged gazes bred unease and chaos. To the twenty chosen, he seemed ordinary, yet his eyes held the cosmos, each gesture radiating terrifying pressure. Some wavered, tempted to flee.
Princess Lalatina Celeste, heart pounding, cried out inwardly, Risk it!
"Manor Lord, with your vast and merciful heart, please accept this humble girl. Though my talent is lacking, I'll work diligently. I beg your compassion…"
Noah eyed the stunning maiden, then glanced at his steward.
Zhao Yu hurriedly explained.
"Yes, these are the ones who failed the test."
System, what test? A flood of information arrived. Not meeting the Heavenly Dao's standards? Is the Heavenly Dao selecting people to train into experts?
But this beauty… eyes like gems, features that could topple kingdoms. Her attire's no common garb. This group's extraordinary—women graceful, men dashing.
Gazed at the tearful, anguished maiden. Heart-wrenching…Stay calm. Stay calm.
"I can accept you, but will you uphold your words?"
Lalatina inhaled deeply, resolute.
"I swear. My words are true. If I break this oath, may heaven strike me down."
"Good. From now, you're a member of this manor."
Lalatina, caught off guard, stammered.
"Truly? Thank you, great lord…"
Seeing precedent, the crowd erupted.
"Please, Manor Lord, have mercy… If I'm not accepted, my fate will be grim…"
"I beg you, Senior, let me stay, I'll do anything…"
Zhao Yu bellowed.
"Silence! One at a time!"
A prince from the Land of the Ancestors stepped forward.
"Wise Manor Lord, your boundless heart inspires awe. Grant this junior a chance to serve you. I won't disappoint."
Eyed the strikingly handsome youth, then the remaining rejects.
Turned to Zhao Yu.
"Steward, handle this. Oh—" whispered "—accept the women, reject the men. What are you waiting for? Bring them to the main hall when done."
Zhao Yu nodded.
"Yes, my lord. But what if they kill themselves?"
Noah faced the crowd.
"Life is a gift. Seeking death is a sin. Choose your path wisely. If you fail now, try the next selection."
Turned and left.
Zhao Yu blinked, stunned. Another selection?