The demon possessing the Eastern Yi general sat back down, continuing to drink and feast.
The scholar looked at the general, hesitating to speak, but ultimately kept silent.
The demon understood that its unusual behavior had caused some negative effects, leading to slight rejection from this body and even the entire historical fragment.
But this attempt had been worthwhile.
It had accurately identified the key character within this fragment and successfully altered him!
"Out of Su Xianjun, Yang Xinyan, and Wang Jinghui, one of them must be crucial to this fragment. Yang Xinyan seems the most likely.
"Su Xianjun is too resolute, making him difficult to alter. Wang Jinghui, despite his apparent bravery, is weak at heart.
"Yang Xinyan, on the other hand, appears timid but has a firm bottom line, unwilling to sacrifice Su Xianjun even if it meant his own life…
"Such characters are the most dangerous, and altering them yields the best results.
"I can't yet confirm if there's a Restorer in this fragment, but even if there is, they would likely take on a role like Gao Ze's, not someone like Yang Xinyan or Su Xianjun.
"Besides, Yang Xinyan's subtle expressions showed no abnormality.
"Still, to ensure there are no loose ends…"
The demon summoned two shadow servants and gave them a few instructions.
…
Meanwhile, Zhao Haiping, who had retreated to the theater's backstage, felt his heart still racing.
This game's AI was far too realistic!
He could distinctly feel the cunning aura emanating from the Eastern Yi general. One slip-up on his part, and the consequences could have been disastrous.
Zhao Haiping couldn't be entirely sure his responses were flawless, but so far, he seemed to have succeeded.
This success stemmed from two key reasons.
Firstly, he remained true to Yang Xinyan's character, performing every reaction from Yang Xinyan's perspective.
His willingness to perform on stage, combined with his final refusal to betray Su Xianjun, aligned perfectly with Yang Xinyan's true nature.
Initially, Zhao Haiping worried about dying for real, but he reminded himself it was just a game. Even with 100% pain sensitivity, it was just a matter of taking one "fatal" blow, so the fear of death wasn't enough to distort his judgment.
In hindsight, he had gambled correctly, using his fear to enhance his performance, convincing the general of his sincerity.
Secondly, his Restorer talent played a small role.
**[Ren • Sincere Emotion (Gold): Your expressions and actions more accurately convey your intended emotions.]**
As for why Zhao Haiping had a golden talent?
Was it his good luck?
Not really.
Upon entering the ultimate trial, players discovered that they no longer had just three ability cards; they had an entire deck!
The choices were overwhelming, almost dizzying.
Most of the skills were upgraded to Ren-level blue skills, with many reaching gold-level status.
There were even rare skills they seldom encountered in previous simulations.
It was like a collector in a hobby shop, not knowing where to start.
They had never fought a battle with so many resources!
Of course, they didn't all choose golden talents but rather selected abilities suited to their roles.
For instance, Huo Yunying, who played Gao Ze, focused on talents that enhanced his agility. Xia Ruoling chose abilities that improved her stealth in assassinations, while Chu Ge enhanced his persuasion and righteous aura.
Meng Yuan hadn't revealed his chosen talent, but it was likely related to performing on stage.
Thanks to his chosen talent, Zhao Haiping's acting reached new heights, perfectly deceiving the Eastern Yi general.
Of course, Zhao Haiping's own abilities were essential too.
If he had forgotten that Yang Xinyan couldn't understand the ancient Yi dialect, or if he had acted irrationally from fear, even a golden talent wouldn't have saved him.
Overall, that strange feeling earlier made Zhao Haiping realize he had successfully triggered the demon's ultimate ability.
The Restorer's power automatically blocked the demon's alteration, allowing Zhao Haiping to proceed as planned.
However, victory was still a long way off, as the possessed Eastern Yi bandits had greatly enhanced combat abilities. To achieve a perfect clearance, they would have to eliminate every one of them.
Zhao Haiping looked at one of the theater members—Chu Ge in disguise.
The two exchanged a look, and Zhao Haiping, as Yang Xinyan, knocked on Su Xianjun's door as planned.
…
Everything went according to plan, with Yang Xinyan, Wang Jinghui, and a few theater members slipping out through a hidden exit.
Zhao Haiping and Chu Ge headed toward the village defenders as planned.
In previous simulations, one shadow servant would always pursue Wang Jinghui, giving them ample time to escape.
But as Zhao Haiping ran, something felt off.
When he looked back, he saw two shadow servants leap from the theater's rooftop!
One shadow servant indeed went after Wang Jinghui, but the other headed straight for him and Chu Ge!
"It's true—the ultimate trial has differences from the simulation.
"You go ahead; I'll hold him off!"
Zhao Haiping decided swiftly, positioning himself in front of Chu Ge.
Their plan to burn down the theater was something Huo Yunying, playing Gao Ze, had rehearsed many times. Chu Ge's righteous aura would bolster the defenders' fighting spirit, so it was vital for him to escape.
Zhao Haiping chose to stay behind to delay the shadow servant, ensuring Chu Ge and Huo Yunying could complete the plan.
On the bright side, with both shadow servants off the rooftop, they no longer needed to lure one away.
Chu Ge quickly understood Zhao Haiping's intention, nodding, "Be careful. If you can't win, just run."
He recited a few lines of poetry, casting a few helpful buffs on Zhao Haiping before departing.
The shadow servant appeared confused.
Why was this random theater member acting so strangely, mumbling nonsense?
Yang Xinyan was just a performer; where did he get the courage to stand in his way?
The servant couldn't help but feel these people weren't playing by the rules…
…
Meanwhile, in the theater.
"General, good news!
"Su Xianjun has finally agreed to perform!"
The scholar excitedly reported to the Eastern Yi general.
The general set down his cup, and the bandits quieted, looking toward the stage.
There, Su Xianjun, fully made-up and in costume, was ready to perform.
The general narrowed his eyes, sensing a vague danger, though he couldn't pinpoint what it was.
As for Meng Yuan, who was about to play Su Xianjun, he kept reassuring himself.
"After so much practice, this should be fine, right?
"At least I've got three talents related to performing…"
The gongs and drums sounded, signaling the start of the show.