The Eternal Simulated Path: A Story of My Simulation of Immortality by 愤怒的乌贼
1. The Beginning of the Simulated Journey
In the realm of cultivation novels, 我的模拟长生路 (My Simulation of Immortality) by 愤怒的乌贼 presents a unique narrative structure that merges classical themes of Taoist longevity with the innovative device of simulation. The story begins with a protagonist who is not born into a world of immense spiritual gifts or legendary bloodlines, but rather with limited resources and ordinary talent. Yet, within him lies an extraordinary tool: a system of simulation that allows him to rehearse countless possible futures, analyze outcomes, and select the path most favorable for survival and cultivation. This narrative foundation sets the tone for a meticulous exploration of perseverance, adaptation, and the unyielding pursuit of immortality.
2. The Concept of Simulation as a Cultivation Method
2.1 Rehearsing Mortality to Seek Immortality
Unlike many protagonists who rely on fate or chance encounters, the central figure of this novel leverages simulation as a way to navigate the dangers of cultivation. Each simulated attempt provides insight into mistakes, potential disasters, and hidden opportunities. These rehearsals of mortality become a controlled environment where death is not the end, but rather a lesson. The protagonist turns every failure into information, every disaster into knowledge, and every missed chance into a corrected strategy for the next attempt.
2.2 Knowledge as a Weapon
Within the broader narrative, this concept elevates the role of intelligence and foresight. The protagonist does not fight solely with raw strength or magical treasures, but with the clarity derived from countless simulated outcomes. In a world where spiritual beasts, rival cultivators, and ancient sects can all become lethal obstacles, this tool of prediction transforms survival into an art of calculated patience.
3. The Struggle Against Limited Talent
3.1 An Ordinary Foundation
The protagonist begins as someone with limited aptitude, far from the genius archetype common in cultivation tales. This ordinary background reinforces the idea that immortality is not granted but earned, painstakingly constructed through trial and error. His initial struggles serve as a contrast to the grandeur of the cultivation world around him, a reminder that longevity demands more than just natural gifts.
3.2 Persistence Beyond Despair
In each simulated trial, the protagonist witnesses his own demise in countless forms—whether at the hands of rival cultivators, natural disasters, or internal weaknesses. Yet the ability to restart fuels his persistence. The narrative emphasizes endurance, showing that survival is not only about avoiding death but about cultivating the mental fortitude to face it repeatedly until mastery is attained.
4. Building Strength Through Iteration
4.1 Incremental Gains
The simulations allow for small, incremental improvements with each attempt. Rather than seeking grand breakthroughs, the protagonist hones his skills step by step, building foundations that are resilient and adaptable. This mirrors the philosophy of real cultivation: to construct a path not through reckless leaps but through steady, grounded advancement.
4.2 The Strategy of Long-Term Growth
The system forces the protagonist to think in terms of decades and centuries rather than moments. Each choice—whether to pursue a risky technique, form alliances, or enter forbidden lands—is weighed not for immediate benefit but for survival over the long arc of cultivation. The story emphasizes foresight and the wisdom of delayed gratification.
5. The World Beyond the Self
5.1 The Dangerous Web of Sects and Powers
As the protagonist gradually gains strength, he must navigate a world filled with ancient sects, ambitious rivals, and hidden powers. These factions embody both opportunity and peril, for alliances can provide resources, but trust often carries deadly costs. The simulation becomes crucial not only for combat but also for diplomacy and strategy in a landscape where betrayal is frequent.
5.2 The Interplay of Humanity and Ambition
Characters around him are not depicted as faceless enemies or mere stepping stones, but as complex figures driven by ambition, fear, and desire. Through simulations, the protagonist learns the nuances of their motives and the delicate balance of maintaining relations without succumbing to manipulation. This layer enriches the narrative, showing that immortality is not a solitary endeavor but one deeply entangled in the webs of human society.
6. Philosophical Underpinnings of the Simulated Path
6.1 Time as the Ultimate Teacher
The novel emphasizes that the essence of immortality lies not only in longevity but in the capacity to understand time itself. Each simulation compresses decades or centuries into learning opportunities, effectively making the protagonist a student of time. He witnesses countless cycles of growth and decay, understanding the fleeting nature of existence while striving to transcend it.
6.2 Mortality as the Foundation of Transcendence
Paradoxically, the endless rehearsal of death is what teaches him how to live. The simulations strip away illusions of invincibility, forcing him to embrace mortality in order to escape it. This philosophy resonates throughout the novel, positioning death not as an enemy but as the indispensable teacher on the road to eternal life.
7. Transformation of the Self
7.1 From Mortal to Seeker
Through countless simulations, the protagonist transforms not only in power but in mindset. His initial fear of death becomes acceptance, his hesitation becomes decisiveness, and his ordinary self evolves into a seeker of truths beyond life and death. This transformation embodies the central theme: immortality is not just a state of body, but of spirit and wisdom.
7.2 The Balance of Emotion and Rationality
Even as he becomes more calculating through simulations, the protagonist does not abandon his emotions. The narrative carefully balances rational decision-making with human warmth, portraying a character who remains empathetic even while striving for transcendence. This duality enhances the realism of his journey, grounding the extraordinary within the recognizable struggles of humanity.
8. The Endless Road of Immortality
The novel ultimately presents immortality not as a destination but as an endless road. Each step forward reveals greater challenges, each success opens the door to deeper mysteries. The simulations, while powerful, are not omnipotent; they provide guidance, but the courage to walk the path must still come from the protagonist himself. My Simulation of Immortality is, at its core, a meditation on the human spirit’s refusal to surrender, the relentless pursuit of growth, and the belief that even the most ordinary individual can carve out an eternal legacy through intelligence, resilience, and unyielding willpower.
