Emperor’s Domination

“Even if the mecha was created as you believe, that’s still evolution.” Li Qiye said.

“Is it?” The juniors wondered.

“Not the machine itself, but its creators. Just how much wisdom and intelligence are required to create something so magnificent? It didn’t pop out of thin air. Is a cultivator able to craft a treasure without any learning process? No, the evolution spanned for eras, from picking the right material to refining it properly, and finally the crafting. What seems simple to you now took time, an accumulation of knowledge from the wise.” Li Qiye said.

“Right.” They understood after this elaboration.

“What do you think cultivation is? A mere manifestation of power and laws? No, it is wisdom and knowledge gained from the pioneers’ sacrifices. Future generations benefit and improve dramatically, hence evolution.” Li Qiye said.

“The longer this goes on, the closer it is to the golden age.” Li Xuansu murmured.

“Yes, no epoch or world can avoid the inevitable. It’s just that this one has been blessed and separated, not to mention the three immortals’ effort to limit the dao source.” Li Qiye said.

“Can’t we stop after reaching a particular point?” Violet Dragon asked, aware of the risks of a world reaching its golden age.

“The upper echelons of each world always thought about potential loopholes, this being one of them.” Li Qiye smiled: “Whether it is for personal reasons or the greater good, it ends up being only a fantasy.”

“Why is that? It can delay the main issue.” Violet Dragon said.

“Once an evolution starts, it will not stop.” Li Qiye said: “Will you stop at the return path? No, you or someone else will try to break through. All cultivators desire a greater possibility. Is this not true?”

“We feel that way.” The youths answered.

Violet Dragon nodded in agreement since she wanted to break through the return stage as well.

“That’s why stopping progress is impossible.” Li Qiye said.

“What if it is done through restraint and control?” Li Xuansu thought about another way.

“It’s another common train of thought from the rulers. They can try to control their world and its evolutions but this imposes a limit on them as well. Will they use the world’s source or just keep it away from everyone else? Such unfairness can’t last, something will break it in due time.” Li Qiye said.

“Is it not possible to control while not evolving?” Violet Dragon said.

“Stagnation is the result. A supreme overlord in charge will stop there and it becomes an issue of lifespan. When that day comes, will this overlord choose to die or do something to prolong their life?” Li Qiye asked.

“Given the selfless act of control in the first place, this overlord should choose death.” Li Xuansu said.

“Then the control will cease and the epoch will evolve dramatically, far faster than ever before. The lack of progress due to artificial interference will be fixed.” Li Qiye said.

“Then the overlord should pick life to maintain the control for the greater good.” Violet Dragon said.

“Sure, but how when the overlord is already the strongest?” Li Qiye smiled.

The two women exchanged glances, having a clear answer unlike the youths.

“Devour the epoch like food, that’s the only usable method.” Li Qiye said.

The youths’ expression darkened upon hearing this.

“So eating living beings like us?” Princess Chen shuddered.

“Yes, so the methods we’ve discussed are all unfair for those at the bottom. Why shouldn’t they get to evolve and reach the top?” Li Qiye said: “Do you stand with the lords or the regular living beings?”

The group couldn’t respond. A selfless lord might have good reasons for restricting evolution. However, why would this lord get to use worldly essence while everyone else couldn’t?

“The three immortals did this before.” Li Xuansu said softly.

This was a disrespectful comment but she knew it was accurate.

“Not a full control but a limit.” Li Qiye said: “This world was large with ample worldly essences. Although the three immortals were incredible beings with an unimaginable origin, they still had to pay a great price. They tried many things but realized the futility of their action and the potential consequences. Therefore, they eventually released the limit.”

“They did it for us, right? To let this world survive longer.” Li Xian said.

“Let’s say I am a controller in charge of all resources. Now, I must make the hard choice and I choose life prolongment. To survive, I must eat two out of you five, would you all agree?” Li Qiye asked.

“No.” The group answered in unison.

“Then let’s say that I am merciful and choose to pass away. The limit is lifted starting with your group, and you all choose a deliberate slow growth spanning thousands and thousands of generations. Finally, the youngest ten generations enjoy prosperity and power, rising to the golden age due to hitting a breaking point in accumulated knowledge and power. Or would you rather advance as fast as possible once the limit is gone? Ultimately, the result will be the same.” Li Qiye said.