Emperor’s Domination

“A lot of information is hidden with this answer.” Li Qiye said.

“Because I can’t speak without evidence. It’s a matter of honor for everyone.” He said.

“Honor and reputation are meaningless for immortals who have committed atrocities.” Li Qiye said.

“It’s different for us divine beasts, we believe in lineage after all this time. What humans do not care about, we do.” He said.

“Does it matter when your world will cease to exist soon? This is just an excuse to keep it a secret.” Li Qiye said: “In reality, the divine beasts treat this world as mere nourishment. It has always been under captivity, you all sealed it off and imprisoned countless beings, grooming the dragon servants. While it appears noble on the surface, there is a foul stench hidden beneath for it is a hatching ground.”

“Young Noble, the truth isn’t quite like that.” He turned red with shame and embarrassment.

“Which part was wrong?” Li Qiye asked.

“Young Noble, there are two sides to everything. We have led the living beings here toward prosperity and allowed them to survive the destruction cycles. I am proud of this.” He said.

“I do admit that is true, the prolonged survival and prosperity.” Li Qiye nodded.

“I appreciate that we aren’t entirely useless in your eyes, Young Noble.” He bowed deeply.

“Not so fast, the facts might be as you say but the underlying essence hasn’t changed.” Li Qiye said.

“Please elaborate.” He said.

“Suppose I have a large pond with many fish, and I never catch one to eat. I feed them from time to time, I build high walls to keep them safe. The fish grow more numerous and fatter and fatter. Does that make me a fish lover? Am I doing everything for them?” Li Qiye asked while patting the monarch’s shoulder.

“Well...” He fell into silence.

“Avoid the trap of glorification. Yes, the living beings have indeed enjoyed the protection of your divine beast race, living in abundance and happiness. This does not mean their joy is the reason for your action. In fact, the opposite is true, you need them and this world.” Li Qiye said: “In the end, I don’t love the fish, I just want them to be fat and tasty for the inevitable meal. It’s just like a shepherd, the one who will be eating the sheep, not the wolves outside.”

He remained silent.

“That’s why there is no need for pretension, all of you are aware of what is happening.” Li Qiye said: “You know where they are taking the young chongming birds.”

“Yes.” He nodded and sighed.

“It’s pitiful that the dragon servants were trying to protect their masters. They didn’t know they should be trying to protect themselves and the living beings instead, fooled by a sacred and noble mission.” Li Qiye said.

“Young Noble, is our race truly this disgraceful?” He smiled awkwardly.

“Let me tell you, I am above all the immortals. What you do to the mortals, I can do the same to you, nourishing you and then consuming all at once. Does the happy process make me great and noble? Does it justify the end? No, I chose not to, even though I can do it so easily to all of Heavenrealm. If I want to, I can refine your Divine Firmament instead of asking for these nonsensical stories and secrets. All will disperse like smoke, not worth a single coin.” Li Qiye said.