Chapter 363: Chapter 60: I Hope So
He had passed on his legacy, but the Dragon King’s phantom did not immediately dissipate.
Perhaps, contrary to his own words, Cen Yun’s true lingering attachment was not just about his legacy.
The Celestial Pool Dragon King gazed at Su Zhou, then raised his head to survey the silent exploration team. He asked wearily, "Without Spiritual Qi and Cultivators, can the Human Race live in peace and prosperity? Can they stand against calamities? Do storms, floods, and droughts still plague us? How long can an ordinary person live?"
"Without Spiritual Qi, is there still war in the world? Is there still discrimination and injustice between people? The inequality born of Spiritual Power, which we were unable to resolve—have you, who have experienced the Spiritless Age, found a solution?"
Countless questions poured out, no words needed. His Spiritual Power vibrated, broadcasting the voice from a heart that yearned for answers—the heart of the Celestial Pool Dragon King.
’In this future age... is there still a need for slaughter? Still a need... for hatred?’
Though these were his thoughts and questions, his voice remained as calm and cold as stone. "What has humanity become? With the Immortal Gods gone, what is your society truly like? I want to know. I have waited until now... simply to find out the answers to all this."
This Immortal God, dead for so very long, was simply desperate to know everything about the world.
In the abyss-like Dragon Pupils of the Celestial Pool Dragon King, Cen Yun, a light of anticipation now shone.
’He couldn’t let go. That was why he was so reluctant to depart.’
Faced with this barrage of questions, even Su Zhou was momentarily at a loss for words. But he quickly collected himself and answered earnestly, "I’m sorry... we haven’t achieved perfection. However, there are hardly any Divine Beasts or Spirit Beasts left in the world. Even when we face a Celestial Calamity, we can immediately dispatch aid and rescue, or issue warnings in advance."
"While we still can’t feed every single person, the vast majority can at least survive. The population of Earth is about to surpass eight billion, and universal education is nearly a reality. We’ve accomplished all this without the help of the Immortal Gods."
He could hear the voices of the Saints through the Communication Array. Following the data and answers they provided, Su Zhou earnestly answered the listening Dragon King, "It is regrettable that most of these problems have not been completely solved. However, with the current Spiritual Energy Revival and the return of Extraordinary Power, we hope that this new strength will become the very force that helps us resolve these issues for good."
"The path of technology, which does not require Spiritual Qi, developing alongside the Dao of the Extraordinary, which does, may forge a civilization different from that of the Immortal Gods. We hope that in the future, we can achieve all of the goals you spoke of."
The Dragon King listened in silence. At first, his gaze seemed to burn, melting the ice in his eyes. Then, gradually, it softened with relief.
Su Zhou took note of this.
To be honest, in Su Zhou’s mind, the Immortal Gods were largely an arrogant lot, or at the very least, condescendingly superior, just like all rulers throughout history. At least, that was certainly the impression he got from their treatment of the Beast God Realm.
But now, it seemed this Dragon King was somewhat different from what he’d imagined. Or perhaps, their idea of the Immortal Gods had been too heavily influenced by their understanding of leaders from the Spiritless Age.
’On reflection, it made sense. The Immortal Gods possessed their own great power. They had no need for mortals to labor for them; they themselves were the world’s greatest productive force. So why would they rule mortals? Why waste effort educating other creatures? Why would they spend that time and energy? Even if moved by sentiment, wouldn’t it have been enough to just cultivate their own offspring?’
’Was it to cultivate new Immortal Gods? But what would be the point? An immortal, undying ruler has no reason to add new rulers to the ranks.’
A realization began to dawn on Su Zhou. If the Immortal Gods had truly splintered off, each only nurturing their own descendants, then they would have become no different from new Divine Beasts. Their offspring would have become entirely new, independent Races. What united the Immortal Gods, what kept them aligned, couldn’t possibly be bloodline. It had to be a "consensus" built on civilization, on ideals!
The only reason self-sufficient Immortal Gods would unite was because of shared ideals. And if their reason for educating and managing the Human Race wasn’t some shallow "desire for control," then it must have been because they wanted to guide their Race toward the best possible future they could envision.
’Perhaps this is the difference between Man and Beast.’
As these thoughts raced through his mind, Su Zhou continued to earnestly answer the Dragon King’s questions. Though his own knowledge of the world was limited, behind him stood the Saints of the Righteous Country and an international team from many nations. They fed him global information, allowing him to answer the Dragon King on their behalf. At the same time, through the medium of the broadcast, the answers to these questions—and the path humanity intended to walk into the future—were being announced to the entire world.
Everyone was listening, hanging on Su Zhou’s every word.
The origin of the Dragon King, the source of the Mimic Dao, why a Dragon King was human—all of these questions would be answered and explained in this unexpected dialogue with the Dragon King’s lingering soul.
"Is that so... I understand. And there is no need to apologize."
"It is enough. It is more than enough."
After listening to Su Zhou’s thorough and complete reply, Cen Yun gave a slight nod. His expression began to soften. Upon his face, which had been like carved stone, an almost imperceptible—yet undeniable—change occurred.
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