Chapter 1747: The Fate of The Path Lords

"I don’t need to have grown from a humble suffering to have a heart that can embrace all living beings," Zhang Ji calmly stated.

"What are you trying to say about me?" Chen Yi asked, with chilling eyes.

With this brief conversation, Emperor Kong could already tell what kind of person this man was: self-centered, egotistical, selfish, and narcissistic. After the test results were revealed, it would be normal for everybody to know even the most basic fact about someone like Zhang Ji, but Chen Yi did not even check the latter’s background.

’I wouldn’t be surprised if he were the one behind the sixth-ranked Empyrean’s actions,’ Emperor Kong thought. From everything he knew about the latter, Liu Caisheng was indeed arrogant and self-centered enough to do such a thing. Still, Emperor Kong’s analysis of the latter’s character indicated he was also an opportunist and heavily believed in self-preservation. Without someone forcing him, he would never have tried to switch the conversation to himself in such an atmosphere.

"I’m saying you don’t have the Heart of a Sage. Wasn’t I clear?"

"You!" Chen Yi’s body released a terrifying aura before rapidly controlling himself. The last thing he wanted was to leave a poor impression before the Sage. But damn, how frustrating everything was: how dare a lowly Empyrean from a small Emperor Lineage talk like that to him? He exhaled to calm down. He could not attack or act out, but he could still win a verbal argument.

"In the end, you can say whatever you wish; it won’t change the fact that your theory is fundamentally flawed," Chen Yi sneered. "All those resources used for ’all sentient beings’ could have been used to raise countless Great Scholars and Sages. A single contribution from them outmatched anything more than a trillion mortal or mortal cultivators could do."

"You mean the current system we have now," Emperor Kong calmly stated. "The system in which the world is still chaotic, the nine paths are still fighting against each other, resources are hoarded and not utilized, talents are obscured by family such as yours, and all sentient beings are being treated as dirt? Why don’t you tell me the current world is better than the one I envisioned?"

Chen Yi clenched his fist beneath his robe, with its loose cuffs. His expression remained composed, at least, he tried to do so. "No matter how glib your tongue is, it won’t change the fact that the world you envision is an idealistic — a utopia that is impossible to achieve."

"Maybe so, but as long as I can achieve even 10% of it, the world will be forever changed. Well, I know you probably don’t care about such a thing, so I’ll tell you something you would. Even 10% of success is enough to be lauded as a Great Sage of the Literary that is forever entrenched in the annals of history."

A calm washed over Chen Yi as he slowly relaxed his fit. "I hope you can live until that day."

"Oh, I will," Emperor Kong replied. "And in my path to greatness, there will be many annoying obstacles. I hope your Chen Clan is not one of them."

"I thought you were just arrogant, but I didn’t expect you to be a fool," Chen Yi shook his head. Their Chen Clan has given birth to a Literary World who has finished his term and headed to the Infinite Divine Court to pursue the Transcendent Path. Although it’s been a while since the latter reported, the Life Lamp of the Lord is still vibrant in the Chen Clan’s Ancestral Hall. With such a powerful backer, this bastard dared to threaten them? If he’s not a fool, then what is he?

Emperor Kong would no longer entertain this conversation. His plan requires stomping on many people, and the Chen Clan was a significant first step. According to the Nine Council’s rules, every Path Lord will head to the Infinite Divine Court upon completing their terms. However, their destinations differ based on their achievements.

Low performers will be directly enlisted into the army and will serve as low- to mid-level officers. Middle Performers will be sent to other timelines with unique bases or posts similar to the Reverse Black Stone Array; these types of jobs are considered non-dangerous, but there is little to no room for promotion. Finally, High Performancers will become direct citizens of the Infinite Divine Court, returning to the Infinite Timeline to study.

These people have endless possibilities for promotion or advancement through the court’s system. With the Highest Sovereign’s preaching and practicing inclusivity, their background as a non-divine native will not affect their future, well, at least, the rules do not allow it.

’The Chen Clan Literary Lord was a high performer, but most of his accomplishments were the result of his clan almost ruining their foundation to contribute to his reign,’ Emperor Kong analyzed. ’And even after so many years, there are no rumors of outstanding achievements. On the contrary, they seemed to be investigating even more resources on him without receiving anything in return as of yet. The only thing still sustaining them is the fact that the Lord is still alive.

’I reckon Chen Yi’s presence in this lecture is their last desperate attempt at relevancy by supporting and cultivating another Literary Lord. Unfortunately, they have been so weakened over the years that they can only try supporting an unpopular contender such as the Great Sage Qi.’

The Chen Clan was the perfect target for many reasons, and after this unpleasant encounter, Emperor Kong decided their fate. In life, some things are truly about being at the right time and meeting the right person. The Chen Clan Lord might have one day returned home, helped his clan rise to prominence, and eventually moved them to the Infinite Divine Court. Unfortunately, one meeting has forever altered the course of their destiny: one arrogant descendant has ruined years of forbearance, planning, and required unity. Well, maybe it was fated.

Great Emperor Black Ink sighed in relief after seeing the clash of those two titans finally stop. His back was already drenched in sweat. Luckily, they both ignored someone as insignificant as him. Time passed, and three hours later, a servant came to summon Chen Yi to see the Great Sage.

Their meeting lasted three months, and Emperor Kong used this opportunity to get to know Black Ink. He will need many supporters for his plan, and he would not look down on anyone. During their conversation, he realized this talented Emperor was intrigued by his theory but not entirely supportive, so Kong took this opportunity to change that. Unfortunately, there was too little time.

’There is a bit of residual time energy oozing from his body,’ Emperor Kong observed as Chen Yi walked out of the inner room. ’There should be a time formation inside the room. Excellent.’ He feared that three months were not enough to completely steal Great Sage Qi’s identity, fate, and everything else to perfectly become him.

"Great Sage," Emperor Kong bowed politely as he walked into the room.

"Sit," Sage Qi motioned with his right hand to the seat directly before him. They did not immediately start talking; instead, they started brewing tea. Great Sage Qi moved with the gentleness of water and the elegance of an immortal crane. Emperor Kong did not rush him and partook in the ceremony. Although the customs differed greatly from his own timeline, he had also studied, knowing what kind of man Great Sage Qi was.

’Truly a talent,’ Great Sage Qi thought after having detected no signs of impatience from Emperor Kong. As old as he was, Sage Qi had encountered countless cultivators and always tested them with this simple tea ceremony. But no matter how much they tried to hide it, he could always detect their impatience and hidden disdain for him for being too rigid and old-fashioned. A perfect example was Chen Yi. As much as this new rising talent of the Chen Clan tried to hide it, the truth was as bright as day in Sage Qi’s eyes.

’Should I take him as a disciple?’ As soon as this thought entered his mind, Great Sage Qi wanted to remove it. He hasn’t taken a disciple since the last one betrayed him because they did not want to follow his philosophy. However, the more he looked at Zhang Ji, the more he liked him.

’Let’s observe more,’ Great Sage Qi decided. All his focus now should be on the selection. Training a new disciple takes time, and not to mention, Zhang Ji could become a new weakness for his competitors to exploit and derail his attempt. So, even if he decided to take a new disciple, it would have to wait until after the selection.

"It’s been a while since I’ve met someone as extreme as you," Great Sage said to start the conversation.

"To be honest, I found it odd that I’m considered the extreme," Emperor Kong sighed. "In my opinion, my ideals should be the standard in the Literary Way."

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[AN: Are you guys enjoying Kong’s POV? Do you want me to speed up, slow things down, or keep the current pace? Would you like to see the POV of the other Groups or wait until Kong’s POV is finished before changing? Tell me your opinions, and I will consider how to proceed for this arc.