Who knew—perhaps in some future simulation cycle, the art of commanding divine beasts would prove unexpectedly useful.
Li Fan made his decision without excessive deliberation: he would swindle the Empire’s entire technological legacy.
Putting on an expression of interest, he pondered briefly before speaking. “This matter is of great importance, far beyond my authority to decide alone.
“I will return and report it in full. You will receive an answer afterward.”
Li Fan’s response fell squarely within the green-robed woman’s expectations.
“The longer the night drags on, the more dreams it breeds,” she said coolly. “I hope you will act swiftly, Sir Envoy.”
Li Fan cupped his hands in salute and departed without further delay.
The secret chamber soon fell silent, leaving only the members of the Empire behind.
“Holy Master...” Li Chenfeng hesitated before speaking, unable to hide his reluctance. “Are we truly going to use the Empire’s core technologies, developed over countless years, as bargaining chips?”
The woman in green did not answer at once.
She frowned slightly and lifted her gaze to the ceiling, as if observing something unseen.
Only after activating a series of concealment and isolation restrictions did she finally look back at Li Chenfeng.
Her voice was sharp.
“Have you already forgotten what I taught you?
“Survival is the foremost imperative of any civilization.
“Technology, culture, and legacy only possess meaning if the people remain alive.
“If the civilization itself is annihilated, then no matter how brilliant or glorious those achievements were, what use are they?”
Li Chenfeng clenched his fists, still unwilling to accept it. “But—”
The woman raised a hand, cutting him off decisively.
“This matter has already been discussed with the Imperatrix. The decision has been made. Say no more.”
Li Chenfeng could only lower his head, swallowing his objections as he bowed in reluctant assent.
The woman in green turned her gaze toward the direction Li Fan had departed. After a long moment of silence, she spoke softly, almost to herself.
“That man just now... I couldn’t see through him at all, and he was just an envoy.
“It seems the Myriad Worlds Coalition truly possesses some depth.”
Li Chenfeng was startled. “Holy Master, even you couldn’t discern his level? Then what realm is he actually at?”
The woman in green shook her head slightly, a trace of puzzlement crossing her features.
“On the surface, his cultivation level does not appear particularly high.”
“And yet...” She paused, her eyes narrowing. “From beginning to end, he gave me a faint but persistent sense of danger.”