The Monarch's words were more than clear.
With the intellect of Danzhu and Cangxuan, they immediately grasped the implications:
The reason this being knew "their" names, and could even speak of Su and "Project Hengsha"… was because while Su was using 'One Vehicle for a Thousand Worlds' to observe countless parallel worlds, they themselves were also being observed by an even "higher-dimensional" existence!
To use the term "higher-dimensional" might be an exaggeration, but to them now, a civilization that had passed the "Honkai test" was absolutely worthy of such a title. The entire key to "Project Hengsha" was to find a "civilization" just like this one.
At the same time, this being had also explained why, after observing so many worlds, Su had only seen various endings of annihilation and had still failed to find a solution to the Honkai.
Because those civilizations that had passed the Honkai test, if they did not wish it, would absolutely never be discovered!
The "power gap" between them was just that obvious.
The above was the most logical inference that Danzhu and Cangxuan had pieced together in their minds.
Of course, this information, which was not entirely factual, was also what Lu Xing had intentionally led them to believe. As long as even a fraction of the information provided was false, it was enough to steer the final outcome toward his desired path.
"This answer," the Monarch's voice echoed.
"Are you satisfied?"
Satisfied?
Yes, but it was far from enough.
Humans are creatures who are never content. After learning the truth that "Project Hengsha" was doomed to fail, the idea of "learning from the masters" inevitably arose in Danzhu and Cangxuan's minds. The power of the being before them was beyond doubt. Regardless of its position within its civilization, if they could just "borrow" some experience from it…
Forget the clearly failed "Project Hengsha" and "Project FIRESEED."
Even the "Stigma Project," which the two of them had so vehemently opposed that they had left Mobius's lab, would no longer have any reason to be implemented.
However!
Before making such a request—
"For you," Danzhu asked.
"Is a destroyed civilization more 'useful' than one that has successfully passed the test?"
---o---
It was an offhand question, yet it touched upon a very important and critical point. Although it was unclear how many "higher-dimensional civilizations" were observing them—even if it was only this one—did the method of this being (dragon), which allowed civilizations to be destroyed without offering a helping hand, mean that a destroyed civilization was more valuable to them?
"Oh?"
"A very clever question."
The giant dragon's body drifted slowly against the backdrop of the "river of stars," forcing the few people on the ground to constantly turn to follow Lu Xing's movements.
"One more civilization entering the stars means one more competitor fighting for resources."
"A reason like that—"
"Simple, but sufficient, is it not?"
Indeed.
For any civilization that steps out into the cosmos, its neighbors are more likely to become enemies than friends.
Moreover, due to the varying intensity of the Honkai, the combat power of new civilizations also varies. If they encountered a test with an absurdly powerful Honkai, it would already be considered the height of benevolence for other civilizations not to "help" things along by intervening prematurely.
"…"
"You do not seem like such an existence," Danzhu countered.
"Because I saved you?"
"Yes."
Danzhu's words were somewhat idealistic—to bring them up in such a serious discussion even seemed rather "naive."
"I have other motives."
The Monarch was clearly referring to Ji Lin here.
And through the conversation between Lu Xing, Danzhu, and Cangxuan, Ji Lin, by connecting it to the myths she had heard, was already beginning to form a vague understanding of what they were discussing.
"But you were willing to make contact…" Danzhu pressed on.
"I fear no one in this world could have stopped your advance."
"…"
"Very good."
A note of satisfaction entered the Monarch's voice.
"Any other reasons?"
"None."
The conversation between Danzhu and the Monarch became increasingly composed.
"Excluding destruction," she continued.
"The only other path is salvation."
"Even if you wish to take something from our civilization—to defeat the Honkai, we have already paid with almost everything our civilization has. Even if we had to pay ten times, a hundred times the price…"
"We have long grown accustomed to it."
---o---
"I must admit," the Monarch expressed his appreciation for Danzhu for a second time.
"Your words have moved me."
"When one is at the end of their rope, any price is worth paying for survival."
Lu Xing affirmed Danzhu's statement.
"However, those who can share life and death may not be able to share prosperity."
"Even if this process is done 'a little excessively,' after you pass the test… you may be stable for a few dozen or a hundred years, but sooner or later, it will become an excuse to raise a banner of rebellion against me."
That's right.
The inherent flaws of humanity.
No matter how many years passed, he would never forget them.
However, the Monarch's statement was not a rebuttal to Danzhu. Instead, through his words, Danzhu began to understand his meaning—
"Are you saying…?"
This statement had two underlying implications: first, that this being held a high position, perhaps even the highest, in its "civilization that passed the test"; and second, that he had a "less excessive" solution that they could choose.
"Just as you think."
"I can give you a hand."
"My purpose is also very simple—you two do not support the Stigma Project. That predecessor plan, meant as a last resort, is too insane."
"Not just for a civilization undergoing the test."
"Even for us, who have already passed, it is far, far too insane."
"…"
Danzhu and Cangxuan exchanged a glance before saying:
"If you are willing to help us overcome this crisis…"
"Then the 'Stigma Project' will surely no longer be necessary."
---o---
This was a lie.
But for Danzhu and Cangxuan, this lie was more convincing than the truth.
Lu Xing was unsure if they knew the full scope of the Stigma Project, but regardless of which version (or which stage) it was, compared to the other predecessor plans, the Stigma Project was always the most insane.
The two sisters were not worried that Lu Xing was lying.
Aside from them and Hua, Kevin and Su were currently in the Quantum Sea. For most civilizations, the Quantum Sea was an incredibly terrifying place…
Wait!
Danzhu's bare feet tapped lightly on the "water's surface," sending ripples extending infinitely outwards.
Where was this place?
This was the Quantum Sea!
The very place they had prepared to seal or even destroy Chiyou was the Quantum Sea!
Although it was unclear why this stretch of sea was so calm and devoid of danger, there was no doubt that this was the genuine, unadulterated Quantum Sea!
In that case, what the being had said earlier…