Chapter 1700: Chapter 323: Michael: I Hate the Prophet_2
Ian remained silent.
He thought of those in his domain who were transformed by artificial soulsâthe âintellectually disabledâ, âbrain-deficientâ, and âbrain-damagedâ.
Indeed, due to the embedding of artificial souls, they possessed normal intellect and thinking patterns.
Ian hadnât imposed the âLoyal to Myselfâ Iron Stamp upon them, but if he wished, he could.
Of course, given his status, position, and power, as well as the favor heâs done for them, the Soulâs Steel Seal wasnât necessary for their complete loyalty to him.
However...
"So, itâs a transformation based on the soul system?"
Although Ian didnât believe this was Axelâs goalâif it were, Axel had some actions that were inexplicableâIan continued according to Michaelâs words: "So it seems that the recent popularization of artificial souls has been the spark guiding your rebellion?"
"The first generation could be accepted."
Michael said blandly: "But if all newborns of The Empire were to be implanted with artificial souls in the new generation, then from birth, they could no longer be considered complete human beings."
"They are born as someoneâs slaves, the slaves of the original designers of artificial souls. Why should unfree beings exist? I absolutely cannot accept such a future."
Thus said, the tone of the Sunbird bore a hint of resolve: "I realized this point at Avakâs laboratory, and hence knew that my father, who supports the existence of Avakâs lab, is the enemy I absolutely cannot tolerate coexisting with."
"How about it? Are you satisfied with this answer, unknown stranger?"
"Very satisfied," Ian said slowly: "It explains some things, but not all... The Empireâs Second Prince... yet this leaves me curious."
"If it were an ordinary emperor and prince, theyâd wish for their populace to obey their every word. You will become The Empireâs emperor in the future. Why wouldnât you want The Empireâs people to devote themselves wholly, accomplishing your great deeds?"
"Ultimately, you are a beneficiary. Even if the future genuinely develops this way, why wouldnât you assist your father in unifying Terra, only to restore all transformations after his deathâisnât that the better, more rewarding outcome?"
"I cannot accept, hence I must oppose."
Michael replied mildly: "Itâs that simple, no other reason."
After a moment of silence, just when Ian thought those were Michaelâs final words, he seemed hesitant, uttering softly: "Perhaps... itâs also some empathy."
"After all... Iâm not sure if the current âmeâ is the âmeâ from the beginning."
"Even for the sake of the me at the beginning, I must fight against it."
With these words, Michael ended the communication.
Evidently, he didnât enjoy conversing with the Prophetâfeeling utterly exposed was unpleasant.
Hearing all this, Ian was slightly startled, then squinted, lost in thought.
"Interesting..."
He murmured: "The me from the beginning... huh?"
He recalled Marquis Bartonâs words.
The original Axel wasnât of this temperament... so was the original Michael truly of this temperament?
Just like himself, his current self and the original Ian, in terms of personality, were already completely distinct.
The original Ian even liked to crack sarcastic engineer jokes, but his current self, except for remembering an engineer label and some related memories, probably couldnât recall how he worked back then.
Oh, he did remember a water cooler joke, which seems to be a tag transcending Space-Time.
Moreover, Ian didnât think Michaelâs suspicion was mistaken.
Because indeed, he could do it.
Capable of turning the new generation of People of Silverpeak into his puppets and loyal followers.
In fact, at the City of Knowledge, the question posed by Prince Qingting was about the related technology... The King of Terra World made it clear his desire to brainwash the populace, rulers of Terra World are that straightforward.
However, Ian had never thought this way.
Itâs not because of tiresome morals... mainly, itâs too exhausting.
To achieve maximum efficiency in âSoulâs Steel Seal enslavement,â Ian must adjust the details of each artificial soul one by one, specify each personâs specific actions and work, develop everyoneâs greatest talent, and gather those with similar talents together for management. If this manipulation were game clicking, his hands would surely be exhausted.
What? Maximum efficiency isnât necessary?
Then why bother with soul enslavement without maximum efficiency!
Little does one know humans can dream themselves into oppression, exhausting and enslaving themselves! Ian, compared to coercive brainwashing, excels at painting dreams, turning everyone into âslaves to their own desires.â
Even... grant the chance for self-transformation to everyone themselves.
Meditation Technique, is such an entity.
Meditation Technique has a hidden function; when one cultivates it to a certain level, they can freely reshape their âpersonality.â
Originally arrogant people can choose humility; originally irritable people can choose calmness.
Initially lazy people can choose diligence; originally unruly people can choose kindness.
Humansâ personalities, thoughts, and souls themselves are like clay before Aether and Spirit Energy, endlessly malleable. Rather than handing over the power to change oneself to others, bowing for goodwill, better to oneself, eradicate oneâs weak aspect, transform into the self one yearns for.
Just like a once dissolute aristocrat, suddenly due to a great shock repents, turns over a new leaf, becoming a good personâcultivating Meditation Technique to a certain depth allows cultivators to master their personalities, artificially turn over a new leaf.
Thus, thereâs no need for coerced brainwashing through Soulâs Steel Sealâas long as someone desires to become better, they can constantly self-transform... until wholly different from their original self.
Of course, such choices can be slightly excessive, as many reform themselves impulsively, regretting later... but the question arises, if regret were useful, why would there be so many regrets in the world?
For this reason, Ian has never publicly disclosed this âself-transformationâ technology.
"Vaguely realized what the Emperor aims to do... yet in so many parallel space-times, nowhere has The Empire been subjected to a massive application of Soulâs Steel Seal, proving Axel hasnât done it, or itâs been thwarted every time."
Ian doesnât think Axel is so unfortunate; not one success among infinite parallel space-times only indicates that his vague observation cannot discern Axelâs plansâ success or failure, that the actions are subtle, correctly so.
Retracting his thoughts, Ianâs contact with Michael wasnât solely for alarming, but also to prompt this favored âpatronâ to reflect on why defeat transpired.
If it could delay, until his development reached the peak of Iron Vanguard Phase Four, enabling Fifth Energy Level organs to act, thatâd be ideal... then Ian is confident in confronting Axel, witnessing what the Emperor intends firsthand.
With his assistance, Michael, having advanced to Fifth Energy Level, might stand a chance against his father.
Itâs precisely at this moment.
The Dark Gold Colossus Dragon, having reached the vicinity of the Holy Mountain, received communications from the Holy Mountain side.
[Mr. Mahdi Ravine]
A gentle voice emerged, yet imposing a terrible pressure: [Please cease flying, flying units without a permit arenât allowed in the Holy Mountain domain, please land, weâll issue a permit]
[Also, welcome to Huai Guang Sanctuary]
[Place of Eternal Gaze]