"Though you were instilled with a mission and stripped of emotion, your instincts were still those of a living creature. You still cherished your homeland, and even after it was destroyed, you would still feel pain and agitation."
Mistofen sighed and said leisurely, "Li Aoz's return would bring more than benefits to the Empire. Once he saw your current situation, he definitely would not stand by. The Layered Abyss is his foundation."
Dia Lan lowered her head. "That's why so many talented powerhouses rise back up halfway through their descent—right?"
"So long as one does not ascend to godhood, one is mortal. Mortals have the seven emotions and six desires; they grow attached to the mundane world. Only faith in a Grand Narrative that transcends the individual can make people abandon their personal desires and indolence, give up everything for their homeland and beliefs. And the Narrative will answer their passionate devotion through action."
The Crown Prince said blandly:
"Star Abyss will remember no one, but the Narrative carries every person's convictions. As long as the flame is passed on and never extinguished, the Narrative will endure forever."
"This is the difference between our Narrative Civilization and ordinary civilizations. Every one of us possesses the spirit to willingly sacrifice ourselves for the continuation of the Grand Narrative. We are willing to cast aside the constraints of self and family, accept the Grand Narrative's transformation and deployment. Whether it is the Empire, the Holy Hall, or the Consortium, we possess our own noble faith."
"Before becoming Crown Prince, I was merely an ordinary civil servant with my own family and happiness. But the Philosopher King chose me. I had to relinquish all my ideals and hobbies, devote myself wholeheartedly to serving imperialism, dedicate my entire life to it. In the future,