The meeting, with its subtle atmosphere, did not last long. Lu PingAn did most of the talking, while the demigods who were clearly stronger than him listened obediently.
"Everyone, the war you have been waiting for is here. And for many of you, this may be your last opportunity."
"Don't deny it. I know many of you are preparing escape routes. The Eastern Kingdom asked me to deliver a message: no matter how much other countries or other realms can offer you, the Eastern Kingdom can offer more. What we can provide is tangible, not empty promises. And we can treat your compatriots well. We haven't interfered with your city-building, have we?"
Their nation was destined for destruction, and their people might become history. These near-immortals with long lifespans had to consider their own futures.
The Eastern Kingdom's promise was very sincere. In fact, having Lu PingAn make a special trip to this politically delicate region was already Wanjing's greatest show of goodwill.
"We can preserve your language and offer it as an elective for the younger generation."
"If you demand that there be no intermarriage, that is entirely possible. Though I don't believe there is any essential difference between our genes, I'll put it plainly: if you don't want to be assimilated, you don't have to be."
Everyone knew that the strong who remained in New Tokyo were more or less resistant to assimilation. They tried to preserve their people's culture and heritage, but in truth, all along Lu PingAn's journey here, everyone had been speaking Eastern Kingdom language. Even middle-aged people were learning it haltingly.
Clearly, most ordinary citizens had long since given up their fantasies. Perhaps they remained here simply out of habit and obedience to authority.
Lu PingAn was not in a hurry, nor was the