The rulers of the Eternal Empire finally noticed that something was wrong.
"Your Majesty, unstable elements have appeared in the border regions." A high-ranking priest reported to the Lord of the Empire.
The Lord of the Empire was an ancient consciousness that had existed for three full epochs. Its form was a dazzling mass of golden light, representing so-called "pure blood."
"What elements?" Its voice was imposing and cold.
"Some inferior beings... their thoughts seem to have changed," the priest said cautiously.
"They used to submit obediently, but recently they have begun to... question things."
"Question what?"
"The legitimacy of the bloodline system."
The air instantly froze.
The Lord of the Empire's radiance suddenly surged, its pressure filling the entire palace.
"Who is inciting them from behind the scenes?"
"According to our investigation, it is the Superconsciousness Network." The priest was drenched in sweat. "They have been secretly spreading some... dangerous ideas."
"The Superconsciousness Network..." The Lord of the Empire sneered. "That newly risen force that has only just survived the Dark Era?"
"A rabble made up of low-dimensional beings dares cause trouble in my empire?"
"Immediately purge every contaminated individual. Leave none alive."
With the order issued, the empire began a bloody purge.
Every being discovered to have ties to the network was executed.
Xiu was exposed as well.
"You traitor!" the priest in charge of the interrogation said furiously. "The empire raised you for an entire epoch, and this is how you repay it?"
Xiu's consciousness body was already badly damaged, but its gaze remained calm.
"Raised me?" It gave a bitter smile. "You call that raising me?"
"An epoch of forced labor, an epoch of discrimination, an epoch of having my dignity trampled..."
"What you gave us was not nurture. It was shackles."
"Shut up!" the priest