The tragedy in the 137th Dimension became the catalyst that led many wavering supporters to make up their minds. Ereyan said that when the ruler of the Imperium chose to cooperate with a being willing to slaughter innocents, he had already betrayed the Imperium's foundations. True strength was not maintained through oppression and killing, but through winning people's hearts with justice and tolerance.
Guanlan asked where the ruler of the Imperium was. Ereyan fell silent for a moment, then said his father was under house arrest somewhere safe. He would not be harmed, but he would no longer have any opportunity to interfere in the Imperium's affairs. This was a merciful resolution. Given everything the ruler had done, many had argued for destroying him completely. But Ereyan insisted on sparing him, partly because of their blood ties, and partly to show everyone that the new Imperium would not follow the old Imperium's path or solve its problems through killing.
The negotiations lasted three days. Both sides held in-depth discussions on many specific issues, including relations between the Imperium and the network, the demarcation of their respective boundaries, and arrangements for economic and cultural exchanges. Ereyan said the Imperium would not join the Superconsciousness Network, at least not for now, because it still needed time to absorb the changes internally. But he was willing to establish friendly, cooperative relations with the network and pursue mutual development on a foundation of mutual respect.
The outcome was better than Lin Ye had expected. Although they had not gained a new ally, they had at least lost an enemy. More importantly, the Eternal Empire's transformation would set an example, showing other conservative powers that reform was possible.
Not everyone, however, was willing to accept this outcome. A considerable number of factions within the Imperium