>>5138808"I once sought the Cord's throne myself, confident in in my wisdom, my cultivation practices and my ability to surpass each tribulation." the Sage began, sounding nostalgic. "But despite my might, Mara was stronger. I failed before the might of that Silver dragon, my age and wisdom the sole reason I still live to this day, having surrendered in shame before the final blow was struck."
"I have no doubt to believe that Shu is capable of ending the Crucible, and indeed she would succeed where I cannot. However, I do not have the faith in her ability to rebuild the world that comes in the wake of her ascension, much less govern it."
"A religious institution that venerates and serves the whims of a living being whilst alive is simply a government serving the head of the state. Both are institutions that can be easily swayed and corrupted from within, and with the passage of time, even the most noble of states will turn into a corrupt totalitarian dictatorship drunk on delusional privilege of authority. A gradual and terrible change that I have personally witnessed in the decades of life I have lived prior to the Crucible."
Peng turned towards the Hive Mistress, looking directly into the eyes of the Canary construct's host.
"Just as much as the Defiant is capable of influencing you through inspiration, you yourself are also capable of influencing the Defiant. Whether or not she turns benevolent or tyrannical depends heavily upon your actions, how Shu sees those actions through her eyes, and whether or not you are aware of your influence upon her."
And with that, Peng turned back to look westward.
"Go. Gather your dead, you will need their 'Qi' for your pilgrimage."
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Peng sat down and sipped her tea. The beverage was cold.
"So when do you think Shu will grant you an audience?"
Peng downed the rest of her tea and stared at her porcelain cup. A smile crept up onto her face as she saw Sathriel had already caught on to her hidden meaning.
"No doubt those pilgrims will spin the tale of what happened here and paint me in a harsh light as some mass-murdering-heretic who seeks to bring their vaunted Savior down, this will not sit well with Shu once word of this reaches incident reaches her ears."
"Says the woman who asked me to record the entire discussion and encounter as evidence." Sathriel replied, leaning forward.
"Aren't you a shrewd woman." remarked Peng.
"Isn't that the point?" replied Sathriel her smugness growing wider as she leaned forward. "For you to get her attention?"
Peng leaned back and closed her eyes in thought. "The line is cast, and there are fish biting the bait, but the bigger fish have yet to nibble."
>>FAITH AND PHILOSOPHY - END 