Linn, a transmigrator, realizes the unpredictable nature of fate, yet he possesses a unique advantage from his previous life experience.
"I've lived another life; I must be different," he initially believed.
As time flowed...
He recognized the irony in this belief.
His limited years and experiences from his past life hardly qualified him to claim a deep understanding of fate. It was more like an aimless search for significance.
In this world, souls of non-god-level beings enter the underworld after death, starting anew. The moment they regain their memories is intimate and profound, a testament to the intricacies of fate.
"Those who understand destiny do not resent the heavens; those who understand themselves do not resent others."
Indeed, time flies swiftly.
Linn, relaxed, balances his intense cultivation with occasional interactions, not entirely secluded. He realizes the importance of balancing cultivation with awareness of the passing time.
He sees through the superficial excuses used to wage wars, like overpopulation and scarcity.
"It's been seventy years!"
A messenger from the Park Empire kneels on the marble floor, deeply respectful and fearful.
Family life flourishes under Duke Linn's rule, marked by surprisingly low taxes since his days as a baron. His domain thrives, rich and prosperous.
Despite some fundamental challenges, Linn knows there are always solutions.
The real demographic growth comes from the nobility.
The architectural grandeur of his domain, with its pavilions and towers strategically arranged, forms an intricate and majestic landscape.
Yet, a few are privy to a shocking secret.
Linn's gaze sweeps over the Blackstone Palace, the heart of his thriving ducal territory.
His lands are a beacon of prosperity, enviable even to emperors of other worlds.
The Violet Continent is balanced by four god-level beings, representing key powers. This equilibrium has fostered growth for millennia.
Buildings and pavilions dot the landscape, each with its unique architectural beauty, creating a dynamic urban tapestry.
The low probability of offspring among powerful cultivators, compounded by mysterious factors, makes rapid population growth in the Linn family challenging.
In the glow of dusk, a white-robed figure approaches, and Linn greets it with a knowing smile, their presence seamlessly blending.
...
Noble titles may pass to a single heir, but that doesn't limit the number of children. In fact, higher nobility often results in more offspring.
Linn acknowledges this reality, even in his own family.
Land may be finite, but the growing number of noble heirs, especially among magicians, intensifies internal and external conflicts over time.
Lost in his cultivation, Linn was oblivious to the swift passage of seventy years, a period that would span a lifetime or more in his previous life.
Then, an epiphany strikes, indicating a breakthrough.
However, the ultimate decision for war lies in the hands of god-level beings. Without their approval, no large-scale conflict can ensue.
A solitary figure stands atop a grand loft, overlooking the bustling streets.
The streets, lined with diverse establishments, are alive with activity and harmony.
As divine rules converge, a lower godhood evolves into a middle godhood within Linn's soul.
Clad in a light blue robe, his ethereal presence seems to merge with the cosmos.
The streets bustle with a lively array of people, all radiating a sense of well-being and communal harmony.
Linn, the revered 'Blackstone Duke', is not just a noble but a god-level powerhouse.
Holding a population report, he reflects in silence.
"Over seventy years, my family saw only a few new members across generations."
Remembering this, Linn ponders the preparations of nations and the unease among the knowledgeable elite, sensing a looming danger.
As the sun sets, casting a warm glow, the night approaches, marking another chapter in the Blackstone Palace.
The continent has been at peace for millennia, leading to an explosive population growth. Yet, the finite nature of natural resources has fueled intense competition between nations. What began as minor conflicts a century ago is now escalating towards full-scale wars. The continent teeters on the edge of widespread conflict, awaiting just a spark to erupt into chaos.
The most effective strategy isn't to develop barren lands but to conquer and seize already fertile territories.
This approach of expanding territories and faith bases through war has been the longstanding tactic of both the Natural and Dark Churches. Every thousand years, a reshuffle occurs, and only the strongest families with holy domain powerhouses endure.
...
Linn's mind is inundated with thoughts, resonating with the capricious forces of destiny.
"A war driven by faith."
Feeling empowered as a middle god of fate, he prepares for what's ahead.
"Buzz..."
This is when the significance of inherent talents truly shines.
"The moment has arrived!"
Yet reality often defies expectations.
In an instant, Linn's understanding of fate's rules deepens, as if breaking through a barrier.
His unique architectural designs, standing out from the plane's traditional style, become clearer with each evolutionary step of his soul.
Six months later...
Linn accepts that some things are beyond his control, embracing the slow pace of life in a world where existence beyond the holy domain is long and time is abundant.
A subtle smile adorns his lips, contemplating his next move.
To address overpopulation, he enforces a harsh policy: the more children a family has, the higher their taxes. This effectively controls the birth rate among the lower classes.
Linn, like his counterpart Lin Lei who uses stone sculptures in his training, finds his medium in architecture, continuously refining his skills through design and innovation.
His gaze, deep and far-reaching, contemplates the unfolding scenario...
However, this time the circumstances are different.
The Natural and Dark Alliances, like finely-tuned machines, are gearing up for a decisive battle, aiming to engulf the other. Even the Scott and Park Empires, nominally allies, find themselves drawn into the fray.
As Linn ponders over the kneeling messenger's presence, he realizes this might be a test.
After careful thought, he makes his stance clear with a detached tone: "Blackstone territory must remain uninvolved."