Lifespans — an Eternal Topic
Everyone desires eternal life. But who decides this? That's right, the Gods.
Luo Luo discovered the benefits of being in the era of the Gods. As long as he reached the demigod level, his lifespan would be eternal. However, this only refers to lifespan, not that he would be invincible. In fact, the majority of gods on the Earth Source Continent met their end through war.
The way a god dies is different from that of ordinary people; as long as their divine realm is not destroyed and their subjects are not wiped out, they will not die. Therefore, it is indeed a stroke of luck for Luo Luo to obtain a demigod divinity. Such a prize typically occurs only when a higher-level god forces a lower-level god into a divine war, and the lower-level god defeats the invader.
This method is incredibly difficult; after all, if an enemy stronger than you initiates a forced divine war, they would be fully prepared and intent on your destruction.
But what can be done? After all, Luo Luo is a freak, a once-in-a-hundred-year genius, and it just happened that Sada encountered him, which is truly remarkable.
Gods have infinite lifespans, but what about their subjects? It is well known that subjects are ordinary beings with finite lifespans. Luo Luo found that regardless of the race, most beings have similar lifespans, generally around two hundred years. However, the gods who determine these lifespans can change this.
The first impression that subjects leave on a god is extremely important. This can determine whether their race can become a long-living race. Generally, races with long lifespans, such as the Elf race, are known for their beauty and can live for thousands of years. Powerful races like Dragons are also measured in thousands of years. In contrast, rough races like Gnolls and Kobolds have lifespans of only about thirty years. From this, one can see: long-living races are either beautiful, powerful, or simply favoured by the gods.
Of course, Luo Luo believes these are merely rumours; the true reason is likely related to reproductive rates. Races with exceptional strength and talents, like Elves and Dragons, tend to have lower birth rates. This can significantly reduce consumption during the process when gods grant longevity. If a god wants to turn races like Gnolls, Kobolds, or even Goblins, which can have multiple offspring in a year, into long-living races, the cost would be something they could not bear.
However, Luo Luo can bear it. Gods use faith points to extend the lifespans of their subjects. A small amount of faith can increase a subject's natural lifespan by one year. This increase applies to their natural lifespan, which means it enhances not only their potential longevity but also their vitality, recovery abilities, immunity, and a wide range of overall improvements.
Luo Luo has a race like the Mechanical Race, which possesses constant faith, and the Mechanical Race itself is essentially a long-living race. This allows Luo Luo's faith points to continuously rise, and even with desperate use, they remain in a state of positive growth.
To this end, Luo Luo thought of a method. After a few days of contemplation, he decided to implement this method.
He continued to employ the format of the hundred-year plan he had established earlier.
In the large conference room where the Technological Sect was formed, everyone gathered to pray before the statue of Luo Luo.
"Welcome our God's descent!"
Luo Luo directly manifested to tell them, "I know you are troubled by your own lifespans, but I am a benevolent god. I have decided to bestow miracles to resolve this issue for you."
Upon hearing Luo Luo's words, everyone was stunned. Then they became ecstatic; this was truly exciting news.
"Thank you, my God! Please grant us your divine decree!"
Luo Luo continued, "I will implement a contribution value policy within the divine realm. Everyone can earn lifespan enhancements through contribution values."
"There are many ways to obtain contribution values."
"The most important is technological invention. If you develop new technologies, improve existing technologies, or combine science and magic to create new knowledge, you will receive a significant contribution value reward. This is applicable to scholars and scientists in technology laboratories."
"Next is management. If you manage your relevant field or department well without any errors, you will receive a small portion of contribution value rewards. However, if any issues arise under your management, do not expect any rewards."
"Furthermore, we will reward those who bravely speak out against social injustice, engage in heroic actions, help the injured, and are dedicated to charity and caring for vulnerable groups. I will also grant certain rewards to such individuals."
"Finally, respect for one's job. Laborers who contribute their strength diligently at work, love their jobs, strive hard, and possess strong willpower will receive a portion of the rewards."
"These are the conventional methods to obtain contribution values, while unconventional methods mainly concentrate on the military."
"All participants in external wars can receive contribution value rewards. Moreover, the reward standards will be raised based on battlefield performance."
"Regarding the conventional ways of obtaining contribution values, the contribution values from inventions and research will be granted to the relevant personnel after the project is completed; others will be collectively counted at the end of the year. For the military, it is generally the same; rewards will be concluded at the end of the year. However, if there are external wars in progress, the contribution values will be calculated uniformly after the end of the war or campaign."
"Contribution values are not simply earned without being reducible. If any false gods appear in the faith or acts that betray the interests of the divine realm—essentially betraying Luo Luo's interests—they will be severely punished. Not only will their contribution values be deducted, but they may also lose their lives; that is beyond question. For the military, punishments for such acts will include desertion, selling military intelligence, dereliction of duty, and other special circumstances that will result in contribution value deductions; severe cases can endanger lives."
The faith value policy ignited the enthusiasm of the attendees, as if they were enveloped in immense happiness.
Luo Luo's divine realm would surely undergo significant changes because of this meeting.
Having contribution values means having everything.
Contribution values not only serve to extend lifespans but can also be exchanged for other precious items.
This will become the second priority for all life races in Luo Luo's divine realm regarding promotions or purchasing limited items. The first priority is, of course, faith level. If two individuals can both be promoted, the one who is a fanatic will have the advantage over one who is merely a true believer. If both are fanatics, then the one with the higher contribution value will secure the promotion opportunity.
Let's not even discuss fairness; in this world, fairness does not exist. Furthermore, both faith levels and contribution values are results of individual efforts, which is indisputable and cannot be denied. Choosing the higher one is only right and just.
If you have lost hope in life, feel worthless, believe your life lacks value or direction, or even if you are simply lazy and unmotivated, as long as you have contribution values—especially if your contribution values are sufficient—none of this will be a problem.
If you feel useless, you can exchange your contribution values with Luo Luo for various abilities, providing an instant solution.
If you feel you lack value, you can receive guidance from various renowned mentors who will help enhance your management skills, allowing you to take positions in local areas and benefit the people. You may even run for ministers, deputy ministers, or even representatives in both councils, thus realizing your value.
Even if you are truly lazy and lack ambition, that's fine; no one will discriminate against you. In fact, they will make you feel more comfortable being lazy, simply because your contribution values are sufficiently high.
Did you think this was the end? Of course not. Those with higher contribution values hold the initiative when selecting partners. This is the honour granted by the entire society and the divine realm. In simple terms, it is the glory bestowed upon them by Luo Luo.
With so many benefits, how can you not be tempted?
Of course, it must be said that obtaining contribution values is very difficult. Oh no, it should be said that it is extremely difficult for some people, while for others, it is much easier.
Take the scholars and scientists in technology laboratories, for example. After completing major projects, they will receive substantial contribution values. In terms of both the quantity of contribution values earned and frequency, they belong to the top tier.
In contrast, others only receive a small portion of contribution values each time. This encourages the subjects in the divine realm to either work hard to learn knowledge so they can research, invent, and create or to strive to be compassionate individuals in order to earn contribution values. Regardless of the approach taken, this will lead to a tremendous uplift in Luo Luo's societal structure, greatly stimulating people's work motivation and willingness to learn.
This will also encourage a positive atmosphere in society, leading everyone to strive for goodness and become contributors of value to society.
In the end, Luo Luo couldn't help but want to applaud himself.
"I am indeed a genius for coming up with this policy."
Of course, these methods for obtaining contribution values are all quite easy for the Mechanical Race. But does that mean the pseudo-long-lived Mechanical Race finds contribution values useless?
Certainly not! The robots of the Mechanical Race can use contribution values to exchange for higher-level materials to enhance their ranks. Luo Luo has previously stated that the Mechanical Race also possesses desires, but the rules in their minds limit their expression of those desires, keeping them in a state of unwavering, meticulous efficiency.
Contribution values allow them to fulfil their desires and advance toward higher tiers and higher-level life forms.
Regarding the contribution value policy established by Luo Luo, all meeting attendees expressed complete agreement, as this was the most beneficial plan for them.
They began to engage in intense discussions in order to address the gaps and shortcomings in the policy within the shortest time frame and present it to Luo Luo for a final decision.
Among the most important changes proposed were suggestions from the Director of the Oracle Bureau, Saint Spirit Felander, and the leader of the Mechanical Race, Tie Yi.
Their recommendation was that if any issues or vulnerabilities occurred within the contribution value system, the person who discovered it must report it upward, allowing them to receive corresponding contribution value rewards. If someone illegally obtained contribution values by exploiting these vulnerabilities, all illicit gains would be confiscated, and severe penalties would be imposed.
This is akin to the saying from the Earth era: all interpretive rights belong to the assembly, but more accurately, they belong to Luo Luo.
No one wanted this system to falter, as it concerned their own interests. If any flaws ultimately displeased the gods and led to the cancellation of this system, they would certainly regret it.
Felander proposed the policy requirements concerning contribution value vulnerabilities, while Tie Yi suggested regulations regarding societal standards.
It is prohibited to covertly gift or trade contribution values, as contribution values cannot be traded. Furthermore, contribution values exchanged for lifespan cannot be given to others. This raises a significant question: if your son is nearing the end of his lifespan, and you have plenty of contribution values, what should you do? It could lead to people using various channels to transfer improper contribution values.
This is the loophole that Tie Yi pointed out.
His proposal aimed to address this issue. He also mentioned that in the ways of obtaining contribution values, anyone found obtaining them through inappropriate actions, loophole exploitation, or covert trading would have their contribution values reset to zero. The principal offenders and those committing serious offenses would face execution with no room for discussion.
After all, the contribution value policy bestowed by the gods is designed to promote a positive society that strives for progress, not to allow some unscrupulous individuals to take advantage. If anyone harbours such unethical intentions, they must bear the corresponding strict penalties.
Luo Luo fully endorsed their proposals and incorporated their suggestions into the contribution value policy, issuing them as his divine decree. This means that the issues raised by Felander and Tie Yi would be backed by Luo Luo, holding similar weight as divine mandates.
The remaining issues were minor, such as stipulating that regular methods of obtaining contribution values outside technological inventions would be determined by the Imperial Assembly, while technological inventions would be determined by the Academy of Technological Development and Research. Regulations regarding military contribution values would be established by the Bureau of War.
All nominations and final decisions concerning contribution value recipients from the three bodies would be aggregated and stamped for execution by the Oracle Bureau.
Although this was mainly a formality, it nonetheless underscored the importance of the Oracle Bureau, as it is the department closest to the gods.
Finally, after confirming the various regulations regarding contribution value rewards, Luo Luo began to attend to his other affairs. He still had a lot to do, constantly refining the subject cards and assessing the progress of various tasks in the divine realm.
Calmly, Luo Luo left, but the entire divine realm was in an uproar. Just as the meeting concluded, the higher-ups of the divine realm immediately relayed this policy to all races and all life, emphasizing equal treatment for all.
Everyone was stunned, mirroring the initial expressions of the members and ministers, and soon they were ecstatic, shouting loudly and looking for outlets for their excitement. This newly instituted contribution value system by Luo Luo would mark a significant change for his divine realm.
All life in the divine realm erupted with immense enthusiasm, diving into the first hundred-year plan task that Luo Luo had previously set forth.
It can be said that changes in the divine realm are constantly occurring. Times have changed; life before the establishment of the church was good—it was not a matter of not having enough to eat or wear—but the lack of a goal severely hampered everyone's efficiency.
After the establishment of the empire and the church, people began to develop beliefs, or rather, they have discovered grander goals and ideals. The previous belief was merely a reverence and dependence on the gods, while now, belief translates to recognition of self-worth.
At that time, the speed of development in Luo Luo's divine realm far surpassed others. The introduction of the contribution value system allowed Luo Luo's divine realm to ascend rapidly, like riding a rocket. Production capabilities doubled and doubled again. Scientific research outcomes surged explosively. Even the previously neglected night school was now filled with eager learners seeking knowledge. This brought great satisfaction to Luo Luo.
Some may wonder, can't other gods do the same?
Actually, they cannot.
First, we must understand that to implement a similar contribution value system, a large amount of faith value is needed. Faith values are insufficient for gods at any stage. Even if your elders have given you some faith values, that is not a long-term solution; without a steady source, you will be unable to meet the increased demand for faith values. Maintaining a life form's long lifespan requires continuous consumption of faith values.
Occasionally receiving a chunk of faith values cannot support other gods in enacting similar policies. They need a stable and large reserve of faith values, while Luo Luo's Mechanical Race coincidentally meets this characteristic—stable and abundant.
Secondly, other gods typically employ a sect-like ruling method. This method, as mentioned before, saves time and effort but is very crude. If they were to enact similar policies to Luo Luo's, the most likely recipients of benefits would always be the top life forms within their races.
In other words, those generally receiving lifespan enhancements would only be high-ranking individuals such as clan leaders, priests, or first warriors, along with their descendants.
Moreover, the cultural differences in divine realms would prevent them from simply copying Luo Luo's model. After all, they rarely engage in invention or creation—it's almost non-existent. Traits such as kindness, compassion, and diligence are also absent in the divine realms of other gods.
The easiest route would be through external wars, as all gods must face this phase, or rather, they will continue to face it. The military, however, has the highest mortality rate, and the status of ordinary soldiers is not as high as you might think; only the strongest among them can receive rewards.
Luo Luo continued to refine various resources to strengthen his foundation, while the subjects in the divine realm also worked diligently in different fields. They all moved toward a brighter future.
Some may wonder why Luo Luo's subjects are so approachable and considerate. The reason is quite simple. Part of it stems from Luo Luo's previous Earth mindset, valuing peace and kindness toward people. Although he has changed somewhat over the years on the Earth Source Continent, the change remains subtle.
Moreover, the subjects are essentially Luo Luo's children; their relationship is not one of master and servant, but rather mutually supportive. The subjects contribute with loyalty and hard work, while Luo Luo is responsible for protecting them and creating a better life for them. Luo Luo believes this is fair.
In contrast, the practice on the Earth Source Continent advises gods to maintain their authority and create distance from their subjects. This helps to foster an air of mystery and often artificially create troubles or even disasters, so that subjects will develop a sense of dependency on the gods, making it easier to harvest faith values.
Such subjects will have higher levels of faith. Luo Luo admits that this method is indeed effective, but he still cannot bring himself to do so.
Furthermore, he realized that this approach also has its drawbacks. In such circumstances, subjects would become increasingly focused on personal gain, abandoning the elderly and disabled who might hinder the progress of their race. While individual strength is increasing, the overall advancement of the divine realm is incredibly slow, and the potential of some true gods' divine realms is even lower than Luo Luo's.
This further solidified Luo Luo's belief that his path was correct. A person who cannot even trust his own ideas will never find success.
Isn't there an old saying on Earth? When someone begins to undertake a task, they must have a strong belief in their inevitable success; otherwise, they shouldn't even start.
Some might worry about rebellion among subjects or issues like the Mechanical Race harming their master, but these notions are utterly ridiculous.
What is this? This is the era of gods!
Everything belonging to the subjects is under the dominion of the gods. The gods can decide the life and death of any subject. Rebellion is non-existent; a mere thought from the god will lead to the demise of all betrayers. The gods can be aware of everything happening within their divine realms at any time.
Luo Luo established the Oracle Bureau to punish false gods, but this does not mean he is unaware. It is simply impossible for a god to constantly monitor these minor nuisances.