The Sims: I Open the Immortal Path for All Beings

Chapter 2028: Chapter 1974–1975: Sunk Costs Do Not Influence Major Decisions

“We need a method that both sides can trust!” Tie Qianshan said in a deep voice.

Even though as intermediaries, they are extremely eager to see this alliance form and are willing to make some concessions upfront.

However, precisely because they need to promote cooperation among several parties, he must be clear in resolving some key issues initially; being vague is not an option.

If, due to the eagerness to succeed, some controversial points are left aside temporarily, it’s akin to planting a landmine for oneself, which can easily lead to the collapse of cooperation later.

For the current three parties, none of them wants this cooperation to fail, as cooperation maximizes benefits for all.

Nevertheless, because the benefits are immense, details cannot be ignored.

“What do you propose?” The Green Emperor, who had remained silent, asked.

The Human Race Five Emperors share a common stance, advancing and retreating together on many matters.

But this is just on the surface; after all, they were once Human Race Common Masters with decisive authority, naturally there’s friction and disagreement among them.

Due to the unfavorable current situation, facing suppression from various parties, they can only band together for warmth.

Regarding the Heterodox Alliance’s proactive approach to propose this matter, they came so suddenly that the Human Race Five Emperors hadn’t had time to discuss it, let alone reach a consensus.

Although they are willing to cooperate, seeing this as a good opportunity, how to cooperate and what to offer or receive upfront are subjects on which their opinions differ entirely.

This is precisely why the Human Race Five Emperors collectively appeared, otherwise, a mere True Immortal, even if representing a top immortal sect like the Heterodox Alliance, along with several Daoist Monarchs from the Taoist School, wouldn’t warrant their joint action.

Of course, they understand that acting together exposes problems, yet they have no alternative, as relinquishing the initiative to others would sow internal issues.

As for exposing problems, sometimes it’s not necessarily a bad thing.

“The Taoist School should abandon the Five Old Lords so that they lose other options. Only then can we believe in the Taoist School’s sincerity in cooperation.” The Green Emperor declared his intent or rather the shared intent of the Human Race Five Emperors.

Although they have some differences in opinion, their stance on the Five Old Lords is unified.

To attain the position of Emperor of Heaven, aside from the current Six Imperials, the Taoist School’s Five Old Lords are also formidable competitors.

At present, the threat posed by the Five Old Lords of the Taoist School exceeds that posed by the Jade Emperor’s group of Imperial Honors.

Indeed, though the Jade Emperor and his group are powerful with numerous supporters, they have also openly clashed with veteran Daoist Monarchs, making it difficult to reconcile their disagreements.

Unless the Jade Emperor’s group willingly gives up current interests and becomes puppets again, or veteran Daoist Monarchs relinquish their interests and lose control over the Heavenly Court, the conflict won’t quell.

This inherently makes it challenging for the Jade Emperor to gain support from other veteran Daoist Monarchs, unless they achieve victory, otherwise, they will be overthrown.

Under these circumstances, the transition of the Emperor of Heaven is inevitable, and gaining support from other forces as a candidate is crucial.

The existence of the Five Old Lords, with backing from the Taoist School, gives them an innate advantage, making them more likely to receive support from other parties under the same circumstances.

The presence of the Human Race Five Emperors is not as substitutes for the Emperor of Heaven but for the Five Old Lords, which is their most awkward position.

As long as the Taoist School’s Daoist Monarchs do not abandon support for the Five Old Lords, they will remain obstacles before the Five Emperors, being the preferred choice for others’ support.

“This demand is not excessive; rather, it’s quite reasonable.” Tie Qianshan nodded, acknowledging the requests of these emperors, understanding that if he were in their position, he would make the same choice.

Yet, this is from the standpoint of the Human Race Five Emperors. From the Taoist School’s Daoist Monarchs’ perspective, the Human Race Five Emperors’ demand is equally filled with risks for them.

If they first abandon the Five Old Lords, the initiative shifts to the Human Race Five Emperors, which makes some Daoist Monarchs of the Taoist School reluctant to accept.

Now is the moment for the Heterodox Alliance to play their role as intermediaries, only by serving as a bridge between both sides can they also join this alliance.

If both sides could easily achieve mutual trust without guarantees, it would be problematic for the Heterodox Alliance in joining.

“The emperors’ demand is no issue, but how exactly does the emperor intend to gain trust?” Tie Qianshan slowly asked.

Requirements pose no problem, but simultaneously you need to offer something that inspires others’ trust in you, otherwise, it is not cooperation.

Considering the situation between both parties, it seems from some perspectives, the Human Race Five Emperors need the Taoist School’s Daoist Monarchs’ support more, even if the Five Old Lords have deficiencies, with the Taoist School’s strength, it can change—it merely depends on the cost involved.