1086 The Guardian

[Today is my birthday, and I'm craving some attention as I ponder my passing mortality. So, give me some love in the comments.]

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"Do you know the most required characteristic for becoming an Earth Emperor?" asked the Jade Yama King.

"Strength?" replied Li Jun.

"You would think so, but no. The most crucial traits for an Earth Emperor are patience and lack of ambition. These are not qualities one might typically associate with a ruler, but they are essential for maintaining the balance of Samsara.

"Why is that, sir?"

"The world of the living is different from that of the dead," explained the Jade Yama King. "It's alright if the world of the living is in chaos, but it's unacceptable for the world of the dead. True Heavenly Dao might be lenient and laissez-faire about how to rule the world of the living, especially the upper dimension, but we are strict and orderly.