The issue of a Supreme Great Emperor seems to make no sense, as it would almost be difficult for a group of individuals to succeed in reaching this stage.
It is more or less puzling why even the old individuals that had themselves sealed in deep sleep where even willing to show up and take risk to hunt down the aliens in thier world for techniques that they might not be able to cultivate or insights in the next step of the path.
They are actually betting, and the bet is that they are able to even at least make a chance for one of the to take that step.
If this succeeded, then, they would be able to gain more than the investment.
At this stage in time, it was not a big deal to sacrifice some of their time to make sure they achieved their goal.
Sitting outside, a group of old men and women where gathered, they had been in the same place for a few years and it was to make plans, but in reality, to check and balance each other.