Emperor’s Domination

“The other half of the contribution is the leadership of Virtuous King. Soaring Phoenix Commander dominated militarily while the king ruled wisely, it was truly a golden age.” Chu Zhu said.

“They did great.” Li Qiye nodded with a smile.

“I think if our ancestor didn’t leave, Insane Immortal might never have risen to prominence and Insane Court wouldn’t have fallen.” Chu Zhu glanced at the statue and said.

“Where did she go?” Li Qiye asked.

“That’s another detail we do not know.” Chu Zhu shook her head: “She handed over her martial authority and Insane Spear before leaving the dao lineage.”

“I see.” Li Qiye stared at the statue.

“A record stated her departure might have been due to Virtuous King’s passing, or that she believed her mission was finished after taking Insane Court to its height and decided to retire.” Chu Zhu went on.

“Got it.” Li Qiye smiled.

“There’s another theory, our ancestor was invited by Lord of Life and Death and went to that domain. A similar one said that it wasn’t an invitation. When our Virtuous King was near death, she gave the order to send the ancestor to Life and Death Heaven.” Chu Zhu said.

Li Qiye glanced in a particular direction after hearing this.

“With the two leaders gone, Insane Court’s decline was inevitable. They somehow lost Insane Spear and Insane Immortal Sword afterward. It didn’t have to turn out this way.” Chu Zhu lamented.

During its prime, Insane Court had the perfect combination - wise leadership and military might. It produced numerous geniuses, culminating in an unprecedented height.

Others heard of Virtuous King’s wisdom and rushed to join Insane Court. Soaring Phoenix Commander fulfilled her duties flawlessly on the battlefield.

Nothing lasted forever so the dao lineage faced uncertainties with the two gone. Insane Immortal was thought to be the chosen one, propelling Insane Court back to its rightful place.

His decision to side with Moshi brought a definitive end to Insane Court. Desolate Ancestor’s side swept through Three Immortals afterward after Moshi’s defeat. Insane Court was one of their targets.

Insane Immortal remained loyal but couldn’t keep up with someone on the level of Desolate Ancestor. With his death, Insane Court changed its name to Insane Gate, a third-rate sect.

“Nothing lasts forever. This is the natural order.” Li Qiye said.

“Truer words have never been said, Young Noble.” Chu Zhu said sentimentally. This was the reason why she didn’t try to push her clan to greatness.

If Chu Camp hadn’t separated from Insane Court and if the commander were still around, they might have fared better in the aftermath of Devil Desolate War. Alas, nothing could be changed about the past.

Chu Zhu was powerful now but didn’t see a reason to make changes to the Chu. Without her, the clan would eventually falter or even be reduced to ashes from its arrogance.

“The current clan is doing very well, it’s peaceful.” She was satisfied.

Li Qiye only smiled in response.

“Ancestor, Insane Gate has been asking us to participate in the ancient alliance’s conference.” A disciple interjected.

“It is still around? It was already fractured before I left.” Chu Zhu said.

“Ancestor, the eight lineages are recovering due to Radiant Longevity School’s capable alchemists and their pills.” A disciple explained.

“I thought Radiant Longevity was near its demise.” Chu Zhu was surprised.

“Ancestor, this was indeed true but after a successful excavation of ruins, they trained some new capable alchemists.” The disciple said: “But this was around when you left, they started declining again. The strongest ones in the alliance currently are Insane Gate, Eight-treasure School, and Cloudcrossing Mountain.”

“Radiant Longevity learned nothing.” Chu Zhu had a serious expression: “The mecha excavated nearly put an end to them yet they tried again?”

“What mecha?” Li Qiye looked interested.

“Young Noble, they excavated a living mecha.” Chu Zhu said.

Her respectful attitude made the others wonder. She was an immortal-like being in their eyes, so how did this mortal earn her respect?

“Ruins and a living mecha?” Li Qiye’s brows furrowed.

“This is so long ago, it refers to a sect under the jurisdiction of the current Radiant Longevity destroyed by an immortal.” Chu Zhu said.

“A sect was worthy of this much attention from a so-called immortal?” Li Qiye said.

“Radiant Longevity was extraordinary back then and was made up of two dao lineages, Yang Radiance Sect and Longevity Valley.” Chu Zhu said.

“I see.” Li Qiye understood: “The sect was Everlasting Kingdom, right?”

“Yes, that is it.” She was startled by his knowledge.