Emperor’s Domination

“Supreme Sword God.” Li Qiye smiled while looking at the statue.

“When it was still known as Insane Court, it had three supreme existences, the king, commander, and the guardian. The king’s wisdom birthed prosperity, the commander’s martial prowess dominated the realms, and the guardian protected the dao source.” Incense Daoist elaborated.

“Yes, the golden age.” Edge Mountain Crone said sentimentally: “Insane Court was just too strong, the three supreme ancestors alone protected them for generations.”

“It’s due to the king.” Incense Daoist said: “Her cultivator couldn’t compare to the others but she served as the central core to unite Insane Court’s potential.”

“True.” She agreed: “They were fully united under her leadership and became an indomitable fortress. After her passing, the commander never returned and the guardian passed away as well, Insane Court stood no chance afterward.”

“Their two divine artifacts disappeared also.” He added.

“Insane Spear and Furious Immortal Sword, they’re missing?” She had a serious expression.

“Why are you looking at me like that, old woman?” He became startled.

“I’ve seen records of Insane Court asking your branch to calculate their location.” She said.

“I… don’t know anything about it.” He smiled wryly.

“Really now?” Her fierce glare caused him to jump.

“Well, I do know more about this matter, but not their location.” He said.

“What do you know?” She insisted.

“When the king abdicated, the commander gave back the spear. That’s all we know about its location.” He said.

“What about the sword?” She asked.

“I’m not from Insane Court, how do I know?” The daoist was still intimidated.

“Given your branch’s curiosity, I’m sure you have secretly tried to find them.” She sneered.

“Well, at the very least, I never tried to myself, there are some tales though.” He said.

“Go on.” She responded.

Although this branch was finished and the daoist failed to live up to his ancestors, he still had access to many secrets.

“Speculation has it that after the king’s abdication, the guardian retired as well, but not before handing Furious Immortal over to her. Thus, it is likely possible that both were returned.” He said.

“Strange.” She said: “Sure, the king’s wisdom was the reason for the dao lineage’s success. The spear being returned is one thing, but why the sword also when she was retiring?”

“Who knows?” He shook his head: “The guardian did appear again in the subsequent turmoil to stop Insane Court’s destruction, he didn’t have Furious Immortal then. That was his last appearance.”

After receiving more information, she sighed and stared at the statue.

“Then we had Insane Immortal who kept the dao lineage going for a while. He left behind many good things too.” The daoist said.

“If Desolate Ancestor hadn’t been so merciful back then, she would have destroyed all of Insane Court instead of just killing Insane Immortal. Insane Immortal contributed nothing.” She snorted.

Insane Immortal gave everyone hope of bringing the lineage back to its prime. That day never came because the arrogant cultivator was killed by Desolate Ancestor. It made Insane Court decline more than the previous, reduced to a tiny sect.

After their conversation stopped, they noticed Li Qiye staring at the city in silence.

“Young Noble.” The daoist said.

Li Qiye smiled and waved: “We can go in now.”

“Yes.” The daoist ordered the ox to pull.

“No point in having a lot of unworthy descendants.” Li Qiye smiled at the statue before leaving.

***

The sect master and elders gathered inside Insane Gate. The former was Furious Wind Saber King, a successful genius with few rivals in this region.

He inherited the legacies and techniques from the previous sect master, his father. The sect has been growing stronger under his leadership.

“Your Majesty, the Chu envoys are here.” A disciple reported.

“The Chu!” Everyone stood up upon hearing this.

Among the eight sects of the ancient alliance, the Chu had been keeping a low profile. Nevertheless, Insane Gate still believed that this clan was stronger than them.

“Who is it, the clan master?” Furious Wind wanted to greet the guests in person.

“No, Your Majesty.” The disciple came closer and whispered: “From what I can see, an actual mortal.”

“A mortal?!” The high-ranking members’ expression changed.

“The oldest ancestor of Resting Bull and the lord of Heaven Calculating are here too.” The disciple added but everyone else was too focused on the first part.

“What is their intention?” The king was annoyed and uttered coldly: “They sent no one during my coronation and now, a mortal to the conference? Do they look down on us?”

The young and brilliant king was full of youthful vigor and pride, believing in his boundless potential. Although he somewhat feared the Chu, he believed his sect would surpass them in due time.

“They are going too far!” An elder angrily exclaimed: “They came from our Insane Gate, so in terms of status, you are also their sect master! Sending a mortal here can only be construed as blatant provocation.”

Chu Camp was once a part of Insane Court but left during the era of Insane Immortal. Nevertheless, they still had ties and communication in subsequent generations.

Insane Gate had always treated the Chu with respect, the main reason being the Chu’s power.