Emperor’s Domination

“Cultivational success within a period is often decided by the chosen merit law and mantra. But, what about in a longer timeline?” Li Qiye asked.

“A longer timeline…” She pondered the question.

“A longer timeline such as the lifespan of emperors and primal ancestors who seek everlasting life.” He said.

“That is indeed a long period.” She admitted.

Most entry-level cultivators started to grow stronger. As they progressed, strength became secondary and the goal shifted to lifespan. After all, there was limitless potential in life.

“Therefore, the deciding factor regarding success is not the chosen merit law but rather, the dao heart. By picking the best possible merit law to start with, the users become imprisoned by it. Without being able to break these shackles, they will never be able to surpass the limit of the original law.” He said.

“Yes.” She understood this as a Grand Emperor. She had cultivated a top mantra initially but to become an emperor, she had to break it and create her own dao.

“There still exists an invisible pattern after breaking these shackles, so a simpler dao paves a longer path.” He continued.

“Thank you, Young Noble.” She became enlightened and thought she had learned more about the later stages of cultivation than her imperial ascension. The horizon seemed to be larger than ever before.

“You have given me another shot, this disciple has nothing but gratitude.” She expressed her feelings since he gave her another life and guided her on a new path.

She kneeled for a long time while he smiled and observed the blue sky.

The speeding carriage reached the border of Phantom - a dynasty with thousands of kingdoms and sects, perhaps larger than Enigma.

Something attracted Li Qiye’s attention, prompting him to sit up. This surprised Six-style so she took a closer look at their location, still recognizing the area despite being reduced to a mortal.

“Young Noble, we are near Five-element City.” She said.

“Do you see that peak over there?” He pointed ahead.

She looked over and saw a peak hidden among the clouds. However, it wasn’t particularly high and had more of a round shape, resembling a skull more than anything.

“I do not see anything special.” She shook her head. She had visited Five-element City before and would have noticed something before losing her cultivation.

“Let’s go take a look.” He said.

She changed the direction of the carriage and they made it to the base of the round peak. It had a small stream and an abundance of greenery. Atop the peak was an ancient tea tree and a secluded brick dwelling. Each brick and tile was carefully chosen and delivered here. Its construction must have required immense care.

Li Qiye paid more attention to the tree itself rather than the tough structure. Given the appearance of the barks, it must have lived for countless years and weathered many storms.

“I’ve never seen a species like this before.” Six-style examined it carefully and remarked.

The green leaves occasionally flickered with a metallic sheen. This tree seemed to be a metal construct instead of a living organism. However, it was undeniably a tree, not a metal object.

“The problem is with the peak, not the tree.” He shook his head.

“Young Noble, you have a keen eye.” A voice exclaimed in admiration: “You noticed it with a single glance.”

“Creak.” The door to the secluded dwelling opened and an old man came out. He wore a simple robe and straw sandals. His gray hair was neatly combed, giving him a refined appearance despite the cheap outfit. Not a single speck of dust could be found on him.

He resembled a hermit who had merely descended to the mortal realm for a brief respite, far removed from the mundane affairs of life.

“Ancestor Kundali.” Six-style said with a serious expression.

“Fellow Daoist Six-style.” The man bowed politely.

His title often invoked shock, gasps, and fear. Phantom had two ancestors and six emperors. One ancestor was Specter, the other was Kundali.

He was renowned not only in Phantom but all of Sin. Rumor has it he had embarked on the limit path just like Specter.

However, he was a desolate god, not an emperor. This made his achievement even more admirable.