Emperor’s Domination

”I agree.” Mu Hu was the first to agree and came forward with his hands raised: ”Senior, your fried grasshoppers are delicious, the same for the centipedes. May I have a bag first?”

”Scram!” Black Witch Monarch kicked him away but he got back up and begged again.

”Hmph.” The monarch ignored him.

”Can I learn your art? M-my talent is terrible.” Li Xian had no confidence.

”Terrible indeed, I don’t want to teach a fool.” The monarch didn’t hold back.

Li Xian turned red after hearing this. He rarely interacted with outsiders and still had thin skin.

”Right, my talent is bad, but, but I can work hard.” He replied earnestly.

”Did you hear that? He can make up his lack of talent with hard work. Cultivation doesn’t rely only on talent.” Li Qiye smiled.

”No, impossible.” The monarch sensed that Li Qiye was serious, wanting him to take in this group as disciples.

”Oh? A septedivine lotus!” A voice interrupted their conversation along with a suffocating aura.

Someone landed in the air, causing the young ones to stagger backward in trepidation. The newcomer was an old man in green. His robe had decorated ribbons fluttering in the air like willow branches. His green hair also branched outward.

He resembled a towering tree commanding respect. His aura was that of an accomplished desolate god.

”Willow Venerable!” Princess Chen was surprised to see him.

”The left protector of the devil cult.” Orchidcore took a deep breath.

Li Xian shuddered as well - the devil cult was once Moshi’s fang. When Moshi was gone, it fell into a decline but remained relatively strong.

Currently, it was under Trinity Kingdom’s jurisdiction with an apex emperor in charge - Evilsurge.

This left protector was significantly stronger than them despite their potential.

”I’m surprised to see a bunch of juniors in this wilderness recognizing me.” He glared at them: ”Because of this, I shall spare you. Leave.”

”We wish to bring this lotus with us.” Princess Chen didn’t want to give up.

”Junior, don’t choose the hard way.” His eyes turned cold, easily intimidating weaker cultivators.

However, the young geniuses came from powerful lineages and clans with emperors and even primal ancestors. As members of the academy, they enjoyed the protection of the famous teachers and vice headmaster.

”Senior, we do not wish to cause trouble but this lotus belongs to Fellow Daoist Li. If you were to seize a junior’s property, wouldn’t that be detrimental to your reputation?” Orchidcore said.

”Oh, how courageous and composed.” He found it surprising that these juniors weren’t shaking their legs in fear.

”State your name, I am impressed by your master’s teaching style.” He said imperiously.

”I am just a nobody who is currently learning at Orchid Academy.” Orchidcore said humbly.

”Orchidcore.” He frowned slightly after hearing this: ”No wonder, students of the academy are all dragons and phoenixes.”

Orchid Academy didn’t have as many students as Sacred Mountain. However, their students achieved plenty and became famous.

The most notable student of the academy was unanimous - Staff Ancestor. This student surpassed Orchid Sage and became the third primal ancestor. Later on, she surpassed extinguishment and became a supreme overlord.

Few had the privilege to see her but her prestige and authority remained. Of course, she didn’t stay at the academy during her ascension, only having studied there briefly and learned from Orchid Sage.

Nevertheless, after reaching her prime, she publicly announced that the academy was under her protection. This saved the academy from plenty of headaches and enemies.

”Juniors, it’s time to leave. I will not punish your lack of respect.” Willow Venerable waved his hand.

”We want this lotus, I’m sure you won’t compete with us juniors over it, Senior.” The princess said.

”Junior, don’t push your luck.” His expression darkened.

”We should leave, it’s not worth throwing our lives away here.” Li Xian whispered to the princess.

First, his relationship with the young geniuses didn’t warrant them taking unnecessary risks. He already appreciated them standing up for him.

”Go before I change my mind.” The venerable’s patience grew thin.