Emperor’s Domination

“He didn’t.” Violet Dragon guessed.

“I had a general idea after my investigation. He didn’t disappear but rather, swapped sides and became a member of Supreme Heaven.” Li Xuansu nodded.

“I see.” Violet Dragon became sentimental and her voice softened: “Once an ardent follower of Life of Lord and Death and Desolate Ancestor, just like his wife and Three-eyed.”

“That’s the crucial point, how he was able to earn Gao Yang’s trust, and their numerous near-death encounters together.” Li Xuansu sighed.

“Why did he defect? Was it for revenge?” Violet Dragon said.

“Could be, but only he knows the answer. Supreme Heaven was thought to be the culprit and his wife died too, he was a man with reason for vengeance.” She said: “Everyone knew and envied their deep love, a perfect couple in Three Immortals.”

“He must have been devastated and willing to pay any price to avenge his wife and sect.” Violet Dragon said: “So if Supreme Heaven was the culprit, he would want to destroy it.”

Their love was renowned and celebrated by all of Three Immortals. Even the strongest master wanted to find the right dao companion.

Songs were sung about them for eras. They had no strong comparison until the emergence of Fairy Companions.

“What if it wasn’t Supreme Heaven?” Li Qiye asked.

“Then why did Luminous Master believe it so fervently?” Violet Dragon said.

“It’s another issue because in theory, no one was more qualified than him to state a culprit. He should have been there that night to see the attack. Thus, he changed his appearance and infiltrated Supreme Heaven, wanting to avenge the fallen ones.” Li Xuansu said.

“Supreme Heaven destroyed many sects before, many just as powerful.” Li Qiye said.

“It was another issue because Supreme Heaven never admitted this.” Li Xuansu nodded.

“Right, and they would have if they had done it.” Violet Dragon said, having first-hand experience with her system’s demise.

Five-element Mountain was numerous times stronger than Luminous Creek but Supreme Heaven still took it down. They did the same to other systems throughout the wars and wouldn’t mind another name on the decorated list.

“Perhaps we are being unduly skeptical. Luminous Master, the victim, should know the answer best.” Violet Dragon smiled wryly.

“That is true, but Lord of Life and Death wanted to know the answer given the existing relationships.” Li Xuansu said: “We tried to find him and the culprit.”

“You asked Supreme Heaven directly?” Violet Dragon asked before realizing how unnecessary it was.

“They didn’t care to give an actual answer, given the long-running blood feud.” Li Xuansu said.

“Hmm, how did Luminous Master turn into Primal Yin Immortal Ghost?” Violet Dragon asked.

“The answer is complicated.” Li Xuansu said: “I knew little at the start. My mission was to investigate the person giving us the information. It wasn’t that we didn’t trust Fellow Daoist Gao Yang, we all trusted him. After all, he and the others did so much work after Immortal Slaughtered, calming everyone and maintaining orders before Desolate Ancestor’s ascension.”

“Were there reasons for doubts?” Violet Dragon asked.

“Both Lord of Life and Death and Desolate Ancestor shared the same concern. Gao Yang told us about the concept of Old Strike Pact long ago but didn’t think it could be carried out. I was invited to be part of the team as well.” Li Xuansu said.

“You didn’t go later, Senior.” Violet Dragon said.

“Everyone was skeptical at the start but this all changed with Bao Pu’s involvement.” Li Xuansu said.

“Senior Bao Pu.” Violet Dragon had nothing but respect for this cultivation.

“Gao Yang initially thought Old Strike Pact was not possible and they lacked firepower. Recruiting Bao Pu was a huge morale boost since he was rumored to be a direct disciple of the three immortals.” Li Xuansu said.

“Yes, their longest follower, he fought against monstrous existences before with the three immortals.” Violet Dragon said.

They couldn’t help staring at Li Qiye since he might have more information than anyone.

“I wasn’t there.” Li Qiye said: “So the details are only privy to the three immortals and Bao Pu. But sure, Bao Pu was a fearless contributor then, I can’t comment on what came after.”

“Bao Pu wanted to avenge the three immortals, so his motive was clear.” Violet Dragon said.

“This solidified the pact and its members but we didn’t expect...” Li Xuansu sighed.

“Senior Bao Pu, Senior Gao Yang, and many others. Victory seemed possible before an immortal ascension.” Violet Dragon said.

“In theory, yes. I shared the same sentiment and was prepared to join after Gao Yang received the location.” Li Xuansu said.

“It’s a good thing you didn’t go, Senior.” Violet Dragon said.

“I refused due to my investigation. Lord of Life and Death wanted to know the source but didn’t wish to offend Gao Yang.” Li Xuansu said.