Emperor’s Domination

“The esteemed guests want to visit so I’m taking them.” Goldblade shrugged while still sitting.

The couple stared at Li Qiye; their expression changed continuously. They didn’t care about Alch-deer since he only had one dao fruit.

However, they couldn’t see through Li Qiye. An ordinary youth daring to infiltrate their grotto was nothing but extraordinary.

His nonchalant attitude was explained by his status as a supreme ancestor. They just didn’t know his reason for coming.

“May I ask why you are here, Sir?” Yin-yang Lady spoke without confidence.

The aura of temptation had disappeared. Even if she were a hundred times more courageous, she wouldn’t dare to charm him.

“Why resort to this incorrect path instead of cultivating properly?” Li Qiye asked.

The two exchanged glances of confusion. They glanced at Goldblade who answered: “Don’t look at me.”

He was just as confused as them. He thought Li Qiye would start hunting the villains. After all, a supreme ancestor of Desolate Frontier should be aloof and unreachable like an immortal. An immortal wouldn’t want to visit these islands since they would dirty his shoes.

The couple wondered how they should respond. The wrong answer could end with death.

“We came from the mortal world, lacking knowledge of how to enter the dao. Once we found out it was improper, it was too late.” Yin-yang Lady answered.

“I see no attempt to change.” Li Qiye looked around and said.

They staggered backward once before Yin-yang Master answered: “We have never committed atrocities.”

“The grand dao is perilous and ladened with obstacles. Desolate gods and emperors walked on the bones of their enemies, we merely did the same.” Yin-yang Lady said.

“Then are the girls and boys here your enemies to be trampled upon?” Li Qiye asked.

“No, our grand dao is finished, we don’t need any impure methods.” Yin-yang Master said.

“If that’s the case, then they must have traveled so far to Isles of Evil just to see the dao and join you as followers.” Li Qiye stroked his chin.

“They were abandoned infants, we adopted and taught them how to cultivate.” Yin-yang Lady spoke without confidence.

“So they should be thanking you two?” Li Qiye smirked.

“Without us, they would have died as mortals regardless of their efforts.” Yin-yang Master said.

“So being servants is better than mortals.” Li Qiye said.

The two had no response, holding their breath and awaiting an attack from Li Qiye.

“I told you, it’s not good to keep the young ones here.” Goldblade said.

“Said the bandit.” Li Qiye said.

Goldblade arched his chest and said: “I only rob the major sects, never the people.”

“So a bandit with morals.” Alch-deer joked.

“Your sect destroyed kingdoms and lineage before on top of taking their treasuries.” Goldblade said.

Alch-deer couldn’t win this argument so he changed the topic: “So your followers, are they willingly following you or did you capture them?”

“Haha, you don’t understand. An ordinary cultivator can’t amass a sliver of wealth regardless of how hard they try. But to follow an emperor? The best clothes and food, how can they refuse?” Goldblade said.

“True.” Alch-deer agreed.

“That’s why all of my bandits are willing to follow me.” Goldblade said.

Alch-deer glanced at Li Qiye who only smiled after hearing the argument.

“Wait, what about us?” The couple stared at Li Qiye.

“That depends on your fate. Fortune and misfortune, it’s just a matter of choice.” Li Qiye said.

“Fortune and misfortune?” The two didn’t understand.

Li Qiye stood up and stretched before ordering: “Let’s go.”

The couple didn’t dare to be disrespectful. They accompanied the group out of the grotto before heaving a sigh of relief.

***

“Young Noble, why are we going around the isles?” Goldblade asked.

“What do you think?” Li Qiye answered with a question.

“I don’t know, it doesn’t look like you want to destroy us.” Goldblade said.

“Should I?” Li Qiye smiled.

“Young Noble, if I deserve death, so do the emperors and desolate gods from Desolate Frontier. Their kill count far surpasses mine.” Goldblade said.

“Not mine.” Alch-deer protested.

“Wait until you reach my level, see if you can still say the same thing.” Goldblade said.

“True.” Alch-deer agreed again. He had a long way to go before reaching the half-step apex level.

“So you believe you are innocent?” Li Qiye asked.

“Not innocent, but it would be ridiculous if Desolate Frontier believes I deserve death. Of course, I don’t mind being killed outright since I am weaker, just don’t do it behind a facade of justice.” Goldblade said with his back straight.

“Hmph! Desolate Frontier!” Suddenly, someone scowled and their power spread throughout the islands.