Emperor’s Domination

“Ka.” Something jumped out of the platform and the light dissipated, seemingly taken in by this entity.

Anyone would become startled since it was a skull - perfect like a work of art and brimming with divinity.

Its teeth were perfect, not even a living human could have such nice, clean teeth. Some might think the skull was carved from a block of jade but in reality, this was indeed someone’s skull.

“Who is it?!” It looked cautiously around, preparing to escape if necessary.

“Who else but me?” Li Qiye sat down and said.

The skull looked at him and thought it was seeing things. It heaved a sigh of relief and appeared glad to see Li Qiye: “So you’re back, that’s good, that’s good.”

“Not afraid of being cooked by me?” Li Qiye asked.

Although the sockets were empty, the skull gave the impression of opening its eyes wide. With an innocent look, it said: “Why would you? I’m on your side.”

“That’s true.” Li Qiye stroked his chin and said: “Everyone says you’re dead.”

“Sigh, isn’t this worse than death?” The skull complained: “I am an abomination now, neither alive nor dead, well, this is pretty much dead.”

“You all have been living a borrowed life all this time, it’s no different than before.” Li QIye said.

“What are you saying, Young Noble Li? I was at least an immortal before with an independent world. Now, this is literally living a borrowed life, burying myself underground. My mouth is full of dirt and I can’t see a single ray of light.” The skull said.

“I suppose that does sound rather pitiful.” Li Qiye nodded in agreement.

“It’s good that you’re back, order shall be restored.” The skull said happily.

“In what way?” Li Qiye smiled.

“Hah, you will kill that brat and then the two old geezers too. Three Immortals shall have peace again.” The skull laughed.

“That’s why you plan on slumbering for several epochs. When you are reborn or whatever with new fortunes, this world shall be yours?” Li Qiye smiled.

“Of course not, this world is yours. I am only living in it.” The skull shook.

“You sure?” Li Qiye smirked.

“Absolutely.” The skull said: “If you don’t believe me, I will swear it on my epoch.”

“Very good.” Li Qiye nodded.

“Sigh, my heart grows cold.” The skull said: “I risked my life yet you question me as if I had done something in the dark. This is besmirching my glorious death.”

“Can’t be a glorious death when you’re still alive.” Li Qiye said.

“True…” The skull admitted.

“That’s why my skepticism is warranted. You would feel the same way in my position.” Li Qiye gently patted the skull.

“Yes, I might even take it one step further, one crushing stomp.” The skull said.

“Now that’s an idea.” Li Qiye said.

“Wait, wait.” The skull jumped back and said: “Young Noble Li, I gave you my life, don’t rob me of a chance to live pitifully.”

“I will, that’s why you’re still talking right now.” Li Qiye smiled.

The skull heaved a sigh of relief and said: “You need not worry, Young Noble Li, my current state is no different from an insect.”

“Yes but one day, from death to life, abandon the old and welcome the new.” Li Qiye said.

“The new won’t have the primordial roots.” The skull shook again.

“Someone had done it before to walk further.” Li Qiye said.

The skull had no response.

“So death is not necessarily a bad thing since life can blossom from it, a new life with more possibilities.” Li Qiye said.

“Perhaps.” The skull replied.

“In other words, you found something unprecedented. Do tell.” Li Qiye smiled.

“Not quite found.” The skull paused momentarily before replying: “The possibility is there because I sensed something foreign at that moment.”

“Did he meet you?” Li Qiye asked.

“No, I touched something old and sensed its presence.” The skull said.

“Go on.” Li Qiye said.

“You know the primordial and have created your own. However, the primordial that birthed us differs from yours.” The skull said.

“Indeed.” Li Qiye nodded.

“The primordial wraps around us, this is inescapable whether in life or death.” The skull said.

“But you didn’t sense it.” Li Qiye continued.

The skull nodded and spoke seriously: “Yes. For the old geezers and me, I can recognize them even if they are reduced to ashes. If we mix the ashes in a pile, I can still distinguish each other. But, not him.” 

“No primordial presence, I see.” Li Qiye understood.

“We will never lose it outside of being completely obliterated.” The skull sighed.

“Yet he’s alive.” Li Qiye said.

“Right, so the logic isn’t there.” The skull said.

“Which prompted your bold idea.” Li Qiye concluded.

The skull smiled wryly and said: “Or we were just inspired by you.”

“Hah? Elaborate.” Li Qiye became interested.

“Because you’re a mortal, and the most ordinary mortal too. The logic isn’t there either.” The skull said.

“Yes, a mortal.” Li Qiye nodded.

“We were destined to have everlasting life upon birth, others call us immortals. Perhaps because of this, we can’t become true immortals. The key to this is not within our primordial.” The skull said.

“It’s a possibility.” Li Qiye gazed at the sky.

“Then the villainous heaven isn’t truly unkillable either.” The skull said.

“But what if it is?” Li Qiye smiled.

“Impossible, it is not a true immortal.” The skull shook.