Emperor’s Domination

“Overlords are mere insects before you, so what’s the point of resisting?” High Priest Mu smiled wryly.

“Pointless indeed.” Li Qiye smiled and sat down.

“So it’s a matter of how, whether it’s a swift death or an ugly one.” He didn’t fear death.

“Clearly not afraid of anything. Sit down.” Li Qiye knocked on the table.

He could see Li Qiye didn’t intend to kill him so he prepared some tea first. The tea was common and had a bitter taste.

“Young Noble, our tiny world only has simple dishes, no match for your immortal delicacies.” He said.

Li Qiye slowly took a sip while he waited for a sentence.

“Since you came back to life, there’s no point in killing you. You’re more useful alive.” Li Qiye said.

“Thank you for sparing me.” He bowed deeply.

“No, you killed yourself and with that, saved yourself.” Li Qiye said.

“Young Noble, that does make sense but your merciful nature plays a part.” He sighed.

“How strange. I was a butcher while you fell to the darkness. Now, I’m merciful? Then what are you?” Li Qiye smiled.

“Someone burdened by his sin.” He said.

“Not quite, the sin is in the past so if you think it can be redeemed with good deeds, then you will no longer have to bear them. This is unless there is no sincerity in your goodness.” Li Qiye said.

“Of course not.” He said.

“Then you are no longer a sinner but a redeemer.” Li Qiye said.

“Aredeemer.” He repeated softly.

“There is no sin without judgment and even if there is, if you do not believe it is a sin, then it is not truly a sin. Cultivators must judge themselves because if I judge you, you will think I have the right because I am stronger, not that you are sinful.” Li Qiye continued.

“Right.” He hesitated briefly before agreeing.

“If you didn’t have any introspection before I judged you, you would have justified it as an attempt to save Three Immortals.” Li Qiye said.

“I wouldn’t do that, Young Noble.” The high priest smiled wryly.

“You never had this thought before? How do you think you compare to Fire Ancestor?” Li Qiye asked.

“Inferior, Fire Ancestor was a man of extraordinary vision and unmatched talent. He truly wanted to save everyone.” He sighed.

“That’s a self-aggrandizing remark. Despite being imprisoned for eras, he never recognized his sin before the three immortals. He believed attempting to save the world was the reason for his skin but in reality, it was his lack of courage.” Li Qiye said.

“It’s not easy to recognize one’s helplessness.” He said.

“Extremely difficult.” Li Qiye said: “Immortals can be helpless at times, the same for me.”

“I didn’t have the clarity you possess, Young Noble.” The high priest said with a bitter smile. His voice was filled with regret as he continued: “We thought we were unstoppable until we recognized how weak we were. The opponent could reduce Three Immortals to ashes in the blink of an eye.”

“Courage utterly shattered.” Li Qiye understood.

“Yes, I was scared out of my mind and my dao heart wavered before a true invincible existence. I could have shown my fangs had I been more courageous.” He said.

“Yes, since ants can still show their fangs.” Li Qiye nodded.

“The savior hid behind the veil while cowering in fear and obsessing with greed, the only goal was to live longer and gain more benefits.” He sighed.

“You and Fire Ancestor were the same, considering yourselves saviors. Three Immortals didn’t necessarily need to be saved, you two did.” Li Qiye said: “If you didn’t save yourself, you would have destroyed the world.”

The high priest shuddered after hearing this.

“The dao heart matters so much in the end.” He calmed down and said.

“It worked out in the end. You saved yourself and stabilized your dao heart.” Li Qiye smiled.

“I once thought nothing could move me or affect my dao heart. I proved this throughout my life.” He said.

“The temptation is one thing, fear was the main culprit.” Li Qiye said.

“I understand, Young Noble. Brother Fire Ancestor viewed treasures as unnecessary. Greed couldn’t have tempted him to betray his original pursuit.” He said.

Fire Ancestor was a brilliant existence known for his generosity. He always gave away precious treasures without thinking twice. He changed after a crack appeared in his dao heart.

Treasures were tempting but couldn’t cause someone to fall. Only the desperate desire to feel safe could dramatically change them.

“Self-proclaimed saviors often cause suffering.” Li Qiye said.

“Will I do so to this world?” He asked.

“Are you a savior here?” Li Qiye answered with a question.

“No, because this world saved me. Brother Regalia was amazing, he’s a better man than any progenitor. His warmth touched this world and me.” He said.