Emperor’s Domination

“What are your plans now?” Li Qiye asked.

“Young Noble, I plan to die of old age here now that you have spared me. Afterward, my body will nourish this world and its inhabitants.” The high priest bowed.

Li Qiye smiled without responding.

“If you do not believe me, you may impose any seal.” He said calmly.

“I would have done so already.” Li Qiye said.

“Thank you, Young Noble. I will not let my luck go to waste.” He contemplated briefly before getting down on his knees.

“Thank yourself since if you didn’t do this out of your own volition, no one could have saved you even with an eternal seal from me. Only death awaits at the end of that path.” Li Qiye said.

“Wise words, Young Noble.” He nodded.

“Only those who want to be saved can be dragged out of the abyss. Otherwise, they’ll end up like Fire Ancestor and Bao Pu.” Li Qiye continued.

He thought about saying something but only let out a sigh. He knew about these two characters – both were disciples of the three immortals.

The great beings sealed Fire Ancestor but couldn’t save him. The latter thought he had chosen the right path.

“The three immortals tried to save Bao Pu as well.” He commented.

“They were no fools but it didn’t work out for them.” Li Qiye smiled.

“I’m sure they heard of what he had done.” He didn’t have all the information but knew the rumors.

“People believe Fire Ancestor was older but in reality, Bao Pu was there first.” Li Qiye said.

“There was a fight where Bao Pu went missing.” He said softly.

“Missing or faking his death?” Li Qiye smiled.

“We didn’t have more information regarding Bao Pu and his connection with the immortals.” He shook his head.

“What about Fire Ancestor?” Li Qiye asked.

“Fire Ancestor happened far later, a complete defeat.” He sighed.

“Yet the three immortals still couldn’t be merciless.” Li Qiye said.

“They were too kind.” He said.

“That’s one thing, but this was more of a shackle with Three Immortals.” Li Qiye smiled.

“With Bao Pu?” He asked.

“If the immortals wanted them dead, would they have been able to escape?” Li Qiye asked.

“No.” He thought about many things.

“Three Immortals are vast with many inhabitants and a rich history. However, it has nothing to do with the immortals.” Li Qiye said.

“But it’s their world.” He disagreed.

“They didn’t create it and it’s fine without them.” Li Qiye said.

“I suppose that’s right.” He thought about the immortals’ perspective.

They stood at the apex and didn’t need to be tethered to Three Immortals. It became foreign to them as time passed.

This phenomenon was the reason why some cultivators could destroy their lineages without thinking twice. It wouldn’t invoke a sliver of emotion or pain.

“Bao Pu is their connection to this world.” He understood.

Long ago in a forgotten era, Bao Pu created the cultivation system for Three Immortals under the guidance of his masters. Next came Zither Empress and Fire Ancestor but Bao Pu was the first and most loved.

Killing them would make the world even more foreign to the three immortals.

“Too much love can be detrimental.” Li Qiye shook his head regarding the past before adding: “Of course, you’ve done a good job at stabilizing your dao heart.”

He smiled wryly and didn’t know how to respond. He thought about how hurt the three immortals must have been with Bao Pu’s betrayal. Unbeknownst to the world, they put more effort into him than even Fire Ancestor.

“They let the three immortals down.” He concluded.

“This was all determined and a part of their karma, hence their fall. The seed had been planted long ago.” Li Qiye said.

“Well…” He had no response. The death of the three immortals was regrettable but in a sense, the karma started with them.