Emperor’s Domination

“How many fake trees did you plant?” The skull asked.

“Fake? If there’s a world, there’s a tree.” Li Qiye said.

“A tree, I see, not a real tree, but just a tree.” The skull would frown if it still had flesh and eyebrows.

“As long as one believes so, it is real.” Li Qiye smiled.

“Bah, I’m talking about your primordial will one.” The skull said.

“It’s there in all three thousand worlds or more as long as the heart truly desires it.” Li Qiye said.

“Where is it, really?” The skull wanted to know more.

“Like I said, it’s there with the heart.” Li Qiye said.

“Impossible.” The skull responded.

“Nothing is impossible.” Li Qiye smiled: “When the heart is strong enough, it will be there in the most unimaginable world.”

“Then where the high heaven is, is it there when the heart wills so?” The skull asked.

“Sure thing, as long as your heart is strong enough.” Li Qiye said confidently.

“Bullshit.” The skull said: “Brat, so you’re conspiring with the villainous heaven too, not just with him.”

“I don’t appreciate the unjustified accusation.” Li Qiye shook his head.

“Hah, why is the villainous heaven working with you? What did you promise?” The skull continued.

“The villainous heaven doesn’t need me to do anything.” Li Qiye said.

“Co-existing peacefully?” The skull pressed on.

“You are looking down on the villainous heaven, everything’s just a delaying tactic. It doesn’t care.” Li Qiye smiled.

“Haha, you’re placing your primordial tree in front of the door, no, piercing into its home, and you’re telling me it doesn’t care? Since when is the villainous heaven so generous and forgiving?” The skull said.

“There are exceptions to everything.” Li Qiye smiled.

“He is an exception?” The skull said: “The brat Zhan Sansheng wants to live again with your tree. Heh, as for him, he’s letting go right there, I’m sure you already know.”

“I told you that the tree is in everyone’s heart and desires, that’s the key.” Li Qiye said: “I don’t know what others desire or have done.”

“The tree is under your control so you do know everything. He couldn’t have done this without your permission. I’m sure he initiated a conversation first and obtained your implicit permission.” The skull said.

“Everyone has the chance without my permission.” Li Qiye smiled and shook his head.

“Sure, if it’s an illusion or just one part but the actual primordial will? Your permission is required.” The skull said.

“Who knows? Any tree can be the real one.” Li Qiye said.

“If that is true, then you have truly let go.” The skull said.

“It has to be thorough, no?” Li Qiye said.

“Well…” The skull stared at him briefly before responding: “I just don’t understand, looks like you are doing it.”

“I didn’t lie to you.” Li Qiye smiled.

“At least leave an ace card behind, or at least some type of plans.” The skull said.

“No need.” Li Qiye said: “I came to this world naked and will leave it naked.”

“Damn, your mentality is way higher than mine.” The skull said enviously: “You’re killing me through jealousy.”

“You can do the same.” Li Qiye said.

“It’s different, I was forced to make a choice.” The skull said: “You and he took the initiative to do so, aware of what you have yet still letting go. This is a completely different mindset and cultivation level. I would not have made the same choice, not even if threatened with death.”

“Just a part of moving forward.” Li Qiye smiled.

“Enough of your nonsense, no one could have done this except you.” The skull stared at him.

Li Qiye didn’t answer and gazed at the horizon.

“I didn’t expect him to hide it with your tree. The brat wouldn’t have figured it out without trying to burn the tree. Unfortunately, he realized it too late.” The skull laughed.

“Better late than never.” Li Qiye smiled.

“There was a chance before but now, there’s none. Even if he can control it, he’ll still die to you.” The skull said.

“Just part of the dao journey.” Li Qiye said.

“What about the two geezers? What will you do? They will try again.” The skull asked.

“I can’t stop them from pursuing what they want.” Li Qiye said: “The villainous heaven can’t stop someone who wants to die either.”

“Don’t be so nonchalant, they will try to kill you with an ace card, not knowing you had thrown this card away like trash.” The skull laughed.

“That’s an exaggeration, it’s still useful.” Li Qiye said.

“Yes, for you to snap their neck.” The skull gestured like someone was snapping his neck.

“I respect their choices.” Li Qiye said.

“As if they had choices within your machination. It was either picking you or death, no third option.” The skull said.

“That’s an unpleasant way of putting it.” Li Qiye shook his head.

“Did I have a choice? No, not even of how I would like to die.” The skull said.

“You make it sound like I’m a tyrant. No, I’m just a gentle and nice soul.” Li Qiye said.

“Then shall we make a bet? I bet that you will kill them mercilessly.” The skull said.

Li Qiye only answered with a smile.

“Should we go to the tree now?” The skull didn’t push the issue since the outcome was obvious.

“No rush, I have a little business I need to check out.” Li Qiye said.

“Got it.” The skull said: “You want to deal with them all at once before leaving Three Immortals.”

Li Qiye didn’t answer and headed for the ancient city with the fallen meteor.