Emperor’s Domination

“It’s not like you don’t have options. There are two.” Li Qiye smiled.

“Please guide me, Sir.” Skyguard became excited.

“The first is the simplest, toss them or sell them, leave it to fate. People will come running.” Li Qiye said.

“Toss or sell…” He murmured since it sounded ridiculous – throwing away immortal treasures.

“It will start a bloody conflict.” He calmed down and said.

“Do you think your master cares?” Li Qiye asked.

“Hmm…” The old man said softly: “Master told me a few of them are valuable enough to tempt immortals.”

“Heavencall Powder is one.” Li Qiye smiled: “He wanted me to take it so that I can bait people to come out, Bao Pu for one. Alas, he won’t get any points toward atonement or forgiveness from me.”

“Sir, Master is already dead.” He said.

“You’re implying that he can atone for his sin through these treasures.” Li Qiye smiled.

He nodded quietly.

“Do you think he cares about his sin?” Li Qiye asked.

He didn’t answer but knew his master didn’t mind.

“What does my master care about?” He asked.

“He cares about his own life, whether it is good or not.” Li Qiye smiled.

“Master is no longer with us.” He lowered his head.

“Either way, he will get no forgiveness from me.” Li Qiye smiled.

“Is there anything I can do?” He asked.

“It appears you care about redeeming his sin.” Li Qiye said.

“If possible, I would like to do something.” He smiled wryly, aware of the graveness of the sin and his inability.

“There are two ways.” Li Qiye smiled.

“Two ways.” He said softly.

“The first is to have the ones who were wronged forgive the sinners. Since I was not a victim, I couldn’t absolve his sin even if I forgave him. All I could do was send him on his final journey.” Li Qiye said.

He sighed, realizing he needed the grandmasters to forgive his master. This was impossible because they were gone just like his master. This was not an option.

“And the second?” He asked.

“Repaying the debt properly. This takes a long time and your master can’t do it.” Li Qiye said.

“How does one repay such a debt?” He asked softly.

“How else but to continue the lineage, becoming a good disciple and a great master, let the inheritance shine for ages to wash away the sin.” Li Qiye said.

“Our grandmasters’ lineage.” He was lost in thought.

“Awfully challenging. It would take unwavering determination and immense courage. Even then, there’s no guarantee of success.” Li Qiye said.

“I understand.” After a long while, he regained his wits and said.

“Go, I won’t be taking these treasures.” Li Qiye waved: “What to do next is your decision.”

“Thank you for your guidance, Sir.” He prostrated and bowed his head several times before leaving with the treasure chest.

After he was gone, the skull asked: “What kind of twisted idea are you having? How can he pass down an immortal lineage? Even Xian Chengtian can’t do it, let alone him.”

“You primordial immortals do not understand this, that both gold and stone can achieve.” Li Qiye said.

“What do we not understand?” The skull became irate.

“Born from the primordial, you do not understand the improvement that comes with the mortal world. The dao heart to you is innate but for feeble mortals, they still want to bear their fangs at the high heaven. Why is that? Because of courage and determination spanning the eras, culminating in a miraculous dao heart.” Li Qiye said.

He smiled and continued: “That’s why the three geezers failed. Success isn’t guaranteed when given the best sunlight and nourishment. Too much love can ruin a bud.”

“What can we do, we’re born like this?” The skull chuckled.

“You all consider the mortal world weak and can be blown away with a single breath. However, primordial immortals are not the strongest; you all have been surpassed.” Li Qiye said.

“Hah, how so?” The skull said.

“Seems like you know little about Heavenrealm.” Li Qiye said.

“The immortals there can’t stand before us.” The skull said.

“You think too highly of your group.” Li Qiye said.

“It is true, we’ve met immortals before.” The skull said.

“Then what’s above you?” Li Qiye asked.

“Just the villainous heaven.” The skull said.

“Are you sure you’re that close to it?” Li Qiye said.

“Can’t be much worse.” The skull didn’t buy it.

“Did any of you try to become the villainous heaven?” Li Qiye said.

“We didn’t, it was a trap.” The skull said.

“Be honest, if given the opportunity, would any of you do as well?” Li Qiye asked.

The skull didn’t answer.

“You all know there is still room to grow.” Li Qiye smiled: “Big Eye and the others slumbered for a long time and never cared about disciples. Why did this change all of a sudden? Was it due to the changing times and love?”

“Our times were over, we couldn’t maintain our golden age.” The skull sighed.

“Yes, some of you couldn’t handle your greed, not all since you managed to escape. Your golden age was over with the villainous heaven’s plan.” Li Qiye said.

“The first to jump out was him. Sword Immortal was one step too late and couldn’t get out. We escaped but are merely clinging on to the afterglow.” The skull said.

“This is why he is further ahead and you can’t catch up.” Li Qiye said.

“Above us and below the villainous heaven.” The skull said: “I suppose we have a long way to go before reaching the villainous heaven.”