Emperor’s Domination

“I must say, you look rather familiar.” Light God tilted his head and thought carefully.

“Indeed.” Li Qiye smiled.

“May I ask what brings you here? How may I help you?” Light God found this puzzling.

“What if I’ve come to kill you?” Li Qiye said.

“Why would you? If we had never met, we would have no grievances.” Light God said.

“Who do you think you are?” Li Qiye asked with a smile.

“I am who I am.” Light God’s confusion grew as he answered: “I am fortunate enough to be in everyone’s grace, they call me Light God. Of course, I feel unworthy of the title.”

“You claim to be a disciple of the three immortals.” Li Qiye’s smile widened.

“Yes, I am.” Light God collapsed his hands together and said shamefully: “Unfortunately, my talent is limited and I couldn’t inherit their legacy, only a fraction.”

“I do not recall the three immortals having a disciple like you.” Li Qiye shook his head.

“You have met the masters before?” Instead of being angered or shocked, Light God was pleasantly surprised.

“Yes, and we were rather close.” Li Qiye nodded.

“Senior, please accept a bow.” Light God prostrated to show respect.

Li Qiye accepted the gesture.

“I was never fortunate enough to behold my masters’ peerless countenances.” He said: “I often wish I had been born in that era.”

“Oh, then why do you claim to be their disciple if you have never met them?” Li Qiye asked.

“I was fortunate enough to come across their teachings.” He said.

“They also left behind an immortal artifact, please take a look, Senior.” He took out an item.

“Buzz.” The rays from the artifact pierced the sky. However, they also carried hope and life force as if seeding them into the world.

It resembled a chopping knife – short and crude, seemingly forged from low-grade iron. The blade had uneven indentations as if it couldn’t be flattened during the forging process.

Nevertheless, its glimmer could still harvest lives or force people to confront their true selves.

“Mountaincutter.” Li Qiye smiled after seeing it.

“Yes, they left this to me.” He presented it with both hands.

“Do you think this can prove your identity?” Li Qiye didn’t need to take it since it was the real thing.

“Senior, are you suspecting that I’m an impostor. I suppose it is reasonable since my holy dao has not appeared anywhere else. However, the masters’ last wishes spoke of this dao being created by them for all sentient beings. However, there had never been a suitable disciple and I, coincidentally, had an affinity for the light.” He said.

“Your dao could have been created by the three immortals.” Li Qiye said: “But are you certain you are their disciple?”

“Absolutely, beyond a shadow of doubt.” He said: “I experienced it myself.”

“Interesting.” Li Qiye said.

“Do you believe I lied for fame?” He felt offended at this point: “I also have the masters’ blessing, not just this artifact.”

“Buzz.” He glowed intensely with a light capable of absolving all sins. Three distant and supreme figures could be seen within, superior to the most sacred light.

The world seemed to revolve around them as if they were the creators.

“This is my blessing.” He said: “How would I have it if I’m not their disciple?”

“True.” Li Qiye nodded.

He recalled the light and said sincerely: “I inherited their legacy but my cultivation is limited. I do not publicly proclaim to be their disciple out of shame.”

It was true that he never casually declared his affiliation with the three immortals. However, he spoke candidly when Li Qiye questioned him.

“Have you thought about how all of this can be fake?” Li Qiye stared at him.

“Senior, I do not understand. My dao, the artifact I possess, and the blessing, they’re all genuine.” He looked confused.

“Yes, these are real.” Li Qiye nodded: “But there is one thing that is fake.”

“What is it?” He asked.

“You. You’ve never been yourself since you were fake from the beginning.” Li Qiye said.

“Hahaha.” He couldn’t help but burst into laughter: “Senior, that’s not funny at all. I’ve been a living, breathing person since childhood. I would know if I were fake.”

However, his laughter grew softer and softer until it finally stopped. He became somewhat rigid.

“I’d like a cup of tea.” Li Qiye smiled.

The man, startled, still motioned to prepare a table and tea for Li Qiye. He had a dazed expression as he boiled water, added tea leaves, and poured.

“It’s overflowing soon.” Li Qiye reminded.

Only then did he stop, not realizing it was spilling.

“Please excuse my clumsiness, Senior.” He offered the tea.

“Not clumsiness on your part but in that fleeting moment, you felt you weren’t yourself.” Li Qiye said.

“It’s impossible, Senior.” He took a deep breath and said: “From the moment I was born to my dao search, to the fortune and grace bestowed by my masters that allowed me to achieve what I have today, that is my life. How can it be fake?”

“Indeed, you believe you are real but I believe you are fake. Which of us is trustworthy?” Li Qiye shook his head.