Emperor’s Domination

“The apex of the primordial…” She murmured.

“Your apex will be different.” Li Qiye said: “When you reach this level, you will be able to walk ashore and turn into a celestial immortal with a shored body. Remember, your limit is the true limit. Don’t repeat others’ mistakes, or you will not be able to break through.”

“Where is my limit?” She asked after pondering his words.

“That’s a question you must ask yourself. This is only the beginning right now, ponder after reaching the other shore.”

“And that is when I can let go?” She asked again.

“Yes. How can you let go before knowing your true limit? The roots will always be there otherwise.” Li Qiye smiled.

“Let go of everything, including you, Young Noble?” She took a while before remarking: “I’m unsure if I want to.”

“Silly girl, this is what cultivation is about. Once you stand at the apex and look back, what you couldn’t let go of is merely a need. After letting go, if you are still somehow clinging to the past, then it becomes a desire. The dao is about overcoming both.” Li Qiye said.

“Need and desire.” She repeated.

“I no longer have ‘needs’ at my current dao. Nonetheless, I still have desires and pursuits fueling my dao heart.” Li Qiye said.

“Need is survival, want is seeking the dao.” She summarized.

“Yes, you learn fast.” Li Qiye smiled: “It’s not because of your talent but rather, your unyielding dao heart. You have the prerequisite to go farther.”

With that, he kissed her forehead and said: “When you break your limit, you will understand the importance of wants.”

She closed her eyes and felt the primordial aura around her.

“Remember, the dao isn’t about being cold and emotionless. It nourishes us, but there is no need to abandon the warmth in our hearts.” He continued.

“I will remember this.” She nodded.

“I am on a journey to say goodbye to my old self, essentially. Once I leave this world, that’s when I’ll let go.” He said.

“Will I still be around?” She asked earnestly.

“As long as your path continues.” He said.

“Then we will meet again in Heaven Realm, Young Noble.” She concluded.

“The path is beneath your feet. How far you go is up to you.” He smiled.

“I’ll make it for sure.” Her eyes gleamed brightly.

The two gazed at the sky together, making this fleeting moment eternal.

***

Li Qiye didn’t linger in Life and Death Heaven. Only a few knew of his departure and came to see him off.

Liu Chuqing hugged him tightly, listening to his heartbeat. This goodbye felt different than before.

“I will miss you, Your Majesty.” She didn’t wish to let go despite being an immortal at this point. After all, she was his wife.

“As long as the heart wills it, we will meet again.” He said softly.

She understood what she must do. Nevertheless, her tears wetted his robe.

After a long time, she wiped away her tears and bowed: “Don’t worry, Your Majesty, I will persevere.”

“I don’t think I’ve ever worried about you.” He smiled.

Liu Chuqing then told the others: “Bid farewell to His Majesty.”

“I won’t forget you, Your Majesty.” Bingchi Hanyu came up first and hugged him, also crying.

“Be well.” He gently stroked her hair.

She wiped her tears and bowed before moving to the side.

“I will not waver until death, Your Majesty.” Guardian Blade Qin Jianyao knelt on the ground.

Li Qiye smiled before telling Desolate Ancestor: “The path is right here in Three Immortals, I’ll be going first.”

“Yes, Young Noble, I will catch up with you.” Desolate Ancestor bowed at first before deciding to come up and hug him like the rest.

“We will meet again, Young Noble.” She whispered.

“Of course.” He nodded.

“Alright, I must go now.” He stared at the group and said: “The path is beneath us all.”

With that, he floated into the air and disappeared, leaving the group in a daze.

“Your Majesty…” Tears streamed down Liu Chuqing’s cheeks again.

“As the young noble said, you can do it, Your Majesty.” Desolate Ancestor told her.

“I understand.” She said softly.

***

Li Qiye’s next destination was Heaven Realm. Regular immortals couldn’t duplicate his method of travel. Primordial immortals would have to find a shortcut; this was no easy task for them either.

Upon entering Heaven Realm, he saw three thousand flourishing worlds. This time, he was here in person, not just observing from the primordial tree.

The skull jumped out and said: “So this is Heaven Realm. No wonder the villainous heaven locked us, not wanting to share.”

“Of course.” Li Qiye responded.

“Well, it’s all in the past. I have to start over and the primordial has nothing to do with me anymore.” The skull said.

“Go now, the future is yours.” Li Qiye said.

“Sacred Teacher, farewell. We might not meet again.” The skull said.

“Most likely, unless you reach the shore.” Li QIye nodded.

“It’s fine, shore or not, just have to live a brilliant life.” The skull laughed and soared away like a meteor.