Emperor’s Domination

A youth has been waiting for Li Qiye on the river of time.

“Sir.” Upon seeing Li Qiye in Heaven Realm, he bowed slightly and smiled.

“Sir.” Li Qiye returned the gesture with a smile.

Their greeting and smiles contained countless years and events.

The youth embodied serenity. He wore a white robe and others couldn’t feel his existence regardless of his location. He was a mirage on the river of time, quietly observing the changes of the world.

When one could see him, they would get the impression of him reading a scroll and slowly turning the pages. The only audible sound was the turning of pages.

However, the scroll included stories of the greatest existences in history or the melodies of life. The scroll contained everything about the world.

It appeared as if he had stood here for a long time, awaiting Li Qiye’s arrival.

“I’m sure you know my name by now. I do not know yours.” Li Qiye smiled.

“Sir, you can find out with a single thought.” The youth said.

“No, it’s improper for me to assign a name.” Li Qiye smiled.

“How about we share the same last name?” The youth said.

“Oh, my clan would become unreasonably stronger.” Li Qiye remarked.

“How about this, my name is Li Tiezhu?” The youth suggested. [1]

“We’re just saying random names then? I can be Wang Goudan then.” Li Qiye shook his head. [2]

“Sounds like brothers.” The youth clapped. [3]

“Unfortunately, we’re not brothers and these aren’t our names.” Li Qiye said.

“Names are just names, nothing more.” The youth said.

“True, but you know mine and I can’t say the same.” Li Qiye said.

“Right, it’s my fault, you should know my name.” The youth nodded.

“I just had a flash of insight. Two words popped up in my head just now, An Ran.” Li Qiye smiled.

“An Ran.” The youth murmured gently: “It’s been a long time since I last heard this name. No one remembers it except you, Sir. Thank you for remembering.”

He bowed after saying this and Li Qiye returned the gesture.

“You’ve had me on your mind for so long, it would be rude if I didn’t return the gesture.” Li Qiye said.

“Of course, of course.” The youth smiled.

“It’s been a long journey. Would you like to rest for a bit in my humble abode and have a cup of tea?” He asked.

“Can’t miss this chance, who knows if there will be a second?” Li Qiye said.

“Sir, this way.” He said.

“Please.” Li Qiye said.

***

Ads by PubRev A verdant and pristine mountain with a waterfall at its summit soothed visitors with a pleasant flow instead of loud crashing.

At the bottom was a pond clear enough to see a silvery fish swimming beneath. A cottage was built nearby.

That person had just prepared a cup of tea for Li Qiye with a special flower on top. The threads of primordial light suffused the tea, dyeing it with the ancient aura. The steam emanating from it showed visions of the earliest period.

Both the flower and water were extraordinarily rare, beyond the reach of regular immortals. They contained incredible primordial power. Taking a sip might result in implosion.

“Only one primordial flower like this.” Li Qiye smiled while looking at the petals.

“Yes, only one pot after all this time.” The person smiled: “For you and me, Sir.”

“To the primordial.” Li Qiye raised his cup.

“To the primordial.” The person bumped his cup with Li Qiye before offering another toast: “To the villainous heaven.”

“Oh?” Li Qiye smiled.

“This world has you and me, and the villainous heaven too.” The person smiled.

“Unfortunately, he can’t descend to drink.” Li Qiye nodded.

“I hope for the opportunity.” The person said.

“Indeed.” Li Qiye raised his cup to the sky and the other did the same.

They took their time savoring the tea since this was the only pot of its kind.

“Your path has been arduous.” The person poured another cup for Li Qiye.

“You have walked longer than I have.” Li Qiye raised his cup.

“To our suffering.” The person raised his cup.

“There is an end to the path.” The person said.

“Yes, but this is not it right now.” Li Qiye said.

“Which of us will reach it first?” The person asked.

“I’ve gone so far, there’s no need to rush. The end is there, you can go first if you wish.” Li Qiye shook his head.

“You will be letting go soon.” The person said.

“Yes, still need a bit of time before returning this bag of skin.” Li Qiye said.

“You’ve gone into the mortal world more than I. I couldn’t.” The person said.

“That’s because I was born into this mortal world.” Li Qiye smiled lightly and said calmly: “And when I leave, I simply return it to where it came from, to transcend.”

“When you put it that way, doesn’t that mean I should seek to enter the world?” The person couldn’t help but smile.

“What I seek is to transcend; what you seek is to enter.” Li Qiye said with a smile: “One exits, one enters, and so, today, we meet here. Wouldn’t you say that’s true?”

“It does seem to make sense.” The person said, pondering it carefully.

1. Tiezhu means Iron Pillar or it can be construed as a certain male body part. ☜

2. Goudan means dog’s balls ☜

3. Both names are crude, but more so for Li Qiye’s ☜