Emperor’s Domination

“Since you’re here after so long, not going to come in for a bit?” The voice spoke again.

Li Qiye smiled and entered the valley. The deepest area was its own world. As he stood on a cliff, he saw an ancient pine growing like a coiled dragon, having weathered untold storms and time.

Beneath was a stone table and stools. One could see a lush sea of green in the distance with birds and beasts, painting a scene brimming with life.

An old man sat there with only a few stubborn strands of gray hair left. They simply didn’t give up against time. His face was covered in wrinkles; each told a different story.

His eyes hid beneath the layers of wrinkles, looking turbid and dull like a man at death’s door. One more breath was all he had, it appeared.

Alas, a glimmer of light occasionally flashed within the clouded eyes, capable of remaking heaven and earth. The rise and fall of three thousand worlds occurred in a fleeting instant.

His hands trembled as he boiled the tea. Pouring it into cups took everything he had.

“Long time no see, you’re still the same as before.” Li Qiye smiled and sat in the opposite stone chair.

The old man looked up for a closer look at Li Qiye; his vision possibly being blurry.

“Long indeed, you were sharp and reeked of blood before. Now, you returned to the origin with no aggression in your bones.”

“Yes, the aggression is gone.” Li Qiye said: “It can kill people but returning to the origin can destroy three thousand worlds.”

“You sent chills down my spine. Now, you can destroy all of Heavenrealm with one wave, myself included.” The old man became emotional.

Ads by PubRev “Thus, your investment was worth it. It is time for you to harvest.” Li Qiye smiled.

“I admit this is true. I’ve completed numerous deals with a wide range of customers. This is the most profitable transaction.” He nodded.

“Yes.” Li Qiye smiled.

“I have to live first for the harvest.” He added.

“You waited long enough for me to get here.” Li Qiye said.

“Yes, can’t die just yet.” He said: “People say it’s better to live shamelessly than die well, but haven’t I lived shamelessly long enough?”

“If you call this living shamelessly, then no one else in this world has a good life.” Li Qiye said.

“You’re still the same, just more terrifying.” He sipped his tea.

“Is that right? I was scarier back then, merciless and murderous. The current me is as warm as jade.” Li Qiye said.

“You were that way out of necessity. Now, everything is a speck of dust.” He said.

“Because I became stronger?” Li Qiye asked.

“Everyone knew you were mighty then but you still loved the world. This motivated you to move forward regardless of obstacles and enemies. Is this love still there?” He asked.

“Right, I have let go. Now, I am no longer related to the mortal world.” Li Qiye smiled.

“Severed the karma and let go of the self. It’s a difficult path, you’ve surpassed me in such a short time. My evaluation was correct.” He said.

“When you’re born as an immortal, you can’t know the mortal world.” Li Qiye shook his head.

“Well said.” He laughed: “But is that true for me?”

“How many times have you died within the mortal coil, fighting for it to the very last drop of blood? And enough suffering and love?” Li Qiye asked.

“Long, long ago. I can’t remember anymore.” He sighed.

“That is why when Golden Mortal World fell, you only watched the darkness engulf it.” Li Qiye said.

His hand holding the teacup trembled.

“Born as an immortal, from the past.” He sighed.

“Becoming an immortal from the past, such incredible talent coveted by all.” Li Qiye said.

“It’s also a curse.” He said: “An early ascension but stuck above the clouds.”

“Not a curse, you simply couldn’t break through, still stuck as your past self.” Li Qiye shook his head.

“Yes, and the past is long ago, severing this karma is difficult.” He said.

“I agree.” Li Qiye sipped his tea.

“Well, let’s not have our spirits dampened when a meeting is so rare. You met the brat yet?” He asked.

“Yes.” Li Qiye said.

“I like him.” He smiled: “If I have to pick between you two, I like him more because he’s different.”

“Very.” Li Qiye smiled.

“Everyone would pick him over you, your existence infuriates others.” He said.

“Am I really that bad?” Li Qiye wasn’t offended.

“You tell me. Those who know you understand that you have no friends. You will always surpass and take others’ path, robbing them of it.” He elaborated. ɪꜰ ʏᴏᴜ ᴡᴀɴᴛ ᴛᴏ ʀᴇᴀᴅ ᴍᴏʀᴇ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀs, ᴘʟᴇᴀsᴇ ᴠɪsɪᴛ novel~fire~net

“I am only walking my own path.” Li Qiye shook his head.

“Your path is paved above the crushed roads of others.” He disagreed.

“That’s an exaggeration, I’m not so unreasonable.” Li Qiye shook his head.

“Yes, you are, you kill everyone standing in your way, ending their path. He said earnestly: “The whole world is yours.”

“You’re making me feel bad as if I’m a tyrant.” Li Qiye said but showed no sign of feeling bad.

“But it’s fine because your path is unprecedented, not even the villainous heaven had walked it before.” He said.

Li Qiye sighed and said: “I’ve never thought about ending others’ paths before.”