Emperor’s Domination

“Your dao heart is being wasted like this.” Li Qiye smiled.

“It is useless to me now.” The face said.

The bear and the emperor exchanged glances. Sure, an indomitable dao heart didn’t have much use for the dead.

“Are you sure?” Li Qiye said.

“Only if it is useful for seeking life, nothing else.” The face said.

“Then your understanding of the dao heart is still lacking.” Li Qiye smiled.

“That’s fine, all I seek is life.” The face responded.

“You would be willing to pay any price? Including abandoning your dao heart?” Li Qiye asked.

The face took its time before answering: “I just wish to live again, that’s all.”

“You’re still protecting your dao heart. Life is your only pursuit and the dao heart is the only thing you’re guarding. You’re still maintaining an uncrossable line despite wanting life. Which side weighs more?” Li Qiye said.

“Not making a choice.” The face said.

“What if I remove you?” Li Qiye asked.

“For what purpose when I do not disturb you?” The face asked.

“Just a different method, that’s all.” Li Qiye said.

“Different method?” The face asked.

“You are thoroughly dead but your dao heart is still alive, I will plant it.” Li Qiye said.

“And let it grow?” The face asked: “Can it bring life?”

“That depends on the dao heart.” Li Qiye said.

“The dao heart is not me.” The face said.

“I disagree. The dao heart and you are the same. Without it, you would not be here right now after death.” Li Qiye said.

“There will be no trace of my past or the present.” The face said: “In other words, the future does not include me.”

“Who do you think you are? The past, present, or future Xian Shen?” Li Qiye asked.

“I am Xian Shen, all are me.” The face said.

“Then what do you have right now?” Li Qiye asked: “Do you have your own world? Any loved ones? Your own grand dao or life?”

“Nothing.” The face said softly.

Despite being immensely strong, he had nothing left. The world he transformed into was destroyed. Everyone he knew died long ago. His dao and power also disappeared upon death.

“Thus, the current you have nothing. You believe you are Xian Shen, but how many people actually remember? They don’t know who you are, only a dead specter still struggling.” Li Qiye spoke while patting Thunder Emperor’s shoulder.

This was indeed the truth. As a member of the newer generation, she knew nothing about Xian Shen.

“Your dao heart seeks life but no one remembers you now. On the other hand, Golden Immortal illuminated his dao heart, everyone worships him to this day.” Li Qiye said.

“I do not wish to illuminate anyone.” The face said honestly.

“Yes, the key here is that you are dead and think you are Xian Shen, a being that doesn’t exist anymore.” Li Qiye said: “Even if the high heaven gives you a chance to live again, what’s the point? You can’t bring anything back, they’re all gone.”

“Yes, that is true.” The face said softly.

“The only thing still around is your dao heart yet you are obsessed with life and the past. The past is no longer there, and you can’t bring it back in its entirety. No one can do it, not the high heaven. The life you are obsessed with is of the future, not yours.” Li Qiye said.

“But there is still a possibility of a true rebirth…” The face didn’t give up.

“Only a state that is not real. What you will pay to get won’t be the thing you want, the high heaven will never allow it. It will be a fate worse than death.” Li Qiye said.

“Then I must give up?” The face said slowly.

“As one moves forward, the future belongs to the future and the past belongs to the past. If you want the future to have the past, you will never be able to cross this test, subject to permanent stagnation.” Li Qiye said.

“After the shore.” The face understood.

“Yes. Now the question is whether you want to safeguard your dao heart or seek a fate worse than death.” Li Qiye said.

“A good future still isn’t me.” The face said.

Li Qiye said: “Although the past was good, it means nothing now to the present or the future. Work for the present instead.”

“I have no present when I am dead.” The face said.

“The same for the past, it no longer exists, yet you cling to it. You must remember the best thing about yourself, and it is not the past.” Li Qiye said.

“The dao heart.” The face said.

“When you seek life, you’re seeking a non-existent past. Why bother any longer?” Li Qiye asked.

“I suppose I am dead, and the past is dead too.” The face sighed.

“And the life you seek?” Li Qiye pressed on.

“Is there a better method to have it all?” The face asked.

“One that lets you keep your beautiful memories while moving forward? Throughout my journey, I’ve met many beautiful things and never stopped. There is no perfect solution and I cannot stop. Otherwise, my dao heart would have wavered long ago.” Li Qiye smiled.