Emperor’s Domination

“What did your ancestor try to learn?” Li Qiye asked.

“We don’t know since this was actually before the great calamity. According to the records, the sacred ancestor initiated a grand ceremony for the divination attempt.” The daoist said.

“Most likely not her first time spying on the heaven.” Li Qiye said.

“I read that after reaching the apex of her skill, she initiated several ceremonies but always had a limit. It might be due to a particular wish she always had.” The daoist nodded in response.

“What wish?” Li Qiye glanced at the statue.

“Perhaps her wish is what we all yearn for with the dao, the ultimate aspiration.” The daoist responded.

“Calculating the heaven to reach immortality.” Li Qiye said with a smile.

“Yes.” The daoist said: “You understand our Sacred Ancestor and our branch’s pursuit.”

“It is courting death.” Li Qiye said: “How strong were your branch’s fortunes and cultivation? Your ancestor, a progenitor, had a long way to go before reaching the high heaven or immortality, just an ant in comparison. She overestimated herself.”

The daoist smiled awkwardly and said: “Young Noble, the thing is that eventually, those who embark on this path won’t be able to contain our curiosity. We’ll always do that final divination.”

“Yes, despite knowing that death awaits.” Li Qiye said.

“From what I know, the sacred ancestor had done something similar for several progenitors before. She was accurate and came out unscathed each time.” The daoist said.

“Ambitious on top of being overly optimistic.” Li Qiye shook his head.

“She had unfinished business, always wanting to find the whereabouts of an immortal and his dao.” The daoist said: “She exercised restraint in the beginning but as her skills grew, she performed more ceremonies regarding this matter.”

He stared at the statue in a daze, yearning after the potential of their branch. He also wanted to calculate the heaven and immortals but lacked the ability. From the records, the ceremony required was monstrous in scale.

“The sacred ancestor required several ancient ancestors to build a grand momentum, using it as a curtain to hide from any tribulation.” The daoist said: “With that done, she initiated her dao to calculate, but…”

“The tribulation descended and destroyed your branch.” Li Qiye finished the sentence.

“Yes, Young Noble.” Although the daoist was not there to experience the event, records had details of the destruction.

Keep in mind that their branch was blessed by numerous progenitors. That grand momentum could have stopped any offense in the world, just not a heavenly tribulation.

“Other ancestors and members fell instantly, half of the sect was destroyed. This fortress of a building nearly exploded too.” He said with a sad expression.

“Death was inevitable, it would have taken the ultimate miracle to save your ancestors.” Li Qiye said.

“After the sacred ancestor was struck, she uttered her last words.” The daoist stared at Li Qiye.

“What were they?” Li Qiye asked.

“Three Immortals, broken. Poye, rises. The immortal, returns.” The daoist said: “This secret has been passed down to each generation’s leader.”

“She was accurate.” Li Qiye nodded.

“Yes, that’s why we never publicized the prophecy.” The daoist said: “Three Immortals broke down after the great calamity, then we had Dingtian’s reign before Poye’s arrival. The events verified our sacred ancestor’s prophecy, so we kept our oath of secrecy.”

He was shocked when he first heard the prophecy since everything was correct. But the immortal’s return? Who could it be?

“I’m sure your sacred ancestor knew the outcome of the ceremony, that’s why she left this mirror behind.” Li Qiye said.

“As far as I know, the sacred ancestor had instructed everything before the ceremony. She built this statue and left behind the bronze mirror with a message, when the bronze mirror shines, the saint shall descend with absolute control and the incense will be lit.”

“That’s why you were kneeling on the road.” Li Qiye said.

“The mirror lit up repeatedly this morning, something unprecedented in history. We have always kept it clean but it never activated.” The daoist shuddered: “I knew the saint was coming and the moment I saw you, I knew you were the one.”

“So what if I am or if I’m not?” Li Qiye smiled.

“Hehe, Young Noble, you are the saint from above who will surely elevate our sect back to its golden age, or even bring our sacred ancestor back to life.” The daoist bowed deeply.

“I’m no saint from above, just a passerby.” Li Qiye said.

“The mirror clearly resonated with you, Young Noble, it is the final spark left behind by our ancestor, awaiting ignition when the time is right.” The daoist glanced at the mirror: “Please, grant us your favor and revive her.”

He kowtowed repeatedly afterward while Li Qiye’s eyes shifted between him and the mirror.