Emperor’s Domination

Both the grounded and floating buildings were once stores and homes to the members of Splendor. Some served as treasuries as well.

The members had retreated deeper into Splendor Terra, rumored to have a fortress built by Splendor Monarch long ago.

The abandoned buildings became the targets of outsiders who wanted to take advantage of Splendor Terra’s weakness.

After all, Splendor had gathered countless imperial treasures and even primal treasures. They were rumored to have a few immortal-level treasures as well. Just obtaining one or two could change one’s life permanently.

This search included the grand dynasties and their emperors. The potential gains incited greed.

Li Qiye saw people scavenging and excavating the remnant buildings. However, they were late to the party since the first wave had gotten everything worthwhile. Those who could find anything now were immensely lucky.

After half a day of digging, many had no choice but to give up.

“We should move forward like Sky Tree and Witch King, I believe all the members of Splendor have moved to the treasury. That’s the ultimate goal.” A big shot lost interest in the outer ruins.

They harbored thoughts of killing the survivors and taking the final treasury. This might be the goal of the more powerful sects.

Normally, only the three grand dynasties were on the same level as Splendor Terra. Now, the sudden invasion changed everything and Unrivalled Monarch could be dead. The great powers could not miss this one-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

“Clank!” Someone found an iron trunk among the ruins. When he opened it, a light erupted and attracted unwanted attention. He wisely left instead of lingering behind.

“There are some left.” This split the crowd into two sides - those who wanted to test their luck more versus heading to the last treasury.

Li Qiye scanned the area and saw many hidden treasures but didn’t bother grabbing them. He noticed someone else and couldn’t help but smile.

This person lifted a palace to find a stone shrine with a pearl. He grabbed the pearl and turned to leave only to find Li Qiye standing before him.

“!!!” This caught him off guard. He was none other than Sky Step King who had fled from Radiant Longevity School.

“Youn-young Noble, you want this pearl?” Sky Step King closed his eyes and respectfully presented the pearl with both hands: “You can have it.”

It took immense effort to find a decent treasure but he didn’t dare to refuse Li Qiye.

“Do I look like a bandit?” Li Qiye asked.

“No, of course not.” This scared Sky Step even more. His courage had been broken after two encounters with Li Qiye.

“You are an immortal from above, of course you wouldn’t care for this piece of trash.” He turned red after uttering these words.

He once considered himself a great genius with a strong background and a Grand Emperor for a master. He was used to flattery instead of being the flatterer.

He didn’t know he had this side to him - uttering such nauseating words without hesitation. He recalled his past prestige in this split second and arched his chest forward, regaining some dignity.

Alas, he saw the flood tiger walking next to Li Qiye and his spine turned soft again. There was nothing left of his eaten disciple, devoured by the jaw with eight flesh petals.

His courage dissipated and he lowered his head immediately.

“It’s alright, I have no intention to kill you, you don’t have enough flesh to be an appetizer for my dog.” Li Qiye waved his hand after seeing the emotional fluctuation.

“How benevolent and merciful of you, Young Noble.” Sky Step praised while his legs trembled with fear.

“I wonder if your progenitor knows about the descendants’ grim prospects.” He said.

“Young Noble, I have never met our progenitor before.” The embarrassed man smiled awkwardly.

“Passed away?” Li Qiye’s brows furrowed.

“I don’t know, the progenitor is always in meditation.” Sky Step had a serious expression when talking about the progenitor - Stone Aegis. They only had one now since Blossom Progenitor was already slain.

Stone Aegis avenged Blossom by killing Eldertree but never appeared again afterward. Rumor has it that Stone Aegis might have succumbed to injuries.

Sky Step, as a disciple of Beneficence, knew Stone Aegis was still alive.

“It’s commendable to achieve so much despite having limited talent.” Li Qiye nodded.

“You know our progenitor, Young Noble?” Sky Step hesitated for a moment before asking.

“Why do you think you’re still alive despite repeated transgressions?” Li Qiye smiled.

“Thank you for spring me.” Sky Step shuddered and lowered his head.

“Bam!” Someone landed next to them, releasing a suppressive aura belonging to a desolate god.

This old man had a square face and a stern demeanor. He looked imposing without doing anything while adorning a brocade robe. The desolate aura surged from him like a flood.

“Ouyang Clan Master.” Sky Step’s expression changed.

“Sky Step!” The old man glared at him.