Emperor’s Domination

The group reached an ocean with blue clouds and rippling waves. Birds soared in the air but didn’t disrupt the serenity.

The group noticed something different instantly.

“Is this no longer Sin?” Disaster asked.

“It’s Sin, but the outer region.” Endlaw took a look before concluding.

“So Uncrossable Expanse?” Dragonform became startled.

“Yes, a tiny corner of it.” Chu Zhu nodded.

She had gone to the ocean to seek the dao and spent most of her time here. She rarely resided in Enigma despite being their Secret Ancestor.

Since all eyes were on her, she shook her head and said: “I don’t know much since I only trained here, perhaps Emperor Endlaw knows more than I do.”

“Indeed, I had adventures when I was younger. I thought I could go anywhere in the world but this place proved me wrong.” Endlaw said: “Just one corner was too much, let alone the whole thing.”

The bridge took them to a medium-sized reef that had withstood the waves for years.

“Where is this place?” The group looked around.

“The final destination?” They tried to find more clues on the black reef but didn’t come up with anything.

“I’ve been here before. This should be a starting point.” Chu Zhu murmured.

“Nine paths as one, all oceans as blue…” An ancient voice echoed from the distance and interrupted their rumination.

They turned their gaze in that direction and saw a boat swiftly approaching. Its size was nothing compared to the ocean but it was jumping through dimensions.

It reached the reef in the blink of an eye. An old man on the deck asked: “I can give everyone a ride.”

He wore a simple outfit resembling that of a woodcutter. He had a hemp cloth tied around his waist, holding a common hatchet for gathering wood. It was rusty except for the well-polished blade.

His dark yellow face was covered in wrinkles - a testament to how much he had endured. Each wrinkle told a different story.

Nothing stood out about his eyes, only that they were as clear as a refreshing spring.

Seeing a fisherman here wasn’t strange, but a woodcutter? Of course, the emperors were used to strange things.

They activated their heavenly gaze to observe the old man.

“Gentlemen, that’s rather rude and unbecoming of your status.” He said.

The group agreed and hurriedly stopped.

“Grandpa, why are you here instead of the island?” Chu Zhu asked.

“It’s you, little one. Wait, why do you have the Enigma Loops?” He saw her and said before checking out the group.

The emperors shuddered from his gaze and realized he could easily kill them. However, he seemed to be struck by lightning after seeing Li Qiye.

He rubbed his eyes and took another look. Sure enough, he wasn’t seeing things.

The man looked identical as before, only even simpler and purer - no different from a mortal. He regained his wits and hurriedly approached to kneel: “This lowly one greets you, Young Noble. I apologize for the late reception since I didn’t know of your arrival. Please forgive me.”

“There’s nothing to forgive. I should be praising you for your contributions, rise.” Li Qiye helped him up.

“I didn’t think I would be able to meet you again, Young Noble. The lord has been waiting.” He was overwhelmed with emotion.

“I know, it has been years since we last met in Imperial Lineage.” Li Qiye said.

“The lord will come right away once I report your presence.” He said.

“No rush, we’ll meet when the time comes. It is a bit sad that your Nine-linked Mountains is no longer around, the same with Nine Secrets.”

“Young Noble, the lord is in charge of Life and Death Heaven now.” He told Li Qiye.

“Life and Death Heaven!” The group became startled after hearing this.

If this man came from Life and Death Heaven, his lord must be Lord of Life and Death - a being capable of fighting Poye.

Chu Zhu and the others exchanged glances, realizing that there might be something more to their Enigma Dynasty.