Emperor’s Domination

“The progenitor stopped appearing after this defeat and her death was assumed. However, she survived, albeit with everything gone. She was reduced to a mere mortal.” The girl said.

“What would you do in that position?” Li Qiye asked while gazing at the clouds.

She contemplated before answering: “I don’t know, I can’t truly empathize.”

“Yes, that’s the right answer. Since people already know the outcome of her becoming an immortal. They would talk about being brave and moving forward, eventually regaining old glories and more. This is all bullshit, this belief is predicated on someone else’s success, thinking they can do the same.” Li Qiye said.

“What else can one do but try to start again?” She asked.

“Not to mention several dao destructions, would you be able to handle a single one right now? Having to start over with a single strand of soul or becoming a mortal again?” Li Qiye said.

“Hmm…” She wondered.

“Pain is a warning, telling the self to stop to avoid more pain. Would courage still be there after losing everything?” Li Qiye said: “The only thing on their mind then would not be future success but only how to survive without being paralyzed by trauma. Those who believe in their dao heart often wallow in self-pity and misery and then the instinct of avoiding pain takes over. The next step is impossible to take.”

“The next step is impossible to take.” She repeated.

“Would you be able to walk?” Li Qiye asked before closing his eyes, enjoying the atmosphere.

“I can.” She took a deep breath and answered.

“Really?” Li Qiye smirked.

“Why can’t I?” She took this as provocation so her aura intensified.

He ignored it as if he didn’t sense it at all while asking: “What happened next?”

His lack of reaction frustrated her. Nevertheless, she complied: “The progenitor started over from zero, enduring pain and finding a new path after the great changes of the world. She started a new path, becoming a Grand Emperor and then a primal ancestor. She then established the current cultivation system for Three Immortals, heralding a new age.”

She paused for a second, unable to handle her progenitor’s greatness. She became a primal ancestor and avenged herself by taking down three progenitors.

The next realm was supreme overlord when she took down Silver Dragon Mecha and opposed Moshi, looking unstoppable. Finally, she became an immortal and illuminated Three Immortals.

“The story only mentions her success, this is what everyone knows. The minor details are all but gone.” Li Qiye said.

She thought this was the truth since everyone focused on her successes alone, not the path.

“She struggled each step while not hesitating a single second.” Li Qiye said: “The journey of polishing her dao heart should have been the focus.”

“The trials.” She said softly despite not knowing what they represented. Ancestor Jiang never went into the specifics.

“As you said, she lost her dao twice but this was only the beginning. The trials later lasted longer with more misery.” Li Qiye said: “That’s why it’s not that easy to become an immortal. Emperors are as numerous as dogs and primal ancestors scatter randomly on the ground, how many immortals?”

“Two.” She answered honestly.

“Zhan Sansheng didn’t become an immortal just due to his incredible talent or master. Even after becoming one, he never stopped searching for the dao, always ready to die a hundred times over. Can you say the same?” Li Qiye asked.

“Well.” She couldn’t respond right away.

“From what we just discussed, what kept your progenitor going all this time?” Li Qiye smiled.

“The dao heart.” She said softly.

“Instead of doubting, look deeper to see if your dao heart is as firm and courageous as you think.” Li Qiye said.

She stared at the tablet in silence and had the feeling that her progenitor had never left the sect. She was just like the others, only remembering the progenitor’s success and not her struggle.

Did this apply to Zhan Sansheng as well? He was known to be the killer of the three immortals and a redemption ground. Moreover, he reincarnated and became immortal three times. These feats arguably put him above Desolate Ancestor.

However, people only knew of his talent and connection to an immortal. They knew nothing about his experiences and struggles. This past was only privy to his closest followers.