Emperor’s Domination

The adjudication process through the votes was final. Only Desolate Ancestor could change it lest others wanted to be branded as unfilial traitors.

“Fellow Daoist Driedtree, I have let you down.” Crimson Virtue bowed in her direction.

She had a special status in the desolate branch, hence Crimson Virtue’s full support. Unfortunately, he only had four badges in total.

“You have tried your best.” Driedtree said, still ended up being distracted despite her best effort.

Crimson Virtue sighed and retreated. As the granddisciple of Desolate Ancestor, he - more than anyone - couldn’t oppose the ruling.

“Driedtree, you must leave now. Idle Peak will be under our watch henceforth.” Ten-realm said while holding the six badges.

Driedtree glanced at him before looking up at the tribulation again. Detonations were constant before the descent; this meant it was growing stronger and stronger.

However, she wasn’t in a rush and wanted to wait for the whole thing.

“You dare refuse the Desolate Orders?” Ten-realm was overwhelmed with both jealousy and rage.

“If I am not a member of Desolate Frontier, these badges mean nothing to me. I serve the master, not Desolate Frontier.” She said without looking at him.

Listeners heard this and agreed with the logic. She was the progenitor’s maid, not an official sect member. Thus, she wasn’t shackled by its rules.

“If you do not wish to obey, then don’t blame us for being impolite.” Ten-realm declared.

“Boom!” Ten-realm’s limit path appeared, looking like a great dragon.

“Anima of Ten-realms!” He roared and initiated his anima tree again.

He was the only truth in his ten domains. Their powers channeled inward and made him stronger. He became gigantic as he raised his hammer, issuing explosions during the lift.

When the hammerhead rotated, it crushed the stars nearby. A rain of meteors descended and scared the hell out of spectators.

“Dao Crusher!” He swung his hammer.

The world turned dark and everyone feared for the worst - total destruction. Elders and the realms below shouted in horror.

“Be careful!” Tortoise and the others warned loudly. This hammer was a primal weapon capable of killing any emperor.

“Clank.” A drawn-out metallic noise could be heard.

During the crucial moment, the emperors saw Driedtree summoning a tiny silvery shield. Not only did she stop the smash, the shield smashed Ten-realm down to the ground, creating a sizable crater.

The result shocked everyone, both those capable of seeing the retaliation and otherwise.

“So strong…” One disciple murmured after seeing the swift defeat. Was the difference so great even before the formal ascension?

“It’s her shield.” The upper echelon recognized the crux of the issue - the mighty shield. It was round and small, seemingly made from the stars. This type of metal was unrecognizable.

“Desolate Buckler, a gift from the progenitor.” Absolute Ancestor sighed.

“Desolate Buckler.” Others repeated its name.

“Young I was when given this shield by Master.” Driedtree gently rubbed the shield.

Spectators watched with bated breath, realizing they underestimated the true gravity of her previous role. A buckler given to her by the progenitor should have no issue besting a primal-level artifact.

“You!” Ten-realm climbed up, bloodied and overwhelmed with rage and fear.

He thought victory was within grasp only to be defeated after one move.

“You weren’t qualified to speak in my presence when I followed Master.” She stared at him with disdain.

Ten-realm thought Driedtree was a worthless cultivator stuck in the imperial realm despite her master. Because of her lack of talent, she was returned to her sect. In other words, Desolate Ancestor no longer wanted her service but ended it civilly.

Now, her disdainful gaze made him want to vomit blood.