Emperor’s Domination

Li Qiye smiled instead of responding.

“The villainous heaven is a true immortal now?” The skull asked again.

“Don’t ask me, it’s not like I can grab the villainous heaven by the collar and ask, are you a true immortal?” Li Qiye joked: “You can go ask if you want.”

“Me? Not to mention my current state, the me before would have been reduced to dust before I could ask.” The skull gave the impression of pointing at its nose.

“Seems like we can’t verify it.” Li Qiye waved.

“The villainous heaven became different, that’s for certain.” The skull said.

“In what way?” Li Qiye asked.

“Before this, the old villain wanted to kill us at all costs.” The skull said.

“And you all wanted to swallow everything.” Li Qiye smiled.

“No, not us, just them, and especially not me since I’m a good guy.” The skull said.

“I suppose that’s not an exaggeration.” Li Qiye said earnestly: “But there is a limit to being a good guy. Is it only a matter of time?” 

“Young Noble Li, I’m not jumping into this pit of yours.” The skull said.

“Fine, then go on about the villainous heaven.” Li Qiye chuckled.

“Since we all had the same beginning, there was a sense of familiarity. Even when the villainous heaven tried to strike us down, we still felt that it was one of us.” The skull said.

“Certainly not the case.” Li Qiye stroked his chin.

“That’s after.” The skull said: “It wasn’t like this long ago but certain events happened without my knowledge.” 

“How can you tell now?” Li Qiye asked.

“Because of him.” The skull said: “The strange presence in a sea of familiarity, I saw a hint. It must have happened to the villainous heaven too.”

“The next step.” Li Qiye said.

“Yes, and you have it too, that’s right.” The skull said: “You have the same unfamiliar aura as the villainous heaven, something about wanting to save the world.”

“Not me.” Li Qiye shook his head.

“You have the same villainous vibe.” The skull said: “I’m sure if you keep on going down this path, you’ll be no different.”

“You’re mistaken, I will not become the villainous heaven, rest assured.” Li Qiye said.

“I know what I feel, the aura is the same.” The skull stared at him.

“If you let go, you can undergo a metamorphosis.” Li Qiye said.

“Into what?” The skull asked.

“Let go of what this world had imposed on you and become your true self.” Li Qiye said.

“Wait…” The skull said.

“What now?” Li Qiye asked.

“Your villainous aura is different. His is the same as the villainous heaven’s, but yours, I can see now, there’s a distinction.” The skull said.

“Because I’m me.” Li Qiye smiled.

“When are you letting go then?” The skull asked.

“Soon enough.” Li Qiye gazed into the horizon.

“And what happens after that?” The skull asked.

“Don’t you already have an answer? You’ve been contemplating it yourself.” Li Qiye smiled.

“So the same as releasing my primordial roots.” The skull said.

“The chance of success is close to zero.” Li Qiye smiled.

“Yes.” The skull understood the implication and took a deep breath: “I’ll be dead then with nothing left but if I am successful, then I can take the next step.”

“This mortal world might not be around to wait since it will take so long.” Li Qiye said.

“Hah, I’m more optimistic about this than you.” The skull said: “Why wouldn’t it exist when you, the villainous heaven, and he are around? It has endured the test of time and you all won’t let it disappear. As long as it exists, so will I. As for how many will die, that has nothing to do with me.”

“What will you do if you succeed? Replace the villainous heaven?” Li Qiye asked.

The skull had no response.

“You’re awfully unprepared. Even if you can return to life, there is a long path ahead and the future won’t be as you imagine.” Li Qiye shook his head.

“What about you?” The skull grumbled.

“I seek an answer. His path is closer to the villainous heaven’s.” Li Qiye said.

“Hmph, wanting to surpass the villainous heaven while walking on the same path? That’s a fool’s dream.” The skull said: “The path I must walk is long, sure, but not longer than the two of you. His, in particular, requires him to become everlasting and unkillable first.”

“So who wins in the end?” Li Qiye asked.

“I’m picking you, of course. Your dao isn’t from the same branch.” The skull laughed.

“That’s what I like to hear even if it’s flattery.” Li Qiye smiled.

“Absolutely not, haha.” The skull said.

“Don’t worry, I won’t kill you.” Li Qiye gave him the side eye.

“It will only stain your shoe to kill my current insignificant self.” The skull said.

Li Qiye chuckled at the joke.

“If you let go of what the mortal world has imposed upon you, then where will the real you be?” The skull asked.

“I can’t tell you that.” Li Qiye said.

“How stingy, afraid of being eaten?” The skull said.

“I don’t think you can eat it.” Li Qiye said: “Letting go is returning it to the mortal world, not to a single person.”

“I’m just joking, don’t take it seriously.” The skull muttered.

“More often than not, truths are said in the form of a joke.” Li Qiye said.

The skull jumped up after hearing his serious response and shook repeatedly: “Impossible, hehe, we’re on the same side.”

“We can change the topic, talk about the old thing you came across.” Li Qiye said.

“I wasn’t sure but when you talked about letting go, I have a better idea.” The skull said before drilling into the ground.

It appeared again with a strange object. It appeared to be a tube made of unknown material. Even someone as well-versed as Li Qiye was visibly surprised.