Emperor’s Domination

Li Qiye nodded and said: “Right, but it isn’t a reason to give up. If he had given up, would you all be alive right now?”

“Hmm, we would not. He would have eaten all of us to return to the origin.” The skull agreed.

“He didn’t do it, which is the reason why he is one step ahead of you all.” Li Qiye said.

“Not all of us tried to eat.” The skull protested.

“To recognize and correct one’s mistakes is a great virtue.” Li Qiye said.

The skull stared at the tube in Li Qiye’s hand and said: “You are thinking he left you something?”

“I don’t know.” Li Qiye smiled.

“No, I’m sure you know, and it might be in Three Immortals.” The skull laughed.

“Go on.” Li Qiye said.

“Because rumor has it the brat had something. I didn’t think so since he would have used it. He most likely tried to find it to no avail despite the high probability of it being in Three Immortals.” The skull said.

“Interesting, still unexcavated.” Li Qiye responded.

“Anyone with it would have swept through uncontested. This is no coincidence, it was meant for you.” The skull said.

“Who knows?” Li Qiye shrugged.

“The brat’s destiny is tragic, a special stone taught by an immortal. He thought he would surpass his master but ultimately, he is just a sharpening stone.” The skull said.

“For which blade?” Li Qiye shook his head.

The skull paused briefly before responding: “You?”

“Am I not sharp enough already?” Li Qiye chuckled.

“Can still use a sharpener, and this might only be the appetizer.” The skull said.

“If he’s an appetizer, then what about the main course?” Li Qiye said.

“Your world has no feast, neither does Three Immortals. The only big feast will be in Heavenrealm.” The skull said with certainty.

“Who’s the feast, the blade, and the blade wielder?” Li Qiye asked.

“Hard to say.” The skull said: “The two of you are the cooks, no? Wanting to make a pot out of Heavenrealm.”

“What about the villainous heaven?” Li Qiye asked.

“In the pot too?” The skull wondered.

“Easier said than done, that will require some time.” Li Qiye shook his head.

“Even when you two are working together?” The skull said.

“Some challenges can’t be overcome with just numbers. In the end, someone has to try to cross it first.” Li Qiye said.

“Then what are you two trying to do?” The skull asked.

“We’ve never met before, we’re enemies to the bitter end since only one shall remain at the end of the path.” Li Qiye shook his head.

“I found this impossible in the past so I picked your camp while the others picked his. But then again, is picking the brat the same as picking him? I don’t think so anymore and the more I think about it, the more I know the two of you have an implicit understanding.” The skull said.

“And what you have is a misunderstanding. What you believe to be true is an impossibility.” Li Qiye smiled.

“I thought something was amiss when this was left in my place. Sure, no agreement but you know what he wants to do and he knows what you want to do.” The skull said.

“I suppose that’s a possibility.” Li Qiye stroked his chin.

“So a pact does exist, damn it, I died for no reason.” The skull cursed.

“Still alive.” Li Qiye corrected.

“How is this different from death? I was born in the primordial but I don’t even have a fart right now. No legacy, no primordial roots, nothing.” The skull complained.

“Perhaps starting from the beginning is a good outcome.” Li Qiye smiled.

“Bah, then I wouldn’t be hiding in this forsaken place.” The skull said.

“What are you afraid of?” Li Qiye asked.

“Am I not different from a fragile mortal susceptible to a single stomp? I could have lived well but here I am, the reward for being heroic.” The skull said: “But what infuriates me is how you two are from the same lair.”

“If we’re talking about the same lair, all of you are born in the primordial.” Li Qiye joked.

“I once had that thought. At the very least, we didn’t fall to our hunger like the bastards. We held on and he walked his path. We still believed we were on the same path until later when I changed my mind.” The skull said.

“What happened?” Li Qiye smiled.

“He never returned but appeared randomly in Three Immortals. Why?” The skull asked.

“You tell me.” Li Qiye said.

“For you.” The skull said while looking at the tube: “To give you something.”

“Sounds rather far-fetched. We’ve never met.” Li Qiye shook his head.

“Then why are you looking for him and he’s looking for you?” The skull didn’t believe him.

Li Qiye only smiled and didn’t respond.

“Your world and Three Immortals don’t require you and him to be in the same place. It must be Heavenrealm.” The skull continued.

“You have a vivid imagination. Just come to Heavenrealm and you can see our duel to the death.” Li Qiye looked innocent.

“Is that so? Who will win?” The skull became interested.

“What’s your opinion?” Li Qiye asked.

“Hmm...” The skull said: “I would have betted on him before.”

“Yet you still picked my camp?” Li Qiye said.

“Inexplicable indeed, Big Eye and I changed our mind.” The skull said.

“You all placed the right bet.” Li Qiye smiled.

“Really?” The skull said.

“I will win in Heavenrealm.” Li Qiye said.

“What if it doesn’t take place in Heavenrealm?” The skull asked.

“It can only be in Heavenrealm.” Li Qiye said.

“Why?” The skull was puzzled but Li Qiye only smiled in response.