Emperor’s Domination

“Remember, you were asking for the impossible, their lives.” Li Qiye smiled.

“Yes, it could have cost them their lives but isn’t it asking the impossible for a mortal to become an immortal in such a short time, not to mention the level of my opponents?” He responded.

By any standard, a disciple asking for this would have been considered unreasonable and even heretical. However, he spoke as if this was how it should be. The words sounded pleasant and not the least bit offensive.

“Not easy at all.” Li Qiye nodded.

“Throughout history, it has always been the masters who place unreasonable demands on the disciples. Some harsh, some impossible. Then why can’t disciples do the same? It’s just like how a father wants a child to become wealthy, why can’t the child ask the same regarding his father?” He said sincerely.

“That’s quite the argument. When put this way, your request didn’t seem unreasonable at all.” Li Qiye said.

“Everyone is equal.” He said: “A request is met by an equivalent one for the sake of balance.”

“Who paid the bigger price then, you or your masters?” Li Qiye asked.

“If we’re talking about the present, then it’s my masters who paid a heavy price while I reaped the benefits.” He said.

“Is that your honest opinion?” Li Qiye smiled.

“It’s the truth.” He shook his head: “But if I become what they want me to be, capable of contending against the two rivals or even higher, on the same level as them, then my price is higher.”

He paused for a second before answering: “I required eras of suffering and pain, countless life or death battles. Chances are I’ll die before becoming an immortal. Of course, they spent efforts and natural resources of the highest quality. However, it came from an abundance, not everything they had. On the other hand, I am risking my life for their goal.”

“How amusing, it almost feels unfair to hear about how miserable your situation is.” Li Qiye said.

“I’m certainly not a good person, not a disciple who follows traditional virtues of respecting one’s masters.” He said: “I’m fully aware of the sins I’ve committed, betraying my masters. I will be reviled for eternity.”

“It’s good that you’re aware.” Li Qiye said.

“But so what? I’ve done right for me.” He said.

“That’s where there’s a contradiction. You believe becoming an immortal is solely your masters’ wish, not yours. However, was your betrayal solely out of revenge, not driven by your greed?” Li Qiye said.

“I can’t deny that it is partly due to greed but why should I get the short end of the stick? Why must I concede to their demands?” He said.

“Then the saying to describe this is being aware of one’s mistakes but having zero intention of changing.” Li Qiye said: “It’s someone else’s issue.”

“It’s a good summary.” He smiled charmingly. No one would connect his appearance to that of an unfilial traitor: “But cultivators walk alone. We don’t need to follow mortal conventions.”

“Whether or not it is your wish or their demand, becoming a supreme overlord or an immortal benefits you the most, not their masters. Sure, they benefit from it but not as much as you.” Li Qiye said.

“It was not my original intention.” He said.

“In fact, you had an opportunity to do what you did without being branded a traitor.” Li Qiye said.

“If I had destroyed my cultivation?” He stroked his chin and said.

“Yes, returning everything to them then you wouldn’t have owed them anything.” Li Qiye said.

“I’ve thought about it.” He said.

“But in the end, greed won.” Li Qiye said: “Your tongue speaks of unwillingness but your heart couldn’t let go.”

“Sacred Teacher, I pondered it deeply and was only one step away. I couldn’t do it in the end.” He said.

“Betray the world instead of letting the world betray you.” Li Qiye said: “Ultimately, it’s both hypocritical and self-righteous.”

“I suppose, I do have a terrible reputation now.” He said.

“It’s warranted.” Li Qiye said.

“Yes, that’s why I don’t hate the masters for putting a curse on me, never to become an immortal.” He said.

“That’s already a mild curse.” Li Qiye smiled.

It turned out his masters had cursed him to never be able to break through. The only way to break it was to become an immortal. This paradox prevented him from improving.

“Yes, but that’s not the end of it since you’re here.” He said.

“Are you prepared?” Li Qiye asked.

“I believe I understand you the most out of anyone in Three Immortals.” He said.

“Oh?” Li Qiye said.

“Since you had made a deal with them, I am doomed.” He said.

“Self-awareness is your strong suit.” Li Qiye said.

“I once lived in fear, afraid that one day you would suddenly come knocking.” He said.

“What made you come to terms with it?” Li Qiye was intrigued.

“I spent my time living well instead, coming up with a method to survive.” He said.

“So not giving up?” Li Qiye said.

“Sacred Teacher, do I have a chance to survive?” He asked.

“I’m afraid not.” Li Qiye shook his head.

“I thought as much, but I still don’t want to die like this.” He said earnestly.