Emperor’s Domination

“Why didn’t you have a disciple?” Li Qiye asked.

“No point.” The skull said: “I’ve lived long enough to understand that one can only rely on oneself. Even children are not reliable, let alone disciples.”

“I suppose there is truth in this.” Li Qiye said.

“Of course, life and death are predetermined, nothing else matters.” The skull said.

“How will you know if you never try?” Li Qiye said.

“Just look at the three geezers, all that work for nothing, and then the three immortals too, look at the result.” The skull said.

“No children in this case.” Li Qiye smiled.

“Pardon my bluntness, you have a son but is he reliable? He might share the same vision as you but can he surpass you? I doubt it, the chance is slim, so is he useful? Not at all, not only is he of no help, he might end up being a burden.” The skull said: “These days, having a son like yours who doesn’t cause trouble or leech is rare enough. As for that Xian Chengtian brat, all that leeching and is still only a useless overlord and yet so pleased with himself. Imagine if they had a son, haha, better off shooting at the wall instead.”

“In short, you just don’t want to waste time and effort.” Li Qiye said.

“There’s nothing wrong with being a little selfish.” The skull said: “Why should we bother at our age? It just drains our lifespan for nothing. I’ve lived long and never saw any good endings with disciples involved.”

Li Qiye smiled and didn’t answer.

“But you never gave up, training one disciple after another.” The skull said.

“I don’t believe in keeping my fortunes to myself when the time is right.” Li Qiye said.

“Just gifting fortunes away.” The skull said.

“I only showed them the door, what comes after depends on them alone.” Li Qiye said.

“Hah, sounds like you got some outstanding disciples, hence your carefree remarks.” The skull said.

“A few.” Li Qiye smiled.

“You speak as if you can train anyone to become pseudo-immortals.” The skull didn’t buy it.

“I can.” Li Qiye said.

“Who else outside of the girl in Three Immortals?” The skull didn’t believe him.

“Why can’t I?” Li Qiye responded as if this were no difficult task.

“Don’t try to scare me, I don’t believe you.” The skull said.

“This is the difference between you and me, I enjoy being a teacher and guiding others.” Li Qiye waved dismissively.

The skull became annoyed and said: “Fuck, there is no justice. It’s one thing that you’re becoming a true immortal but your disciples are pseudo-immortals? You’re monopolizing all the good things in this world.”

“It’s not that I’m amazing and brilliant.” Li Qiye shook his head: “They just didn’t give up.”

“I wonder if you can ever stop spewing these nauseating lines.” The skull said: “Go brag to Big Eye, not me.”

“It’s nothing worth bragging about.” Li Qiye said casually, further annoying the skull.

“How many then?” The skull said. If he had hands, he would be counting with his fingers right now: “The girl here is an immortal. Anyone else? I don’t believe any immortal came out of your nine worlds.”

“Right.” Li Qiye nodded: “No immortals from there since it isn’t blessed like Three Immortals.”

“So they became immortals in Heavenrealm. I suppose that counts too, how many then?” The skull asked.

“Not many, two, or maybe three?” Li Qiye shook his head: “I’ve been gone for too long and plus, I don’t meddle with the young ones’ business.”

“Since when do young ones become immortals?” The skull said exasperatedly.

“Oh? I have one disciple who is still very young relative to us. Our age is in the millions so he is just a child.”

“And still became an immortal?” The skull asked.

“I suppose I was slightly exaggerating but yes, should be an immortal now according to my calculation.” Li Qiye shook his head. “But then, you never know. Maybe this disciple has gone astray, an immortal seed becoming a piece of trash, potentially complacent after becoming an overlord.”

“Asshole, what are you insinuating? Talking about Big Eye’s group?” The skull became angry.

“Don’t be angry even if I’m talking about him.” Li Qiye said.

“I’m not angry, he’s not my disciple.” The skull said.

“Seems angry to me.” Li Qiye said.

“It’s not any of my business.” The skull responded.

“Yes, but I believe you held him in high regard.” Li Qiye said.

“Bah, I never liked the little bastard.” The skull said: “At most, I might have praised him once or twice, that’s all.”

“You primordial immortals are so imperious and far removed. You don’t understand regular people.” Li Qiye said.

“What’s the point in learning about the lives of ants?” The skull said.

“Haven’t you thought that might be why you all couldn’t train anyone? Terrible cultivation is one thing, but a backstabber too.” Li Qiye said.

“Don’t bring me into this, not my disciple.” The skull said.

“You know in your heart.” Li Qiye shrugged.

“Hmph, then tell me what’s so amazing about your disciples.” The skull snorted.

“Not too amazing, one brat wanted to conquer the heaven but I told him the time wasn’t right.” Li Qiye said.

“Would have been walking toward his death.” The skull said.

“No, he could have turned and left.” Li Qiye said casually before gazing into the horizon: “I believe he didn’t go.”