Emperor’s Domination

World was the largest city in No Immortal – an area designated as a haven for inhabitants to recuperate. Desolate Ancestor and Zhan Sansheng agreed to never fight here.

It was far from Life and Death Heaven, Supreme Heaven, and Uncrossable Expanse. Its distance from the great wars made it prosperous with diverse inhabitants.

Numerous lineages stood strong; some had relations to either side or supreme overlords.

Although overlords didn’t start their sect here, their disciples and related parties could. Thus, there were extensions of top cultivators here. Its existence kept things going and added to the liveliness.

Otherwise, Heaven World would just consist of the two opposing heavens, always in a state of war preparation.

World City was not the oldest but it had the most freedom, not belonging to any faction or sect. No one knew the origin of its name. Rumor has it First Vine was the creator or that he had just spent one night there and chose to name it.

In the latter case, he had a good impression of it and left behind a mantra to bless it. Others started gathering, creating a town. None could verify these rumors because First Vine was gone.

Calling it a city wasn’t quite right since it had no fixed boundary. Mountain ranges with pavilions and palaces could be seen everywhere. The streets were built next to creeks and forests, unprotected by walls. The terrain brimming with nature attracted visitors.

Nine peaks formed a circle in the center, tall enough to be unclimbable. Li Qiye walked through the area before noticing something.

Li Qiye came to a peak with a small house with an old vibe. Behind was a courtyard with a pavilion.

The door was half-open and no one was around. An old tree could be seen outside.

Li Qiye looked up at the old plaque hanging above the entrance and read the characters, Jingye. [2]

The plaque hasn’t been cleaned in a long time and these words were from the forgotten past.

Li Qiye glanced at the tree and furrowed his brows.

“Creak.” The door opened fully and a girl walked out. Her appearance was a sight for sore eyes.

A white dress was draped over her shapely and slender figure. Simplicity accentuated her beauty.

Her figure was smooth and taut; her curves flowed with a sense of athletic grace that struck the eye at first glance.

Such a beautiful girl instantly brought life to the quiet and desolate peak. The birds sang more joyfully with her appearance.

She was stunningly beautiful despite being bare-faced and without adornment. There was a trace of melancholy in her expression. Her delicate, porcelain-like face appeared a bit pale, lacking a hint of blood’s warmth. Still, this kind of beauty was captivating, evoking a quiet admiration from anyone who saw her.

She was surprised to see Li Qiye, a regular cultivator who had just started his journey.

“Are you looking for someone?” She asked, wary of the stranger.

“No, just taking a look.” He said while staring at the tree.

After furrowing her brows slightly, she walked up to Li Qiye with poise and composure. There was an undeniable sense of quiet authority in her presence. It wasn’t an oppressive aura, but rather the kind that made one instinctively feel she came from a noble background. Others were naturally hesitant to show even the slightest disrespect.

The woman cupped her fists and gave a slight bow to Li Qiye: “I am Sujian. This place is where I rest and cultivate in peace. May I ask, Fellow Daoist, what brings you here? Are you merely passing through, or visiting someone?”

Her presence commanded attention and instilled pressure into the other party.

Li Qiye smiled and asked: “Last name?”

Li Qiye’s casual question was quite rude. Imagine someone standing back turned, not even sparing a glance, then suddenly asking for one’s surname.

Although she wasn’t an emperor, she was still relatively famous. Her clan was also influential in World City.

“My last name is Teng. May I ask for your name?” She patiently answered. [1]

“Surname’s Li.” Li Qiye said and walked closer to the tree without permission.

The tree resembled an old vine more than a tree. What made it unusual was that it grew upright, a rare sight for a vine of such age.

Though Teng Sujian was beautiful, Li Qiye did not spare her another glance. Instead, his eyes remained fixed on the ancient vine.

1. Teng translates to Vine ☜