Emperor’s Domination

He spoke naturally but the old woman remained frozen in place.

“A few steamed ones would make it even better.” He smiled and placed the crab into the basket.

“Very well.” She regained her composure and acknowledged him before leaving.

Teng Sujian also regained her freedom after the woman’s departure.

“Who was she?” She murmured after sensing the disparity in power.

Li Qiye didn’t answer. He clapped his hands, seemingly in a good mood: “Come, I feel like eating some crab roe noodle.”

“…” She felt confused after hearing this and thought about recent events.

There were eight ice coffins beneath the eight peaks; each containing a beauty identical to the others. Then they came to this place with an unfathomable old woman of unknown affiliation. However, he did not react and was in a good mood, wanting to have a meal.

Alas, this was the time to follow, not think.

***

“We’re back to the inner city.” She said while strolling through the streets with him.

The region known as World City was massive. The city itself only occupied a small corner and was referred to as the inner city or small city.

This place was more lively compared to the desolate manor of Jingye. Carriages galloped next to the pedestrians and merchants.

Some cultivators preferred to fly or ride auspicious birds and beasts. The inner city fully displayed the region’s freedom and prosperity. Even primal ancestors and heaven-slayers came to trade.

The most famous business in Three Immortals, Arrogance Enterprise, had the largest store here. This was also the biggest shop in Heaven World.

The Teng also had many businesses in the city so Teng Sujian was familiar with it. However, strolling with Li Qiye gave her a different impression.

In the past, she also flew or rode mighty beasts, not bothering to truly take in the scene below. Now, she took a look at everyone and appreciated their unique life, whether it be the servants, merchants, or cultivators.

Her old self only cared about becoming an emperor and then a primal ancestor. These beings were mere insects compared to her.

Under Li Qiye’s lead and his natural aura, she became at peace and observed the laws and ripples of the world. The dao was everywhere.

Her mental state became free enough to immerse herself in this experience. Her dao heart started to heal and became firmer. She thought the agonizing experience and setback were only bubbles in the grand scheme of things.

Of course, they also attracted attention, or rather, she did. He was too plain for anyone to notice but her appearance was a different story.

Her simple dress couldn’t hide her beauty and demeanor. Many viewed her as a fairy from above. Moreover, her obedient pace surprised everyone, causing mortals and cultivators to take a closer look.

Furthermore, the Teng was relatively influential in the inner city so some recognized their genius.

“Fairy Teng.” A few came up to greet her. However, she was in a state of zen, unbothered by external disturbances.

The young ones became curious regarding Li Qiye, finding him ordinary at best.

“Why is Fairy Teng with this man?” Confusion reared its head since the imperious fairy was now following a man.

The duo passed through half the city and arrived at an alley with vendors and stalls everywhere.

Li Qiye sat down and she snapped out of her zen state. She found herself in a food stall with only three tables or so, a steaming counter, and a stove.

Only servants and merchants could be seen. Cultivators didn’t care for mortal food, let alone her.

However, she became emotional since the owner was none other than the old woman by the lake. She wondered why this powerful cultivator opened a small stall in the city. The woman should be in charge of a kingdom or a sect.

The stall had two customers – Li Qiye and her. The old woman busily prepared the ingredients – steaming the crabs, chopping green onions, boiling noodles…

She appeared to be nothing more than an old mortal making a living.

“A bowl of crab roe noodles and a few steamed ones.” Li Qiye ordered with a smile.

The old woman brought him tea without any fuss and went back to work.

Thousands of questions swirled in Sujian’s mind. She wasn’t sure if Li Qiye knew this old woman or if the latter realized something. The old woman seemed to have no objection to Li Qiye’s nonchalant attitude.

“Must I tell you what to do?” Li Qiye said, interrupting her daze.

She regained her wits and instinctively poured tea for him.