Emperor’s Domination

“Scram.” He fanned the miniature primordial tree in his grasp, sending the forces of the rivers of time.

This could have changed the course of many timelines. For example, it could have prevented an epoch lord from being born, preventing cultivation from being introduced.

Fortunately, it was aimed at the two immortals alone. They roared and initiated an unbreakable defense.

Alas, it broke through and forced them back to their primordial form. Evil Transformation resembled a colossal bull demon. Fiendish Ground was far smaller, looking like a roach with hands and legs. He also wore a cloak, making him look special and holy.

However, this only lasted for a second before they assumed their astral form.

“Creatures born in the primordial are so interesting.” Li Qiye smiled after seeing their true form.

The two had cracks everywhere, unable to fully heal in a short time. The fan had damaged their true body. They had severely underestimated his power.

“Is this the limit of an immortal?” Evil Transformation asked.

“What do you think the limit is?” Li Qiye asked.

The two glanced at the sky immediately – the high heaven.

“Thus, you haven’t seen the limit of an immortal yet.” Li Qiye shook his head.

“How far have you gone?” Fiendish Ground asked.

“Hard to say.” Li Qiye stroked his chin: “Above the two of you, and then some more, and keep going.”

“How far is that from the shore?” Evil Transformation asked.

The two primordial immortals earnestly asked for more information.

“Truly far.” Li Qiye said.

The two exchanged glances and thought about another cultivator – him.

“How do you compare against him now?” Fiendish Ground asked.

“It’s all baseless conjectures until a fight to the death.” Li Qiye shook his head.

“The dao is so far.” Evil Transformation sighed. Who knows if it was a sigh of sorrow, reflection, or regret?

“Indeed.” Li Qiye nodded: “Always with many obstacles too.”

“We’re only trying to reach the shore.” Fiendish Ground smiled bitterly.

They were strong enough to look down on new immortals. Overlords were nothing. They were born in the primordial and had innate advantages.

Thirty-six of them enjoyed the swamp, playing and devouring. Some searched for a way out but it wasn’t so easy.

The innate advantages turned out to be an innate heart devil. They became immortal too easily on top of absorbing primordial essences. They overcame this and toiled for improvement, only to fight their siblings. Most importantly, the high heaven suppressed them and forced them to flee their original world.

They broke free from the hunger and controlled their unchecked desires. Alas, reaching the shore was no easy feat.

Moreover, the future was here and they found themselves shackled on all sides. They hid in the redemption grounds, waiting for the right opportunity. In reality, they were immensely close to the shore, only needing the right catalyst.

Now, they learned that there was still a long way to go after the shore. How could they ever catch up to him, the first to reach the swamp?

He suppressed his desires first while they still feasted. Once food became scarce and they fought fiercely, he reached the shore.

After so many epochs, he had gone far while they stagnated. Thus, both smiled bitterly.

“Where is the end?” Both wondered while looking up. Perhaps above the high heaven is the end. No one had an answer to this.

“The dao is endless. There is no end if the heart does not rest. If the heart stops, that is your end.” Li Qiye said.

“Aren’t you weary?” Fiendish Ground asked: “Don’t you want to just lie down?”

“I am tired, but if it’s not exhausting, it’s not seeking the dao. My dao… should not stop.” Li Qiye said.

“Then you just enjoy being an ox.” Evil Transformation remarked.

“I will walk it to the end since I’ve already set foot on this path. Otherwise, I will cease to be me.” Li Qiye said.

“We cannot compare to you when it comes to self-restraint.” Fiendish Ground admitted: “Don’t you know, it tastes so good.”

“Temptation is just as endless as the dao.” Li Qiye said: “Do you prefer to run forever or exhaust yourself fighting against temptation?”

“Both are without end.” The two exchanged glances.

“Only the dao heart can bring stillness.” Li Qiye said.

The two pondered in silence, as they knew more about the dao heart than other cultivators.