Emperor’s Domination

In an unknown domain without any affinity, Li Qiye faced a surprising opponent. Not even the primordial was present, only nothingness. The light and the darkness were absent, the same for the countless tribulations.

This opponent was none other than himself, identical to the point where it was impossible to discern the real one. They were similar enough that if one were fake, the other had to be fake as well.

When one Li Qiye smiled, the other smiled the same. Every single detail and movement was flawlessly alike.

“Do you think you’re the high heaven?” Li Qiye asked.

“No, I am you, and me.” The other said.

This other didn’t copy Li Qiye but took on the form of his existence.

“Wasn’t this tribulation vessel a bit late?” Li Qiye smiled.

“It is karma, your karma.” The other said.

“Oh?” Li Qiye wanted more clarification.

“Karma stems from you, so I am you.” The other said.

“Then what about the high heaven’s karma? Can you become him?” Li Qiye asked.

“Yes.” The other said seriously.

“Then there is a flaw. Karma to me and the villainous heaven is only a reflection. We are beyond cause and effect, they are only there if I will it so.” Li Qiye said.

“I disagreed.” The other contemplated before shaking his head.

“If you believe you can control karma, then sure.” Li Qiye said.

“I can, so I am you.” The other said.

“If you can replace me, then you can also replace the villainous heaven. Right now, you are the villainous heaven, not me.” Li Qiye said.

“No, I am your karma currently.” The other said.

“The villainous heaven doesn’t want his karma, why do you think I do?” Li Qiye smiled.

“Karma follows you, so as long as you live and breathe, I am present.” The other said.

“That’s why you have lost.” Li Qiye said: “You need to follow me but the opposite isn’t true.”

“Reason and effect must go together.” The other said.

“And if I don’t?” Li Qiye smiled.

“Can you sever me? That’s the only way to leap out.” The other said.

“It is a part of my wish, I do not need to sever.” Li Qiye shook his head.

“Without effect, there is no reason, it doesn’t work the way you wish.” The other disagreed.

“What if I trap you here forever?” Li Qiye stroked his chin.

“You will still have karma in the future. Karma is ever-present, not only in the past but also the future.” The other said.

“I suppose you’re right, I do have to sever karma to become a true immortal.” Li Qiye said.

“Putting the true immortal part aside, severing karma is severing yourself.” The other said.

“It doesn’t change the fact that you’re still the tribulation vessel.” Li Qiye shook his head.

“And that is a part of your karma. Not everyone has one but you do.” The other said.

“If this is one of my karmas, then what is the high heaven’s tribulation vessel?” Li Qiye asked.

The other didn’t have a response.

“You lose again because your limit is being the tribulation vessel. You cannot become me or the villainous heaven. In the end, you will become nothing.” Li Qiye said.

“I will be here as long as you are.” The other said.

“It is slightly annoying. I should destroy both, whether it be karma or the tribulation vessel.” Li Qiye said.

“How can you when I am a part of you?” The other said: “I have everything you have.”

“Oh? Is that so?” Li Qiye asked.

“Feel free to try.” The other smiled.

“Very well.” Li Qiye raised his hand and conjured the primordial chaos.

“Incredible, you can create life now.” The other couldn’t help but say.

He raised his hand and sure enough, the primordial chaos also floated around it. The strands on both hands were identical.

“Not bad, a perfect replication. That’s the villainous heaven for you.” Li Qiye was moved to see this.

“We’re the same, I told you.” The other smiled.

“You clearly haven’t thought it through.” Li Qiye said.

“What?” The other asked.

“What would you do if you were me?” Li Qiye asked.

“Hmm…” The other pondered and realized something, staggering backward.

“Now, do you still think you’re still me?” Li Qiye asked.

“Pop!” The other became resplendent and a heartbeat could be heard from his indomitable dao heart. He sat down and regained his wits.

“That is indeed my dao heart.” Li Qiye smiled.

“Thus, you can’t shake it.” The other said.