Emperor’s Domination

Another self with identical powers and abilities – how could one defeat this opponent?

This other Li Qiye could create life, in addition to having the same dao heart.

“People say overcoming the self is the most difficult task.” Li Qiye smiled: “However, it is also the easiest. Don’t forget, you are me.”

Li Qiye got down on the ground and continued: “Come, kill me, I will not fight back.”

“That’s not your style.” The other didn’t buy it.

“You can only use karma to judge. I start the cause for you to realize the effect. Thus, you can’t kill me.” Li Qiye said.

“I can say the same about you.” The other smiled.

Li Qiye sat up and said: “Do you not see a clear distinction?”

“Which is?” The other asked.

“The villainous heaven will kill you, but not me.” Li Qiye smiled.

“Oh?” The other narrowed his eyes. The glare alone could destroy countless worlds.

“Yes, you are my karma but also the tribulation vessel.” Li Qiye said: “If you were me, then you should have the same goal.”

“Yes, fight to the end for an answer.” The other sighed.

“Then what do you want to do? Kill me or the villainous heaven? The answer is clear if you are truly me.” Li Qiye said.

“I am still karma, so I must wait for your cause.” The other said.

“That’s why you aren’t me right now, but I can let you become me.” Li Qiye said.

“Is there a difference?” The other asked.

“What you lack are my emotions and perception.” Li Qiye said.

“Oh?” The other’s expression changed.

“Yes, my love, benevolence, suffering, joy, and on and on. All you have is karma.” Li Qiye said: “The same applies to the high heaven. If you had the high heaven’s perception, would Jiao Heng have severed himself?”

“What if I can make it happen?” The other focused, attempting to gain Li Qiye’s perception.

“Rumble!” Tribulations gathered above, so he had to stop.

“See, if you become me, the villainous heaven will obliterate you.” Li Qiye said.

“So your goal is to sever karma and become a true immortal.” The other said.

“Not quite because I wouldn’t care after becoming a true immortal. Karma can be there or be gone with a single thought.” Li Qiye said.

“I see.” The other said.

“Therefore, you cannot become me or the villainous heaven. Your limit is below him.” Li Qiye said.

“And if I kill you?” The other came closer.

“What you have, I have. What you don’t have, I have. You cannot kill me.” Li Qiye didn’t move.

“Rumble!” Lightning bolts appeared in the other Li Qiye’s eyes.

“You will return to being the tribulation vessel, not my karma.” Li Qiye shook his head: “But at what state will you reach? Even at your apex back then, is it stronger than my karma?”

The other sat down again in the meditation pose and said: “Karma.”

“It would be nice to drink some tea with myself.” Li Qiye said with a smile.

The other raised his hand and conjured a tray with a teapot containing the finest liquid and tea leaves. He then poured a cup for Li Qiye.

“Now this is more like me.” Li Qiye sipped without any hesitation.

“I’m not the only you in this world.” The other said.

“That’s correct, there is another me.” Li Qiye smiled and nodded.

“What will you do when you meet him?” The other asked.

“I have to do something?” Li Qiye asked.

“You permit another you to exist?” The other asked.

“You are cause and effect, so you require a first step from me to exist. It’s not the same for him.” Li Qiye said.

“Why is that?” The other asked.

“Because he’s not karma, he is him and not me.” Li Qiye said.

“But still you.” The other said.

Li Qiye sipped again, not in a hurry.

“You think I am inferior to him.” The other said.

“You are too caught up in appearances.” Li Qiye said: “Why does it matter if you are me, karma, or Tribulation Vessel Avatar? How many have reached this height in history? Only two or so.”

“And him?” The other asked.

“I must say, boundless potential.” Li Qiye smiled.

“What if he surpasses you? Shouldn’t you kill him first?” The other asked.

“Change the question, should I kill you?” Li Qiye stared at him.

“We are one and the same.” The other said: “Would you be killing me or you?”

“It won’t be me carrying it out, but the villainous heaven.” Li Qiye said: “The question is, will I still be me after severing karma?”

“Of course.” The other said.

“See, that is your answer since you lack my perception and awareness. This is also why Jiao Heng severed you so that he could destroy the limit and gain awareness.” Li Qiye said.

“Hmm…” The other sighed.

“It’s wonderful.” Li Qiye said.

The other didn’t respond.

“No matter how powerful you are, you cannot gain what you value most. Amusingly enough, it is something found in all sentient lives from the day they were born.” Li Qiye said.