Emperor’s Domination

“Mundane of Myriad Buddhas.” Li Qiye smiled.

He saw many statues of Mundane along the way. It depicted a woman in simple clothes. She clasped her hands together while lowering her featureless face.

Nonetheless, it gave a feeling of transcendence. Everyone here heard her guiding voice and followed a path without competition.

Other than laypeople, regular cultivators could also be found. They focused on talismans and harnessed the power of the tribulations. The number was far smaller, despite its potential prowess.

Li Qiye found that this lineage was even older than Myriad Buddhas, founded by Myriad Tribulations. Now, it was in decline.

As he walked toward the prosperous city, he frowned after seeing a glimmering fortress floating above it.

In one particular village, he found that everyone was missing somehow. In a table of one house, dinner was ready but untouched. The livestock were still around.

“Whoosh!” Suddenly, a bronze grasshopper attacked him.

“Stop right there!” A young daoist saved him with a fire talisman, burning the grasshopper.

Despite being made from bronze, it seemed to be alive and screeched in agony. Eventually, it became molten liquid. The talisman didn’t stop until only ashes were left.

The daoist wore a tidied blue robe. His eyes were particularly bright and spiritual.

However, Li Qiye saw something different - lightning and flames within the youth’s eyes. Regular people couldn’t see them - a testament to the daoist’s strength.

He had a gourd of wine tied to his back, exuding a tantalizing fragrance in the air.

He glanced at the village and stomped the ground in frustration: “Late again, those bastards.”

Li Qiye seemed to be the only mortal around in the village.

“Child, how did you survive?” He spoke like an old man despite his youthful appearance.

“I’m just passing by.” Li Qiye smiled.

“Then you need to leave right now.” He shook his head: “It is no longer safe outside so return home, child.”

“I appreciate the kind intent but, you’re not older than me.” Li Qiye smiled.

“Child, do you know who I am?” The daoist was surprised momentarily before laughing.

“No.” Li Qiye shook his head.

“I am Tribulation Daoist. Have you heard of me?” He appeared proud of his title, arching his chest. Of course, such an existence didn’t need to brag before a mortal.

“Still no.” Li Qiye waved his hand.

“Tribulation Daoist, an ancient ancestor from Myriad Tribulations, the strongest lineage. How about now?”

“No.” Li Qiye shook his head again.

“You’ve never heard of Myriad Tribulations?” He didn’t want to give up.

“I know of Myriad Tribulations, but isn’t the strongest sect Myriad Buddhas?” Li Qiye smiled.

“The strongest once...” He smiled wryly.

“I suppose that’s impressive.” Li Qiye nodded.

“Yes, it produced an immortal.” He said: “And guess who is the strongest ancient ancestor there?”

“No idea.” Li Qiye said.

“You must be a mortal through and through. Wait, no, our world is so tiny, everyone has heard of me before...” His eyes widened in astonishment.

“I’m serious.” Li Qiye said.

“I suppose it’s not your fault, a mortal who has never cultivated before, it’s understandable that I am unknown to you...” He consoled himself.

“I’ve cultivated a little bit.” Li Qiye said.

“No, I’m sure that whatever you did, it didn’t count.” He said.

“I see. I’ve heard of Mundane Immortal before, though.” Li Qiye nodded.

“Well...” He became dejected like a deflated balloon as he said: “That makes sense, the second immortal and the savior of our world. Forget it, your knowledge is not that bad for a mortal. Just remember Tribulation Daoist from now on.”

“I will.” Li Qiye said seriously.

“Good, good.” He appreciated Li Qiye’s earnestness: “You’re a teachable youngster, I like that. Where do you want to go? I’ll take you.”