Emperor’s Domination

A youth in a robe and a leather cap basked in the sun with his chest exposed. He spread his arms and legs, looking as lazy as could be.

He looked dusty and unkempt like a rascal from a village. His roguish smile gave the impression of him just loafing around all day, doing nothing of consequence.

When he saw Li Qiye, he sprang up like a shrimp leaping out of the water.

“Sir, Sir, over here.” He waved while smiling brightly, ready to take advantage of others.

Li Qiye smiled and came over.

The youth swept the stone steps in front of the shrine using his sleeve. Afterward, he carried out an old table from inside the shrine.

It was already missing one leg, so he propped it up with a stone. While Li Qiye sat down, heat billowed from inside the shrine, accompanied by an irresistible and meaty aroma.

“Come, Sir, have a bowl of delicious dog meat.” The youth brought out a clean, but cracked, bowl.

“This?” Li Qiye said.

“Sigh, Sir, my shabby place has nothing good outside of a dog that has lived for a while. I waited until your arrival before cooking it just so you can have a taste.” He grinned.

“The dog asks, what did it do to deserve this?” Li Qiye smiled.

“As the saying goes, not even immortals can resist the aroma of dog meat.” The youth said: “Since there are no immortals in the mortal world, a dog eaten by actual immortals is blessed.”

Li Qiye chuckled and began eating the meat and drinking the broth. The youth salivated while watching.

“Want some?” Li Qiye asked.

“Yes, but I’m already dead. Anything I eat tastes like wax, so forget it, it will be a waste of a good thing and ruin the mood.” He said.

Li Qiye finished the bowl and drank all the soup. Of course, the meat was from a special creature, certainly not a “dog” in the mortal world.

“Sir, try this wine, I’ve kept it for three billion years now.” He poured a cup of wine with a smile.

“Three billion years ago? Before your death then.” Li Qiye said.

“Regrettable indeed. I was saving it for a triumphant celebration but now, can’t even drink it.” He sighed.

“Seize the moments of triumph and drink till delight, let not the gold cup lie empty before the moonlight.” Li Qiye smiled. [1]

“Yes, should enjoy life when possible. Life was tough and still tough after becoming an immortal, and then I was decapitated.” He said sentimentally.

“Enjoying life would have prevented you from becoming a celestial immortal. The wine is good.” Li Qiye said.

“If there is another life, I will enjoy myself; there is no need to become a celestial immortal. All of that just to die, seems like the choice is obvious in retrospect.” He said.

“Gotta have a second life first.” Li QIye said.

“I’m just waiting for you to grant me one, I won’t waste it.” He said.

“Oh?” Li Qiye said.

He pulled up his sleeves and said: “I’m going to eat and drink to my heart’s content, ride the finest stallions and...” He stopped and winked at Li Qiye: “You know what I’m talking about.”

“It doesn’t seem like we have any ties. To give you a second life after eating your food and drinking your wine? Isn’t that too frivolous?” Li Qiye said.

“Hah, you’re not wrong, Sir. I was blind for not recognizing your worth, now I can’t climb up the branch.” He smiled.

“You were already a celestial immortal then.” Li Qiye said.

“Too late for regret now.” He said: “I should have invested in you, it would be easier to ask for another life now.”

“Right, but it is understandable why you tried. Overthrowing the villainous heaven means you’re the next in line.” Li Qiye smiled.

“It’s all bullshit.” He shook his head: “I was just a piece on the board, unable to resist the temptation.”

“Wouldn’t have been moved without internal ambition.” Li Qiye said.

“I suppose I was just too young and trusting.” He said.

Li Qiye spat out his drink and laughed: “Too young? I am not even a child compared to you in terms of age.”

“I am only older in years, not in wisdom. I can’t compare to you at all, Sir.” He said. Earnestly.

“You don’t even believe what you’re saying, don’t expect me to.” Li Qiye shook his head.

“Sigh, I’m speaking from the heart.” He said: “I was naive and fooled by the old geezers, Heavenfall and Hidden Immortal.”

“What happened exactly?” Li Qiye asked.

“I was innocent, I swear. If I am lying, then let lightning strike me!” He swore.

“Boom!” A lightning bolt struck him directly, causing black smoke to ooze from his body.

It took a long time for him to get back up, covered in gray ashes. He pointed at the sky and cursed: “Damn you! I’m already dead, can’t you just let go!? Why don’t you strike all the liars in the world then?”

“Because you wanted it to die, it’s a punishment for running your mouth after death.” Li Qiye said.

“Crappy heaven, I’m going to kill it one day.” He said.

“Boom!” Another bolt struck him. Once he got up, he didn’t curse again: “Fine, you win, I suppose it is fine for a father to discipline his child.”

“Aren’t you flattering yourself?” Li Qiye said.

“Heh, surely you won’t deny me this least bit of praise.” He laughed.

“Haha.” Li Qiye spat out his drink and said: “You might be the only one who takes pride in being someone else’s child.”

1. A poem from a famous poet, Li Bai ☜