Emperor’s Domination

“Unaware and unseen, no different from not existing.” Li Qiye said.

The old man nodded in agreement.

“But you still struggled.” Li Qiye smiled.

“It is useless, death to the villainous heaven is assured.” He said.

“No more vengeance?” Li Qiye smiled.

“You tell me since you have my memories.” He glared.

“Yes, but doesn’t seem to be the case anymore.” Li Qiye said earnestly.

“Even if I want to, it’s useless. I’ve come to accept this.” He sat first before lying entirely on the ground.

“Why accept it?” Li Qiye asked.

“Why not when defeat is the only outcome?” He responded.

“From your memories, you believed that the secret might give you another shot.” Li Qiye said.

“It’s all useless.” He relaxed, clasping his hands and using them as a pillow: “It wouldn’t be a secret otherwise. It must be something negative for it to remain all this time.”

“This is unlike you.” Li Qiye shook his head: “You wanted to try again back in Drystone Courtyard.”

“I wanted to try a thousand times back then.” He laughed.

“This determination birthed you.” Li Qiye nodded.

“Bah, stop saying these unlucky words. I want no part in this.” He complained: “I’m not a bastard like your group.”

“It’s hard to argue against that.” Li Qiye rubbed his nose: “I am a bastard.”

“You’re speaking it so lightly.” He snorted.

“I have heard it from another self, and it’s true.” Li Qiye sighed.

“Would you have swapped places with this other self? Don’t tell me any nonsense about an indomitable dao heart. Anyone would have wanted to be chosen to have a better life, you never gave your other self this choice.” He said.

“Yes, no choice.” Li Qiye became slightly emotional.

“You have my memories but I also have yours.” He said: “I’m aware of that Ancient Ming, born to be doomed. He was not you, not himself, not even Bloodhand Butcher, because of you, a bastard. What gave you the right to doom another existence from the start, to let him suffer and drive him mad? Was it worth it just to complete a mission?”

“Right, I was at fault.” Li Qiye said.

“What would you have done? Being turned into a puppet?” He asked.

“I would kill the true self.” Li Qiye said.

“That’s why your group consists of bastards, forcing your avatars and divine intents to suffer and become mere puppets to satiate your bottomless ambition. Fuck you and fuck him!” He couldn’t help but scream.

“So you’ve been researching this matter.” Li Qiye sighed.

“One day, I’m sure you realized that another self could shoulder everything. It became obvious then.” He said.

“A little bit.” Li Qiye said.

“A little bit? I know what you are planning too.” He said.

“Fine, but only a few thoughts after being moved.” Li Qiye said.

“You’re moved because of yourself, not the other self.” He said.

“I feel what I feel, I can’t assume anything for others.” Li Qiye said.

“Exactly, so all the misery suffered by your other self was for nothing.” He spat at the ground.

“I’ve been planning on how to make it not for nothing.” Li Qiye said.

“Want to do something good? But is it possible?” He asked.

“I’m just a passerby. His life and future will be his.” Li Qiye said.

“Bullshit. Dust to dust in the end, even if you had severed everything in the past, the roots are the same.” He said.

“You want me to sever the true self too?” Li Qiye asked.

“Unfortunately, it’s useless. You don’t know because you’re not the otherself, but look at me, I am. Does it matter if I cut down the true self? I will still just return to the roots, how pointless.” He said.

“It’s a difficult problem.” Li Qiye admitted.

“Not a problem at all. You bastards never thought about better solutions since you don’t even care about your true selves, only your goals matter.” He sneered.

“That might be taking it too far.” Li Qiye sat down and said.

“It’s either be killed or be insignificant. What long-term plan? You two never even thought about it earnestly. There’s a saying, when the birds are shot, the bow is forgotten. And another one, once the rabbit is dead, the hunting dog is cooked. That’s how it is for your plans, except nothing will be left, so even worse than these idioms.”

“Don’t be so sure.” Li Qiye shook his head.

“Bloodhand is a prime example.” He sneered.