Emperor’s Domination

“Do you think I’m you? Fighting and killing all day, no, I build relationships. People aren’t emotionless like trees and grass.” He said.

“Tell the whole story.” Li Qiye said.

“We’re both businessmen who depend on relationships and trust. I run my business, he runs his. Sometimes when I get the right merchandise, I lend him a bit and vice versa. He’s old now and can’t get around easily to the many worlds, that’s why I help him out. That’s love right there, something you don’t know anything about. Even though we’re competitors, we still have a strong bond.” He said.

“Isn’t that nice?” Li Qiye said.

“Of course, I told you, old man, you are history, left behind. This is an age of brotherhood, not the kill-or-be-killed era that you lived in.” He said.

“Bullshit.” Li Qiye smacked his forehead again.

“See, this is exactly your problem, hitting once you lose the argument. No wonder nobody likes you. They call you the black hand behind the curtain, the butcher, the bastard. You don’t ever try to reason.” He muttered resentfully.

“You got that right, if I’m going to beat you up, do I need reason to be on my side?” Li Qiye said.

“Fine, your fist is bigger, then what you say must be right.” He surrendered.

“Who’s compromising now?” The youth laughed at the baldy.

“Brother, no need to be sarcastic, you can try to beat him until he’s ready for reason.” The baldy said. ɴᴇᴡ ɴᴏᴠᴇʟ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀs ᴀʀᴇ ᴘᴜʙʟɪsʜᴇᴅ ᴏɴ NoveI-Fire.ɴet

“I’m not going to waste my time with a tyrant, we’re cultured people.” The youth said.

“Right, I suppose we are.” The baldy laughed.

“Start acting like it then, stop talking nonsense.” Li Qiye patted his shiny head.

“Tch, old man, don’t try to lead me astray.” He said.

“Walk your own path then.” Li Qiye couldn’t be bothered to deal with him any longer and gave him a cold glance before walking away.

“Bye, old man, let’s not see each other again. Don’t come to my store anymore.” He waved and laughed.

As Li Qiye was leaving, he recalled something and asked: “Wait, old man, where did mother go?!”

“This only shows your dao heart hasn’t reached home.” Li Qiye said and left Duality Enterprise.

“Please, you’re the one whose dao heart hasn’t reached home.” He muttered unhappily: “I’m going to destroy your lair one day and see where this home is.”

“Quit grumbling, it’s hopeless in this lifetime.” The youth laughed.

“What’s hopeless?” He glared.

“He’ll kill you first.” The youth said.

“Hmph, we’ll see about that.” He said.

“Fathers beating sons is just part of the natural order.” The youth said.

“Bah.” He complained.

***

Origination was once the greatest enterprise in Heavenrealm until Duality’s arrival. Nevertheless, its resources remained on top of a loyal customer base including overlords and immortals.

It had its own planet, one older and larger than Duality’s. Immortal energy and visual phenomena were common. It had incredible defenses against greed.

The treasury had everything one could desire. However, trading was the only way to access them.

The most significant difference between the two planets was their inhabitants. Duality allowed people to stay permanently while Origination only granted short-term entry for traders.

Although immortals couldn’t infiltrate Origination, Li Qiye delved into the deepest location in the blink of an eye – a bottomless valley.

Two immortals stood guard outside, capable of sweeping through three thousand worlds with a single thought.

The moment they saw Li Qiye, they became excited and refrained from attacking the intruder.

“Sacred Teacher.” They bowed.

“Long time no see, you two are finally immortals now.” Li Qiye cupped his fist and said sentimentally.

“We owe it to you, Sacred Teacher.” One said.

“No, you two have some grievances for staying so long in the nine worlds. You would have become immortal long ago.” Li Qiye said.

One was Zhen Yu, the other was Tun Ri. They hid their incredible auras while speaking to Li Qiye.

“Without your plan, Sacred Teacher, we might have become food instead.” Tun Ri said.

“The deal gave us the chance to rise in Heavenrealm and form Guardian Alliance.” Zhen Yu added.

“You have watched over this place for countless years now.” Li Qiye said.

“Only the flick of a finger, Sacred Teacher.” Zhen Yu said.

“Your second return, is it the time to sweep?” Tun Ri asked.

“Crow, don’t act like your people were wronged.” A voice older than time itself interjected.

“Senior Origination guided us to the immortal dao.” Tun Ri smiled.

“Did you hear that, Crow? Once I die, they will need to continue guarding this little business.” The voice spoke again: “You’re not getting the short end of the stick on this deal.”

“You wanted more than just them though.” Li Qiye said.

“Sure, they were an additional condition but I have carried out my promise and given you immense resources. I didn’t cut them off after your departure.” The voice said.

“It is why I am here to fulfill my promise. Name your price.” Li Qiye said.