Emperor’s Domination

“The high heaven captured five in one go.” He recalled wistfully.

“And then fell asleep in happiness.” Li Qiye said.

“We all ran in fear.” He said.

“There was another thing grasped.” Li Qiye said.

“The first of the three spirits, sun. The other two fled, I don’t know where they are now.” He said.

“Instead of scattering, your group became more determined for a counterattack.” Li Qiye said.

“Because we are different from the spirits, we are as one for eternity and can feel each other despite being separated. We wanted to save them.” He said.

“And then Splendor.” Li Qiye stroked his chin.

“When did you learn about Splendor?” He was curious.

“It once exceeded my comprehension but as a survivor, I thought the light should even be stronger. It wasn’t in your memories either, not the true self.” Li Qiye said.

“Yes, after I was suppressed, my unwillingness birthed a life wielding a small part of Splendor, unaware of the true self being suppressed by the high heaven.” He said.

“Not a complete life, just a part of the true self like a dao avatar.” Li Qiye said.

“Yes.” He admitted.

“If he were a new lifeform, then he wouldn’t have your unwilling sentiment and start an expedition, only to be defeated and return to the true self.” Li Qiye said.

“Right, it’s all for nothing in the end.” He paused for a bit before responding.

“I’m interested in Splendor’s birth.” Li Qiye said.

“Although we can become one, we are still separate and not a perfect fusion.” He said.

“Yes, each word has its own profundity and mysteries.” Li Qiye said.

“Unfortunately, we couldn’t defeat the high heaven and save the other five words. We needed to reach the next level.” He elaborated.

“I see, so the four characters became Splendor.” Li Qiye nodded.

“Yes, a perfect fusion this time.” He said: “The dao shall manifest splendorously in thoughts. This move could have shaken the high heaven.”

“It did.” He smiled bitterly: “But we still failed. Everything started from the source and ended by the source.”

“It became a legend, how an ancient existence named Mang shook the high heaven. It certainly misled me for a long time.” Li Qiye said.

“Mang.” He smiled and said: “Just a light from a time when there was too much. I smashed and sent it to the mortal world.”

“So it was just inaccurate.” Li Qiye smiled.

“Yes, never happened.” He chuckled.

The two laughed together, enjoying the secrets that they shared. In their absence, no one else in the world would have this knowledge.

“What comes next for you?” Li Qiye asked.

“Nothing.” To which he responded.

“Not going to try to take down the villainous heaven again?” Li Qiye asked.

“It’s your time.” He said.

Li Qiye paused for a second before nodding in agreement: “Right, time for me to end this.”

“That’s why I leave everything to you. I thought about taking down the villainous heaven and saving the five, but starting over would require an unimaginable amount of time. That’s meaningless because of you.” He said.

“True.” Li Qiye rubbed his nose.

“You are preparing for karma and the expedition, the five will be saved after your victory.” He added.

“Sounds a bit sad for you.” Li Qiye said.

“It is sad because those with ambition won’t have the chance.” He said.

“You are rather confident in me.” Li Qiye said.

“You are a big egg, I can see the outcome already.” He said.

“A cloud told me the same thing, but I wasn’t at this level yet.” Li Qiye smiled.

“One of the spirits?” He asked.

“Yes, I suppose I do need to leave or all of you would be living in fear each day.” Li Qiye said.

“Either way, I am of no use, I need to disassemble and return to where I should be.” He said.

“Right, but you can be useful.” Li Qiye said.

“In what manner?” He asked.

“I have an idea about returning this world to all living beings.” Li Qiye said.

“By leaving behind your supreme will?” He asked.

“That would defeat the purpose, antithetical to the goal.” Li Qiye shook his head.

“Then how can you be sure that it would stay this way once you’re gone? That’s impossible.” He stared at Li Qiye in confusion.