Emperor’s Domination

external items.” Li Qiye nodded.

“I see. I understand your definition now – someone who has both everlasting life and indestructibility is a true immortal.” The youth speculated.

“One more thing.” Li Qiye smiled: “Using their own dao! Now thats not relying on any external factor. Otherwise, right here and now, I can turn back towards Three Immortals and become an immortal!”

“….” The youth was peerless enough to understand Li Qiyes intent right away.

“Youre still not an immortal.” The youth took a deep breath.

“Its because I look down on doing so.” Li Qiye smiled: “No one in Three Immortals can touch me right now, not even the three emperors together.”

This casual statement was enough to declare his supremacy.

“Allow me to thank you for being so virtuous on behalf of all living beings in Three Immortals. Your merciful thought blesses all of us.” The youth got on his knees.

“Stand up, I dont accept this one.” Li Qiye shook his head.

The confused youth stood up but didnt directly ask.

“This has nothing to do with virtue and mercy. On the contrary, brutality and murder are my themes. One thought of mine will end with a massacre, leaving behind only blood and bones. The only reason why I wont do it is once again, I look down on doing so.” He spoke with more arrogance and pride than any others.

“Do you know why the disdain is there?” Li Qiye asked.

“Im all ears, Teacher.” The youth said.

“The dao heart. As I said earlier, all are just pseudo-immortals regardless of how strong they are. They can break the firmament and sweep through the realms, it doesnt matter. Only an unchanging dao heart will reach the truth and at that point, one will become a true immortal without relying on external help.” Li Qiye elaborated.

“I understand. Becoming a true immortal requires a peerless dao heart more than pure power.” The youth nodded.

“Thats right.” Li Qiye nodded: “A master can create light and dark or save the souls with a single thought. However, this doesnt stop them from having a heart devil and falling into darkness. Only an unchanging dao heart will reach the ultimate truth.”

“Yes.” The youth replied.

Li Qiye turned towards the ocean and continued: “Some have gone really far but unfortunately, urgency among other things made them fall. Its too late to try and go back once they have crossed the line, betraying their original purity. Their dao heart would have moved and theres no putting it back in the right place.”

He paused for a bit before adding: “Thats why the three emperors are quite impressive. They didnt take the next step and still managed to maintain their pure heart.”

“It is our fortune.” The youth agreed.

“Im sure you know that Three Immortals have prospered enough after so many years. Very delicious, dont you think?” Li Qiye said.

“I dont dare to think about this.” The youth put on a forced smile, feeling a chill running down his spine despite being at the apex of this generation.

“The greatest of delicacies especially for the starving ones. They wont be able to maintain their dao heart and will see Three Immortals as a delicious steak.” Li Qiye said.

“Teacher, that doesnt sound optimistic at all.” The youth smiled wryly.

“You have been sitting here for so long to look at the ocean. I know you can sense it.” Li Qiye gave him the side-eye.

“Agitation.” The youth hesitated before admitting.

“Uncrossable Expanse has been the same throughout history, why is it changing now?” Li Qiye asked.

“I do not dare to speculate baselessly.” The youth pondered for a bit before answering.

“I can tell you.” Li Qiye smiled before focusing his eyes towards the horizon.

1. Im not sure if I made it clear with this vague passage, but my own interpretation is that the youth is afraid of Li Qiye devouring the world to become an immortal. Li Qiye is saying that he wont

2. This word can mean sir/mister/teacher. But in this case, teacher is the most correct based on the narrative. People usually call scholars this to show respect