Emperor's Domination

The man stared at the horizon for a while before asking: “Sir, may I ask why you are here at the major ghost market?”

“It’s good that you ask because you might have an answer. There is this one battle known as Old Pact Strike, no one knows the conclusion.” Li Qiye said.

“I know the battle you’re referring to but due to the rules, we had to avoid it. Everything was in status and we knew little about the process and outcome.” The man said.

“Rules? So the ghost market was involved. Who were the participants from here?” Li Qiye smiled.

“Perhaps the ghost monarch.” The man said: “But in my opinion, it wasn’t a direct involvement. The monarch wasn’t the one to start this nor was the monarch able to close the market entirely.”

“So a higher existence, this place wasn’t a market back then and had nothing to do with Fiendish Ground. It belonged to Evil Transformation.” Li Qiye said.

“Yes, and I do not know what happened later since I came after.” He said: “We can only trace back to the source if we want an answer.”

“Fiendish Ground and Evil Transformation must have made a deal.” Li Qiye smiled.

“That should be the case given the rules, but with the perspective of the battle in mind, I believe the ghost market started from an outsider.” He said.

“The rules dictate for us to stay away. Nevertheless, we still felt something and I felt the presence of old friends.” He said.

“Then you knew who came.” Li Qiye said.

“Sir, I was close with Brother Wang Yangming so I sensed him.” The man revealed: “It was a powerful group consisting of the top progenitors in Three Immortals. Because of this, I don’t think the ghost market participated due to a disparity in power.”

“Sure, but their target was not Zhan Sansheng.” Li Qiye said.

“I agree, and in terms of aura, the person had something to do with the ghost market.” He paused for a second and said: “I know it’s easy for you to find the answer, it’s just that you don’t want to destroy the rules.”

“Yes, because when I do, you ghosts won’t live any longer.” Li Qiye smiled.

“The market will cease to exist then, I appreciate how merciful you’re being and for taking pity on us.” He sighed.

“Pity? I do not pity since you all chose to be ghosts out of your own volition. You are responsible for your current state.” Li Qiye said.

“I understand, it is something I should shoulder. That’s why I harbor little ambition and truly appreciate the joy you’ve shown me.” He nodded.

“The fact that you’re searching for the past shows you haven’t given up on it. It’s better to experience it again instead of whatever you’re doing right now.” Li Qiye said.

“It would have been good if I had understood this back then. I wouldn’t be in this state right now.” He said sentimentally.

“You wouldn’t have listened to me given how arrogant and dominant you were in Immortal Lineage World.” Li Qiye said.

He chuckled awkwardly before responding: “Sir, I wasn’t that arrogant and would have listened given the opportunity.”

“Listened? When you were in your prime, you would have tried to kill me instead of listening.” Li Qiye smiled.

“I am truly ashamed if that’s your assessment of the old me.” He said.

“You nearly wiped out someone’s clan just because they disrespected you.” Li Qiye said: “If I had said something unsavory, you wouldn’t have been able to handle it.”

“What you say makes sense, perhaps some disasters and tribulations are necessary.” He said.

“Being a ghost here has polished your mind and character.” Li Qiye said.

“I do not deserve your praise.” He bowed.

“Fine, if you don’t mind being a ghost, then keep at it.” Li Qiye said.

“Yes, I will. It is an honor to see you, Sir.” He bowed again and left.

Li Qiye chuckled and left with Six-style Emperor.

“He’s awfully strong.” Six-style couldn’t help but say. Her cultivation might be gone but not her insight.

“Yes, a competitor to any progenitor long ago.” Li Qiye nodded.

“So why is he a ghost here?” Six-style was curious. It couldn’t have been due to power or treasure since he had just given an ancestral weapon away.

“Those who are pitiful often have some flaws.” Li Qiye said: “Becoming a ghost for him is a form of atonement so he’s enjoying the process.”

“Atonement, I see.” She murmured.

Li Qiye returned to the currency exchange and gave White-robed Greenman’s eight sacred fruits to the owner.

“You’re back, Young Noble.” The owner happily said: “Sacred fruits aren’t worth as much as dao fruits but since you’re a returned esteemed guest, I will still give you eighty million coins.”

Li Qiye didn’t care for the sentiment, accepting the coins and leaving.

“Young Noble, please come back.” The owner said.

“Miss me already?” Li Qiye smiled.

“Hehe, which business doesn’t like esteemed guests, especially someone as great as yourself?” The man laughed.

“Is that so? I might just sweep your nest clean and take all your coins if I come back.” Li Qiye said.

“...” The man was left speechless for a moment: “You’re funny, Young Noble.”

“It depends on my patience. When I run out, I’ll flip not only your nest but also the entire market.” Li Qiye said.

“Please go, Young Noble, please go.” The man turned red and waved goodbye to Li Qiye, changing his mind entirely.