Chapter 1098: Three Grand Imperial Kings
Li Qiye's thirteen palaces left many people feeble and despairing.
"Thirteen palaces…" So many people lost their minds as they murmured: "Why was I born into this generation? Do the heavens want to oppress me so? Li Qiye will certainly become the Immortal Emperor of this era!" Even the previous generation who considered Li Qiye an enemy had to admit as much.
Li Qiye ignored the crowd and took the girls to the City of Emperors.
The City of Emperors was gigantic. In the Imperial Border, there was not another city of the same size. In the old ages, this city belonged to the Imperial Lord. He used to rule over the border from this location.
After so many years, the city had lost its master, resulting in its appearance becoming a bit gloomy. Its imperial momentum no longer soared to the sky.
A huge bell was hanging above the city. It had not been rung for who knew how many years and had a greenish bronze tint to it.
According to legends, only Imperial Kings could ring this bell. Other people, regardless of how powerful they may be, wouldn't be able to.
Li Qiye glanced at this bell hanging high in the sky and gently knocked on it.
"Clang! Clang! Clang!" The bell echoed across the entire border. Every single soldier heard the noise.
In fact, it wasn't only Imperial Kings who could ring the bell, it was only those who had an imperial sword. Li Qiye intended on summoning the three other Imperial Kings holding the special swords by ringing this bell.
"Creakk—" The shut gate of the city slowly opened after the bell sounded. It had been closed for so long that when it opened, an ancient gust of air immediately rushed out.
"You guys stay outside." Li Qiye told the girls before entering by himself.
The girls didn't question it and waited outside.
Many people saw this scene and were quite surprised. All along, outsiders couldn't open the gate to this city, not even Godkings. But today, Li Qiye managed to do so with ease.
A common cultivator murmured: "First it was the Dark Maxim Palace, now it is the City of Emperors. Fiercest is truly too devilish, it's as if nothing in this world can trouble him."
"What is more devilish in this world than having thirteen palaces?" Someone next to him responded: "If he has thirteen palaces, nothing else really matters."
The first speaker couldn't help but smile wryly after hearing this. It was indeed the truth. Nothing in this world was more astonishing than having that many palaces.
"Evil Buddha, Devil King, Imperial King, he can transform so freely. Just what is his dao heart?" A knowledgeable expert became quite curious.
Even if he could put on the disguise, the evil energy and imperial momentum weren't things that could be fabricated. It truly required the person to have a devil or an imperial heart.
"Boom, boom, boom!" While many were curious, the sky suddenly shook. A cavalry approached from the sky. It was a huge imperial army.
Leading this army was an Imperial King with an engulfing imperial momentum. He was blind in one eye while the other one had a demonic feel to it.
This was one of the three grand Imperial Kings of the border — Evil-eyed Emperor!
Even though the border had many kingdoms, only the kings of the three great empires were eligible to show up!
This cavalry quickly reached the City of Emperors. The Evil-eyed Emperor jumped down from his chariot and ordered the soldiers: "Stay outside."
With that, he entered the city. Right afterward, another explosion detonated. A different cavalry approached. The Imperial King leading this troop looked quite scholarly. He was titled Erudite Emperor. 1 combined with [page/leaf]. I didn't find any references to this title and translating it literally can be weird. I'm guessing "page" here stands for being an intellectual, so erudite can fit well.]
He also left his troops outside of the city and went in alone. Not long after, the last emperor came — Triumphant Emperor. He did the same as the previous two and entered by himself.
Inside the City of Emperors, Li Qiye, in his imperial armor, sat imperiously above and glanced at the three new arrivals.
Erudite slowly spoke: "War, you have finally returned."
Li Qiye only smiled. His imperial momentum was even stronger than the other three.
"Hah…" Evil-eyed Emperor sneered: "War, you think it is appropriate for an outsider like you to sit here and give out orders?"
Li Qiye only glanced at him and answered: "Evil-eyed, don't try that sarcastic tone in front of me. Does it matter whether I am an outsider or not? The important thing is that I have an imperial heart, one that is stronger than yours!" His eyes turned cold as he went on: "If you aren't convinced, you can challenge me. I will suck you dry of your momentum so that you can start as a foot soldier all over again! I trust that there are many Imperial Kings at the border right now who would be more than happy to have your sword!"
Evil-eyed only scowled and didn't want to continue this conversation. He was only a junior before War Emperor. Moreover, Li Qiye was right. One's identity didn't matter here, only the dao heart had importance.
War Emperor had received an imperial sword, this meant that the Imperial Border recognized him! In fact, he was the only outsider for millions of years to have been accepted by this place.
"It isn't easy for all of us to come together, let's have a nice talk." Triumphant Emperor mediated.
"I'm an easy person to speak to." Li Qiye lazily sat there while still having an unreachable temperament: "However, if someone wants to challenge my authority, it won't be a nice talk anymore."
Evil-eyed snorted in response. Even though he had an unfavorable view of War Emperor, he wasn't willing to break all pretenses of cordiality with him. After all, the border knew just how strong the Kingdom of Emperors was.
"What is your plan for coming back this time?" Erudite Emperor quickly changed the topic.
The Kingdom of Emperors had been sealed in the icy mountain for a very long time now without coming out. This was a great matter for the Imperial Border and especially for the three great empires.
Triumphant Emperor also inquired: "Do you want to enter the Expedition Path?!"
It has been a long time since an empire has embarked on the path.
Li Qiye glanced at the emperors and flatly asked: "You three don't want to do it?"
Erudite Emperor wanted to say something, but he only gently sighed in the end. Triumphant Emperor spoke instead with some hesitation: "I do! But compared to the empires that have done so in the past, my empire is still not capable enough, so I want to wait for several more generations before going."
For the imperial soldiers and everyone at the border, time was not an issue. Normally, if they weren't fighting or mining, they would be slumbering.
"You actually think that is possible?" Li Qiye gently shook his head: "Waiting for a few generations?"
"What do you mean?" Evil-eyed Emperor raised his brows at Li Qiye and asked right away.
"For us, time is not an issue, the last thing we needed was time. However, that is all in the past. Right now, time is especially precious for the entire border." Li Qiye explained.
The other two emperors were startled. Triumphant tried to get some clarification right away: "War Emperor, what do you mean…"
"The Buddhist Funeral Plateau will not give you time." Li Qiye elaborated: "According to a quick estimation, the plateau might take action in this generation."
"This is only your speculation." Evil-eyed scowled with distrust.
Li Qiye coldly stared at him: "Evil-eyed, do you think I need to deceive you? If I wanted to rob you of everything, must I resort to treachery? With my imperial heart, I can control all the momentum in the border. With that, I can devour your momentum. It would be as easy as turning my hand over!"
Evil-eyed's expression sank. Even though he was not happy about it, he had to admit that this was true. He would lose everything and have to start over again as a new soldier.
"Don't forget, I can come and go whenever I want." Li Qiye slowly said: "I understand the plateau and those old monks much more than the three of you. I have seen his current status and he is ready to fight whenever!"
The emperors glanced at each other for a bit. If the plateau was really ready to fight, then time was not on their side anymore. What was in abundance before had become quite scarce, resulting in an urgent situation.
Erudite Emperor asked: "Do you have any suggestions?"
Li Qiye stared at the three and answered: "I came this time to discuss this matter with the three of you. My Kingdom of Emperors along with your three empires can work together to enter the Expedition Path."
"Work together?" The emperors became quite moved after hearing this. They knew just how strong the Kingdom of Emperors was. Plus, it had a frightening amount of Regal Gold.
"However, there is no free lunch in this world." Li Qiye slowly added: "Our kingdom can let you come along on the path, but I have a condition."
This title is a bit weird. It is [prime/best ↩Chapter 1099: Decision
"What kind of condition?" Evil-eyed cautiously stared at Li Qiye.
Li Qiye promptly replied: "It is very simple, I want your three empires to be the vanguard!"
"So it boils down to you wanting us as cannon fodder." Evil-eyed snorted: "If we act as your vanguard, only your kingdom will benefit. We will not participate in a matter like this."
Li Qiye only coldly stared at him and spoke: "Evil-eyed, how many years have you lived for? Your vision is still so short. It seems that you have wasted all of these years living."
"You!" Evil-eyed became angry right away. He stood up and glared at Li Qiye.
"Gentlemen, harmony is to be prized, harmony is to be prized." Erudite Emperor quickly interjected: "Can we just sit down and discuss nicely instead of fighting after two or three sentences? This is a rare occasion for us to be together."
Evil-eyed scowled and still sat down despite being discontent.
Li Qiye stared at the emperors and went on: "After entering the path, all of our kingdoms will be in the same boat. Everyone will work together, so there is no such thing as cannon fodder. Having my Kingdom of Emperors in the rear will only make your kingdoms safer! On this journey, this is the only way for you all to be worry-free. It is not that I'm looking down on you all, but what do you think the chances of your three kingdoms successfully crossing are? Plus, do you have enough Regal Gold?"
"It is not that we can't work together. We know your kingdom's strength full well, but if you can't give us some kind of guarantee, how can we trust you?" Triumphant Emperor added.
Li Qiye smiled and shook his head: "Triumphant, the three of you are still too narrow-minded. Compared to the great emperors before you, there is still a big gap. It is not that you are not powerful enough, it is because of your insight and insufficient knowledge. However, this isn't your fault. After all, the previous emperors all came under the Imperial Lord. They knew and understood much more than the three of you."
He stared at them and continued on: "Your eyes are fixated on territory. The thing that you want to do is to protect your throne and maintain your kingdom."
"You feel that my Kingdom of Emperors might maneuver and seize your resources." Li Qiye chuckled: "But if I really wanted to do so, why would I wait until now? When my Kingdom of Emperors was on the same level as the emperors from the previous generation, you all only led lesser nations. In that generation, it is not difficult for me to unify the Imperial Border."
"But why is it that I still haven't done so? To be frank, it is because this land alone is not enough for me, and I have no interest in this little authority. If I truly desired such power, would it be your three empires' turn to rise?"
Li Qiye coldly went on while glaring at the three: "In my eyes, your little authorities are not worth mentioning."
Such words were quite arrogant, but even Evil-eyed Emperor did not retort this time.
"The Kingdom of Emperors working with your three empires is due to my hope that everyone can cross the Expedition Path. It really is that simple." Li Qiye coldly said: "There would be no need for any scheming if I wanted your empires. My kingdom could just mobilize our troops and not long after, my endless cavalries would be able to wipe out everything!"
In an instant, the three emperors turned quiet. Despite their reluctance, they had to admit that Li Qiye's kingdom had such power.
After a long silence, the first to speak was Erudite Emperor: "My empire is willing to embark on the Expedition Path with the Kingdom of Emperors."
"If time doesn't wait for us, our destination shall be the Expedition Path. My empire is willing to go together as well." Triumphant Emperor added.
"Then add my empire as well." Evil-eyed finished it off.
"Very well, this is a wise decision." Li Qiye nodded: "Hopefully, everyone will be able to tide over any difficulty. Regardless what is waiting for us on the other side, we will at least tread forward with courage!"
Both sides agreed and set up an agreement for the four empires to enter the Expedition Path together.
"I also have another little request." After the agreement was made, Li Qiye looked at the emperors and spoke: "I want to borrow your imperial swords for a bit to open the imperial cave."
The emperors glanced at each other for a bit. Erudite Emperor nodded his head: "I have no objections. When we enter the path, these swords will change masters anyway, so why not let War Emperor borrow them?"
Triumphant pondered for a bit before agreeing as well: "If War Emperor needs it, then you can take it."
"War Emperor, didn't you say that there is no free lunch in this world?" Evil-eyed more or less had a grudge towards Li Qiye, so he spoke with some annoyance.
Li Qiye smiled and said: "Yes, there is no free lunch in this world, but that depends on the parties. I am asking you to borrow the sword to show my respect. If I didn't respect you, do you think I would need to ask?"
Evil-eyed scowled and didn't want to speak further. He threw his imperial sword at Li Qiye and coldly uttered: "Take it then, no need to thank me."
"Thank you then." Li Qiye leisurely smiled after catching the sword.
Evil-eyed snorted. He was very annoyed, but there was no point in talking since he couldn't beat War Emperor.
"War Emperor, will you also be going with us on the Expedition Path?" Erudite was curious.
Li Qiye gently sighed and shook his head: "No, I will not enter the path. At that time, I will pass down my imperial portal and momentum to Zhan Qi. He will be the Kingdom of Emperors' new ruler!"
"I still have a lot of unfinished business in this vast mundane world." Li Qiye slowly said: "This is where I envy the three of you. Completely carefree without emotions and restraints, you can leave at a moment’s notice."
The emperors had no comment about Li Qiye not going because he was going to pass down his imperial momentum to his general, Zhan Qi. With this legacy, Zhan Qi would be as powerful as War Emperor, so it was essentially the same.
After a while, Triumphant spoke: "There is something that I don't know if I should ask or not."
"Who knows if we will meet each other again? So there's no need to be reserved." Li Qiye nodded.
Triumphant contemplated his wording before speaking: "In the Imperial Border, there is a rumor. It states that back then, you, War Emperor, walked through the Expedition Path by yourself. Is this true?" 1
"Oh? About that." Li Qiye smiled: "It doesn't matter if it is true or not. In short, I will not let the children of the Kingdom of Emperors perish in vain. After all, they have followed me from one generation to the next."
Li Qiye stared at the emperors to stress his point: "However, this does not mean that the path will be flat. Who knows what the result of the expedition will be? In other words, each person might see something different, it might vary depending on the generation as well."
"One must prepare for the worst before going." He said: "Whether it is fate or a natural progression, in short, everyone will have to gamble it all. Only by walking forward without fear will you be able to reach the other shore."
"The other shore…" Erudite suddenly felt a strange sadness: "Who knows what is waiting for us on the other side… What kind of world will it be? The Imperial Lord left along with all the other great emperors, and now it is our turn."
For millions of years, ever since the Imperial Lord entered the Expedition Path, all of his powerful generals followed right after him. Along the river of time, one empire embarked on this journey after another.
Today, emperors like Triumphant, Erudite, and Evil-eyed were only little characters during the Imperial Lord's era. Among them, one used to be a foot soldier while another was a captain, and now, they finally became Imperial Kings.
Nevertheless, they still had to face the same choice as their predecessors — embarking on the Expedition Path.
Li Qiye said: "No matter what is waiting for us on the other side, it will be the closing of a curtain, an end."
If there were other options, he wouldn't let the Kingdom of Emperors enter the path. There were too many uncertainties in this decision.
However, there was no other way. If he could take imperial soldiers out of the Lesser Imperial Devil World, he would have done so long ago for his millions of troops.
Rather than waiting to become the cannon fodder of the plateau, he would rather let them take a gamble and enter the path. Perhaps there was still hope.
On the other hand, being tied to the war chariot of the Buddhist Funeral Plateau had an easily predictable end. Regardless of the ultimate outcome, cannon fodder would not have a good ending.
"Okay, there is nothing worth remembering here anyway, let us go for it." In the end, even Evil-eyed Emperor said this.
Raw reader be like, Ohhhhh. ↩