Chapter 713: Emperor Suppression Art
"Who could stop the heavens from slashing one's lifespan? Not to mention Godkings, even True Gods with the blood of the heavens running through their veins wouldn't be able to." Li Qiye responded dismissively.
"Godking" was a simple title for top existences among cultivators. At the Virtuous Paragon realm, each of the individual levels had a certain title.
These were divided into the following levels from weakest to strongest: great power's ancestors, legendary masters, eternal existences, and apex existences.
Great power's ancestors were normally ordinary Virtuous Paragons. Legendary masters were the the strongest among these ordinary paragons.
Eternal existences were different. To be able to earn the title of eternal, these paragons must be able to earn a divine title or be able to establish their own country.
As for apex existences, there were several theories. Some people considered God-Monarchs to be apex existences while others considered Godkings to be at this level.
Of course, there were also those who considered God-Monarchs as eternal existences. There was also a distinction with this title. If the monarch was bestowed the title by an Immortal Emperor, then this monarch could be considered an apex existence.
So to speak, if a God-Monarch personally dubbed themselves with this title or if it was flattery from low level cultivators, then they would only be considered an eternal existence.
Real Godkings were even more extraordinary. They were top level existences without superiors! A real Godking wasn't only bestowed the title by an Immortal Emperor, they must also be recognized by the nine worlds as well as the invincible generals and officials of that time! This type of Godking was the real deal!
The truth was that a real Godking would only appear twice or thrice each generation. As for those who called themselves "Godking" or were referred to as such by others, they were most likely unqualified for this title.
For instance, the Allpine Treefather. Without an Immortal Emperor bestowing the title upon him, he decided not to call himself a Godking. However, he was truly qualified to become one since he possessed the power of a Godking.
"Indeed, even Godkings are helpless against the high heavens." The treefather said with a tinge of emotion: "When the heavens wants to end life, not even a True God can stop it, let alone a Godking. In this world, only an Immortal Emperor would be able to withstand the heavens."
"True God" was another title. Just like its name suggests, they are real gods that did not belong to the human race, the demon race, or any other contemporary race!
Legend states that True Gods were deities unknown to the rest of the cultivators. They were from a secret race that outsiders did not know of. People believed that they had the bloodline of the heavens, so they were destined to be deities upon birth! Even charming spirits, who were referred to as the heaven's favored children, couldn't compare to True Gods!
True God was not just another name for supreme power, it also represented a very mysterious existence.
If a Godking and a True God were to have the same strength, the same treasures, and the same merit laws, the True God would have a great advantage due to their heavenly bloodline. They had advantages that the rest of the cultivators in this world lacked.
Li Qiye smiled and said: "Not necessarily. Those who can withstand the heavens are not limited to Immortal Emperors. A few supreme lords can defy the heavens as well."
"Supreme lords…" Even an apex existence like the treefather sighed after hearing this title: "The ones who are able to tread this world freely, able to assail even Immortal Emperors."
Although the treefather was currently the highest existence in the Stone Medicine World and even respected by a lineage like the Alchemy Kingdom, he was still without confidence when Emperor Assailants were brought up.
These were existences that very few people knew about. In fact, how many people in this world actually managed to come into contact with one?
There were several theories regarding these supreme lords. Some considered Godkings to be supreme lords, but many people did not support such a claim.
There were quite a few who consider existences capable of assailing Immortal Emperors to be supreme lords. This rang especially true for powerful cultivators; in their eyes, only existences capable of harming Immortal Emperors could be called supreme lords, experts capable of treading the world freely!
The treefather emotionally sighed. Even he didn't dare to call himself a supreme lord or an Emperor Assailant.
In the midst of his wishful thinking, the treefather calmed down and gently shook his head while revealing a gentle smile to say: "Since Young Noble Li seems so confident, you must surely have a method to solve my problem."
Li Qiye was as calm as ever. He smiled and said: "The high heavens wished to end life, so it sent down its power. I know that a terrifying calamity was left behind in your root. If this was in the past, then it would be very problematic. Even if it could be dealt with, it would require a lot of methods and even a thousand years of effort. However, it seems that lady luck is smiling upon you. Right now, I have a shortcut to deal with your problem."
Although the treefather had lived for millions of years, he was still excited and quickly asked: "Nothing could be better then! What is Young Noble Li's condition?"
"There is no need to rush negotiations. Before that, I have a question for Treefather."
"What does Young Noble want to know? As long as I know the answer, I'll reveal everything." The treefather quickly responded.
At this time, he required Li Qiye's assistance. Even though he was one of the two great demon forefathers, he still needed to please Li Qiye.
"Your legacy techniques are from the Emperor Suppression Art!" Li Qiye slowly uttered with a serious gaze.
The treefather was caught off guard. He stared at Li Qiye with a shocked expression and asked: "How did Young Noble Li find out?!"
"So it is so." Li Qiye couldn't help but gently sigh. He looked towards the far distance and became silent as if lost in memories.
Madam Zi Yan was slightly startled as well. She had seen Li Qiye's expression before back in the old house on the outskirts of the capital.
"Does Young Noble Li know the origin of this legacy?" The treefather asked in a humble manner after seeing Li Qiye's expression.
Li Qiye composed himself and looked at the treefather to say: "The name of your cultivation method is Emperor Suppression Art; you actually didn't know about its origin?"
The treefather wryly smiled and shook his head to answer: "I'm afraid others would find this matter hard to believe. Since Young Noble Li recognizes this art, then it is fine to tell you. I am a pine tree at my roots. A very long time ago, I was only being affected by a little bit of spirit energy from the Allpine Great Vein… This amount of spirit energy was neither enough for me to become a demon nor for me to gain sentience. However, it gave me a sliver of awareness. Nevertheless, I was not able to recognize or identify items."
The treefather paused for a moment before continuing: "It wasn't until one day when a woman came to Allpine Mountain that things changed. Although I couldn't tell things apart, I would never forget the moment of her arrival."
Li Qiye looked at the treefather and slowly said: "The strange phenomena of the nine worlds where myriad realms float… Even if the deities were in this world, and even if the Godkings were still present, they would not dare to come close; they would only prostrate from far away. The endless dao of the world could only be below her feet. The heavens above could be nothing but silent. She carries the dazzling Heaven's Will. Under her illuminating radiance, everything else becomes dim and listless."
The treefather was astounded and exclaimed after hearing Li Qiye's description: "How does Young Noble Li know?"
Li Qiye only sighed softly and didn't answer the treefather.
The treefather didn't pry any further. He also gazed into the distance to immerse himself in the past, mumbling: "That scene is unforgettable. Even though I had seen Immortal Emperors later on, I'm afraid she was the most powerful existence I have ever seen. Although I couldn't open my eyes to witness the world back then, I could sense it… At that time, all existences in the Stone Medicine World prostrated. Even the most heaven-defying existence in the Alchemy Kingdom didn't dare to approach, he could only continue hiding!"
"What happened afterward?" Li Qiye asked slowly.
The treefather responded: "I didn't know who she was, but she stood above Allpine Mountain and looked towards the distant horizon in the direction of the Giant Bamboo Country. She stood still for a very long time. Eventually, before leaving, she only glanced at me once. Under this gaze, I felt that all existences in this world were suppressed, and I was even more insignificant than a speck of dust."
"With a casual motion, she left behind a universal law on my tree body." The treefather couldn't calm his emotions and explained: "At first, I couldn't comprehend this universal law. Even though it seemed very simple, the mysteries inside were boundless like an ocean. For many years since then, I kept on studying its profoundness and, because of this, I was slowly able to take root in the Allpine Great Vein until I became one with it."
"That is quite incredible. You were without guidance, yet you were able to understand the Emperor Suppression Art. Your accomplishments today definitely were not just coincidences." Li Qiye praised.
The treefather didn't show the slightest bit of arrogance as he replied: "This was because I was fortunate enough to be born above the great vein. Taking root in it allowed me to live for this long. I was able to learn this universal law through the long and monotonous river of time. As my comprehension of this law grew, I finally became a demon with sentience. The more I furthered my understanding of this law, the more powerful I became."
713 Teasers"Who could stop the heavens from slashing one's lifespan? Not to mention Godkings, even True Gods with the blood of the heavens running through their veins wouldn't be able to." Li Qiye responded dismissively.
"Godking" was a simple title for cultivators regarding top existences. At the Virtuous Paragon realm, each of the individual levels had a certain title.
These were divided into the following levels from weakest to strongest: great power's ancestors, legendary masters, eternal existences, and apex existences.
Great power's ancestors were normally ordinary Virtuous Paragons. Legendary masters were the strongest among these ordinary paragons.
Eternal existences were different. To be able to earn the eternal title, these paragons must be able to earn a divine title or be able to establish their own country.
As for apex existences, there were several theories. Some people considered God-Monarchs to be apex existences while others considered Godkings to be at this level.
Of course, there were also those who considered God-Monarchs as eternal existences. There was also a distinction with this title. If the monarch was bestowed the title by an Immortal Emperor, then this monarch could be considered an apex existence.
So to speak, if a God-Monarch personally dubbed themselves with this title or if it was flattery from low-level cultivators, then they would only be considered an eternal existence.
Real Godkings were even more extraordinary. They were top level existences without superiors.
[collapse]Chapter 714: Origin Of The Emperor Suppression Art
The madam behind Li Qiye was also moved. Just one universal law was able to create the Allpine Treefather. Just how powerful and terrifying was this heaven-defying merit law named "Emperor Suppression Art"?
"I have always been comprehending this law. It was not until I reached the top that I finally derived all of its profound mysteries. At that point, I discovered the runes that had the name of this law, the Emperor Suppression Art." The treefather explained.
"The Emperor Suppression Art, a cultivation method capable of suppressing Immortal Emperors." Li Qiye quietly mused. He became quiet and recalled the past once more.
His words left the treefather and the madam astonished. Immortal Emperors were invincible in this world. Could someone actually manage to suppress them?
The treefather took a deep breath and had to ask: "This art can suppress Immortal Emperors?"
Li Qiye smiled and gently shook his head to say: "I am not looking down on you, but you definitely won't be able to do so. Of course, that woman is another story. Your Emperor Suppression Art is only a very small part of the complete technique."
"So that is the case." The treefather stated: "Nevertheless, this Emperor Suppression Art made me who I am today, so I am already very satisfied."
"Your attitude is admirable. Perhaps it is because of this that you are able to have today's accomplishments, it wasn't just a coincidence." Li Qiye smiled while gazing at the distance.
"I wonder if Young Noble Li can inform me about which lineage my legacy art came from?" Li Qiye still hadn't revealed his art's origin, so he looked at Li Qiye longingly.
For the rest of the world, the treefather's cultivation was from self-enlightenment, but the treefather knew the truth in his heart. Although the treefather couldn't leave Allpine Mountain, he had ordered his disciples to pay some attention to see if there were any lineages or merit laws in this world that were similar to them. However, after so many years, none of his disciples were able to see a merit law from the same branch as them.
Li Qiye withdrew his gaze and looked at the treefather, saying: "It is fine to tell you. This Emperor Suppression Art came from Empress Hong Tian." 1
"Empress Hong Tian…" The madam lost her voice and exclaimed after hearing this name.
Even the treefather was shocked: "The Empress Hong Tian Young Noble Li is talking about is the person who destroyed the legendary Divine Beast Realm!"
"Yes, that is her." Li Qiye murmured. He suddenly felt a bit dejected as he secretly sighed. Hong Tian… Hong Tian…
The madam was astonished. Empress Hong Tian — this name was too shocking and carried too much weight. For millions of years, Immortal Emperors came and went, and some of the emperors were also women.
However, when it came to Empress Hong Tian, even other Immortal Emperors would quiver! There was a saying in the future generations: if there was someone in this world who could compare to Immortal Emperor Jiao Heng, then it would definitely be Empress Hong Tian! 2
The empress swept through myriad realms and suppressed the heavens. During her era, every existence and lineage perpetually trembled in fear!
Someone once said that Empress Hong Tian was the most powerful emperor in this world while others argued that Immortal Emperor Jiao Heng was the strongest. No one had an answer for this debate.
However, one thing was certain; though millions of years have passed, the name "Empress Hong Tian" was still a deterring force and a cause for fear. One could imagine just how powerful she was back in that era.
"Empress Hong Tian… Her legends include massacring the Thousand Emperors Gate and destroying the Divine Beast Realm." The absent-minded treefather didn't think that his legacy had such a grand origin.
"That's nothing." Li Qiye lightly said. For Empress Hong Tian back then, nothing was impossible. To be more exact, there was nothing that those two couldn't do.
This included attacking the Immortal Demon Grotto! However, there were always some matters that couldn't be helped in this world. Due to a few circumstances, they eventually parted ways.
"I don't know too much about the Thousand Emperors Gate back in the Mortal Emperor World." The treefather had to say: "But the Divine Beast Realm… This was the mythical lineage with a divine beast! A real divine beast! Alas, they still couldn't escape the fate of being annihilated. In the legends, the Divine Beast Realm ruled over the Stone Medicine World for countless moons. Back in that era, even the Alchemy Kingdom was nothing compared to the Divine Beast Realm."
The treefather sighed here before continuing: "Although I had not seen its strength, the old alchemist of the Alchemy Kingdom told me about it. No one was without fear of that realm during their era."
The madam felt a chill after hearing this old story. In the present day, the Alchemy Kingdom was a monster that could be said to be untouchable by any lineage or existence. People wouldn't be able to imagine an even more terrifying and powerful lineage. The Divine Beast Realm… a lineage that actually had a real divine beast!
Although many lineages have Divine Beast Protectors, they were not real divine beasts. Even the Alchemy Kingdom and the Jianlong Clan couldn't have real divine beasts. Their beasts only had the bloodline of real divine beasts.
A lineage with a real one was beyond imagination. What was even more inconceivable was that this lineage with a real divine beast was actually destroyed at the hands of Empress Hong Tian! How terrifying was this matter? One could only visualize the battle that was fought — stomping on an eternal lineage and killing a divine beast.
After hearing this old tale, the name "Empress Hong Tian" left an indelible impression on the madam.
"In this world, even a lineage that is more powerful than the current ones would not be invincible. An older lineage will not be eternal. Whether to continue passing on their teachings or not is up to them." Li Qiye smiled dismissively.
Only he knew the inside story regarding the destruction of the Thousand Emperors Gate and the Divine Beast Realm. The battles of those years frightened the nine worlds and its inhabitants as its influence swept through everywhere.
The treefather gently sighed. After living for so long, of course he had seen the rise and fall, the beginnings and ends of many sects.
"Well, everything on my end has been taken care of." Li Qiye smiled and said while looking at the treefather: "We can talk about your problem now. I can definitely deal with it, and you will definitely be able to separate from the Allpine Grand Vein. Moreover, living for this generation would not be an issue."
"Really…?" Upon hearing this, the treefather was immediately ecstatic. No news could be better than this. After being punished by the heavens, he couldn't even leave this place because he had to constantly suppress this grand tribulation underground. If not, it would destroy all things, including this Allpine Mountain that he had nurtured for millions of years.
Although he managed to keep his suppression in check, recently, it was becoming more powerful. If this continued, he wouldn't just only die from old age, the entire mountain would also be destroyed.
"This is certainly true. I can guarantee to solve your issue without leaving behind any future complications." Li Qiye calmly stated as if he had known everything beforehand.
The treefather looked at this young man ahead and didn't know what to say.
"Oh? You don't believe me?" Li Qiye calmly said: "If you don't believe me, then there's nothing I can do. It is fine to not accept this deal."
The treefather took a deep breath and said: "I believe! The old heavens will always create a miracle." The Alchemy Kingdom and the Jianlong Clan were not able to solve his problem. And if these existences were not able to do so, then it was even more inconceivable for a junior like Li Qiye to. However, the treefather still chose to trust Li Qiye. Like he said, the old heavens would create a miracle.
To this, Li Qiye responded with a shake of his head: "In my eyes, the old heavens has never created a miracle. Only I, Li Qiye, will be able to create a miracle!"
How overbearing were these words? The treefather had seen countless young geniuses. Some were extremely brilliant across the eons, but none of them were as domineering as the one before him.
The treefather took a deep breath and solemnly stated: "What is Young Noble Li's condition? Just say the word and my Allpine Mountain will meet your demands." After living for so long, he naturally understood that there was no such thing as a free lunch in this world.
Li Qiye calmly replied: "My condition is very simple. Right now, I am missing a powerful Virtuous Paragon, and you just so happen to be the right man for the spot. What do you think?"
The treefather looked at Li Qiye and asked in a serious tone: "Young Noble Li is trying to say that you want me to be your dao protector?"
Li Qiye met his gaze and slowly spoke: "Treefather, this Li Qiye is not trying to look down on you. These words might be difficult to listen to, but if I really wanted to find a dao protector, then an Immortal Emperor would barely meet the requirements. Other people are not qualified to do so. Only I can be the dao protector of others, no one can be my dao protector."
These unbelievably arrogant words left the treefather speechless. Even the madam standing next to him couldn't help but smile awkwardly, but she was almost used to this attitude.
Empress Hong Tian = Vast Heaven Empress, definitely a majestic title. ↩ Jiao Heng = Proud Domination. ↩Chapter 715: The Deal
The treefather did not become angry. Instead, he stared at Li Qiye for a while before replying in a deep tone: "Young Noble Li, you should know that even Ye Qingcheng had beseeched me to become his dao protector. Moreover, I didn't need to go with him, I was only required to point out his mistakes during his cultivation. By doing so, he would even worship me as his master."
"Ye Qingcheng? Don't know who that is." Li Qiye flatly said: "Besides, I, Li Qiye, am not someone that nobodies can compare to. Treefather, I'll be frank, you can be called a Godking, an apex existence. You are indeed amazing. However, you still have a long ways to go before reaching true invincibility."
After her Young Master said such a statement, the madam felt cold sweat running down her back. Someone who was short-tempered would instantly become angry and suppress them.
However, the treefather was not angry at all. He nodded solemnly and said: "Young Noble Li's words are true. Even in the Stone Medicine World, I am not unbeatable."
Li Qiye went straight to the point: "Treefather, let me put it this way. If I truly needed someone to work for me, then back at the Giant Bamboo Country, I could have enlightened the Giant Bamboo. It was very willing to follow me; do you think that you are stronger than our Giant Bamboo? I didn't enlighten it because I hoped for it to continue on forever in this world. In fact, even if Treefather does not agree to pledge allegiance to me, I can still find one or two existences like you in the Stone Medicine World to join my banner."
Li Qiye paused for a moment before asking: "I left a spot for you, do you know why?"
"I am not clear on this, but I am all ears." The treefather said slowly.
LI Qiye calmly explained: "The reason is very simple. First, I want a challenge the old villainous heavens. Second, it is because of Empress Hong Tian! Although you only received a portion of that legacy, I hope that one day, the Emperor Suppression Art can follow me to the glorious peak of myriad races and leave its mark!"
The treefather was slightly dazed by this answer. He had many speculations, but none came close to this reason.
He took a deep breath and said: "What does Young Noble Li want my old bones to do?"
Li Qiye responded: "My condition is very simple. I will leave you a general's spot under my banner! In the future, I want you to sweep through the nine worlds and myriad races for me!"
The madam's heart started thumping after hearing this. How domineering was this ambition? At this moment, she seemed to be able to see her Young Master standing proudly above all the races.
"So Young Noble Li wants to obtain the Heaven's Will and become an Immortal Emperor!" The treefather said: "However, your opponents are numerous. Celestial Being Ye Qingcheng and Imperial Edge Mei Aonan — these are the strongest candidates for emperor-hood in this generation. In my opinion, both of them are very likely to become the next emperor."
"Immortal Emperor?" Li Qiye couldn't help but smile and say: "For me, Immortal Emperor is only the beginning. Treefather, there is no need to compare me to just anyone. Whether they are geniuses or fairies, I can't be bothered with them as long as they do not stand in my path. However, those who try to block me shall be killed without mercy!"
The madam wryly smiled in response. Who were Ye Qingcheng and Mei Aonan? No one among the younger generation would dare to look down on them, but her Young Master simply didn't pay them any mind.
However, she was confident that her Young Master would definitely be able to look down on existences like these two in the future.
Li Qiye asked: "Treefather, we are all sensible people here. Let us be quick and frank. Just one word, yes or no?"
The treefather looked at Li Qiye with a sagacious glimmer in his eyes. Others would find Li Qiye to be too boastful at this moment. Who was the treefather?! Li Qiye actually asked someone of his level to pledge loyalty to him. This was too irrational and inconceivable!
"Very well, since Young Noble Li is so confident, this old man will take a gamble. I hope that Young Noble will not disappoint me." The treefather eventually said solemnly.
"One day, you will understand just how wise this decision is. This is definitely the best one you will make in your lifetime." Li Qiye was very calm. It was as if taking in an existence like the treefather under his camp was not a big deal.
The treefather agreeing to the deal astounded the madam. This was the Allpine Treefather, an unfathomable existence, one of the two great demon forefathers of the Stone Medicine World, an expert whom others called "Godking"!
This would cause a great stir in the world if others were to know that the treefather had joined her Young Master. A Godking as the vanguard — just how tyrannical was this? Anyone would be shocked by such a sight.
Shortly after, Li Qiye and the treefather made a true fate vow at the same time. The treefather swore to always be loyal towards Li Qiye.
After the oaths were taken, Li Qiye told the treefather: "Very well, we'll get started. Take me there."
In the blink of an eye, Li Qiye and the treefather flashed and instantly disappeared. The madam didn't know where they went. She stood there silently, waiting for them to return.
The treefather brought Li Qiye to the deepest part of the Allpine Great Vein, to the most mysterious place underground.
Here, it was as if there was a dragon lying down as boundless worldly energy swirled around like an ocean. Of course, this was not the thing that attracted Li Qiye’s attention, he had seen many great veins before.
What drew in his gaze was the world of lightning before him. In this vast area, countless indescribably large roots surrounded the area. They were intertwined and formed the most terrifying prison to surround the endless world of lightning.
These thick streaks of lightning soared like crazed dragons with thunderous explosions everywhere, bombarding the void. It was as if this was the most dangerous and frightening location in the world. This area had become a field of lightning. Once trapped inside, anyone would be instantly incinerated.
The scariest part was that this lightning was created from magical runes. They had come together to form chapters capable of piercing and exploding all things in this world.
The treefather looked at the lightning field ahead and told Li Qiye: "This is the final tribulation that the heavens left behind after it slashed my lifespan. Although I managed to suppress it, I couldn't dispel it. The lightning field here is my nemesis. It can break all of my suppressive methods."
"It is not surprising for it to dispel your suppression. The old villainous heavens will not tolerate you." Li Qiye looked at the lightning field ahead and said: "Your legacy is from the Emperor Suppression Art while the old villainous heavens slashing your lifespan is something that goes counter to it. The runes and chapters inside this lightning field are the opposite of your legacy; they specialize in countering your cultivation, so how could you dispel it?"
"In the beginning, I didn't quite understand. Later on, I eventually understood the implications within as well." The treefather gently sighed and said: "Unfortunately, time would not wait for me. If I knew ahead of time that the heavens would slash my lifespan, I could have prepared even more. However, after my life reduction, my blood energy was greatly injured and couldn’t reach its peak state. I can only desperately suppress it; I don't even dare to take a single step away from this place."
"Don't worry. After dealing with this tribulation, you will still be able to cultivate. The Allpine Grand Vein is truly a good location. With sufficient time, the worldly energy of this location will bring you back to your peak condition." Li Qiye spoke while peering at the lightning field.
The treefather also nodded in agreement. The reason why he was able to live for so long was due to the grand vein. Otherwise, no matter how heaven-defying he might be, he still wouldn't have been able to live until now.
"Let us begin." Li Qiye told the treefather.
The treefather quickly said: "Do we need to prepare anything? Just let me know if you need any treasures or spirit medicines."
"No need, we'll begin now." Li Qiye shook his head in response.
The treefather readied himself as his expression slightly changed. A thunderous rumble rang as these pillaring branches started to loosen up.
"Boom!" The lightning field was freed from the tree's suppression and immediately exploded outward. In this instant, it seemed to have their own sentience and rushed towards Li Qiye's group like an unstoppable tide that covered the entire sky, wishing to drown the two.
Even the treefather was alarmed in the face of such monstrous lightning waves. Without a defensive barrier, they would instantly incinerate him.
"Open!" At this time, Li Qiye cried out. His master palace rushed forward and, with an eruption, it was as if his palace was opening a world.
His tree of life was lush and verdant, his cauldron of life's flame was scorching, and his pillar of life towered to the sky… With sonorous roars, the runes on the pillar of life began to spin and immediately created an ancient mark.