Chapter 801: Gifting Of The Bow
Li Qiye could have easily killed Jian Wushuang instead of sealing her with this one fist. However, he chose not to do so since he wanted a talent as proud and fierce as her.
He removed the seal and insipidly stated: "You have lost."
She couldn't calm down even after the seal was removed. Her mind had left her body as she was frozen for a long time. The earlier events were just too shocking for her.
"What do you have to say now?" Li Qiye smilingly asked after seeing her stunned appearance.
Her lost eyes finally regained their focus after a while. She stared at Li Qiye as if he was a monster; she had never seen someone like him before.
"I have nothing to say, I am utterly convinced of my defeat!" She responded with her head held high. Despite being proud, losing was losing and she would not renege on the bet.
Li Qiye stared at her: "It is the time for you to carry out the promise. You can decide the term. Of course, the benefits will correspond to how long you stay."
She took a deep breath, not expecting for the impossible to happen. She spoke with a deep voice: "I have nothing to say except that I shall fulfill my promise!" She then swore with her true fate.
Her oath was without a duration — this truly showed that she was remarkably decisive. Although someone as proud as her was not easy to get along with, she stayed true to her words. She was able to handle defeat gracefully and would never renege on a deal or run away from it! Despair and self-pity were out of the question as well.
These were admirable traits and reasons why Li Qiye valued her. Li Qiye was a bit unwilling, but he still made up his mind in the end. He took out an item and handed it over to Jian Wushuang: "Since you have pledged loyalty to me, I shall give you a treasure."
"This, isn't this your bow?" Jian Wushuang was moved after seeing the item in his hand.
This bow was the Nine Words True Bow. As an archery genius, she had died once to this bow, so she naturally knew just how precious it was. In the future, this bow might even surpass their Jian Clan's bow.
"Yes, this will the best bow in the world in the near future." Li Qiye insipidly said: "I, of course, am the best master for it. However, if such a good bow isn't used daily or in every battle, then it would be a bit of a waste. Today, I am gifting it to you in hopes that it will flourish in your hands and create an eternal legend!"
He ultimately chose to give this peerless bow to her. Although it was amazing, he rarely used it in battle. He had many different methods and treasures, and more often than not, there was no need to use it.
At the same time, Jian Wushuang had great archery talents. No one could compare to her among the younger generation! Thus, Li Qiye gave her the bow so that she would be able to use it to its full potential!
She was a bit startled at this moment. Such a peerless bow was handed over so easily. Even though she came from an imperial lineage, she couldn't calm down in a short period of time. Such a generous master was hard to find.
She maintained her proud attitude and responded: "But I have yet to make any contributions!"
Li Qiye forcefully placed the bow in her hand. After making up his mind, there was no going back. He lightly said: "You have to work harder to become my best general. Only the strongest warrior is worthy of this bow! The best way to repay me is by massacring all four directions in the future battlefields!"
Li Qiye intended to groom her. Although he could have subordinate even strong existences like the treefather, these existences were old and might not be able to fight with him to the very end in the distant future.
Jian Wushuang, on the other hand, was still young and could follow him till the eventual end of the war. Moreover, she had untapped potential that was worth exploring as well as ample room for growth.
She accepted Li Qiye's Nine Words True Bow and coldly said: "I will definitely reach the pinnacle of archery."
Immortal Emperor Diyi Jian was praised as the best archer in the world. However, the truth was that he did not take that path to the very end. He ultimately abandoned the dao of archery and used another weapon to become an Immortal Emperor. In short, his dao was not proven using the bow.
Jian Wushuang, at this very moment, was determined to walk on the path untrod by her forefather all the way to the apex, to the very limit!
"Do a good job getting used to it." Li Qiye commanded: "This bow is worth your effort to learn. In the future, it will accompany you to many great victories."
"I understand." The proud Jian Wushuang nodded.
Li Qiye glanced at her and said: "When the time comes, go to the Beast Realm, I shall be waiting there to take you to the Bi'an Beastworld!"
"The Bi'an Beastworld!" She turned serious after hearing this name.
Li Qiye gently nodded: "Yes, the Bi'an Beastworld. Since you have pledged loyalty to me, it is time for you to broaden your horizons."
Jian Wushuang didn't inquire any further and only nodded before leaving with her new bow.
Li Qiye went back to the kingdom's ancestral ground. Ming Yexue didn't ask anything after his return. Even without asking, she naturally knew that Li Qiye won.
"We'll set off tomorrow." He commanded.
She didn't say another word and informed the Hundred-Life Alchemy Emperor of Li Qiye's decision.
On the next day, Li Qiye came before the dao platform. Outside of the alchemy emperor and Ming Yexue, there were also a few ancestors from the kingdom.
"It is time to depart." Li Qiye spoke in a clear voice while staring at the portal.
The alchemy emperor spoke: "My lord, if you can't enter the Drystone Courtyard, you will fall into any one of the three grand veins, so you need to be prepared."
"I know that. If I am unsuccessful, then there is no need to reopen it. I will find a different method of entry." Li Qiye nodded gently.
The alchemy emperor looked at Li Qiye then commanded the other ancestors: "All of you, leave."
Once the ancestors and Ming Yexue had left, the alchemy emperor told Li Qiye: "My lord, while you were absent yesterday, the old man from the Jianlong Clan came."
"Oh? What does the Jianlong Clan want?" Li Qiye smiled.
The Jianlong Clan was also a famous lineage alongside the Alchemy Kingdom in the contemporary times. It had three emperors as well!
The alchemy emperor smiled and said: "How could the Jianlong Clan have any ideas before my lord? They only wish that in this generation, if my lord needs them at all, then just send the command and they shall prove their allegiance!"
"They also want to dispel the suppression of the past?" Li Qiye chuckled: "This isn't out of the question. I will let them know if I need them in the future."
Having said that, Li Qiye glanced at the alchemy emperor: "The old geezers from that clan are much smarter than your kingdom's crowd. They have kept their tails down while dealing with the world. That year, your Alchemy Kingdom believed the Divine Beast Realm's invitation and chose to go first into battle. Meanwhile, the Jianlong Clan had lost as well, but they didn't suffer nearly as much as your kingdom."
"Why is it that I didn't force an oath on them, yet they still obediently chose to give up their territory?" Li Qiye nodded: "Those old men knew that as long as I continue to exist, I will train more Immortal Emperors. They are smart enough to not block my path. Although they have been reclusive for a long time, the moment that they actually come out into this world again, they will be much stronger than your kingdom!"
"The ancestors back then all thought that an alliance with the Divine Beast Realm would allow them to defeat all foes." The alchemy emperor bitterly smiled. Before the grand war, he strongly opposed competing with Empress Hong Tian for the Heaven's Will. He knew no good could come from it.
Alas, the kingdom was very powerful back then. Moreover, there were many ancestors more distinguished than him in charge. His opposition was useless, so he couldn't control the situation.
The last battle was very bloody. Blood stained the entire Stone Medicine World. The incomparable Divine Beast Realm was massacred overnight and ceased to exist!
"An alliance with the beast realm so they could defeat all foes?" Li Qiye snorted: "Compared to the Ancient Ming, your kingdom and beast realm were nothing. During the Ancient Ming Era, they ruled the entire nine worlds all by themselves. Outside of Bu Zhan and Xue Xi, who else managed to break the monopoly of Immortal Emperors during their reign? After I made my move, what happened to the Ancient Ming in the end?"
"The world did not know about my lord's invincibility. It was all over for them when they tasted your methods of carnage." The alchemy emperor gently sighed.
Though he did not see the bloodbath in that distant era, he had heard of the legends. It was a grisly period. The Ancient Ming once ruled over the nine worlds and eventually, the Dark Crow heralded a new dawn. From then on, the Ancient Ming Era was over and their race disappeared.
"Alright, there is no need to mention the past." Li Qiye grew a bit sentimental and gently waved his sleeve: "Not too many of those who used to be on my side are still alive. Take good care of yourself. I hope that when I sweep through the myriad domains, you will still be alive to see it."
801 TeaserLi Qiye could have easily killed Jian Wushuang instead of sealing her with this one fist. However, he chose not to do so since he wanted a talent as proud and fierce as her.
He removed the seal and insipidly stated: "You have lost."
She couldn't calm down even after the seal was removed. Her mind had left her body as she was frozen for a long time. The earlier events were just too shocking for her.
"What do you have to say now?" Li Qiye smilingly asked after seeing her stunned appearance.
Her lost eyes finally regained their focus after a while. She stared at Li Qiye as if he was a monster; she had never seen someone like him before.
"I have nothing to say, I am utterly convinced of my defeat!" She responded with her head held high. Despite being proud, losing was losing and she would not renege on the bet.
[collapse]Chapter 802: The Journey Begins
Li Qiye became a bit melancholic at this point. Time continued to flow as people left him one by one. Glory and magnificence were dust in the wind. Very few people managed to live till the present.
Eternal life was something countless people continued to pursue. However, true eternal life carried a heavy burden and pain.
As loved ones left one by one, one would secretly start lamenting in pain. This pain turned into reluctance and regret before they became completely numb. Li Qiye didn't want to linger in the past since there were more things that required his attention in the present.
The alchemy emperor became dejected as well after hearing this. Some sought eternal life and some chose to bury themselves underground instead of living life to its fullest.
"When will I see my lord again?" The alchemy emperor sighed emotionally. It could be said that on the path of alchemy or even the road of cultivation, Li Qiye was his guide. Although he ultimately joined the Alchemy Kingdom due to a variety of circumstances, he still respected Li Qiye as his mentor.
"Well, I don't know either." Li Qiye softly sighed: "If I find some success at the origin of the three veins, then I'm afraid I will need to go back to the Mortal Emperor World. There is still unfinished business there."
"Is something troubling my lord there?" The emperor asked with concern: "Perhaps we can lend you a hand if necessary?"
"You are referring to the Immortal Demon Grotto, right?" Li Qiye couldn't help but look towards the far horizon. His sight traveled for miles and miles before he slowly responded: "I will visit the Immortal Demon Grotto, but I can't be certain of when right now. Perhaps it will be after shouldering the Heaven's Will, or perhaps another time entirely. But ultimately, before leaving for that place, I will go to the grotto! I cannot let the blood of Lil' Blackie's group be spilled for nothing!"
"I remember my lord speaking about that place when I was younger." The alchemy emperor lamented: "Unfortunately, I have given up. In this generation, I am too old; time waits for no one after all. I can't go with my lord to that place to have a look."
"The future is full of unknowns, who can accurately predict it?" Li Qiye chuckled. His mood suddenly took a turn for the better as he said: "Live on, there will be a chance in the future."
The alchemy emperor smiled and shook his head: "My lord, there is no need to comfort me. I am an alchemy emperor so I know my condition quite well. If I could continue living, then I wouldn't have come into being. Time has always been ruthless, even the best Blood Era Stone would not be able to prevent its erosion! Because I don't have much time left, I will use what I have left wisely to rectify some problems. Otherwise, the kingdom will have no chance in the future."
"I will surely die of old age in this generation." The alchemy emperor emotionally smiled: "I have no regrets in this life. I have witnessed a grand era, saw the most brilliant Immortal Emperor, and also met an eternal existence like my lord!"
Li Qiye couldn't say anything else in response. He eventually sighed: "All in all, just keep on living well. At the very least, before going to that place, I will personally come for Yexue. Perhaps we will meet again then."
"Rest assured, my lord. I will not die so easily without giving the kingdom a brand new opportunity." The alchemy emperor cheerfully smiled.
Li Qiye also grinned and said: "It's time I leave. There is still a long way to go in the future."
The alchemy emperor nodded solemnly. He stood on top of the platform and personally took control of the portal's opening for Li Qiye.
"Buzz." The platform lit up with all the refined jades emitting bright radiances. A powerful worldly energy empowered the platform and opened the portal that took the shape of a giant ring.
This portal was initially a mirror. However, at this moment, it was in a liquid state like sinking mercury. Clanking sounds could be heard from the intertwining laws.
"I'm going!" Li Qiye nodded towards the alchemy emperor before setting foot into the sunken portal. He instantly disappeared.
The very next moment, he emerged in a different space. There was an endless void with neither a beginning nor an end.
A series of laws paved the way beneath his feet. They moved together to form a bridge all the way to a distant location.
Li Qiye smiled and walked on this divine bridge. Each of his steps was like entering an entire world. One misstep would take him into the wrong world!
The concept of time did not exist in this void, and neither did anything tangible. Li Qiye walked for some time before finally seeing the Drystone Courtyard.
No one would be able to see the whole picture while staring at it from a distance. They would only be able to see an ancient gate. This gate was crafted from an unknown material. It looked archaic, as if it had weathered countless winds and storms. Time had left a unique mark on its surface.
As one of the twelve burial grounds, the courtyard was full of mysteries and surprises. Moreover, it was one of the most dangerous places in present times.
It was different from the other burial grounds. Unlike the Prime Ominous Grave or the Ancient Heavenly Corpse Burial Ground where people knew of their locations and even undertook adventures inside, the courtyard was different. For many eras, no one knew of its location outside of being in the Stone Medicine World.
Even Immortal Emperors were unable to pinpoint its coordinates. In short, its location had always been a mystery.
There were only two methods of entry. The first was through a shortcut like the portal in the Alchemy Kingdom. There were only a few like this in the entire Stone Medicine World. At the same time, the chances of success through these shortcuts was quite meager. The second method was to use the real entryway of the courtyard.
Of course, what the real entryway was and its location were just as big of an enigma as the courtyard itself.
Due to these reasons, the courtyard was much more elusive compared to the other burial grounds.
Regardless, over the years, many people still tried to find it. There were also some who managed to enter. However, these were all real masters. Many of them were God-Monarchs or even Godkings!
Despite making it inside, very few of them could come out alive. Legend states that even Immortal Emperors had been trapped inside the courtyard before.
The laws below continued to intertwine all the way to the gate of the courtyard. However, before they could reach the destination, a strange sizzling noise appeared. All of these laws were suddenly petrified and stopped.
"Not good!" This sudden change took Li Qiye by surprise. Nevertheless, he instantly knew what had just transpired.
"Bang!" All the laws suddenly collapsed. No matter how strong they might have been, they all shattered after being petrified.
Even if Li Qiye had heaven-defying methods, he couldn't alter this event and turn back the tide.
Without any support, Li Qiye fell down! No matter how powerful or amazing one might be, in this particular space, no one was able to fly.
Li Qiye kept on falling for some time before eventually landing in an unknown place. The scene before him was quite different. It was a vast, green expanse. Li Qiye knew that he had fallen from that space all the way back to the Stone Medicine World!
"Bang!" The moment his feet reached the ground, a severe blow landed on his chest, sending him flying. This blow was so powerful that it broke all the bones in his body and almost turned him into a pool of blood.
"Buzz!" The Death Seal appeared. It was as if time had been reversed. His scattered flesh returned to his body, allowing him to recover in a brief moment.
Li Qiye focused his gaze and saw a gigantic monster in the distance. This was a terrifying heavenly beast. Its head towered all the way to the sky while its body was similar to a mountain. A single stomp could crush the earth.
"3.5 million year old heavenly beast!" He became serious. He knew exactly where he had fallen; this was one of the three ancestral veins of the Stone Medicine World — the beast vein.
The three great veins all had their unique characteristics. The alchemy vein had spirit medicines everywhere while the beast vein was where heavenly beasts and longevity spirits gathered; this was their paradise. The deeper one went, the stronger the monsters would be. Because of this, there were some places that even God-Monarchs avoided.
"Roar!" This powerful heavenly beast that even God-Monarchs were wary of crazily howled. It crushed the earth as its gigantic foot fell down from the sky towards Li Qiye.
He was like a feeble ant before its foot that seemed capable of crushing him into a pulp.
"You want to die?" Li Qiye laughed and, in an instant, the Declivity-Mountain Bell was already in his hand. He ruthlessly threw it out.
"Bang—bang—bang!" The earth shattered. A terrifying aura swept through this vast land, dissuading any other existence from approaching.
Screams and roars resounded every day in this vast field of the beast vein. Blood flew everywhere along with non-stop carnage!
Chapter 803: Training
The beasts and spirits entrenched themselves in the beast vein. This was their kingdom!
"Boom! Boom! Boom!" A terrible disaster loomed over the area. A mighty heavenly aura deterred any beasts from coming closer.
A frightening tribulation swirled above Li Qiye. A door opened with endless attacking Godfiends, aiming to kill Li Qiye.
This was Li Qiye's minor tribulation of the Void Imperfection Physique. Prior to this, it was on the verge of reaching minor completion. However, he kept on suppressing it and waited for when the tribulation would be the strongest before unleashing it. He wanted to destroy the tribulation in the most flawless fashion.
"Snap!" Something seemed to have broken inside Li Qiye's body! It was as if he had torn asunder all the restraints in this world, as if no laws could bind him.
The myriad laws and rules of this world had been shattered by Li Qiye. He was as free as a Kun Peng in an open sea!
Myriad realms floated behind him as his momentum could tear apart all dao. Neither the mortal world nor the immortal one could chain him!
"So this is the feeling of an Era Sovereign slashing the dao!" Li Qiye grinned with great satisfaction. In this instant, his body seemed to have undergone a substantial change as if he was the fastest in this world. There was an indescribable spirituality and transcendence.
"I'm finally successful! If I can slash the dao as an Era Sovereign, then this minor tribulation is nothing!" Li Qiye lifted his head to smilingly look at the minor tribulation of the Void Imperfection Physique. He heaved a shout then soared into the sky. He swung his fists and parted the clouds to meet the descending Godfiends.
Anyone who saw this scene would be dumbfounded. Using bare hands to fight against the minor tribulation of an immortal physique? What kind of tyrannical approach was this?
In fact, this minor tribulation was nothing to Li Qiye; it was as easy as taking in a meal. Prior to this, he could have easily fought against these minor tribulations. Moreover, he was now an Era Sovereign that was capable of slashing the dao.
Many people had never heard of such a title! Era Sovereign was the final level of the Heavenly Sovereign realm. After this level was the Heavenly King realm. However, it wasn't easy to break through from a sovereign to a king.
The world assumed that as long as one could reach the Era Sovereign level, then they would be at the peak of the sovereign realm. At this level, it would be easy to reach the king realm.
However, they did not know that there was another step beyond this level. This step was the apex beyond the peak! Once one was able to break through to this apex, they would be called a Dao Slashing Sovereign! 1
This type of sovereign was quite rare. There were many conditions and requirements such as a fortified foundation, eight celestials or more in the Enlightened Being realm, and nine or more palaces at the Ancient Saint realm.
Only after meeting these requirements could one become a Dao Slashing Sovereign! This particular dao test was quite arduous. However, once passed, the cultivator would no longer be the same as before for they would have obtained an unbelievable foundation for the future!
More importantly, legend states that there was a great effect for Dao Slashing Sovereigns who picked the path of the heavens in the future. As for the exact effect, very few contemporary cultivators were privy to this.
"Break!" Eventually, Li Qiye uttered a cry and broke through the sky dome. He used his unbelievably powerful body to grind the tribulation. The Hell Suppressing, Soaring, and Void Imperfection Physiques all at minor completion easily crushed the tribulation into little pieces after exerting their most powerful state.
After doing so, Li Qiye's body became bright and exuded a holy aura. People would never believe that such a holy aura was radiating off of him!
He landed from the sky and sat in a meditative pose on the ground with a grin on his face after completing the minor physique. He didn't immediately leave and began to chant the One Thought, Myriad Physiques incantation to begin the fourth immortal physique.
He chose the Sky Destroyer Physique. This choice was obviously backed by reason.
As he was creating his fourth inner physique, time became silent as if it didn't want to disturb him.
Daring to cultivate in the beast vein was an astonishing matter, but Li Qiye didn't seem to care that many powerful heavenly beasts and longevity spirits were watching him on the sidelines.
The sun sets in the west. This was a vast desolate land full of beasts and their roars. Their powerful auras filled the entire area. The beast vein, one of the three ancestral veins in the Stone Medicine World, the garden of power beasts and spirits! Their strengths were beyond imagination. Even God-Monarchs and Godkings would be wary here. Despite its notorious reputation and monsters, many cultivators still wanted to come here. Beast marrows and longevity blood were both great treasures. And they were in abundance here, so how could these cultivators not be tempted?
A large river quietly flowed right outside of the vein with a calm current under the setting sun. The scenery was especially beautiful.
The auras of the beasts lingered before night time, and roars still emanated from the depths of the vein. When the sun shone down, a shadow stretched quite far as a man slowly walked out from the vein.
He appeared to be a bit messy with bloodstains on his clothing. It was apparent at first glance that he had been through many tough battles.
He sat down by the river and eventually just lied down with his hands supporting his head to watch the clouds floating in the sky.
After a moment passed, this person closed his eyes to enjoy this rare moment of peace and quiet.
"It really does feel good to be alive sometimes." Li Qiye chuckled and murmured as he was resting.
After staying in the beast vein for nearly half a year, he had paved a path of blood all the way from the deepest part of the vein to the outside. This period was unimaginable to others since the vein was full of monsters. They lived in packs, so killing one would ignite a hunt from the rest.
Even God-Monarchs wouldn't want to stay in this dangerous place for long, but Li Qiye stayed around for half a year. He killed so many monsters that they came to fear him.
Leaving the beast vein was not difficult for him, but he took his time by using this as a form of training.
No one could imagine what Li Qiye encountered during his days here at the beast vein; legendary five million year old heavenly beasts and sacred longevity spirits or even ancient monsters with the bloodline of divine beasts…
Li Qiye remained undaunted during his journey in this dangerous place. Before leaving the vein, his actions could be described by the phrase see god, slay god; see devil, slay devil.
Despite the daily arduous battles in the past half a year, Li Qiye's harvests were incredible. Not to mention the huge amount of longevity blood and beast marrows, there were three different gains that were especially noteworthy for him.
First, he was able to train himself and gain further mastery in his techniques. Second, after receiving countless injuries, his death energy increased substantially. His current level of paramount death energy could allow him to control many undead.
Prior to this, although the quantity was great, it wasn't potent enough. For example, he needed to use longevity blood in order to support summoning the Phoenix and the deathfire.
But now, his ocean-like energy could easily summon and control an extremely powerful undead!
The final harvest was that Li Qiye had also died once. Since the start of his Death Scripture training, outside of purposely dying to Jian Wushuang the first time, this was his second time dying.
An appropriate death was a very good thing for Li Qiye because the Death Seal had certain requirements described by its phrase — one fate accumulated from three deaths, one item formed from six deaths, one life changed from nine deaths, and eighteen deaths to reach the high heavens! With his current level, death was not easy to come by!
As the sky darkened, Li Qiye got up and went towards the riverbank. He crouched and drank a handful of water.
"Crash!" A whirlpool abruptly emerged alongside violent waves. A huge jaw opened from the river, wanting to swallow the thirsty Li Qiye whole.
"Pop!" Before this basin-like mouth could bite Li Qiye, the hidden monster was already gripped by the neck. The next moment, Li Qiye heavily slammed it onto the ground, creating a large pit.
It all happened so quickly. The monster didn't have the chance to resist before being smashed to the point of spattering blood. It was not because the monster was too weak, it was that Li Qiye was simply too strong. This monster had always been hiding at the bottom of the river in order to ambush cultivators. Countless masters had died in its jaws.
After slamming this monster back to its initial shape, it turned out to be a turtle bigger than a tabletop with blood dripping everywhere from its body.
"Great immortal, please forgive this little demon." The turtle begged with its last breath.
Li Qiye took his foot off its back and gave it one more kick, causing it to roll as he dismissively said: "Stand up."
The raw is just Era Sovereign Slashing Dao, but I think I like Dao Slashing Sovereign more. Omitting the Era part just to make it less wordy. ↩Chapter 804: Old Turtle
The turtle didn't dare to argue. It quickly transformed then stood up. At this time, it had become an old man with gray hair and a hunchback. It looked quite friendly, so no one would think that it was a monster hiding below the river to ambush people.
The old turtle immediately prostrated before Li Qiye and crazily slammed its head on the ground repeatedly: "Great immortal, I was too blind to see your arrival and even tried to ambush you. This lowly one deserves death, deserves to be minced into countless pieces…"
A loud bang resounded each time his head met the ground.
"You are still a Heavenly Sovereign, so why are you so afraid of death like this?" Li Qiye glanced at him.
It wasn't easy for cultivators to reach the sovereign realm. Most people capable of this feat were rulers of countries or lords of their own domains — prestigious existences.
Experts of this level would rather die before acting so shamefully. Even in defeat, they would rarely prostrate and beg for their life.
The old turtle turned red after hearing this. Nevertheless, his skin was sufficiently thick as he awkwardly smiled: "Great immortal, you think too highly of this lowly one. This lowly one is but a turtle in the wild. Not to mention having self-respect, just staying alive is already a blessing."
"Turtle in the wild?" Li Qiye looked at him: "What does being in the wild have to do with anything? There are countless vagabond cultivators in this world. There are those who are weaker than you with more of a backbone."
"Great immortal, this lowly one's life is as valuable as grass. I'm ugly and lowly so I can't compare to the amazing people with peerless talents." He was not ashamed of debasing himself at all: "I only want to live a bit longer and do not dare to chase after the heavenly path or fame."
Li Qiye chuckled at the shamelessness of the turtle and no longer wanted to kill him. He demanded: "Reveal your background."
The old turtle didn't dare to hide anything: "This lowly one is only a water turtle. When I was young, I ate a pearl…"
It turned out that this turtle managed to eat a mystical pearl and became enlightened. As the saying goes, nothing lives longer than a turtle. He had been living at the bottom of the pond and would sometimes sneak up to the surface to look at the world outside.
After seeing cultivators devouring clouds and the earth as well as soaring freely in the sky, he grew envious and chose to stay near the river bank. He would pick the dead bodies of these cultivators and eat them to slowly cultivate.
Due to his long lifespan, he was able to eventually reach the Heavenly Sovereign realm against all odds.
"Having a long lifespan is a good thing." Li Qiye checked his cultivation and smiled. This old turtle might be a Heavenly Sovereign, but his dao foundation was a clutter of impurities. Both his merit laws and treasures were all over the place. To become a sovereign under such circumstances was simply a miracle!
"Great immortal, please don't laugh at me. You are from a great immortal sect while this lowly one is only a turtle at the bottom of a river. My cultivation laws are a mess, so they can't get into your sight." The old turtle immediately responded and used the chance to suck up to Li Qiye.
Li Qiye gently nodded: "It really isn't easy. A turtle without any guidance reaching the sovereign realm — this can truly be considered an amazing feat!"
Outside of having lived for a very long time, many coincidences blended together to allow the turtle to have such fortune. Not dying under the tribulations was another incredible stroke of luck!
"Great immortal is the best in history. Your cultivation is comparable to that of Immortal Emperors. Without any equals, you are unstoppable in this entire world…" The old turtle went with the flow. After hearing Li Qiye praising him, he immediately flattered Li Qiye back and shamelessly said: "I am foolish, but I wonder if great immortal would be willing to teach me a thing or two? So that I can be under your protection…"
Such wretched shamelessness was rare to find in demons, especially a sovereign level demon.
"There's no need to grovel like this." Li Qiye shook his head and ignored the praises: "Where is this place?"
"This is Quicksand River. It is one thousand and three hundred miles long. The source is back at the Driftsand Plain. There are fifty tributaries…" The old turtle introduced his territory without pause.
"Okay, stop. It's just a tiny location, I've never heard of it before." Li Qiye gently waved his sleeve.
After noticing Li Qiye's lack of interest, he immediately said: "Great immortal is a celestial up in the nine heavens, a monarch in myriad realms. This small river area, of course, wouldn't get into your sight. Only the divine mountains and immortal firmaments in the immortal world would—"
"Stop your sweet-talk. Do you know where the heavenly flame is?" Li Qiye interrupted the incessant turtle.
"Heavenly flame?" The turtle tilted its head in contemplation: "Is great Immortal talking about the Heavenly Flame County of the Shepherd Country?"
Li Qiye insipidly replied: "Perhaps." That place wasn't called the Heavenly Flame County a long time ago. However, as time passed, many names changed.
"This lowly one has been there several times before." The old turtle spoke: "If great immortal wants to go there, then I'll tell you the way. Great immortal only needs to cross this river then head north towards the eastern county…"
Although this turtle asked Li Qiye to teach him earlier, he actually hoped that Li Qiye would leave as soon as possible. If such a strong person became unhappy and decided to turn him into soup, then it would be quite a sad fate.
"There is no need to tell me." Li Qiye didn't bother listening to the directions. He gently tapped the turtle's back and insipidly declared: "Carry me there."
"Great immortal…" The old turtle's expression quickly changed after hearing this. It calmed down and responded: "Great immortal, this lowly one is old and powerless. I am slower than a snail, so I'm afraid I will only slow great immortal down from your business…"
"Oh? Didn't you ask for my guidance earlier?" Li Qiye glanced at him.
The old turtle immediately replied: "This lowly one would, of course, be eternally grateful for great immortal's guidance. However, great immortal is the ruler of this world, the monarch of the nine heavens. Your business relates to the well-being of the nine worlds and its billions of inhabitants. How could this lowly one waste your time with my own insignificant matters—"
"Alright, no more blabbering. If I told you to carry me, then do it." Li Qiye smiled. The more the turtle didn't want to, the more he wanted to force him.
"Great immortal…" The turtle frowned in pain. Of course he didn't want to leave this place. Quicksand River was his home, and he knew it the best. He knew the safest locations to hide from his enemies. The moment he spotted danger, he would run away and could disappear instantly.
Li Qiye dismissively said: "Say no again and I will make a soup out of you. Just try me."
The old turtle quivered and didn't dare to speak again. He immediately laid down and revealed his true form as a big turtle.
Li Qiye sat on him without another word. The old turtle felt an indescribable torment at this moment. He didn't know whether this was a fortune or a disaster. What if he made Li Qiye unhappy and the guy made a soup out of him? He had no choice but to obediently take Li Qiye to the Heavenly Flame County. He could only hope that Li Qiye would show some kindness and quickly allow him to return to Quicksand River.
Although the turtle said that he was as slow as a snail, this was far from the truth. Once he went full speed, he could ride the clouds at an astonishing speed. Just from this particular style, it was apparent that he was someone who ran at the first sign of trouble, a professional escape artist!
The Heavenly Flame County was not considered a big location in the Beast Realm. There were plenty of places like this here.
If one had to mention something remarkable about it, then it would be its history. An extraordinary character emerged from this county with the title of Heavenly Flame Goddess. Legend states that this goddess swept through the Stone Medicine World and eventually established her foundation here, hence its name.
Although riding a turtle seemed strange, it was still acceptable in the Beast Realm even for its mortal inhabitants. There were two reasons for why the Beast Realm had this name. The first was that it was inside the beast vein, and the second was that this was the world of demons. If the Alchemy Realm was a place where demons and golems coexisted, then the Beast Realm was exclusively meant for demons while the Stone Realm was for golems.
There were many strange demons in this realm, so seeing a weird turtle was not surprising at all. To the south of the Heavenly Flame County were huge ruins. There were broken pavilions and buildings with shattered tiles everywhere. Weeds ran amok along with entangling vines. Anyone who stood here would have an uncontrollable feeling of sadness.
It was easy to see that this was once a prosperous land, a sacred ground. Alas, after millions of years, this place had fallen. Only these broken buildings before them told the story of its past glory. While sitting on the turtle and staring at these buildings, Li Qiye felt a tinge of emotion despite his numb heart. He gently sighed: "Heavenly Flame, oh Heavenly Flame. Glory and prosperity turned into ruins. Nothing in this world can stop the ruthless erosion of time…"
Li Qiye composed himself after a while and told the turtle: "Let us go in."