Chapter 966: Deal
"Hehe, damned crow, don't try to dodge the question. Tell us some of your stories of being chased around by people so that we can have a good laugh." The second voice burst into laughter. He really wanted to hear about Li Qiye's pitiful state.
"Fine, since I squeezed you two dry in the past, I guess it is fine to tell you for fun." Li Qiye leisurely said: "It's no big deal. The first time, I didn't prepare well enough. Those arrogant ones were really a bit capable, so I suffered some big losses. However, you two should know, I like to stand up from where I've fallen…"
"… As you can imagine, I returned and made their blood run like rivers and piled their corpses into mountains. I destroyed their world and annihilated their sun and moon! No matter the location and no matter who they might be, even deities and emperors in the heavens will understand that no one can escape after barring my path!"
Having said that, he revealed a gentle smile that made others shiver uncontrollably.
The second person that wanted to gloat over his failure grew quiet. They knew an existence like Li Qiye didn't need to brag. Moreover, this was true to his character. Even after failure, he would rise again and destroy all of his most powerful enemies!
"Have you attacked that place?" The first voice couldn't help himself and asked about the most secretive of questions.
Li Qiye paused for a bit before revealing the truth: "I was not the only one, many have tried before. Unfortunately, success was not to be found. If I managed to do it, I wouldn't be here talking to you two."
"Damned crow, you're not fun at all, but that Tian Tu brat is even less fun." The second voice in the ocean didn't mock Li Qiye this time. He only commented with emotion.
"Tian Tu… back in the Ancient Ming Era, he was indeed imperious. However, after the Emperors Era, my words are the truth in myriad worlds! Tian Tu, so what?! Didn't I massacre all of them till there were no places left to hide?!" Li Qiye slowly uttered with an extreme murderous glint in his eyes!
"No one has ever been successful in that place." The first voice sighed: "So many have tried, so many have failed!"
"I know." Li Qiye claimed: "But nothing can halt my path in this generation, not even that place! One day, I will overcome everything that tried to stop me!"
This remark was not loud, but it carried a domineering style. It showed Li Qiye's determination!
"How bold. Do you think you can overcome that place?" The second voice had to ask.
"Yes, definitely. If you two return, you will definitely see the day that I trample that place!" Li Qiye smiled.
The two existences pondered at the same time. They didn't doubt Li Qiye's determination. They also knew that once the Dark Crow decided to do something, nothing would be impossible!
Li Qiye smiled and continued: "We got distracted. How about we go back to the topic earlier."
"You know that it is not possible. Even if you want to go this generation, we still have to wait until we can return." The second voice answered.
"If that was the case, then I wouldn't need to talk to you two about this." Li Qiye said dismissively: "It is impossible for others, but not for me. Don't forget, I have been there many times without any restrictions!"
"What secrets do you hold?!" The second voice couldn't help his curiosity.
Li Qiye smiled: "I can only say that if you two go back in time, I can take you along with me. Have you thought about going back home?"
The two existences recalled their past for a moment. Go back? This was a distant memory to them. They had almost forgotten what it felt like.
"What is your condition?" The first voice asked.
"My condition is very simple. I will take you back and you two will work for me." Li Qiye smiled.
"Haha, your appetite is not small. You should clearly know what type of existence we are. Do you think that is possible? That brat Tian Tu couldn't force us to bow our heads, and you won't be able to either!" The second voice snorted.
Li Qiye shook his head at this response: "You are overthinking it. I have no need for you two to bow your heads to me. I just need you two to help me squash some obstacles when necessary."
"I don't think so. I don't like being restrained." The first voice answered.
Li Qiye calmly spoke: "I'm sure you two will like a few things that are worth pursuing."
"Haha, damned crow, I'm afraid you have the wrong idea." The second voice coldly retorted: "We can give up on this generation. It's fine, you can go up this generation, we won't compete with you. We'll wait for the next!"
Li Qiye laughed: "If this is the case, then the two of you will definitely miss the most dazzling generation in this world."
The first voice slowly said: "Dark Crow, we are old. We have lingered here for countless moons and can even let go of our eternal feud. What else do we care about?"
Li Qiye gently nodded: "I get it, it looks like the two of you are afraid, unwilling to compete against the deities and emperors. Perhaps it is a fear of failure as well since it will harm your reputation."
"Haha, damned crow, your provocation is too obvious." The second voice snorted: "We won't fall for your tricks."
Li Qiye leisurely smiled: "You know what? I can be quite resolute in my actions. For example, I could take the girl away. Or, when the time is ripe, I would come again. You two should know that she will be willing to go with me…"
"… If I take her away today, you two will never be able to reverse the tides. And if I wait a bit longer, I won't just take her away, I will also dig that item out and squeeze everything from you two!" Li Qiye grinned: "Do you think I can’t do it? I know that you don't want to see that happen."
"Is this a threat?" The first voice turned cold. He was angered by Li Qiye.
The second voice became tempestuous as well: "Damned crow, at worst, we'll go all out. We aren't afraid of death!"
"This is not a threat, I also don't care if you two are afraid of death or not." Li Qiye drily said: "However, you should know something. I won't carry out either of these two options. Why? It is because I am merciful. I want you two to be aware that while I can, I won’t do some things because I am benevolent! It is not because of you two!"
Li Qiye continued: "My benevolence is for her! Otherwise, I wouldn't give a damn. I only hope that you will help me squash some obstacles. This is just a part of my plan. If you don't want to, I can find other people to work for me. As long as I pay the price, I trust that there are still a few existences willing to cooperate with me. What do you think?"
The second voice snorted once more while the first voice was silent. They couldn't deny that Li Qiye was speaking the truth.
"Perhaps you two have seen through many things." Li Qiye said with a smile: "But do you dare claim that you have no goals in life?"
Li Qiye slowly said: "To bring fortune and protection to your descendants, isn't this a type of goal and desire?"
The two voices still didn't answer Li Qiye.
He was not in a rush and carefully articulated: "Follow me and one day, glory will belong to your descendants; prosperity lasting for countless ages. One day, you will follow my steps and we shall accomplish something that has never been done before, not even by the deities and emperors! Follow me to the battlefield and one day, you will witness the most amazing event in this world. For example, that location, do you two really not want to go take a look?"
"Haha, one needs to be alive to see it." The second voice drily said: "Dark Crow, we know of your stories. Your followers, how many of them died on the battlefield?!"
"I will not deny this. Standing at the top is not an easy matter. Paving this road requires one to constantly spill blood and scatter bones." Li Qiye gently sighed: "Do you two think you can fight to the end? If you aren't even afraid of Immortal Emperor Tian Tu, what else is there to be afraid of?"
Li Qiye continued: "If you have nothing worth pursuing, then I have nothing else to say. However, there are still some things you two have always wanted to know."
"What kind of things?" The first voice asked.
Li Qiye answered: "If I remember correctly, the two of you have been searching for a nest, an extraordinary nest! You have chased it before, yes?"
Chapter 967: Skybearing Monarch
"How did you find out about this?!" Even the first voice — that was normally calm — was shocked after hearing Li Qiye.
Li Qiye smiled: "It doesn't matter how I found out. Plus, don't forget, I am the Dark Crow. Not too many things can elude my gaze, right?"
"So, you have some understanding of it?" The second voice was intrigued as well.
Li Qiye rubbed his chin: "How should I put this? I'm not too sure about other things, but I can guarantee this — I definitely know more than you two!"
The first voice decisively said: "If you can give it to us, we can work for you, or at least I will!"
"I also agree!" The second voice confirmed.
"Your demand is too high." Li Qiye smiled and shook his head: "If I had it right now, do you think I would need to negotiate with you two? You aren't the only ones who want such an item! Plus, you should know full well that if I had it, even the deities and emperors would shed all pretense of cordiality with each other, don't you think?"
The two existences in the ocean became quiet again. There was a secret unknown to outsiders in this matter.
"What do you want then?" The first voice broke the silence.
Li Qiye answered: "I can only give you a guarantee if you follow me. If it appears, then it will belong to you and your children! Is this enough?"
The second voice eventually inquired: "You don't want such a thing?"
Li Qiye smiled: "Of course I want good items, but it depends on what it is. People have different aspirations and needs. My only will is to kill all the way to the high heavens! My pursuit of this will never stop!"
"At the same time, my promise is absolutely priceless! I don't need to say more about this." He became solemn after stating this.
The two existences seemed to be thinking about this matter since they did not respond.
Eventually, the first voice in the ocean made a decision: "I agree. We can sign an agreement. I will only wipe out some supreme lords for you, I hope you understand the extent of this pact!"
Li Qiye smiled: "Don't worry, would I make invincible existences like you two perform some trivial tasks? I won't bother you with them!"
"Count me in." The second voice made up his mind as well: "We have been in this half-alive, half-dead state for too long. To have a goal is not a bad thing! At the very least, we will have the ambition to fight!"
"I am confident that the future will be more dazzling because of your participation!" Li Qiye responded: "When the two of you fight together, even the deities and emperors shall tremble."
"Haha, damned crow, there's no need to flatter us. We know exactly what kind of enemies we will be facing!" The second voice didn't give Li Qiye any face and sneered: "Haha, if the opponents are people that you want us to attack, then I can think with my toes about the level they are at!"
"How can you say something like that? Maybe you two will be fighting old friends. Don't tell me you don't want to personally kill a few of them?" Li Qiye smiled.
The second voice responded coldly: "I also want to strangle you to death! Should I do it?!"
"Haha, I'm not worried." Li Qiye was not startled at all and leisurely replied: "If I was still your enemy, then I'm sure I am at least within the top ten of the people you want to kill the most. However, I am certain that you wouldn't really want to kill a kind person like me, right?"
The second voice only grunted and didn't say anything else.
After Li Qiye entered the Hidden-dragon Mountains, three more people arrived at the Holy City. The first was Crimson Night's descendant, Chi Zixian!
Being the kingdom's descendant as well as a member of the Blood Race's five saints, she naturally attracted a lot of attention due to her fame!
"She must be here for that Li Qiye guy." Many people immediately understood why she came to the city.
They didn't find it strange either because Li Qiye threw the Supreme Elder into the cave. This matter was definitely not going to end just like that.
As an imperial lineage with two emperors, if Crimson Night could swallow the anger of having their Supreme Elder killed, then they would lose all of their prestige. They would never allow anyone to provoke their authority, thus revenge was in order. Otherwise, it would be difficult to maintain their status in the southern region in the future.
Someone speculated: "I wonder how many Virtuous Paragons are here from the kingdom this time?"
"Maybe the Thunder Tower Lord will come out as well. The death of a Supreme Elder is too big of a deal, no one will be able to let this go." A few big shots from the Blood Race began to speculate as well.
Another great character from the Blood Race came to the Holy City right after.
Someone saw another genius from the five saints and exclaimed: "The Skybearing Monarch is also here!"
"The Skybearing Monarch came?" Many young humans were startled.
Some even considered the Skybearing Monarch to be the greatest among the five saints. Although Bai Jian, Chi Tianyu, the Half-moon Princess, and even Chi Zixian were all geniuses, they were not the most brilliant ones.
However, the monarch was one of these brilliant geniuses. The Blood Race believed that if anyone could surpass Lin Tiandi in the future, then it would be the monarch!
The monarch's real name was Wang Tiancheng. Right now, very few people remembered his name; they came to know him as the Skybearing Monarch!
He was the descendant of the Blood-devil Tribe. Thus, his status in the Blood Race was higher than Chi Tianyu, Bai Jian, and perhaps even Chi Zixian!
"Why is the monarch here? Does he want to spar with Schoolmaster Ye?" Someone became curious.
"Hard to say, the monarch might be bothered by Schoolmaster Ye being the first to reach Virtuous Paragon. Some people said that he went several times to spar with her, but he lost every time!" A big shot explained what happened.
In the Barren Earth, the first among the younger generation to reach Virtuous Paragon was not the brilliant Lin Tiandi or the Blood Race's hope, the Skybearing Monarch. It was Ye Chuyun who came from the Pure Lotus School that had always been low-key!
The other four saints were considered Ye Chuyun's juniors. Only the monarch was on the same level as Ye Chuyun in terms of seniority.
As the descendant of the Blood-devil Tribe, everyone assumed that he could return to the Blood Primal Ground to train, just like Immortal Emperor Chi Ye back then, the emperor who ruled over the Blood Race in the nine worlds!
However, his debut was not smooth-sailing. It was one thing being overshadowed by Lin Tiandi's brilliance, but the title of being the first paragon was taken away by Ye Chuyun who was not famous prior to this.
Thus, it was not strange for the monarch to always be brooding over it.
"Hmph, the Skybearing Monarch might be great, but compared to our Schoolmaster Ye, there is still a sizable gap! Maybe our schoolmaster has already embarked on the path of the heavens and is ready to compete for the Heaven's Will!" The young humans naturally viewed Ye Chuyun as their pride.
Of course, the Blood Race didn't give up either. A Blood youth sneered: "I won't deny that Schoolmaster Ye is extraordinary, but if the Skybearing Monarch can return to the primal ground to train… Hmph, he will surpass Schoolmaster Ye very quickly. Even the brilliant Lin Tiandi would be overshadowed by him!"
"Haha, that's a lot of boasting." The young human immediately fought back: "Everything is merely speculation. Wait until your Skybearing Monarch can actually return to the primal ground, then we can talk."
The Blood youth sneered: "Among the geniuses of the younger generation, who is more qualified than the monarch to return? Hah, I heard that there are ancestors from our Blood-devil Tribe going to the primal ground. It won't take long before the monarch returns as well to inherit the progenitor's will. They will obtain the purest and most supreme blood of our race! At that time, he will be able to command the world!"
"Only the world of your Blood Race…" The human expert said with disdain.
However, this argument didn't last too long before everything became quiet. Someone else even more incredible had arrived at the city!
Both Chi Zixian and the Skybearing Monarch paled in comparison!
Lin Tiandi had arrived! Everyone from the younger generation became quiet after this news spread across the city. No one could stay proud, including the other two saints.
Lin Tiandi — this name was overbearing enough, but no one would dare to question it! 1
Some said that he didn't originally have this name while others claimed that he was born with it. However, this wasn't important anymore. Right now, he was Lin Tiandi and his fame echoed across the Barren Earth!
Tiandi is Celestial Emperor. ↩Chapter 968: Lin Tiandi
Lin Tiandi was a legend in this region. People loved talking about his tales and spreading them around.
He embarked on his dao path at the age of five. At fifteen, he climbed to the Heavenly King realm. At twenty, he began his journey of violence. At twenty-one, he fought against five clans from the Blood Race alone. He went to their territories and controlled a heavenly tribulation to suppress the five clans completely. The power of the tribulation allowed him to sweep through their ancestors. Eventually, the five clans accepted defeat, and Lin Tiandi forgave them afterward. From then on, they closed their gates and no longer came out.
This made him famous in this world. No one from the younger generation in the southern region could compare to him. Both Ye Chuyun and the Skybearing Monarch were eclipsed by his radiance.
In today's Mortal Emperor World, there was a saying. Mei Suyao in the east, Zhan Shi in the west, Wo Longxuan in the north, Lin Tiandi in the south, and Jikong Wudi in the center!
This phrase referred to the most outstanding geniuses of the contemporary times. East referred to the Eastern Hundred Cities. The most brilliant genius there was Mei Suyao from the Eternal River School.
The western Desolate Wasteland had Zhan Shi from the Rampaging Divine Mountain.
The northern Grand Sea had the famous Wo Longxuan from the Crouching Dragon Cliff!
Of course, who else was number one in the southern Barren Earth besides Lin Tiandi? Even the geniuses from the Blood Race couldn't compare to him.
There was another reason why Lin Tiandi's tales were so popular. This was because he came from a humble background. In other words, he was a mortal.
Compared to Mei Suyao's group who were all from imperial lineages, Lin Tiandi came from humble beginnings and was still a vagrant cultivator at this moment.
Stories told that he came from a scholarly family. Although their ancestors taught the dao and answered many questions, none of them were cultivators until Lin Tiandi appeared.
At a young age, he self-taught himself the most basic merit laws and started his heroic journey, creating one miracle to another.
During his training, rumor has it that many lineages — including imperial ones — wanted to recruit him. Even a mythical lineage like the Grand Palm Ancient Court tried to recruit him.
But strangely enough, he declined all of their invitations and continued his cultivation alone.
Despite not being able to take him in as a disciple, many great powers still willingly handed their merit laws and techniques to him for training.
From this, one could easily imagine just how brilliant and charismatic he was. Many people in this region including well-informed ancestors all agreed that in this generation, Lin Tiandi's chance of becoming the Immortal Emperor was even higher than Jikong Wudi and the others!
Many people were very proud of him, especially the young vagabonds. They all considered him their idol.
Everyone knew that people like Mei Suyao and Jikong Wudi were exceptional, but they came from imperial lineages. Lin Tiandi was the only genius who came from humble beginnings.
"For many generations, many founders of imperial lineages such as the Heavenguard's Immortal Emperor Qi Zhen and the Mysterious Bamboo Mountain's Immortal Emperor Ba Zhen came from nothing. Compared to the other geniuses, Lin Tiandi with his humble beginnings will definitely become the Immortal Emperor! He will definitely create an invincible sect that can shine for an eternity!" A vagrant cultivator made this comment with pride.
Lin Tiandi's arrival was sensational, and many people went to greet him or to take a look.
He trod through the sky with a transcendent and pure aura. His whole being was shrouded in clouds. His tall yet thin figure was adorned with a blue robe accompanied by an elegant temperament that was beyond this world.
His appearance betrayed his name that was full of arrogance and majesty. He didn't look domineering, contrary to his name's implications.
There was a scholarly essence to him. Others would think that he had read many different scriptures and that he came from a literary family!
He resembled a scholar more than a cultivator. Nevertheless, this did not affect his prestige in the slightest. In the eyes of the crowd, he was still the domineering Lin Tiandi.
After causing quite a stir in the city, he went to visit the ancient and mysterious clans in the Holy City. For cultivators of the southern region, it wasn't easy to go visit these clans. They wouldn't even entertain geniuses.
However, Lin Tiandi not only visited them, he was treated as an esteemed guest. Some ancestors even came out to see him.
A few days later, another piece of news came out from the city. Lin Tiandi visited the Crimson Night Kingdom's Thunder Tower. The tower lord even made an exception to see him. Afterward, he managed to climb to the top of the tower.
"That's Lin Tiandi for you. It's not strange that he can do so. Just think about it, so many sects were willing to let him use their merit laws for training." People weren't caught off guard by this at all. They were used to his brilliant nature.
The young geniuses were incredibly envious after hearing this. The Thunder Tower was one of the two best locations in the Holy City. It was famous alongside Tiger Hill and the Dragon Platform. It once belonged to an ancient clan in the city, but now, it was a property of Crimson Night.
Legend states that the tower was a natural creation of the heaven and earth. There were peerlessly wonderful items inside. It was presided over by the most powerful ancestor of the Crimson Night Kingdom. He was referred to by others as the Thunder Tower Lord.
Today, an outsider like Lin Tiandi was not only received by the tower lord unlike normal convention, he also climbed to the top. Just how glorious was this?
Among the youths of the Crimson Night Kingdom, only Chi Zixian had reached the top before. Other disciples were not qualified to even climb, yet Lin Tiandi, an outsider, was allowed to do so. This speaks volume of his cachet.
After he reached the top, day turned into night all of a sudden. Bursts of thunder resounded in the sky. Lightning streaked above the tower. The Thunder Tower suddenly became sky-reaching in a very mysterious and holy manner.
"Incredible, that's Lin Tiandi for you. He gained some benefits after entering the tower for such a short time; he was actually able to unravel the mysteries of the tower and obtain the resonation of the heaven and earth!" Many people saw this shocking scene. Even a big shot from the last generation murmured to himself.
The younger generation was naturally envious. Those who could unravel the mysteries of the tower would gain great benefits!
Lin Tiandi didn't stop at the Thunder Tower for long. On the second day, he left the Holy City and entered the Godwar Mountain by himself.
"The current peerless genius is indeed different. After understanding the mysteries of the Thunder Tower, he immediately entered the Godwar Mountain. Does he want the supreme scripture from there as well?" Many people emotionally commented after seeing this.
Jealousy was useless for the younger generation. Difficult things for others were easily achieved by Lin Tiandi. It was incredibly frustrating to compare oneself to him!
While everyone had their eyes on Lin Tiandi, a buzzing sound suddenly rang inside the large cave on top of the Dragon Platform in the stillness of the night. A light flashed as a man rushed out from the cave.
If any outsiders were here, they would be scared out of their mind from this scene as if they had just seen a ghost. Everyone knew that there was no coming back after falling into the cave. For millions of years, this truth remained.
But now, someone actually made it out of the cave. This news would shock the world if someone were here to see it.
Of course, it was Li Qiye who leaped out of the cave. After finishing his negotiation with the two existences in the ocean, he immediately left the Hidden-dragon Mountains. The world didn't know that one could leave the Hidden-dragon Mountains through the Dragon Platform. However, entrance via the Dragon Platform guaranteed death. Naturally, these secrets were too elusive for ordinary people.
Li Qiye gazed at the Hidden-dragon Mountains again while standing on top of the platform. He revealed a faint smile with a carefree mood. Although he didn't obtain any treasure from the mountain this time, his harvest was extremely great.
More importantly, Li Qiye was relieved to see the little girl's result. No matter what happened later on, her future would be full of hope with that kind of opportunity.
His mind eventually returned. He then shifted over towards the Godwar Mountain in the distance. He became quiet while staring at the mountain that seemed to be defending myriad realms.
After a long time, he murmured: "After so many years, it is time to find out and let the items within to come out. It is time for my harvest."
It was well known that the Godwar Mountain had some incredible mysteries. One could be enlightened by the grand dao or listen to an immortal scripture. Nevertheless, most of this was still hidden behind a secret veil.