Emperor's Domination

Coldblade’s boat traveled with lightning speed across the ocean. The group enjoyed the breeze and appreciated Coldblade’s hospitality.

They witnessed amazing scenes along the way - whales leaping out of the water and flying for a bit, seagulls soaring swiftly and drilling into the ocean. They also saw jellyfish floating in the air and releasing bubbles capable of raising islands.

“This is the broken world? There is so much life here.” Princess Chen was perplexed since Old Ruin was a land of death.

“Because of the unprecedented eruption of worldly essence. However, they are unstable and can collapse overnight.” Coldblade said.

“Overnight…” Li Xian became startled.

“As long as the world source is still available, stability will come.” Li Qiye smiled.

“You know about the world source?” She was surprised because even cultivators of her level rarely had access to this information.

“A little.” Li Qiye shrugged.

“What’s a world source?” The princess heard it from him before.

“How should I put this…” Coldblade mused before responding: “Imagine it as the source of all powers.”

“So there is one here in Old Ruin?” Orchidcore said: “Its mighty power is enough to turn regular living beings into demons, it’s unimaginable indeed.”

“This is just a tiny part of it.” Coldblade said: “But I have never made contact with one before. According to the legends, it is much more potent and there might be several.”

“That’s incorrect. Each world only has one world source, Three Immortals included.” Li Qiye interjected.

“Only one? And it is right here in Old Ruin?” Li Xian said.

“Not quite right either.” Li Qiye said: “Although there is only one, it exists as an earth vein with numerous hidden branches.”

He paused for a moment and stared at the group: “However, regardless of its size and type, there is something unique about them.”

“What is it?” Orchidcore asked.

“Since the source and its veins are made from worldly essences, there are always leaks that benefit living beings. This is the reason why dao lineages with certain territories are better for cultivation, the earth veins beneath.” Li Qiye said.

“I know this, there is a great one beneath Desolate Frontier, am I right?” Princess Chen stared at Mu Hu.

“Well, I have no idea, it’s too high level for me.” Mu Hu shook his head, prompting her to glare at him since she didn’t like the answer.

“How do you know all of this?” Coldblade had a different impression of Li Qiye since his knowledge exceeded his cultivation.

“I’m an avid reader.” Li Qiye shrugged.

“This answer again?” The princess interjected, she didn’t think this was the case.

“So you are saying there is another great earth vein here that had erupted.” Li Xian said.

“If they’re elusive, it doesn’t make sense for one to erupt randomly.” Orchidcore said.

“Amitabha, it was a great flood indeed.” Monk Zhu thought there had to be a reason.

“There is no clear answer yet.” Coldblade was kind to these juniors and didn’t put on an imperious act. Perhaps it was because of their common background: “I did hear that the earth veins in Three Immortals often go missing.”

“Isn’t it the accumulation of all worldly essences, can it just disappear?” Princess Chen asked.

“Taken or refined by others. From what I know, the emergence of a supreme overlord can exhaust an earth vein.” Coldblade said.

The group exchanged glances.

“Doesn’t that mean the supreme overlords will own all the earth veins?” Mu Hu said.

“They keep them a secret once found.” Princess Chen added.

“Not always the case.” Li Qiye smiled.

“There is a legend about how difficult it used to be for supreme overlords to appear. Now, it’s a lot more common.” Orchidcore said.

“It is due to the earth veins.” Li Qiye said: “And gratitude must be given to the three immortals.”

“Go on.” Coldblade became curious, not finding it strange how a pseudo-emperor was asking a near-mortal questions.

“A world source is the beginning of all life. As long as there is a source, there is a world seal.” Li Qiye patiently said.

“A world seal?” Princess Chen repeated.

“A dao mystery capable of sealing the source.” Li Qiye said.

“For what reason?” Li Xian asked.

“When sealed, cultivation becomes difficult. Not to mention becoming an emperor, just becoming a noble is prohibitive.” Li Qiye said.

“Unable to muster any strength.” Orchidcore said.

“Yes, unable to feel the mysteries of the world for cultivation.” Li Qiye said.