Emperor's Domination

The strand somehow contained more life force than all inhabitants of Old World combined. It repeatedly assaulted the fiery maelstrom, preventing it from descending fully.

“Rumble!” The youths were in awe of its tenacity. Its pushing was the reason for the vortex’s existence, keeping the flames at bay. The conflict between the two sides seemed to be eternal.

“Damn, the old tree demon is still alive.” Black Witch Monarch couldn’t believe it.

“What?!” The youths blurted.

“Bodhi Ancestor is still alive?” Li Xian said. This news would shock all of Three Immortals.

“I understand now, Desolate Ancestor and the others must have taken action and helped him suppress the tribulation flames. They then situated him at the world source for an unlimited energy flow. This kept him alive to fight the flames.” The monarch explained.

“Why don’t they directly help him extinguish the flames?” Li Xian asked softly.

“This tribulation is inevitable during the ascension.” Li Qiye said: “If others help, they might invoke their own tribulation.”

“Desolate Ancestor’s tribulation flames would be out of this world. The tree demon would be the first to die and then she might be in danger too.” The monarch said.

After hearing this, the group better understood heavenly tribulations and the danger.

“Does Bodhi Ancestor stand a chance since he is still alive?” Mu Hu asked.

“No.” The monarch said: “The support is not his life force but the world source. When it runs out, that will be his final moment.”

The others became sentimental. The great supreme overlord had suffered for eras but this was merely delaying the inevitable.

“Is it salvageable, Young Noble?” The monarch couldn’t help but ask.

Li Qiye assessed the situation briefly and shook his head: “No. The tribulation flames had fused with every fiber of his being, they would follow him until there is nothing left.”

“Tribulations are terrifying indeed.” Monk Zhu murmured.

Although the juniors had yet to experience one, the fear was bone-deep and instinctive.

“So it’s either a successful breakthrough or death.” The monarch said in a daze.

If he wanted to continue, he would have to face a similar one eventually. Bodhi Ancestor was a brilliant supreme overlord, highly respected among his peers. Thus, his outcome might be worse than the great tree.

“Breakthrough is the best outcome while death is the worst. However, there is still a sliver of hope in the latter.” Li Qiye said.

“What is it?” The monarch asked earnestly.

“Rebirth via fire.” Li Qiye said.

“Rebirth, is it possible?” The monarch became emotional.

“The flames will always haunt the target in the case of failure. If that’s the case, why not let them burn everything including karma and fortunes, and burn away all the imperfections too.” Li Qiye said.

“But that would be death, total death.” The monarch said.

“It’s rare indeed, you need the perfect circumstances on top of someone strong enough to protect the last sliver of hope so that you can return anew.” Li Qiye said.

“Where would I find one?” The monarch smiled wryly.

“When you are pushed to the edge, who can you trust?” Li Qiye asked.

“Well…” A figure flashed in his mind - the bull.

“Would one need to surpass the tribulation again after starting anew?” Mu Hu asked.

“Of course, another attempt is unavoidable.” Li Qiye said.

“What if the person fails again?” Princess Chen asked.

“This shows the lack of improvement, qualification, and power.” Li Qiye answered.

The youths pondered in silence. Not to mention the slim chance of surviving, there was no improved chance of success either with the second attempt.

“Boom!” Suddenly, two imperial auras emerged first. In the next second, another could be sensed.

“New emperors?” Mu Hu became excited.

“Not only that, someone might be trying to kill them, haha.” Black Witch Monarch said.