Chapter 644: The Son of Heaven Flees

Within the imperial palace.

Li Jiye and the other five Yin Emperors all looked up at the heavens, where terrifying celestial energies erupted, incense smoke scattered everywhere, and deafening roars occasionally shook the sky as if it might shatter.

This battle appeared simple, yet it determined the future course of the Zhao dynasty.

If the Grand Ancestor Emperor won, the Divine Martial Emperor would face retribution, and the world would return to its former state; but if he lost, the Yin Emperors would vanish into history, and the world would be ruled solely by this Divine Martial Emperor.

All incense devotion in the world would belong to one man.

But Li Jiye's thoughts at this moment were simple: if Xiao Yi could not prevail, if he lost by a hair's breadth, he would not sit idle—he would expend every ounce of strength and fight a great battle against these Yin Emperors.

He was confident he could win, for he had no path of retreat left.

Yet since Xiao Yi was willing to gamble against the Grand Ancestor Emperor, it was a good thing—if he won, these Yin Emperors would vanish without a single blow, sparing the realm another great war.

That was precisely why both sides agreed to this arrangement.

But soon.

Amid the echoing roars above the heavens, a wisp of green smoke plummeted straight toward the direction of the imperial palace.

Boom!

Though the green smoke seemed light, it carried the weight of a thousand jin; upon striking the ground before Yongchang Hall, it smashed a massive crater, kicking up a cloud of dust. When the dust cleared, a man covered in deep cracks, as if grievously wounded, emerged.

"Grand Ancestor Emperor."

The other five Yin Emperors immediately leapt forward to investigate.

"Grand Ancestor, what is the situation? Has the True Person Taiyi been executed?" Yingzong asked urgently.

Grand Ancestor Emperor Zhao Tianxing's face was dark. Ignoring the cracks spreading across his body, he struggled to his feet, glanced at the Divine Martial Emperor, and said: "A fine young heir—you've found yourself an extraordinary master. I lose this contest. From this day forward, we Yin Emperors shall dwell forever in Longcheng and never emerge again."

"You must also relinquish your imperial title," said Divine Martial Emperor Li Jiye, eyes half-lidded.

"As you wish." Grand Ancestor Emperor Zhao Tianxing said no more, instantly transforming into a wisp of green smoke and flying out of the palace.

He knew that if he stayed any longer, he might never leave alive today.

The other five Yin Emperors quickly realized the situation and dared not linger—they too turned into green smoke and fled.

Even the Grand Ancestor Emperor could not defeat that True Person Taiyi; they had lost all leverage for negotiation. Whatever the opponent demanded, they must obey. And they could no longer remain in the capital—otherwise, when True Person Taiyi turned to Qingsuan, they would meet the same fate.

Returning to Longcheng was at least a chance to survive.

Seeing the Yin Emperors flee in panic, Divine Martial Emperor Li Jiye smiled.

He knew that with this battle over, the world had truly stabilized; the campaign to destroy mountains and temples had ended completely. From now on, he could freely cultivate the Embroidered Uniform Guards and the Golden Eye Guards without restraint.

At this moment.

Li Yi also descended slowly from the sky, stepping upon golden auspicious clouds. His body bore not a single scratch. Though the residual shockwaves had been perilous, his Dao-ware armor had easily deflected the damage.

This was the advantage of possessing many treasures—it allowed him to face danger with calmness.

"This victory was thanks to you. Otherwise, another bloody war would have erupted," said Divine Martial Emperor Li Jiye, looking at Li Yi with deep relief.

Yet even now, their true identities must not be revealed.

Only when he fully controlled the world could Li Jiye do what he truly wished.

"The Yin Emperors fled to Longcheng—they will remain a problem," Li Yi said, gazing at the direction the Yin Emperors had vanished. "Once incense devotion is unified and the Daju is settled, we can settle accounts later."

"I think the same," said Li Jiye. "They are the ancestors of the Zhao dynasty. But this matter need not be rushed—we must proceed cautiously. Yet from today, this world is ours to command."

"From now on, I and True Person Taiyi shall share this world," he declared, speaking as the Divine Martial Emperor.

These words would be recorded and would spread across the realm within days.

Li Yi smiled: "I have stayed in this world long enough. The Daju is settled; I will depart soon. Though the incense devotion here is powerful, it has its limitations—I cannot cultivate here indefinitely."

The drawback of cultivating multiple paths is this: the resources of one world cannot satisfy him.

Here, incense devotion is abundant, but blood qi is scarce. Prolonged stay strengthens the soul but weakens the physical body.

"Crossing realms?" Li Jiye fell silent for a moment.

He too felt the urge to cross realms, yet he needed this world as his foundation. Otherwise, returning to Earth with weak power would leave him perpetually constrained. Only by swiftly converting this world's incense devotion into his own strength could he freely traverse realms.

"When do you plan to cross realms?" he asked.

Li Yi replied: "In ten days. I still need to prepare, and ensure the world is secure. But before I leave, I will leave Xiangxiangzi, the Immortal Lady, here to serve as National Teacher, receiving incense devotion on my behalf."

"Xiangxiangzi? So that's it," Li Jiye nodded slightly.

He had met this Xiangxiangzi before—a remarkable woman from the End-Dharma Daoist world, a master of the Three Flowers Realm. She died in a great battle, her primordial spirit becoming a seed that lodged within Li Yi. Later, incense devotion awakened it, reviving her.

Such a master, if stationed here as National Teacher, would be a pillar of the state—immensely helpful to Li Jiye.

At least he would have an ally, not stand alone. He greatly approved of Li Yi's decision.

And it would benefit Xiangxiangzi too—she could use this chance to heal her primordial spirit, restore her realm and power, and even forge a completely new Dao path through incense devotion.

But neither dared speak much longer.

They stood before Yongchang Hall, surrounded by Golden Eye Guards and ministers—all watching. Secret matters could not be spoken here.

But soon.

A Golden Eye Guard arrived to report: "Your Majesty, just now, Grand Tutor Zuo Hanyuan, newly appointed Grand Commandant Wang Ji, and dozens of other hidden officials and civil-military ministers have submitted their resignations."

"One emperor, one set of ministers. With the Yin Emperors defeated, these officials dare not remain in court," Li Yi immediately understood.

Many of these officials had ties to the Yin Emperors—some were even their planted agents.

When the Yin Emperors held great power, even the new emperor could do nothing against them; even Li Jiye had to tolerate their presence.

Now, this situation would never return.

!

Divine Martial Emperor Li Jiye's gaze shifted, his voice low and firm: "Deny their resignations. Order the Embroidered Uniform Guards to closely monitor these officials. Whoever dares leave the capital—execute immediately."

Now they want to leave?

Too late.

These ministers caused him no end of trouble. Now is the time for reckoning.

If he does not execute some, how can he demonstrate imperial authority? How can he intimidate the realm?

The Golden Eye Guard bowed and departed swiftly.

Today, many would meet misfortune.

Li Yi did not involve himself in court affairs. Instead, he returned to Wuji Palace. He knew his father would be busy today, so he would not disturb him—he would simply wait quietly for a few days, and the world's incense devotion would soon grant him his share.

Upon returning to Wuji Palace.

He saw a graceful woman standing before the palace gates, radiating seven-colored divine light.

"Immortal Lady, the Daju is settled. You are safe now," Li Yi said with a smile.

Xiangxiangzi replied: "Just now, I truly wanted to kill those Yin Emperors. But I held back. Since they are willing to surrender incense devotion, I'll spare them—for now. True Person Taiyi, you are still not ruthless enough. You must learn from me. The struggle on the Dao is merciless. One misstep for us of the Heavenly Dao Sect means eternal ruin."

Compared to Li Jiye and Li Yi, her murderous intent was far greater.

"Enough, Immortal Lady. This is no time for preaching. I will cross realms in days. During this time, please master more techniques to help me advance further." Li Yi said.

"You've already learned Summon Wind and Rain, Subdue Dragon and Tiger, Ride the Clouds, and even the Great and Small Transformation. The only remaining technique is Reverse Rivers and Seas—I will master it within ten days and teach it to you."

Xiangxiangzi's expression turned solemn.

On cultivation matters, she never took anything lightly.

"Then I am in your debt, Immortal Lady," Li Yi bowed.

It was good to have someone master techniques for him—his own comprehension might take years.

"Of all these techniques, the most important is Great and Small Transformation. I will re-meditate on it thoroughly. When you leave, take as much as you can. When you return to Earth, remember to tell Xuan Yuezi about the incense devotion here." Xiangxiangzi said.

"Our Heavenly Dao Sect's three Immortal Ladies sacrificed themselves to the Xuanhuang Seal. That bald monk said there's a chance they might revive. If we bring them here, perhaps incense devotion can restore them."

Li Yi immediately replied: "I'll remember this. When I return, I'll tell Xuan Yuezi. If we can revive the other three Immortal Ladies, it will be a momentous blessing."

Those called "Immortal Ladies" begin at the Three Flowers Realm.

If they could be revived through incense devotion, he would gain three more Three Flowers Realm masters at his side.

"This matter is paramount. All else is trivial. True Person Taiyi, handle it as you see fit. From now on, the Seven Immortal Ladies line answers to you. Give any order—you need not be so formal." Xiangxiangzi said.

Li Yi nodded again.

In the following days, Xiangxiangzi abandoned her usual frivolous demeanor, devoted herself to cultivation, and used incense devotion to re-meditate on Great and Small Transformation and Reverse Rivers and Seas.

Li Yi did not continue cultivating.

His blood qi was severely depleted—he could not push further. So he merely cultivated his body and mind, helping his father Li Jiye with minor affairs. But three days later.

He once again felt a vast torrent of incense devotion converging upon him, giving him the sensation of ascending to godhood on the spot.

This change meant the Yin Emperors had relinquished their imperial titles and willingly surrendered their portion of incense devotion.

(End of Chapter)