“Return the scales to us!” One big shot yelled.

“So which ones belong to you?” Li Qiye asked with a smile.

The big shot couldn’t answer. The scales were identical so how could he distinguish the one he knocked down from the others?

Some were so preoccupied with staying alive that they had no idea whether they had knocked down some scales or otherwise.

“We struck them down so they belong to us!” One ancestor shouted.

“You are speaking on everyone’s behalf? Will you do the dividing?” Li Qiye smiled.

The ancestor had no response as he glanced at the emperors and desolate gods, being far from qualified to take the lead.

“Ultimately, these scales have nothing to do with you since you contributed nothing. Let the emperors distribute them!” An expert blurted.

They were jealous of Li Qiye benefitting without putting in the work while they risked their lives. Although the emperors could divide the scales unfairly, it was still better mentally than letting Li Qiye have the scales. This alleviated the intense jealousy felt by all.

“Fine, which emperor will do it?” Li Qiye smiled.

All eyes were fixated on the strongest group. Golden Flower and Witch King were the strongest among them, two apex emperors.

They exchanged glances and didn’t speak out. Pride and reputation prevented them from acting blatantly greedy.

“Who is stronger between the two of you?” Li Qiye continued.

Everyone became interested since both shared the same classification, but who was stronger?

“Junior, don’t try to cast a bone between us. Hand over the scales and we will properly deal with them.” Witch King said.

“So obvious with your intention, how unbecoming of an apex emperor. Disappointing.” Li Qiye shook his head and said.

Although the circumstances made Li Qiye unworthy of the scales, they were indeed forcing him - something shameful for a cultivator of Witch King’s stature.

“We sowed and now, we harvest.” Golden Flower said.

“That’s right, you have no claim over them.” The crowd started shouting. In the best-case scenario, each would get one or two scales. On the other hand, the emperors might take everything but they would still prefer this over Li Qiye monopolizing the scales.

“Fine, let me be the judge then.” Li Qiye gestured at them and said: “As long as you let me know which one is yours and its unique characteristics or marks, I will return them to you. No need to trouble the emperors.”

Many exchanged glances and knew this was impossible. They were busy during the chaotic battle and the scales were identical. They had no time to observe their falling trajectory.

“If you can’t distinguish among them, there is no proof you have knocked any down. Why would the emperors hand you any if that's the case?” Li Qiye said while staring at the apex emperors: “If I let you all do the allocation, what will be your method?”

The group didn’t respond because they didn’t care to verify who knocked what down. The only goal was to obtain as many scales as possible.

“The only thing any of you want to do is to get as many scales as possible with no regard for others. Of course, on a fundamental level, jealousy drives you to prevent me from keeping them.” Li Qiye said.

Some turned red and hot after this accusation because it rang true. A mortal didn’t deserve these scales.

They also knew full well the apex emperors wouldn’t be generous enough to give them a piece of the pie. Nevertheless, this was still better than the alternative.

“Very well, let me tell you something about me. I am someone who likes to annoy others, the more they feel annoyed, the more motivation for me.” Li Qiye said: “These scales, I’ll be keeping them all.”

“I’m afraid that’s not up to you.” One ancestor shouted; embarrassment turned into rage.

“Speaking over the emperors now?” Li Qiye said.

The ancestor immediately closed his mouth and glanced at Golden Flower’s group. Anger made him forget his position.

The crowd was reminded and stopped commenting.

“I don’t think you’ll be leaving this place alive with them.” Witch King said.

“Putting on a robber’s mask now?” Li Qiye smiled.

It became a contest between greed and reputation for him. Being the first to rob Li Qiye would besmirch his reputation, but the scales were immensely valuable.