But the moment that air shield appeared, Nox's hand was already pressed on it. "Technique of Arts, Sundered Firmament!"The Technique of Arts had three techniques within it. Using those techniques, Nox killed eight Legend Realms that hailed from different clans when he first came into Imperia. However, he had only used two out of three: Mountainshift and Shockwave.This time, Nox used the final technique—Sundered Firmament. The moment he used it, the shield shattered, and a shockwave that was reminiscent of a C4 explosion engulfed the battlefield.The Legend Realms around them were sent flying away, and a ten-foot crater was left before Phoenix. This technique was unparalleled and earth-shattering.When the dust had settled, Phoenix was bleeding from his face, his innards crushed. He dropped dead in the crater. Just like that, the Legend Realms sent to stop Nox were all dead.Seeing this, the remaining masked men felt themselves shudder. After all, Nox had killed the False Top Leg
Nox looked at the Top Legend Realms and said loudly, "Well, I see the Mousses didn't hold back. They got all the oldest clans working together."The gaunt old man, Ezekiel, sighed. "We are nothing but dying figures. If you hadn't insisted on cleansing us, we'd never have stepped into this mess."Nox sneered. "The fact that clans interfered with politics is the sign of a coup. And you think I should let them do as they please?" he asked proudly."I have no rebuttals for that, Lord Nox. However, the status quo cannot remain forever, can it? Besides, the news of your death has spread throughout the nation. The families, sects, and clans think you're dead, so they made their choice," Ezekiel said quietly."So, you think you can do as you please just because you thought I was dead? And that's your justification for taking the Mousses' side, interfering with politics, and killing my brothers?" Nox's murderous aura shot up into the sky.The Top Legend Realms fell silent. Back then, at th
Blood trickled from the corner of Hopton's mouth, and he looked at the murderous Nox with terror. At the same time, the other Top Legend Realm chorused, "Please, cease your anger, Lord Nox. We do not wish to become your enemy. Please, do not rouse chaos in the martial arts world, or this will affect our martial fortune!"The martial fortune of Faeast was primarily monopolized by the sects, then the families, and in last place, the clans. However, the clans made up most of the martial arts world. Seventy percent of warriors came from clans. If Nox were to do battle with these clans, he would make an enemy out of all clans.This would be a disaster if it came to pass. Unfortunately, Nox didn't care. He looked at the Top Legend Realms sharply. "Six years ago, I was crowned lord. With Eight Techniques, I made sure the clans, the sects, and the families stayed put, and I unified the martial arts world.""It has only been six years, and now you're already starting a coup? You summoned dis
All eyes were on Nox, waiting for his decision. Augustus was one of them. Although he was only fifteen, he knew what Ezekiel was trying to say. Should Nox choose to make an enemy out of the clans, a war would soon follow.Silence ensued as everyone awaited Nox's answer. The Top Legend Realms didn't make their move. Nox stood tall, looking at the sky. "I've promised to never turn my back on the people or my brothers. Now, the clans have roused chaos and harmed my brothers. I shall spill your blood to assuage their fallen souls!" he roared.An indescribable wave of murderous intent burst forth from Nox. This was his answer. So what if there were thousands of clans out there? So what if he had to make an enemy out of them? He wasn't afraid of them. Anyone who harmed his brothers would have to pay with their blood, and this was merely the beginning.Bard, Bear, and Augustus' eyes went red with excitement. Yes, Nox would stand tall for the people and his brothers.Ezekiel shouted in res
Eventually, a gigantic sword about a hundred feet long appeared. At the same time, all five Top Legend Realms attacked. These Top Legend Realms had lived a thousand years in total. Anyone who had become a Top Legend Realm could have five hundred years added to their lifespan.Now, all five of them fused their power and attacked together. Strongwind burst into the air, and martial energy charged into the heavens. As the energies merged, the battlefield morphed into hell on earth.Could these Top Legend Realms stop Heaven's Demise? Nox swung his hand down. "Destroy them!"The gigantic sword fell from the heavens, raining destructive energy on the Top Legend Realms. However, they were no easy prey. Now that they had combined their powers, it would take a lot of power to break through their defenses.A gigantic barrier made of electricity appeared over their heads, and Nox's gigantic sword crashed into it. The air rumbled, and so did the ground. All the trees around snapped in half fro
Everyone assumed Nox could only cast one technique at a time, but in actuality, he could cast all of them simultaneously. However, none had ever witnessed the scene where he used all eight techniques in one go. He didn't even use all of them during the big battle.Nox had cast the second technique. As the lightning pool descended, lightning bolts swirled around Nox, oddly making him resemble a god."He cast two techniques one after the other…""Is he a demon?"Hopton stared at Nox, his eyes wide and filled with despair. His companions didn't look happy at all. That was because they could barely withstand Nox's murderous intent after he cast the second technique. So, they couldn't even begin to imagine what would happen to them when the skill fell upon them.Just when they were still wallowing in their horror, they heard Nox say, "Eight Techniques, Technique of Arts!"'What? He cast another one?'The clans couldn't believe what they were hearing. They couldn't believe Nox had jus
Everyone was looking at Nox with awe. Augustus had a flame of worship in his eyes, and he balled his fists. "I will become a legend like Nox."After the Top Legend Realms were killed, Nox descended from the skies. Nox didn't even bother looking at the remains as he said, "It's time to bust Keith out." He walked toward Darkwater Penitentiary. Bear and the others quickly followed.Darkwater Penitentiary was a dark and eerie place. The air was filled with the stench of blood. Although there were many cells within, they were all deserted. The only clues that pointed to prior existence were the dried blood and bloodstained chains.There wasn't a single guard here. Bear and Bard searched the place high and low, but Keith was nowhere to be found. "Where's Keith? He's not here?" Bear asked, his eyes red.Bard wanted to say something, but Nox laid eyes on a certain wall. "Here." He waved his hand, and the granite wall was crushed, revealing a secret cell. It was a gigantic containment chamb
Bear was surprised to hear that this old man was just a phantom. Nox finally looked at the silhouette. "It's been a while, Jacques Mousse."'Jacques Mousse?' Everyone was stupefied. It was surprising to find out that this old man was part of the Mousse Family.The old man chortled. "Yes, it has been a while, hasn't it? I thought you would have died in the Ocean of Death after being afflicted with Kirin Firepoison. Yet, here we are."Nox wasn't angry. Instead, he snarked coldly, "Disappointed to see me alive?""No. I just think it's a waste," muttered Jacques.Nox's face fell, and he raised his head."Don't look so shocked. I do think it is a waste. You are the pride and joy of Faeast, but it's a pity we didn't grasp the chance to keep you as our ally," said Jacques, sighing as if he had given this thought quite a bit of consideration and found it a shame."Tell me, why did you harm me? Why did you poison me?" Nox finally voiced his questions. A long while ago, Nox went along fin
Back in the regular guards' camp, Harley spat blood. He was lying in the ruins of a building, his body covered in slash marks. His Celestial technique was broken. This man was leagues above him. Celestial techniques were useless. The swordsman was too powerful."Magic Mountain's techniques? But their swordsmen are on good terms with the lord!" Harley stared at the man in green. He defeated Harley using Magic Mountain's techniques.Magic Mountain and Mystia had always been at loggerheads. They had slain many demons and monsters throughout the years, and their swordsmanship was a bane for the cultivators."I wonder how Nox managed to make a Mystian like you loyal to him. Yes, I am a Magic Mountain swordsman. Was, to be honest. I was kicked out a hundred years ago. My master said my heart is astray. How laughable. I have killed demons over ninety years, and hundreds of them have died to my blade! My heart is not astray!"Your sins are innumerable, Harley, and you must be slain! White
All of a sudden, the soldiers let go of their weapons. They had a look of fanaticism on their faces as they throttled themselves to death. The party went on, and the bluebloods enjoyed every moment, oblivious to the incoming danger.The monk passed through the residence smoothly, with all the soldiers and guards throttling themselves to death. Suddenly, everyone noticed a monk in red robes in the party hall. The drunk guests thought this was an event arranged by Atlas."We have a monk here. Wonder what kind of show you're presenting," a portly rich man joked, laughing loudly."Show? I am the leader of an evil sect. No show, but I do have a scripture to share. The government calls my sect evil, and they claim the monks are agents of darkness. You are not much better yourself. Omitofo."The old monk chanted once more, and the look on everyone's faces changed. Some knelt and cried their hearts out. Some groveled and didn't even notice that their heads were bleeding. They talked about
Back in his residence, Atlas called a feast and invited the bluebloods of Imperia. He was glowing during the event and could never be happier. He used to be a declining aristocrat with nothing but the title of nobility.However, his luck turned for the better when he got older. He followed Nox into battle at Heaven's Cage, Vertolt, and Winterosch, making him a true lord. The Limerents controlled the nation, and he was a prince. He could even have some power over the nation or at least be one of the top dogs in Faeast.If Nox became emperor, then all the better. Perhaps he could be a more intimate part of the royal family. He drank to his heart's content and partied with the most desired people in Imperia. Nothing could be better."Life is short, people. Drink!"…The Ice Temple's vice-Lord was in the regular guards' encampment. This was a critical junction, and yet Atlas wasn't at his post. Instead, he was having a party. The vice-Lord had a bad feeling about this, but he had no p
Harley sneered, having nothing but disdain for Atlas. "I can't believe the master would employ a shithead like you."Atlas laughed. "You think you're so high and mighty, but you're also Lord Nox's lapdog now. I am his subordinate, and we have a close relationship. I'm also the uncle of the emperor. That makes me Lord Nox's great-uncle," bragged Atlas."Dumbass. Just do your fucking job. Vermilion Bird and Black Tortoise told me the Mousses might try something," Harley cursed.The mention of the Mousses made Atlas panic, but he calmed himself down and snored. "The Mousses? They won't dare do anything when I'm here. If they show up, I'll kick their ass! I command thirty thousand units. If they come to Imperia, it'll be the last thing they see!" Atlas was confident.Harley was speechless. 'My word, how can he be such a braggart?'With thirty thousand Nox Army units in Imperia, combined with the Forbidden Army, the regular guards, and 200 thousand elites protecting Imperia, nothing co
Vermilion Bird said, "Azure Dragon used to be an Advanced Eight Gates. After the Mousses had him under their control, he became a Supreme. Judging by these photos, he's gotten more powerful since then."'More powerful?' Nineve knew how the cultivators were ranked. Top Legend Realms were another kind of life form entirely. In Faeast, a Supreme could be made a lord. An undefeatable Supreme would be made a ruler. A Sovereign was made every five hundred years, while a ruler was made every century.Supremes appeared once every decade or so. "I don't get it. You three obviously found some power source, and with Nox's help, you leveled up. Azure Dragon only has the Mousses. How'd he level up so fast?"If the Mousses were so powerful, they wouldn't have to resort to assassinations or betrayals."Not the Mousses. It's all Azure Dragon. He's our captain. He's a very talented and cunning man. Emphasis on talent. He's so strong that not even three of us can compare to him, combined. The only g
Elizabeth said nothing but went red and hung her head low, causing Black Tortoise to panic."Uh oh. If you want him, you'll have to fight for him. That's all I can say, but the lord does think highly of you." He laughed."Shut it, Black Tortoise. You're talking nonsense here!" Vermilion Bird snapped. "See you, Your Majesty." She then took Black Tortoise and left the room quickly. They had work to do.The duo led most of the Shadow Division members back to Faeast. After the incident of Brundela, Faeast's fate was going strong, and the people were excited. However, beneath that excitement was unseen danger.Vermilion Bird and Black Tortoise came back to Northstate's governor-general's place and met up with Nineve. Black Tortoise said solemnly, "What happened, Your Highness? We need the details."Nineve looked exhausted, and there were dark circles under her eyes. She had been working hard in Nox's absence. "Honestly, Atlas… I mean, the Defender of the Lord hasn't been pulling his we
Douglas worked through the night for the negotiation."One, you must apologize for your invasion of Faeast. Two, you will return all stolen relics to us and pay for damages. Three, you will open trade with Faeast, and it must be complete and total. Those are our demands. We promise not to interfere with your nation's administration. Once the aid is administered, our fleet and army will retreat from Brundela."And one more thing. Faeast recognizes you as Brundela's new ruler." That was interesting. It also meant that Faeast could rescind that recognition at any time. Elizabeth had no choice. Without Faeast, Brundela would be gone. In the end, the nations arrived at an agreement.At midnight, they called a press conference. Faeast helped Eropa settle a war and avert a world disaster. That news took the world by storm. The Eastern dragon was rising, and none could stop it. It wouldn't take long for Faeast to return to the top.Brundela's case was over. After they gave enough aid, Ferg
"They call you Great Generals?" the Ice Temple Lord laughed. "If I do want to betray him, how do you hope to stop me? You three had to take me on together, and it only ended in a draw. Now that I'm an Emperor and White Tiger is in a slumber, I can destroy you in a moment!"The Ice Temple Lord looked at Vermilion Bird and Black Tortoise with disdain. Vermilion Bird's eyes were wide. She didn't care. She would fight the Temple Lord to the bitter end if she must.Black Tortoise was the calmer one, and he pulled Vermilion Bird back. "Calm down. Even if he wants to betray the lord, he at least would want to see the lord's body before he tries anything."Even a woman like Aphrodite lost this fight. He wouldn't dare try anything stupid."The Ice Temple Lord was still smug about being an Emperor, and now his celebration was cut short. Betraying Nox required a lot of courage. Nox's power terrified him. Even if he couldn't win the fight, Nox could at least come back safely.Besides, he only
The formation Nox created with the Sovereign Seal was on the brink of destruction. Once the formation was gone, the Sovereigns and the spirits would return to dust. In this final moment, Brundela's Faeastian called their friends and family in their homeland and projected the modern-day Faeast onto the gigantic screen in the plaza.The spirits cried when they saw how developed their nation had become. The Sovereigns and the rulers were meticulous people. They used to rule over a unified nation, so they knew how hard it was to create a dynasty. Every dynasty would have its peak and nadir.Every time a dynasty was on a decline, Faeast would be in danger. They didn't talk about the truth behind that video, of course. They admired the beautiful land of Faeast as they waited for their final moment to arrive."The hardest and darkest moment is behind us, sirs. Faeast has me now. You may rest in peace. I will not let you down. I will destroy the canker that infects Faeast and give it the pe