Nox snorted and swung his hand. The silhouette scattered like ash, leaving no trace behind. After that, Bear and Bard quickly freed Keith from his chains. Bear immediately noticed the Soul-Crushing Nails on Keith's chest. He tried to pull them out, but Nox said urgently, "Bear, don't move.""What's wrong, milord?" Bear turned around, confused."Those are Soul-Crushing Nails. They pin the soul down and silence the victim's life energy. Pull them out, and Keith will lose all his life energy in the blink of an eye. He will die," warned Nox."What?" Bear was frozen as he stared at the nails with wide eyes. Every nail radiated dark, cold air. Every nail was the size of a thumb and was buried in Keith's body. His eyes went red. "What now, milord? Are we going to let these nails torture Keith?""Don't worry. Take him home. I'll heal him myself."Nox's guarantee gained a collective sigh of relief from Bear and Bard. They propped up the bloodied and tormented Keith.Just when they were a
"It feeds on humans and flames. The battle we had earlier left behind a mountain of bodies. It scented them. So, it came," Nox explained.Bear wanted to ask what 'it' was, but the air was pierced with the roar of a beast. Everyone watched with wide eyes as pillars of flames shot up the air. Then, a mountainous, fire-breathing monster appeared before their eyes.The monster had the head of a cow, eyes as big as bells, and skin covered in black scales. Half its body was like a lizard, and it was as tall as a hill. It breathed fire through its mouth, and an air of destruction swam around it.A shocked Redsleeve staggered backward. "My gods, what is this monster?"Oldsmoke and Steely had never seen this monster before. So, they couldn't help but blanch at the sight. Augustus, however, felt sharper than ever. If Nox said the word, he would fight this monster with every inch of his life.Meanwhile, Bard stared at the fire-breathing monster with saucers for eyes. "Could this be the legen
As Nox stepped forward, the beast took another trembling step back as if it was prey seeing a predator. Nox smiled at its reaction. "Ah, so you recognize me. Then, kneel!"The One-Legged Beast knelt before Nox like a puppy obeying its master, hanging its head low. Even the flames it breathed seemed to be dying. It whimpered, begging for mercy.Nox leaped and landed before the beast's head, and he patted it. "Good. You did well this time. So, as promised, I won't beat you up."Everyone almost screamed again. After all, the legendary guardian beast was kneeling before Nox like an obedient puppy. Anyone would have trouble accepting such a reality."I have something to do this time. So, I won't be staying." Nox patted the beast's head and left.The beast saw him off and blinked as if to say, 'Thank the Gods, you're finally gone.'Nox left the beast to its own devices and led his very shaken group away. Nox saved Keith that night and announced open hostility towards Faeast's clans. He
However, the moment they made their move, they ran into the assault of a suicide squad. The squad of three thousand was led by Daniel, leader of the once-top clan. The Heffersons and Geoffreys weren't expecting this.Daniel stood tall in the darkness, and behind him were ten elder members of the Greenshade clan. All were Advanced Legend Realms. Besides that, Claude and Winston were with Daniel.The once-most-handsome man of Imperia ignored the roaring question. Instead, he looked in the direction of the Imperial Tomb quietly. "I see Nox has finished his business.""Yes, Daniel." Claude stared into the darkness and laughed wildly. "The old bastard thought he could stop Nox with five Top Legend Realms? They could do nothing, not even if they tripled their numbers!""Claude, you're wrong," said Daniel."How so?" Claude was confused.His gaze still on the darkness, Daniel said, "The old bastard is cunning. He knows Nox's power, yet he only sent in five Top Legend Realms? He did it on
Feeling Daniel's murderous intent, the survivors of the Heffersons and Geoffreys felt their hearts shiver. The Legend Realm asked, "What do you want, Daniel?" He could feel Daniel's murderous intent, and it could crush them easily.Daniel stood proud in the darkness. His hair billowed in the night. Though he was no longer young, he still looked handsome, and the aura he radiated made him more dashing than ever. "For eighteen years, my clan stayed away from the bid for office and power. The world thinks we're on a decline. They've forgotten about our glory days."And now, you maggots had the gall to lay a finger on my son?" he boomed.As the erstwhile top clan, the Greenshades stood at the pinnacle of clans. Eighteen years ago, the Greenshades were on par with sects. However, for eighteen years, they never fought for office or power.Now, the sleeping tiger was aroused. However, the survivors were perplexed. "What? Your son? What are you talking about? How'd we ever cross your son,
With Daniel and his brothers around, they had no chance of escaping."Mr. Greenshade, please, have mercy on us. We're all part of the clans here. Spare us, and we'll swear fealty to you. To Lord Nox!"Daniel sneered. "You wish for mercy? My son gave it to you when he was crowned lord six years ago. No, tonight, you deserve none of that." He swung his hand.The dozen Legend Realms behind him darted ahead. They were all Advanced Legend Realms, and there were two False Top Legend Realms with them. This was just part of the Greenshades' power.Back then, when they ruled the clans, the Greenshades' power was immeasurable, especially Daniel's. Legends had it that he was already a Top Legend Realm eighteen years ago, but he never got into any battles since then.Now, that was about to change. As the Top Legend Realms darted ahead at Daniel's behest, the Geoffreys and Heffersons had to defend themselves as much as they could."We'll have to fight them!" said Winona, as she saw no way out
The night's events would shake Imperia. Of course, Nox's barging into Darkwater Penitentiary, slaying five Top Legend Realms, saving Keith, and alerting the One-Legged Beast was a big enough event. However, the annihilation of the Geoffreys and the Heffersons was equally momentous.The news could shake Imperia by themselves, but two of them together would almost put it in an upheaval, though Nox didn't care. He didn't announce his return, but there was one point he needed to prove. If anyone harmed his brothers, he would slay them and their families.Morning came, and rays of sunshine shone upon a rickety courtyard in Imperia. Ever since Nox came back, he'd been curing Keith all the time. None knew Keith's situation.Bear, Bard, Augustus, and the trio stood outside the room the whole night. Everyone was waiting for the results of the healing, but Nox still hadn't come out. It had been a whole night. They were getting worried.Bear paced back and forth, muttering, "Hey, Bard, do you
Keith was, as everyone knew, a commander of the Shadow Division and a powerful warrior. If he knew that his elixir field was sealed, and his power was destroyed, it would be a worse punishment than killing him.Nox raised his head, his gaze dark. "If we want to break through the seal, then there is only one way.""What is it, milord?" Bear asked quickly.Everyone looked at Nox nervously.Nox said, "We must help him break through to Top Legend Realm."Everyone present was thunderstruck. 'He must become a Top Legend Realm?'The path of martial arts in Faeast went like this: warrior, Combatant, Greater Combatant, Grandmaster, and Legend Realm, or divinity, as some might call it. These evolutions were greatly tied to the changes in a warrior's elixir field.With Keith's elixir field sealed, the only way to deal with it was for him to move on to the next level. He must become a Top Legend Realm and enter the circle of the strongest warriors. Only then could his elixir field be unseal
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