The agony went on for another half an hour. It was past an hour at this point, and eventually, all of Keith's bones were crushed. The moment his old bones were destroyed, a wave of blinding green light shone from Nox's right hand."Eight Techniques, Revival!" Revival went into play, slivers of green light swam out of Nox's palm, then they darted into Keith's pores. Revival was the only healing technique among the eight.This was no violent technique. Revival could, as reiterated many times before, revive even the dead. With it working its magic, Keith's body was starting to heal itself. He felt his bones and joints getting reshaped, and more cracks came from his body.A long reshaping later, Keith's aura started to change. His face was morphing as well."Keith, your bones are now reshaped. Now, I shall take you to the gates of Top Legend Realm." Nox made bizarre hand seals and pointed them at Keith. A dragon's roar came from within his body, and blinding gold light shone from Nox.
Most importantly, that was not the realm he stopped at. Another hour later, another rumbling happened, and as if going through metamorphosis, drops of black, viscous liquid flowed out of Keith's pores.This was Physique Cleansing, also known as Metamorphosis. Top Legend Realms not only would gain more power, but their bodies would undergo considerable changes as well. Now, Keith was going through that change and entering the gates of Top Legend Realm.Slivers of aura swirled around Keith, and the martial energy that formed charged into the heavens like a pillar. Even with Nox's formation, it couldn't stop the power of this pillar.While Nox was helping Keith get into Top Legend Realm, an elderly man in an impressive manor, sitting cross-legged, opened his eyes. His face contorted, and he disappeared. A moment later, he was on the roof.Solemnly, he looked at the pillar of martial energy in the distance. Coldly, he said, "And who plans to become a Top Legend Realm? This is a ruckus
Imperia was where royalty lived. There were a lot of powerful warriors here. Now, Nox was helping Keith's advancement into Top Legend Realm, and he didn't care about hiding it. Alerting all the fossils about it and pulling them out of hiding was the least of the problems he would cause, but he didn't care.He promised he would make Keith a Top Legend Realm, and he would make it so. The pillar of martial energy still stood tall, and blinding golden light enveloped Nox and Keith. However, Keith was different from what he used to be.Keith shone golden, and his aura was that of a False Top Legend Realm's. A bit more, and he could become a Top Legend Realm.However, the air in the distance rippled, and a group of people was approaching Nox. On closer inspection, the one in the lead was the silver-haired man, and behind him were four Advanced Legend Realms.The silver-haired man donned a navy-blue robe. His eyes were beady, but they glimmered with cunning. The old man squinted in the di
"Eighteen years, if I remember correctly," said Daniel slowly."Around and about," answered Douglas."Yes, eighteen years. How time flies. I remember that night eighteen years ago. You led a team into my clan and ordered me to kill her and her son, didn't you?" Daniel said. He might as well have boomed, for everyone was thunderstruck.Douglas' eyes twitched. He could feel the ice-cold murder coming off Daniel when he was saying that."That was no fault of mine, Mr. Greenshade. You know I had my orders…" he quickly explained himself. Douglas did not want to cross the erstwhile Top Legend Realm.Daniel gave Douglas a cold, sharp look. Then, he pulled back his murderous intent. "Of course I know that. You'd never have lived to this day if that wasn't the case."The Right Minister heaved a sigh of relief and coughed. "Let's not bring that up, Mr. Greenshade. Eighteen years have gone by, after all. And I've turned a blind eye, you see, or…"Douglas trailed off, but Daniel knew what h
Hearing that it was only Nox's sworn brother, Douglas heaved a sigh of relief. He was in charge of Imperia's internal affairs, so of course, he needed to know who the new Top Legend Realm was. "Heartiest congratulations to Lord Nox for a new, powerful addition to his ranks."Douglas was a smart man. He knew he must not cross Daniel. And within the walls before him, the Great Lord of Faeast resided. He would not risk angering that man, either. So, he had no choice but to be friendly.Daniel chortled. "You must know for a while that my son is alive?""Um…" Douglas had no idea what to say. It would be an obvious lie if he said he had no idea. A minister of internal affairs who knew nothing about the big news of Imperia? Preposterous. He wondered what to say."Worry not, Mr. Gaia. Speak the truth. As long as you stay on this side of the red line, I will not attack you," said Daniel, veiling a threat.Since that was the case, Douglas took a deep breath and muttered, "To be honest, I th
Every word Daniel spoke thundered.Douglas sighed. "I know, Mr. Greenshade, I really do. But the mandate is always unpredictable. I am but his subject. What can I do?"Daniel let out a roar of outrage, and he looked at Royal City mutinously. "The mandate?" He snorted derisively. "Eighteen years ago, I abandoned my wife and child for the future of this nation and was branded a sinner. This time, I will face anyone who comes after my child, even if it's what the mandate wants."Daniel demanded, "Mr. Gaia, tell that man that this time, we will not relent. If anyone tries to kill my son, I will kill them! If they hurt him, I will crush them and their families!" There was determination in his voice.Once again, Douglas sighed. "I will make sure he knows of your message. But still, talk to the lad. After all, we cannot lose any of the Three Great Powers. Not the sects, not the families, and not the clans. Faeast established itself on martial strength, after all. If an earthquake were to
"So whose side are we taking, Prime Minister?" another Advanced Legend Realm, this time an old man, asked. It was obvious they had to choose sides.On the one hand was the side of the Mousse family, who led the military and clans. On the other was the side of the Greenshades and Nox. Douglas stroked his goatee in silence, and he said, "What else? The one who contributed greatly to the nation and its people. On the side of Lord Nox, of course."The Advanced Legend Realms nodded, understanding their stance. At the same time, another pillar of aura shot into the skies, and this time, it was the aura of a Top Legend Realm.Watching the pillar, an Advanced Legend Realm gasped, "He has become a Top Legend Realm!"Douglas narrowed his eyes. "That's the Great Lord of Faeast for you. He's more powerful than his father is."As the pillar appeared, Daniel looked at it proudly.Within the rickety courtyard were Nox and Keith, the latter of whom had a changed aura. His cultivation was at Top
The towering figure was dashing, and the sword he held was starkly crimson. He was Daniel, and he said to the old man and his entourage, "None shall pass through. Attempt so, and you die."The old man looked at Daniel coldly. "Ah, head of the Greenshade clan. You would forbid us from passing? Why, I did not take you as a brigand."The old man knew Daniel, obviously, but Daniel ignored the sardonic comment. He said, "Flood, your family has been in Imperia for a hundred years. I will give you a chance to leave, so take it."The old man came from a martial arts family in Imperia, and his name was Oceanus Flood. The Floods were part of the Imperia families' faction. However, compared to the major families, the Floods were small fries.However, Oceanus was an arrogant man. He always had his way in Imperia, so he wouldn't listen to Daniel. Besides, after the incident eighteen years ago, the Greenshades stopped fighting for power and office. A lot of clans and families thought they were a
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