Alas, the child's ambitious declaration only made everyone laugh harder. As expected, the boy went red with fury and frustration. "What are you laughing at? I'll punch you!"Nox stopped everyone, saying, "Alright, everyone, stop laughing." He turned to Phineas. "Why do you want to be number one so much? Why do you want to beat Nox?"Phineas had no idea what to say. He mused over it for a while and rubbed his head. "If I become number one, Grandpa won't keep locking me up in Martial Pavilion. I won't have to train all the time.""Oh, I see." Nox understood now. 'The boy wants to beat me because he doesn't want to train.'"Mister, you're a handsome guy, and you're decent. Can you tell me who's Nox?" The boy had no idea that Nox was standing before him.Nox smiled. "That will be me.""What?" The boy's eyes went wide. He eyed Nox and asked, "You're really Nox?""In the flesh." Nox nodded with a smile.Phineas was flabbergasted. He looked at Nox for a long while before saying, "Why
Being born with extraordinary strength gave Phineas a level of talent that was on par with Augustus. At four years old, he could break boulders, and at ten, he could beat up the Martial Pavilion's instructors easily. This boy was truly one of a kind.The punch's slipstream roared, and his fist charged at Nox like a truck. Nox looked at the boy, but he didn't dodge. Instead, he smiled and praised, "Good technique."The fist fell on Nox's chest with a thud, but he didn't move an inch. Not even his clothes wavered."What?" Phineas was dumbstruck. He couldn't believe his half-ton punch didn't even make Nox budge. More importantly, it felt like his strength melted away the moment he touched Nox. To add insult to injury, not even his clothes billowed upon the impact.The boy was utterly dumbstruck when Nox said, "You won. You're number one now."'Huh? That punch was 1100 pounds heavy, but your clothes didn't even flutter. Yet, you say I won?' Although the boy was young, he had a high le
Back in Douglas' residence, an elderly, worried Legend Realm was talking to Douglas. "Minister, bad news. Master Phineas is missing!""What? The brat's missing? I thought he was at Martial Pavilion?" Douglas demanded."Minister, they said Master Phineas left the Martial Pavilion a few hours ago! We have no idea where he has gone!"Douglas' face fell. "Dammit, he keeps creating all these problems for me. Find that brat right now!" He adored his grandson. Naturally, he was worried about the boy's disappearance.Then, a servant came over. "Minister, a few hours ago, I saw Master Phineas hiding outside your study, listening in on your conversation. Perhaps he…"Douglas did not look happy at all. "What'd you say? He eavesdropped on me?""Yes, Minister. I thought he wanted to see you, so… so I didn't stop him," said the servant.The look on Douglas' face shifted. A few hours ago, he told Fabian to tell Nox about the four ancient clans' plan. 'Did he hear me talking about Nox?' Douglas
Douglas couldn't believe his own eyes. If this was the old Phineas, it would be easier to witness pigs flying than make him train in the Martial Pavilion. Yet, he had willingly gone off to train! Even better, he had become a tad humbler. 'My gods…'The servant was wide-eyed and curious. "Minister, Master Phineas has changed.""I'm not blind. I can see that. But what pushed him to change so quickly?" Douglas was reminded of Nox. 'Could he be the reason for the boy's change?'While Douglas was ruminating, an elderly man in gray sidled up to him. "Urgent news, Minister. The four ancient clans have made their move."Douglas' face fell. "To my study."A moment later, Douglas and the old man arrived at the study. "Tell me, what did they do?" Douglas asked.The old man answered, "Our spies have notified us of the clans' inviting of their Top Legend Realms to make their move. They will welcome the Top Legend Realms at the Frontal Gates tomorrow at noon. Not only that, but Public Works, A
He had Nox to thank for Phineas' change. So, Douglas must repay such a favor."Understood. I shall relay that order." The gray-robed man disappeared into thin air.Then, Douglas looked at the heavens coldly. "A storm is coming to Imperia."…The night went on. Nox was on the phone, talking to Queenie. It had been more than an hour since they were on the phone. Nox was told that, under Selina's guidance, Queenie was now a martial artist. She was cultivating the Dance of Butterflies.Everyone else was in Riverton as well, awaiting Nox's orders. After that call, Nox returned to the courtyard. He saw Augustus, Bear, Bard, and everyone else standing straight and tall, looking at a room on their left with worry.Waves of powerful blood energy rushed into the sky. This was Martial Blood, something that could only form after someone became a Top Legend Realm. Scathing flames followed the Martial Blood, and thunderous roars came out of Keith's mouth.Nox asked, "What are you people doing
While everyone was avidly watching Keith achieving his breakthrough, a silhouette approached the courtyard quietly. Nonetheless, Nox noticed them right away. "Who goes there?"A silhouette in a training outfit appeared like a phantom. "Milord, commander, I am Hidden Eye BL41." The man knelt to Bear and Nox.The Shadow Division had a hundred thousand Hidden Eyes. They were scattered around Faeast and the world, tasked to collect information. This was one of them—BL41.Nox asked, "What is it?""Milord, I have news. The Zephyrs, the Shredders, the Stallions, and the Induses will be welcoming their Top Legend Realms' return tomorrow."The look in Nox's eyes turned icy. Top Legend Realms were not allowed to roam this land, or they would be slain. That was the taboo from Mystia. However, the fact that the clans asked their Top Legend Realms to appear could only mean one thing. They were disregarding the taboo."Are they mad? Have they lost it to break the taboo so openly? Are they diso
Keith, having gone through another breakthrough, had an astounding level of Martial Blood. Not even the five Top Legend Realms at Blackwater Penitentiary could compare to him now, not even if their powers were combined. That was how powerful Top Legend Realms could be.Now, an Advanced Top Legend Realm wanted to slaughter all four ancient clans. Tomorrow's ordeal's outcome was now uncertain.…The next day's sunlight shone on the Frontal Gates. Since it was one of the oldest gates of Imperia, this was where the hustle and bustle happened. However, the streets around the gates were quiet and deserted. All shops were closed, and not a soul was to be seen.A group of warriors stood outside the gates, and there were hundreds of them. They came from the Zephyrs, Shredders, Stallions, and Induses. These clans were ancient and had strength on par with the Greenshades.Nonetheless, the ancient clans started laying low following their patriarchs' seclusion. Yet, after Nox's open killing of
"He can't possibly kill us all, no matter how powerful he is!" said the Indus Legend Realm.A voice came from afar, "My father is right. He is but a fallen king. He has no power to make an enemy out of the clans!"An entourage came from behind the Frontal Gates. They wore Administration uniforms and had blades hanging from their waist. The one in the lead was a dashing man who had just become a Legend Realm."Wallace, you came!" the Indus Legend Realm, who had spoken earlier, called out with excitement when he saw the dashing man and his Administration entourage.This dashing man was called Wallace Indus, and he was the next-generation figure that the Induses spent much money and effort on nurturing. He was also the Indus Legend Realm's son.Although the four ancient clans might have lived a low-profile existence all these years, they'd extended their influence into politics. Wallace became deputy leader of the Administration thanks to all the wealth his family spent on him."We'
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
"You're going nowhere! Die!" The Sovereigns chased after the spirit, and a hundred rulers followed. They trapped the Titan's spirit and ripped him to shreds."Holy shit! That's the ancient Faeastian Sovereigns for you!" White Tiger roared with pride. He was on the roof of a tower somewhere.Emperor Elijah narrowed his eyes and exchanged a look with the other Sovereigns. He hurled the remaining essence of the Titan's spirit to White Tiger and stuffed him with it. The energy filled White Tiger up, and he ballooned. Black, rancid energy came out of his body, and he fell into madness.Nox cast Heaven's Demise and sealed White Tiger's consciousness. The Ice Temple Lord, realizing what the Sovereigns were trying to do, encased White Tiger in a coffin of magic ice."This is an impressive underling you have, Nine-State Lord. Devouring spirits gives him power. Anyone else would've lost their minds and become a killing machine, but White Tiger's already mad to begin with. There's no further
"The third kind of Emperor uses natural energy, the power of Yin and Yang, and the elements to become one. Since they use all kinds of elements and energy to become an Emperor, they are practically invincible."The Ice Temple Lord was excited. "So, you're saying I'm the strongest kind of Emperor?"Nox was speechless. "No, what I was trying to say was you took the wrong path. You could've absorbed the energy in the heavens, but you absorbed the Yin energy in the ground. You're stronger than Frostmir, but his level was higher, so you'd still be no match for him." Nox pursed his lips."Eh?" The Ice Temple Lord was disappointed. He thought he could be on par with Nox once he became an Emperor. The Ice Temple Lord wasn't the only one who gained power. The Ice Temple cultivators did as well. Black Tortoise, White Tiger, and Vermilion Bird gained a lot of power, too.Vermilion Bird was now a Flawless Supreme, Black Tortoise was an Advanced Supreme, while White Tiger was an Intermediate Pi
The fact that Nox could cast Sovereign Seal showed the Ice Temple Lord a new level of power. The Sovereign was more terrifying than the gods. 'No wonder they could rule the world in ancient times.'The ancient Sovereigns and rulers of Faeast attacked their enemies. The fate of Faeast gathered over their heads, piercing the clouds that hung over them. The weaker monsters were all slain, and Emperor Hans pierced the pharaoh with his spear, returning him to dust.Emperor Blade killed the god of another ancient civilization. The evil energy possessing them was purified. Moments later, the only gods left were the Titans. Unlike the possessed gods, the Titans were ancient cultivators.Even if they didn't master any spells or techniques, they'd trained their bodies to their absolute best. The Sovereigns and rulers didn't have much advantage against these enemies.These spirits were only summoned through the relics and the remnants of energy left within. Their bodies were gone, and their s