Nox turned around and looked Douglas in the eye before he enunciated carefully, "My sources told me you were close to the Greenshades sixteen years ago."The Greenshades were the number one clan in Faeast. Even the emperor himself praised them as 'The Greatest Family of All Time.' I still remember seeing the golden plaque they received."Douglas felt his anxiety rising as he looked at Nox in the eye. So, he looked away and coughed. "Yes, I was on good terms with them sixteen years ago. They were the number one clan in Faeast, after all. Even Faeast's Ancient Four respected them.""If you know the Greenshades so well, then tell me this: do you think Daniel should die?"Douglas' legs buckled. "W-What are you thinking, Lord Nox."Nox's eyes weren't on Douglas anymore. Instead, he looked at the rain. "You heard my question. Do you think Daniel should die?""I… well… you can't expect me to answer that!" A moment of musing later, Douglas said, "He's a genius among geniuses. Thirty year
As Nox had said, Douglas led the Black Flag Army into the Greenshades' abode sixteen years ago. Soon after, Daniel kicked Nox and his mother out of the clan. He needed an answer to that.The question only struck fear into Douglas' heart. He was shivering in his boots. He had no idea what to say. Nox slowly turned around. "Tell me, Mr. Gaia."Although his voice was calm, Douglas could feel bloodlust lacing his tongue. So, he promptly fell to his knees. "Lord Nox!""And what is the meaning of this?" Nox asked, wondering why Douglas was being so dramatic."I beg of you, Lord Nox. Ask no further about what happened sixteen years ago. If you insist on doing so, you will have to kill me!" Then, he cowered as if he was waiting for death to fall upon him.Nox said, "You'd risk your life to protect the truth?"Douglas held his lips tightly. He couldn't say it. He mustn't. Death did not scare him, but if he were to tell Nox the truth… Gods knew how much chaos Faeast would be in. He could n
The downpour didn't let up. Douglas remained on the ground for gods knew how long. A long time later, a silhouette stood before him. "He still figured it out in the end," the silhouette said quietly. It was none other than Daniel.Douglas slowly rose to his feet and wiped the rain off his face. Then, he looked at Daniel. "I failed you and him, Mr. Greenshade." Tears welled up in his eyes.Daniel said nothing and patted Douglas' shoulder. "You have done more than enough. It was thanks to you that my son and his mother left the clan alive," said Daniel.Nox would've died sixteen years ago, but Douglas spared him and his mother. Nox had no idea about it, at least for now."Sixteen years. I thought this would never be brought up again. Alas…" A sigh escaped Douglas' lips."Don't think too much about it, Mr. Gaia. I will not forget what you did for me. However, given the Mousses' attack on my son and their collusion with the clans… I'm afraid I must interfere.""Of course, Mr. Greensh
The commanders were awfully worried about Nox. Keith stared at the room for a while before saying carefully, "I think he met his family.""What? Family?" Everyone was surprised."Yes. Back at Frontal Gates, I felt a powerful Top Legend Realm appearing in the distance, and it was similar to the lord's. Maybe it was a member of his family," said Keith."Oh, I remember now. The lord left for about ten minutes, didn't he? None of us knew where he went." Bear finally remembered that detail.The beautiful Redsleeve confirmed, "Yeah. Master Nox did leave for ten minutes, and he came back feeling like a completely different person.""There we have it. Master Nox saw the master." Oldsmoke sighed.Being the suicide squad Daniel trained, Redsleeve, Oldsmoke, and Steely knew of the grudge between Nox and Daniel. Alas, they were just servants. They had never once dared to pry into their affairs."Since it's a family matter, I think we should just stay out of it," Keith said. Everyone nodded
Jacques only smirked, dismissing Aphrodite's worries. "It's alright. I knew this would happen.""Wait. Are you saying we shouldn't stop him?" Aphrodite was curious."Don't worry. Someone will make their move now that the clans are gone. Have you forgotten? The clans are where sixty percent of Faeast's warriors hail from. Besides, the sects and families have not made their move just yet. That can only mean one thing. Do you know what it is?"Aphrodite shook her head."Everyone's waiting." Jacques looked at the darkness quietly. "He beat everyone into submission when he was crowned lord six years ago, but we know the sects and families only kept quiet because of Mystia.""This time, he's challenging all Three Great Powers. Do you truly think the fossils will just let this slide?"Aphrodite's eyes gleamed. The martial arts world of Faeast had its foundation in sects, families, and the clans.Yet, Nox had slaughtered the clans. He even killed the Top Legend Realms. Of course, the f
Claude was right. They could deal with the clans easily enough. However, that wasn't what Daniel was worried about. "Claude, you got it all wrong. I was never worried about the clans' riots. I worry about the families and sects. They haven't made a move," said Daniel quietly.Among the Three Great Powers, the sects came first, the families came second, and the clans came last. Daniel was never worried about the clans. His main concern was about the other two powers, especially the sects.The sects were in hiding, and they had powerful Top Legend Realms among them. They also had cultivators more powerful than that as well even if they'd never shown themselves for a long time now.However, none knew if they would ever decide to return to the forefront.Winston said, "Daniel's right. The clans are nothing to us, but if the families and sects do step in… We must prepare for an all-out war."Claude harrumphed. "I don't care! If anyone tries to go after Nox, I'll rip their heads off eve
"So, you're saying you exiled Nox and his mother because you wanted to protect them?" Winston's eyes were wide.Daniel didn't answer, but he had a pained look in his eyes. He stared into the distance once more. "If I hadn't, Nox and his mother would've died."Claude and Winston were stupefied. They had resented Daniel for years because of what he did. They thought Daniel was heartless, but they couldn't even imagine the agony he had been experiencing."Who's the bastard who wanted Nox and his mother dead? Why?" Claude clenched his fists, fury flaring around him.Winston shot Daniel a confused look as well."You don't need to know who gave that order. Just remember not to tell anyone about this. If you do, you'll put the clan in a precarious position. I'm talking about the kind that'll exterminate us all.""What? We'll be wiped out? But we've existed for hundreds of years. We fear no one, Daniel!" Claude protested.Winston, being the smarter one, knew something was off. He tentat
The truth was all out. Claude and Winston finally knew the real reason Daniel did what he did. They understood the pain and agony he had gone through all these years.Claude asked, "Daniel, if you did all of that to protect Nox… Why won't you tell him? Why'd you keep the misunderstanding going on for so long?"Daniel shook his head. "I cannot tell him. He is the one with the brightest future among the clan. If I tell him, that will only put him in more danger. This secret must only be known to the three of us. I don't care if he hates me forever."Claude and Winston fell silent. That was what a good father would do. They would sacrifice everything to protect their children. Daniel's hands were tied."One more question, Daniel. Who's the bastard? Who wanted Nox dead? Who wanted to harm him and his mother?" Claude growled, his eyes bloodshot. He couldn't understand why this had to happen. Daniel was the number one Top Legend Realm thirty years ago. Yet, he actually feared someone?
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