"On that same day, you were born, crying and kicking." The crone's face was filled with a blissful smile as she reminisced about Nox's birth.Nox was still confused. No one told him about the earthquake or rainbows on the day he was born."Since that day, the world spoke of how the True Dragon has descended upon my clan." The crone sighed."Six days after you were born, a monk in black robes came to our abode. His ears were unusually big, and he stirred up a gale when he approached us. He came to our backyard and stood under the ancient tree, staring at your mother and you."The crone continued, "We thought he was just a regular monk. So, we paid no heed to him. However, the moment he saw you, he said this, 'The true heir of the Greenshades shall wield the rule of Faeast.'"Nox was thunderstruck. 'The true heir of the Greenshades shall wield the rule of Faeast?' He knew how substantial that prophecy meant."Why didn't anyone ever tell me this, Grandma?" Nox asked tremulously."B
Redsleeve was playing with Gina outside, and from time to time, the girl's silvery laugh could be heard. Nox came out of the room a moment later, and Redsleeve approached him quickly. "Master Nox.""Time to go," Nox said.Nox and Redsleeve were about to leave, and Gina was reluctant to say goodbye. "Are you guys leaving, miss?"Redsleeve hunkered down and touched Gina's cheek. "Yes, we're leaving now, but we'll play again when I have time, alright?"Gina was obviously dismayed, but she muttered, "Fine."Nox was going to leave, but Gina shouted, "Noxy!"Nox stopped in his tracks. A moment later, he slowly turned around to face the girl."Grandma said you're my brother. My actual brother. Is that true?" Gina asked. It was a surprising question for Nox.Nox didn't answer immediately. He walked up to Gina and gently picked her up. "Yes, you are my sister.""Really?" Gina was ecstatic to hear that."Yes.""But if you're my brother, why don't you ever come back home? Dad said your
Nox didn't return to his abode after departing the Greenshade estate. Instead, he stood on the bustling street, his eyes cold and heavy with the troubles afflicting his mind.Redsleeve was with him, but she was a mere servant, so she kept quiet. A long while later, Nox blurted, "Redsleeve, you go back without me.""What? You're not coming with me, Master Nox?" Redsleeve looked at Nox curiously."I have something to handle." Nox walked down the busy street.Redsleeve saw him off. She hesitated for a few moments but eventually left.The talk with his grandmother gave Nox almost all the answers he needed. The answers were tied to that case sixteen years ago and the reason for his and his mother's exile. The real reason for that stemmed from Faeast's most sacred place—the Imperial Castle.Night gradually descended. The Imperial Castle stood in the center of Imperia, resplendent and unending. It was filled with impressive chambers and shimmering pavilions.This was Faeast's most impo
The Old Eunuch in the red robe was especially powerful. His strength was immeasurable. Though he didn't radiate an aura at all, he was stronger than his entourage."Greetings, Lord Nox. It has been years, but you are as dashing as ever," The Old Eunuch said, his voice shrill and quiet."So, you still recognize me, you sly old fox?" Nox put his hands behind his back, looking arrogantly at the eunuch. They knew each other."You jest, Lord Nox. You are the nation's god of war. Of course, I know you. However, what brings you here at this hour, Lord Nox?" The Old Eunuch asked slowly."I'm here to see the emperor," Nox replied curtly."Ah, but regrettably, the emperor has been in ill health lately. This might be a wasted trip, I'm afraid," The Old Eunuch said."Are you trying to stop me, Felcro?"Felcro Halfton was the head eunuch steward. Legends had it that Felcro had assisted three emperors before, and no one knew his true age.It was said that foreign Sixth Layer Firmaments tried
Nox stood before the Imperial City as if he was a god. He looked at the Imperial City with murder in his eyes. "All my life, I fought and killed for my nation, but tonight, all I want are answers! I want answers to my family's case sixteen years ago! If you try to stop me, Felcro, then I will kill you!"The dragons above Nox roared with him. If Nox said the word, they would devour Felcro whole immediately.As Nox was not going to listen to reason, Felcro sighed. "You don't have to do this, Lord Nox. The nation knows what you've done for them, but invading the Imperial Palace is not a good look. If you do this, what will the emperor think about you? What will the people think about you?"Listen to me. I will tell the emperor about your request. You will be given an answer, but please, just for today, go back."Felcro tried to reason with Nox. After all, he was worried Nox might really attack. This was the Imperial City and the nation's most important place. If Nox did attack, what w
"Yes, sir!"…Back at the Right Minister's Residence, Douglas was enjoying his favorite pastime—enjoying tea in the pavilion at night. He had kept this habit up for years.While Douglas was enjoying the quality tea Voxlia sent, a man in black came up to him. "Minister, something happened at the Imperial City.""What?" Douglas' teacup almost fell from his hands. He shot up from his seat and widened his eyes. "What happened? What could have happened?""I felt bloodlust coming from the Imperial City, and it was heavy. I also heard the sound of dragons…""What?" Douglas' face fell. "Bloodlust? Who the fuck would radiate bloodlust right in front of the Imperial City?" he exclaimed in shock."I do not know, but the cabinet's Eight Elders went to the scene. The Three Armies have gone to the Imperial City as well," said the man in black.Douglas looked grim. The Eight Elders were high-ranking officials, and they were almost at the top of the totem pole. Though they were not as importan
All the Eight Elders knew Nox, of course. Hearing that Nox was the one who intruded upon the city and left this gash, one of the Elders said sharply, "Is it true that Lord Nox is still alive?""Even if he is, he has no right to intrude upon the Imperial City and leave this gash. Is he trying to stage a coup?""He wouldn't dare! Even if he fought the ten nations and made great contributions to the nation's protection, the fact he did this to the city is still unforgivable!""Mr. Zander is right! It doesn't matter how much he has done for the country! The fact that he trespassed upon the Imperial City warrants a death sentence!"While some Elders wanted to punish Nox, some said, "Calm down. You should think about the reason for Lord Nox's actions tonight.""So, you're saying he has a reason for this, Mr. Middlesmith?" An Elder's face fell.Mr. Middlesmith was in a navy robe. He said, "You know that as much as I do. Barely months had passed after his apparent death, and all of you w
"What?" The Eight Elders were indignant that Douglas wanted them to leave.Jackie said sharply, "Minister, you're not going to look deeper into it? The Imperial City is damaged, and so is the nation's reputation!""That is none of your fucking business! I'm the Right Minister, and home affairs is my domain! Are you telling me how to do my job? You're just a Minister of Personnel!" Douglas snapped.Jackie was humiliated. However, Douglas was right. Imperia's internal affairs, including the Imperial City's safety, was Douglas' domain. Someone from the Minister of Culture had no business telling him what to do."Are you planning to cover up for Nox? If that is so, we will have to tell the emperor about it. He will make the final decision," another Elder said coldly."Is that supposed to be a threat? Go on, then. Tell him, or you're a pig!" Douglas was not going to let the Elders strongarm him.When the nation was still mourning Nox, the Eight Elders had already set the plan of crown
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