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
After the decree was taken, the old man in the brocade robe looked at everyone. "The decree is given. Elders, please return."Jackie protested, "Mr. Winder, is the emperor not going to punish Nox?"Mr. Winder said flatly, "Are you questioning the emperor's decision, Mr. Oldstone?""I would not dare." Jackie trembled and quickly knelt down.Mr. Winder snorted. "You'd better not." He then told Douglas, "It's up to you now, Minister. I shall take my leave now.""Of course." Douglas smiled.The old man returned to the Imperial City. Felcro and his entourage bowed to Douglas and leaped into the Imperial City as well.After everyone was gone, Douglas scanned the Eight Elders coldly. "What are you guys doing, standing there? Did you not hear the emperor's orders?"Though humiliated, the Elders could only snort and leave. They wanted to punish Nox, but with the emperor ordering them not to pursue this matter, they had no right to interfere.Everyone was gone, including the Three Armie
"Felcro?" The mention of that name roused bloodlust in Daniel, and it emanated off of him in waves. "If that sly old fox so much as lay a finger on my son, I will slice his head off! Claude, summon our men! We're going to Imperial City!" Daniel roared.Claude was about to carry out that order and summon all the warriors they had when a servant came running in. "Mr. Greenshade, Mr. Gaia wishes to see you."'Gaia? Why is Douglas here?'Daniel and his brothers looked concerned. Claude blurted, "Why is the old man here all of a sudden? I thought he went to Imperial City.""Maybe there's a change we don't know about," Winston said.Daniel, however, looked outside coldly. A few moments later, he said, "Very well. Since he's here, let him in.""Yes, Mr. Greenshade."A moment later, Douglas walked into the great hall. Claude shot him an icy look, as if he would attack Douglas at any moment. Douglas, however, was grinning. "I hope I'm not disturbing you, Mr. Greenshade, given the sudden
Three months later, Nox declared Faeast as the leader of all nations, ushering in a true era of peace and prosperity. Then, he abdicated the throne, passing the throne to Nineve. Nox proclaimed that this nation was neither the Greenshade nor the Limerent family's, but a world that belonged to its people.One year later, Nox and Queenie lounged under the warm sun on the sandy shores of the Ocean of Death, enjoying a rare moment of tranquility. The world had finally settled into peace, allowing them to take a well-deserved rest."Nono, what's Aphrodite up to?" Queenie asked, her brows furrowed as she leaned against Nox. "Is she planning something shady again? She's been building alliances all over like she wants to imitate the Three-Eyed Empress.""Death changes people," Nox replied calmly. "Don't worry about her. She knows exactly what she's doing."Old Aphrodite would've killed Jacques and run off to save herself without a second thought. Instead, she spared him, stripped his cul
The Nine-State Crucible hovered majestically over the heavens, drawing all the spiritual energy from the Nine States and Five Domains into itself. As the ultimate artifact of Faeast, the crucible was unmatched—a legendary relic that had never known defeat.The origins of the Nine-State Crucible were shrouded in mystery. No one knew who forged it nor why it disappeared over the ages. For centuries, many dismissed it as a mere myth. Yet now, it reappeared, proving its existence—and, by extension, the truth of all the ancient legends tied to it.The sight left every cultivator present in awe, bowing in reverence to the artifact."The ancient sovereigns of Faeast forged the Nine-State Crucible to safeguard the Nine States and Five Domains. "Its power ensures that Ascendants cannot interfere with the mortal realm. It has crushed even Ascendants in the past, and you, still merely a mortal cultivator, think you can stand against it? I promised to crush you, and I will!"With Nox at it
However, only Nox himself could sever the celestial providence. Only by cutting off the Celestial Lord's celestial providence could Faeast's providence be restored to its peak."Damn it! Nox Greenshade! Do you really think you can defy the heavens? I didn't want to damage my cultivation, but it seems I have no choice but to go all out! You think a one-ring Minor Saint can defeat me? I am the Celestial Lord—the apex of mortals, the Great Saint of Dao and Virtue, ordained by the heavens themselves!"The Celestial Lord's furious roar resonated across Mystia, drawing in vast waves of spiritual energy from the realm that converged upon him alone."Great Saint of Dao and Virtue? If the so-called heavens of the Transcendent Firmament made you, it only proves that even they have failures," Nox retorted coldly.Even the Celestial Lord, enraged as he was, could scarcely believe Nox's audacity—daring to disparage the mighty figures of the Transcendent Firmament."I am indeed a one-ring Minor
'What? Griffin was a sworn brother to Magic Mountain's founder?!'"That's right," confirmed the formation master. "He only told us recently."As the first to learn of this connection, he had shared it with the Saints of the Five Elements, ensuring they wouldn't betray their alliance. Using the promise of ascension as leverage, he managed to secure their cooperation. After all, the Great Saint of Fire had already reached the threshold for ascension.The risks were minimal, and upon ascending to the Transcendent Firmament, the Magic Mountain's founder would surely offer his guidance. For that reason alone, the five mentors had rallied to aid Nox.With such mighty forces gathered, morale on Nox's side soared. Meanwhile, the Whitefield family's spirits plummeted, crashing from the heights of hope to the depths of despair in mere moments. The mental strain caused several of their weaker-willed members to break completely.With dread settling over them, the Whitefields could only place
The Whitefields were getting cocky, but then they realized the powerhouses that came weren't responding. The aura was powerful, but there was no life in it. On closer inspection, they noticed that the leader of the group only had half a body left. His soul was missing. The quartet behind him was nothing but a pile of mincemeat.The portal buzzed again, and seven silhouettes came out. Five of them felt domineering, and they looked prideful. It almost felt like they were peerless. These people were none other than the Saints of the Five Elements.Four of them were Pinnacle Minor Saints. While one had an aura so strong, this place couldn't handle it."A Great Saint! Great Saint of Fire!" Fiery Ignis, Dominic, and Achille couldn't believe their eyes.It had been too long since Mystia saw a Great Saint, and he was Nox's mentor."So, he's the one who broke through first. But now he's already hit his bottleneck. The other four's power isn't enough. If the Sacred Beast Seal isn't upgraded
The Montgomerys and the Byrds decided to see Nox together, but they were refused. They were cursing Nox and calling him disrespectful, but then they saw Nox and his team taking a portal to the path of the ancient divine."What? He went right to them? Why? He's going to fight the Celestial Lord now?" The representatives were shocked.'How dare they!' they thought.Nox and his team went through the portal quickly and appeared right over the Whitefields' place. The Whitefield family was the newest member of the divine four and the real mastermind behind the Inkdarks' demise."Kirin, I told you I'd take you back here someday. I told you that when we come back, the Whitefields will be no more. If you can't do it, I can wipe them out for you." Nox looked at Kirin."Don't look down on me, milord. You don't need to dirty your hands for them. I'll do it!" Kirin summoned his avatar, and with Saint power infused, the avatar turned into a real beast. The sacred beast itself descended upon the
"Time to finish this. My lord's going to the path of the ancient divine next. You should decide who's going to take over after the Celestial Lord is taken down. That's all. Now let's talk about our personal business. Listen up, anyone who had a part in attacking my family, tell your clans that I'm coming for them. I'm killing all of you!"Bloodlust filled the air, and the representatives were shocked. "You killed your own family. Yes, we made them attack you, but we never wanted to wipe it out!" the Whitefields' representative said.Kirin flew into a rage. "How low can you go? You forced them to kill me, or you would wipe us out instead! You think I'm stupid? You'd have killed my family either way! I know how you guys function. You're crueler than any beast out there. Listen up, there's still time to plan for your funeral. You'd better make a good plan."Kirin chased everyone away. The families were going back to prepare for battle, but two remained behind. One was the Byrds' repres
Nox's Magick Sword crushed the enemy leader's soul. "I said I would cut you down, and I did. Now do you see who's the ignorant one?"The enemy leader realized that Nox was the man at the pinnacle. Perhaps the moment Nox became a faux Saint, he was already no match for him. "So what if you can kill me? You are Faeast's Sovereign, and you have a duty to push Faeast to power. But the Celestial Lord still exists. As long as he is around, your wish will never be fulfilled." He sneered."Is that so? Well, he's next on the list to be culled. If anyone tries to make an enemy out of me, I will destroy them and their families, even if they are from the path of the ancient divine!"Nox shattered the remains of the soul, and the path of the martial's leader was no more. The problem harassing Faeast for millennia could be solved at long last. Achille was stunned. It hadn't been that long, but Nox had surpassed him.Nox was better than him in every way. He was an even better swordsman than Achil
The enemy leader was waiting. One technique broken wasn't enough to take Nox out. He wanted to wait until Nox had cast all he knew and find an opening to take him down, but Nox wanted to take him down with the power of the sword."You're stubborn. Very well, this makes things easier for me. I'll kill you, or at the very least, wound you!" He'd be stupid not to take advantage of this. The enemy leader's avatar morphed into a gigantic fist and slammed into Nox's chest.The impact shot through his body and reached his soul. Nox spat blood, and his soul was injured.Achille couldn't stand by anymore. Nox just told him not to push himself, but he wasn't taking his own advice. Then, Nox's weak will-of-the-sword shone blindingly, and then Unto the Origin appeared once more."Even under my pressure, you can use this technique? You're strong, but you're as stubborn as your mentor. You've lost your chance! Die! You'll never get here in time, Achille! Shadowkill!"The enemy leader's avatar t