"They became the Mousses' lackeys and worked with them to attack the lord. You're the Minister of Personnel for the Ministry of Culture, yet instead of stopping them, you conspired with them. That is already worthy of the death penalty!" Bear roared.Jackie slumped down onto the ground."You deserve to die!" Bear raised his saber and was about to slice Jackie's head off when a voice came from downstairs. "Stop! Who dares kill Mr. Oldstone?"Soldiers in yellow armor appeared in Euphony Pavilion—they were the Yellow Flag Army, the Imperial City's royal guards. The Three Armies were: Yellow Flag, Red Flag, and Black Flag.The Yellow Flag Army had the highest status, for they represented the Imperial City and the emperor.As the Yellow Flag Army made its appearance, so did the other Elders. The one in the lead had graying hair, a muscular physique, and eyes that shone sharply. The rest of the Eight Elders walked behind him.Seeing his colleagues, Jackie almost cried tears of joy. "Mr
Once Nineve made her appearance, everyone, including Douglas and the Eight Elders, knelt. "Our humblest greetings, Your Highness."Bear was at a loss for words at the princess' arrival. He turned around and looked at Nox, but Nox was frowning as well. He was not expecting his childhood friend to show up.Following Nineve were two Top Legend Realm eunuchs. Their faces were flushed, and not a strand of hair was visible on their faces. They were both Second Layer Firmament, at least, but Drunk was nowhere to be found."Your Highness? My humblest greetings, Your Highness! Please, save me!" Jackie knelt down and begged for help immediately.Nineve didn't even look at Jackie. She only had eyes for Nox. Her gaze was resentful and filled with rage.Nox knew that she had harbored a grudge against him after their last meeting. He was not expecting a reunion under these circumstances.Their eyes met, but none of them spoke. The Eight Elders did not dare to speak out of turn now that the pri
Nox was unfazed, as if he expected Nineve to do this.Jackie pleaded, "Thank you, Your Highness, thank you! Please, save me!""Don't worry. No one can kill you while I'm here," Nineve declared. She was the princess and the emperor's most beloved child. Of course, she had the confidence to say that."Thank you, Your Highness." Jackie was elated. He thought he was going to die today, but the princess came and changed everything.Everyone was shocked. Even Douglas was confused. He had no idea what was going on. 'Why would the princess take the cabinet's side all of a sudden? She should be helping her childhood friend.'Just as everyone was wondering, and Nineve suddenly asked, "Nox, I demand answers! Why did you kill so many clans' warriors in broad daylight? And why did you attempt to kill the Minister of Personnel for the Ministry of Culture?"Everyone turned to Nox. Douglas looked a little grim. 'She must be out of her mind.'Nox answered the question calmly, "Because they deser
Faced with the inconsolable Nineve, Nox only sighed and walked over to her. He wiped her tears off gently like he was her lover.The Armies, the Eight Elders, Douglas, and everyone else were stupefied. 'They don't look like enemies. More like lovers.'"I'm sorry, Nineve. You've had it rough."Nineve almost melted. She blinked, but her tears kept falling. "So, you finally admit that you did me dirty? I thought you lost your conscience!"Nox gave her a resigned smile. He had loved Nineve since they were little, but he must hide it. The case 16 years ago was one thing, and Queenie was another. After all, he could never cheat on her."Please stay out of this matter, Nineve. I must kill the clans for the chaos they roused. If the families and cabinet had a hand, I will claim their lives as well. Six years ago, I promised I would kill anyone who stirred chaos in politics. It's time I honored my word."Nineve pouted. "I wasn't going to interfere. All I wanted was an answer. You gave it
The princess' question would deal a fatal blow to Nox. Even Douglas was hiding his face in his hands. This question was undoubtedly lethal for any man. Nox stayed silent."Well? Answer me! Who will you choose?" Nineve pressed. She had been wanting an answer ever since she came back, and she was going to force it out of Nox.Everyone was looking at Nox, including the Eight Elders. They did not want Nox to pick the princess. If he did, they might be done for.However, could Nox not pick Nineve? She was the princess of Faeast. She was gorgeous, and a childhood friend and royal blood flowed in her veins. Any idiot would pick her, but would Nox do the same?Nox heaved another sigh and looked at Nineve. "Must you make me choose?""Yes. You must give me an answer! I don't wish to wait any further! It has been too long!" Nineve started crying again.Nox finally said, "I'm sorry, Nineve."Everyone knew what that answer meant, including Nineve. Her heart grew cold, and she shivered, as if
Screams filled the air. None of the soldiers could withstand Keith's attack, and they died."You dare disobey a national order, Keith? Take him down!" Carmenio ordered.He knew that the murkier the waters, the better the situation would be for the Eight Elders. He had no choice but to use the Yellow Flag Army as cannon fodder.The poor soldiers had to follow orders. Just when they were about to attack again, someone barked coldly, "Stop this, all of you!" Douglas stepped forth.The Yellow Flag Army stopped in their tracks. Carmenio turned around and looked at Douglas darkly. "What's the meaning of this, Mr. Gaia?""Simple. No one is going to start anything as long as I am here," Douglas answered imposingly.Carmenio's expression darkened. "You do know the Shadow Division is branded as traitorous, don't you? Keith killed innocent soldiers of the royal guards. Are you going to cover up for them despite the laws they have broken?""Cover up? Mr. Cloud, that is incorrect. First, the
Nox had already said Jackie must die. This man was behind the congregation of the clans and the Blackstones. He had gathered them in an attempt to kill Nox so Nox would not let him live."What about me? As long as I am here, I won't let you touch him, Nox." Nineve suddenly raised her head, staring at Nox with hatred. She was angry and wanted to vent by going against Nox. That was the only way to calm her fury."Enough, Nineve. I know I hurt you, but this isn't the time to be emotional," Nox said, looking at his childhood friend.Nineve chuckled. "I'm emotional? Sorry, Nox, but we're done. I will keep this minister alive. No one can kill him. Men, take Mr. Oldstone to me!" Nineve ordered.The eunuchs answered, "Yes, Your Highness." They then approached Jackie."Nox says he's dead. I will kill anyone who tries to protect him!" The buzz of a sword graced the air as Augustus unsheathed his weapon.Will-of-the-sword shot into the air, and the lad was radiating an aura on par with a To
Just as the eunuch was about to attack, a voice said, "Do you think you can do it?"Another aura, powerful enough to almost twist the air, came from Nox and crashed onto Salsbury. The eunuch felt as if a mountain was crashing down on him, and he started to hyperventilate.A few seconds later, his legs started to shake. In the end, Nox's aura cracked him, and he fell to his knees."Why you…" The other eunuch wanted to make a move, but Nox gave him a look. His aura made the other eunuch kneel as well.Nox was too powerful. His aura alone was enough to make Nineve's servants, who were Legend Realms, kneel. Everyone was shocked, and the Eight Elders looked grim."Will you kill me as well, Nox?" Nineve walked forward and approached Nox. She was not a powerful warrior, but she stubbornly went ahead. Her face was pale from the pressure.Nox sighed and pulled back his aura. He would not harm his childhood friend. "You don't have to do this, Nineve." He sighed."It's all your fault, Nox!
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