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!
Nox did not turn around. He was worried he might regret his decision if he did. In the end, he heaved a sigh and left. Nineve watched helplessly, and she crumpled to the ground.…The battle came to an end. The Simmers and all the clans that gathered in Imperia were slaughtered. Even Charles was killed. Nox had also taken the life of Jackie, one of the Eight Elders.Any single one of those killings could cause an impact in Imperia, and Nox did them all.In a dark, eerie hall within Phoenix Chamber, a figure in a navy robe stood. Carmenio stood unmoving, waiting for someone important.A long while later, a voice came from the side, "Lady Phoenix has arrived!"Aphrodite emerged from the antechamber, donned in a brocade robe embroidered with phoenixes. She was elegant, gorgeous, and had the perfect body.However, there was venom and a desire for power written all over her face. She was Lady Phoenix, the new lord of Faeast.Carmenio quickly knelt. "Greetings, Lady Phoenix."Aphrod
Carmenio froze in shock. "Milady, but they died. All of them!"Aphrodite sneered. "And that's why they are useful." She stood up. "Mr. Cloud, think about it. Can the clans defeat Nox?"A pause later, Carmenio shook his head. There was no way they could. Not even the Three Great Powers could say that with confidence, let alone the clans. It was impossible."Then what about the families?" Aphrodite asked."If all the Philosophers go against him, I think they stand a chance. Their strength far outstrips the clans'," Carmenio said.Aphrodite chuckled. "You're right, Mr. Cloud. Do you know why the descendant of the Blackstone was invited? I wanted him to die. Only when a family member is killed will their patriarchs make a move against Nox. Now, do you understand why they're cannon fodder?"Realization hit Carmenio. He did get it now, but he was not expecting this whole thing, including the massacre, to be part of the Mousses' plan. Even the Eight Elders were set up. Cold sweat broke
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