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
Jacques' mouth did not move, but a voice came from his stomach. "The families shall join the fray. A national chaos is finally coming!" He cackled."So, we're starting the next step of our plan then, Grandpa?" Aphrodite asked."Yes. Tell Azure Dragon to come back. He's the main attraction after this," Jacques said coldly."Yes."…After leaving Euphony Pavilion, Nox returned to the courtyard where he and his mother had stayed. Nox said nothing on the way back. His allies kept their mouths shut sensibly. Anyone could see Nox was in a foul mood.Eventually, they arrived at the courtyard. Redsleeve, Steely, and Oldsmoke quickly ran out. "Master Nox!" they said.Nox went into his room without saying a word and slammed the door shut. Redsleeve was surprised."Commander Moon, did something happen? Master Nox seems upset.""Yes." Keith glanced at the room.Oldsmoke protested, "And who upset him? I'll kill the bastard!""None of us can help. It's his private affair. Relationship pro
Queenie's voice brought a smile to Nox's face. "I wouldn't go missing, silly.""So, what have you been up to? Why haven't you called? Do you have any idea how much I've missed you?" Queenie asked, a little aggrieved."I've been busy lately, sorry. So, are you guys fine?" Nox asked."Yeah, we are. I'm training with Selina every day, and I'm getting better." Queenie was happy to talk about herself.Nox smiled as well. When he left Riverton, he had asked Selina to teach Queenie some manuals, and he left Dance of Butterflies with them. Once Queenie mastered that manual, she would be a Grandmaster.After chatting for a while, Queenie blurted, "I saw the news, Nono. So much has happened in Imperia, and I heard Selina talk about the clans and warriors going to Imperia. Does it have anything to do with you?"Nox lied so Queenie wouldn't worry. "No, it doesn't.""Really?""Yeah.""I was worried sick. I thought those people were going after you," Queenie muttered."Nothing to worry abo
A worried Claude said, "But they are still a part of the Philosophers. The fact they attacked Nox might mean the other families will do the same.""So what if they're the Philosophers? So what if they're families? They will be killed if they rouse chaos! I will slaughter them if they attack my son! I don't care even if their patriarchs join the fray!" Daniel said firmly.Though the Greenshades were part of the clans, they were not scared of families. Daniel would kill anyone if they overstepped their boundaries.As the number one Top Legend Realm in Imperia thirty years ago, he had killed his fair share of patriarchs. He didn't care about the Blackstones."The families are no threat, I know. However, Nox also did something else," Claude said."And he has my full support!" said Daniel immediately, defending his son.Claude's nose twitched. "You can say that after you let me finish. The princess was at Euphony Pavilion as well.""What?" Daniel was at a loss for words. "And why was
"Even if you have someone you love, you can't just say no to the princess, god damn it!" Daniel cursed. Then, a beautiful woman came in."What's wrong, Daniel? Why are you so angry?" The woman was Daniel's current wife—Gloria."Because of that brat, obviously." Daniel sighed.Gloria smiled. "Claude told me the tension between you two is lightening up. What did he do this time?""He didn't do anything to me per se. I can't say the same for the princess," Daniel said."He did something to the princess?" Gloria was shocked."Yeah, he did. The princess loves him dearly, and they grew up together, but the brat rejected her confession right in front of everyone today!" Daniel felt vexation build in his heart."Why did he reject her? I thought you said they're a match made in heaven?" Gloria was curious."The brat is involved with a woman from Riverton. That's why he said no to the princess," Daniel muttered."I see…" That answered her question."That brat should've learned from me.
Penelope was in the backyard of the manor. Ever since she grew blind in one eye, the crone seldom walked around. The highlight of her days was playtime with Gina.The sun was shining upon the backyard, and Penelope was sorting out crates of old toys with Gina by her side. There were wooden spears, wooden swords, slingshots, marbles, and more.Gina had her hair tied in twintails. She was holding a lollipop in one hand and the dolls in the other. Crouched down, she asked, "Grandma, so all these are Nox's toys?""Yes." Penelope smiled."I want these toys, Grandma. Can I have them?" Gina extended her hand."Gina, these toys belong to Nox, and they're old. You might break them." Penelope obviously loved Nox a bit more."Okay." Since she was not getting what she wanted, Gina pulled her hand back and looked at the toys longingly.Just then, Daniel arrived at the backyard. "Mom!""What brings you here?" Penelope stood up and dusted herself off."I need to talk to you. This is big." Da
Penelope remained seated and silent. A long time later, she said, "Yeah, Nineve can hold a grudge. When they were little, the neighbor's girl wanted to play with Nox. The next day, she pushed the girl into the lake and nearly drowned the poor girl.""And that's why I'm worried." Daniel sighed."Did Nox reject Nineve because he has someone else he likes?" Though she was already in her nineties, Penelope was still a sharp woman."Yes, Mom. My sources told me his lover is in Riverton. Her name is Queenie Sanders.""Queenie, huh?" Penelope muttered Queenie's name. "Anyone who catches my grandson's eyes must be decent. Daniel, I'll need you to invite Queenie to the manor. I wish to see her," Penelope said."What?" Daniel was surprised that his mother wanted to summon Queenie. "Are you serious, Mom?"Penelope rolled her eyes. "What do you think?""But if we invite her without telling Nox, how should we explain it to him?" Daniel was concerned."Don't worry. The point is, I must see N
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