While Nox was in the ancestral land, his allies were waiting in the courtyard, worried and panicked. They had no idea who Nox was killing or where he was going. All they could do was wait.Time went by at a crawl. A long while later, a bald figure appeared in the night, standing a hundred yards away from the courtyard. He was a monk in simple attire. The monk was young and clean. His eyes glimmered as they seemed to turn golden for the briefest of moments.The young monk had a shabby sack behind him. As he walked toward Nox's courtyard, he muttered, "So, the guy's here? Man, this is shabbier than the temple I live in."The monk slowly approached Nox's courtyard. He looked at the abode with glimmering eyes and pouted. Then, he knocked on the door. "Is someone here?"When Nox's allies heard that, they instinctively looked at the entrance with slight concern and curiosity. It was the dead of the night. Who would knock on someone's door at this hour?Most confusingly, Keith, a Second
Although many in Imperia knew Nox was alive by now, not many knew this was where he lived. The fact that the monk showed up at this hour and requested to see Nox made the situation fishy."It's alright, everyone. I want to see him because we have a score to settle, so…" the monk explained."A score to settle?" Bear's face fell. "Hey, baldie. You have a score to settle with my lord? Do you want a fight or something?"Bear did not care. Nox was his god. There was no way this monk was about to fight Nox as long as he was here. Keith and Bard were silent, but the looks on their faces spoke of their displeasure."But it's the truth, sir. I do have a score to settle with Nox. Call him out here, and I'll prove it to you." The monk pretended to be aggrieved."Prove my fucking ass! Baldie, you came to this house in the dead of the night. I know you're a rascal. Who the fuck are you? Which clan sent you here? Tell us the truth, or else…" Bear threatened.The monk looked scared. "You want t
The monk ran away just like that, disappearing into the darkness like a bunny fleeing from its predator.Everyone watched this bizarre scene, surprised and flummoxed. A long while later, Bear snapped out of it and pointed at Augustus. "He's a powerful Top Legend Realm? He got so scared he ran away! Are you mad, Augustus? Goddammit, he was lucky you pulled back just in time, or he'd be dead.""I did not pull back," said Augustus coldly."What? You didn't pull back? So… where did your attack go?" Bear still could not understand what was going on.Augustus did not bother explaining. He turned around and sheathed his sword before leaving Bear to his own devices."Hey, say something. What's that supposed to mean?"Bear wanted to shake Augustus and ask more questions, but Keith blurted, "Shut it, you fool.""What's wrong, Keith? What did I say? The boy almost killed that monk. He should be scolded. The lord always told us to never kill innocents," Bear protested."You don't get it. T
The trio leaped out of the courtyard. Keith was still staring into the darkness, muttering, "The powerful Top Legend Realms are finally making their move."…A bald silhouette was moving ahead in the darkness, grumbling, "They said he was here, but he wasn't in." The monk shook his head."Forget it. It's not every day I get to come out. I might as well have fun in the city." The monk raised his head and stared at the bright Imperia."The city's the best. Mystia's goddamn torturous. It's meditation and nasty food all day, every day. Now, I can finally have something good." He leaped and disappeared into the darkness.…About ten minutes after he left, two silhouettes appeared in the darkness."He's powerful, Daniel. I couldn't see through him."The silvery moon shone upon the silhouette. It was Claude. He was looking in the direction the monk disappeared."As you have guessed, he's at least a Five Mountains." The moon shone on another figure. It was none other than Daniel. His
It was past midnight when Nox finally returned. When he was nearing the courtyard, someone shouted, "Hold it!" Steely leaped and appeared before Nox.Behind him were Redsleeve and Oldsmoke. When Steely noticed it was Nox, he bowed. "Master Nox, welcome home.""Why are you guys out here anyway?" Nox asked."Commander Moon's orders, Master Nox. We are to guard the perimeter," said Steely."Is that so? Did something happen?" Nox was smart enough to know that Keith had given this order because something had happened in his absence."Yes, Master Nox. An hour ago, a weird fellow came to see you. Said he had a score to settle, so…" Oldsmoke answered."A weird fellow?" Nox asked, "Who was it?""A monk, and a young one too.""A monk?" Nox frowned."Yes. He was in his twenties and very clean-shaven. He came up to us and said he had a score to settle with you, but Augustus scared him away," said Oldsmoke, telling Nox how it went down.Nox was reminded of that baldie who kept following h
Keith, Bard, and Augustus looked at Nox. They wanted to know more about the Underworld, as well."My mentor told me about it." Nox looked up, his eyes filling with nostalgia. "He said the Underworld has a history of more than a thousand years.""What? They're ancient!" Bear, Keith, and everyone else were shocked."Yes. Legends claim that the Underworld's founder is a powerhouse from Mystia, but he strayed from his path and defected from Mystia. After his disgrace, he founded the Underworld. The Underworld started gathering powerful allies to work for them."Nox continued, "The Hell Commissions house a lot of powerful Top Legend Realms, some of them having lived for centuries. In ascending rank of power, the Fourth Commission—Rakshasa Commission, the Third Commission—Infernal Commission, the Second Commission—Dark Commission, and the First Commission—Reincarnation Commission."Nox continued, "For a thousand years, the Commissions have gathered many powerful allies, especially the R
After issuing the order, Nox was going to retire for the night. Bear, however, stopped him. "Milord, a moment. I almost forgot about this, but something happened.""What is it?" Nox stopped in his tracks."An hour ago, a monk showed up and wanted to see you. He said he had a score to settle. I have no idea where that punk came from. Called himself Awesome. Keith said the monk's stronger than him. I don't buy it."Nox smiled. "Yeah, I know about it already.""Wait, you know the baldie, milord?" Bear quickly asked. He wasn't stupid."Know him? I used to whoop his ass.""What?" Bear was surprised that Nox used to punish the monk in the past."Just ignore him. I'll talk to him when I get the chance." Nox went into his room. The image of the monk appeared in his head."The brat actually snuck out of Mystia?" Nox smirked. A long time ago, the boy would follow him around like a little pet. The memories filled Nox with a surge of warmth."If he's already out of Mystia, I think I shoul
The monk kept walking and eventually arrived at the hottest street in Imperia, where bars and pubs stood. This district was famous for its bustling nightlife. There were nightclubs and dance halls here.Where nightclubs stood, there would be hotties also. Dolled-up and scantily-clad ladies prowled the streets, frequenting the premises standing in the district.The monk was buzzing with excitement. "There are tons of hotties here! I've been holding back in the temple all these years. Tonight is the night I go wild."The young monk walked into the biggest nightclub—Night Zero. As beautiful ladies entered in droves, the monk felt excitement rush through his veins.'I don't care!' he thought. 'Tonight, I will sleep with someone! It's not every day I get to sneak out. I won't waste this chance!'The monk swaggered into the club, the entrance of which stood four security guards in suits. They were curious when they saw the monk.One of them eventually asked, "Who are you?""A customer
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