Nineve's servants were outside her room, terrified and cautious. Nineve was inside, smashing and throwing everything she laid eyes on. The servants were silent, and none dared to take a step to stop her. Their master was furious, after all.Nineve went mad after finding out Nox was with Madison. The man she loved fell in love with someone else. This was betrayal in her eyes. It was unacceptable. She was going to see Nox and profess her love for him, but all that love turned into hatred after learning what she did."I will kill him! I will make him pay!" the princess roared with fury. Rage had consumed her mind."What happened to the princess? She was fine before she went out. What happened?" one of the servants squeaked."I bet it's the guy she likes.""Really?""No questions about it. He's Lord Nox, they say. Her Highness went to Moravia for ten years for him. Now, he's dating someone else. Of course, she's mad.""No wonder. Lord Nox is a fuckboy."The servants were whispering
Beside Carmenio was a dashing young man. He was in black brocade attire and had a jade pendant around his waist. He radiated the air of an attractive man and looked almost alluring.His lips were sharp, and his gaze was sharper still. His aura was that of a Top Legend Realm. None knew who this man beside Carmenio was. They wondered why they were kneeling beneath the Gilded Halls.The enraged princess appeared. She was furious, and it was all because of Nox. The spoiled princess wanted her father to get back at Nox for her.Carmenio noticed the princess the moment she showed up. "Greetings, Your Highness!" He bowed.The man beside her looked at the princess. When he saw her beauty, his eyes flickered. 'So, this is the princess!' he thought.Nineve turned around coldly. "What are you doing here, Mr. Cloud?""We wish to see the emperor, Your Highness.""Oh, you guys too? Yeah, then come with me."Carmenio was surprised. He was going to say something, but someone came out of the Gi
The willful princess ran toward the Gilded Halls. However, a woman's voice chided, "You are not to throw a tantrum here, Nineve!"A beautiful woman in royal attire appeared atop the steps. Beside her were servants that radiated the air of elegance as well."Mother!" Nineve shouted."Greetings, Lady Heidi.""Our humblest greetings, Lady Heidi!"Carmenio and everyone else showed their utmost respect. This woman was Heidi, the wife of the emperor and Nineve's mother.Heidi raised her hand. "Rise.""Thank you, Lady Heidi." They straightened themselves."And why are you throwing a tantrum here, my girl? Do you not know that your father is resting?" Heidi chastised coldly.Nineve teared up. "I just want to see Father and get him to teach someone a les—""Preposterous! Do you think your father lounges around all day doing naught?"Nineve said, "I'm sorry.""Then, cease your tantrum. If your father knows of this, he shall ground you once more. You are dismissed!" Heidi reprimanded
"Is that so? I look forward to our meeting, then. Ever since the Warring States' era, my family has been surviving for millennia, dating back to the Warring States' era. Yet, someone has the gall to slay a descendant of the Blackstone?" Horatio's gaze turned dark."Mr. Cloud, the Magickas, the Warringtons, and some other families have gone to Old Dragon Peak for the Philosophers' meetings. I would love it if the cabinet could be there. After all, the cabinet would be the pillar of the families' rising. That is the only way to establish glory."Horatio smiled and gave Carmenio a brocade pouch. "This is a token of appreciation from our patriarch. Please, take it."Carmenio took the pouch and checked its contents. Bright pearls shone within, and there were more than a dozen of them. They were all the size of thumbs. Carmenio smiled, obviously pleased. "Oh, you shouldn't have, Mr. Blackstone." He tucked the pouch into his pocket."It's an honor helping you, Mr. Cloud. I heard the princ
After Nineve, Carmenio, and Horatio were gone, Felcro returned to the Gilded Halls with his head hung low. This was the greatest hall in Faeast, where the emperor and his ministers discussed about policies and rulership.At the end of the Hall of Heroes, an imposing man stood, wearing robes with dragons embroidered upon them. The man had his hands behind his back, and the air around him was heavy with regality.Before the man was a map of the world. This was the tactical map of the ten nations."My humblest greetings, Your Majesty." Felcro bowed to the emperor.The emperor did not turn around. He was still looking at the map. "Are they gone?""Yes. I have sent them on their way, Your Majesty," said Felcro.The emperor fell silent before he said, "The families have allied with the cabinet?" the emperor asked, his voice deep and almost husky."From what I've gathered recently, yes," said Felcro."I see the martial arts world requires another cleansing," said the emperor slowly, b
The emperor looked up into the distance. "I had high hopes for the boy many years ago, but fate played a funny game with us. The chase for power drove me to a decision I regret most. That one case sixteen years ago…"He continued, "Now, the Three Great Powers wish to rise again, and I must once again put my hopes in the boy. If I were to enter the fray, the peace we have gained, that was paid for dearly in red, would be destroyed."Felcro bowed. "A most wise decision, Your Majesty.""Incorrect. I have erred in my judgment. That shall not happen again. Felcro, I have a decree. Tell him that he has my support no matter what he does. And give this to him."The emperor took out an ancient sword and gave it to Felcro. Legends had it that the sword was made with the copper the gods harvested from First Mountain. It was wielded by the Yellow Emperor.This ancient sword was golden in color. On one side, the sun, moon, and stars were engraved. On the other, mountains, rivers, trees, and gr
"I'll kill that bastard! Why did he do this to me? Old man, why would he pick a celebrity but not me? Is she better than me?" Nineve cried to the old man beside her.Drunk frowned. He had no idea what to say. The man had lived for two hundred years. Romantic love was something in the distant past for him. "It is alright, Your Highness. Perhaps he only fell for her in a moment of passion? I have a feeling he would return to you once he snaps out of it."Nineve refused to listen. "I don't care if he wants me back now! I hate him! I want to kill him! His death is the only reprieve for me!"Drunk mused, 'Never anger a woman. They might kill you if they cannot be with you. This is a nightmare.' He would never dare say that out loud, however.While Nineve was immersed in her sadness, a servant came running in. "Your Highness, Mr. Cloud wishes to see you."Nineve said, "Denied! Tell him to piss off!"Knowing Nineve was heartbroken, the servant quickly said, "Yes."She was about to leav
Nineve looked at Carmenio coldly. "And how did you know?""Simply by chance. I overheard someone's conversation. Forgive me, Your Highness," said Carmenio quickly.Nineve had never liked the cabinet. If it were not for Nox hurting her, she would never have aided them back at Euphony Pavilion. However, Nineve hated Nox after knowing he had snubbed her for another woman. She could not accept that he was sharing a hug with a celebrity.The mention of Nox's name soured her mood even further. "So, you know of his crimes. Then, can you kill him? To ease my pain?""I will do it even if it costs me my life, Your Highness. All you have to do is say the word," said Carmenio."Ah, so you do wish to kill him. Unfortunately, the cabinet, as far as I know, possesses not the strength to take him down," Nineve mocked.Carmenio wasn't mad. Instead, he divulged, "You are correct, Your Highness. The cabinet alone is no match for Nox, but if we have Mr. Blackstone in the mix, then it changes things.
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