"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.
When Drunk heard the plan, he wasted no time shaking his head with disapproval. The princess was a fearless and spoiled lady. She could do anything if she was furious. Drunk looked at Horatio with narrowed eyes. "Hm?" He was staring intently at Horatio.Slivers of purple light appeared in his eyes, and they covered Horatio. Through the light, Drunk saw a ball of shadow clinging to the insides of Horatio. The shadow was vague, almost like a spirit. Or shadow."They say the geniuses of the Philosophers have Guardians following them everywhere. That explains this brat's audacity," Drunk muttered and said nothing more.Nineve and the Blackstones reached an agreement. Horatio and Carmenio left the mansion.Drunk approached the princess. "Your Highness, are you really going to work with them and kill the little monster?" He was talking about Nox."Yeah. That bastard broke my heart and hurt me. I can't let him off the hook for such a slight!" said Nineve angrily."But this isn't the way
Madison had been taking care of Nox ever since she started staying with him. Nox could not get used to it just yet. His intention was to keep Madison safe and her Yin Spirit Physique unharmed by the Underworld. However, the celebrity was treating him like a boyfriend. "I made some dessert for you, Greenie. Have some.""Did you dirty your clothes, Greenie? Why don't I wash them for you?""Are you tired, Greenie? I can give you a massage."Madison's actions were giving Nox a bit of a headache. "You don't have to do this, Maddie. I'll teach you a manual, and you can start cultivating. Is that alright?"In order to avoid Madison, Nox had to use the excuse of asking her to cultivate."Cultivation, huh? But I've never learned anything of the sort. Awesome told me that cultivators start young so they can build a solid foundation. I'm already an adult. Wouldn't it be too late to cultivate?""For most people your age, it would be too late, but you have the Yin Spirit Physique, so there'
He also had to find Azure Dragon, who was imprisoned in the Underworld. The thought of Azure Dragon summoned Nox's bloodlust."The Underworld. Mystia failed to eradicate you a hundred years ago, but I will make sure you are destroyed this time!"Time went by. After the Underworld's appearance, the three commanders were put in charge of the Shadow Division's recon mission.Only Augustus was left in the courtyard, meditating and tempering his swordheart in silence. He was only fourteen years old, yet he radiated the air of a divine swordsman, and none would dare to underestimate him.He was sitting cross-legged on the ground. Invisible sword energy flowed around him. A fly flew by him, and the sword energy sliced it to pieces.Awesome clicked his tongue. "The boss' brother is awesome. That sword energy is stronger than that of Mystia's so-called genius swordsmen. He's going to be a divine swordsman at this rate," Awesome muttered, staring at Augustus.A while later, the monk approa
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