Awesome made hand seals, and a manji appeared on his forehead. A gigantic barrier, golden in color, covered the courtyard. This was the Vajra Barrier, a technique exclusive to Enlightenment.The monk leveled up its power, however. The moment Augustus' sword energy hit the barrier, the air was rattled with a deafening boom, but the barrier was unbroken."Well, come on. Let's see how you can dice me!" Awesome grinned, provoking Augustus.Augustus was so angry his face turned red. "Forbidden Art, Seven Stars!" As Seven Stars was cast, a dark red aura burst from Augustus' body. The sky suddenly darkened, as if night had taken over. Seven stars twinkled in the skies above.At the same time, slivers of dark red energy flowed from Augustus."Oh, you know a Forbidden Art? Nice. Did boss teach you that? Damn, he's so unfair. Why didn't he teach me one of those?" Awesome taunted.Augustus did not care. The Forbidden Art had turned his body dark red, and his eyes were filled with bloodlust.
"And you!" Nox looked at Awesome coldly.The monk shivered. Nox strode up to him and smacked his head hard. "Why did you taunt my brother, you brat? Do it again, and I will whoop your ass, do you understand?" Nox said coldly.Awesome rubbed his head, but he didn't argue. "Fine. I'm sorry, boss. I'm sorry. Stop hitting my head. You'll make me stupid.""And you deserve it!" Nox knew how short-tempered these two could be. If he did not teach them a lesson, they would cause trouble.The boys hung their heads low and stopped arguing after they were scolded."Alright, leave. We have a VIP coming." Nox suddenly looked into the distance."A VIP? Where are they?" Awesome was confused."They're here." Nox raised his head.A figure appeared at the courtyard's entrance. He wore a tall hat and donned the attire of an eunuch. He had skin as fair as snow. "My humblest greetings, Lord Nox. I apologize for this intrusion."It was a surprising visit from Felcro. The one who addressed him first
It was more than four feet long. Nox narrowed his eyes."Take this, Lord Nox." Felcro handed the box to Nox with both hands.Nox took it and opened it. He was met with a sword that had celestial bodies and nature's panorama engraved on each side of its body. Nox's heart shook. "The Blade of the Emperor, which belongs to the emperor?" Nox gasped."Yes, and it is a gift from the emperor. Do take good care of it, Lord Nox." Felcro smiled.The mention of the Blade of the Emperor made Awesome and Augustus' eyes shine. Nox was looking at the sword with fire in his eyes. A long while of hesitation later, he held the weapon, and a wave of regal aura coursed through his body.Nox unsheathed the weapon, and a dragon's roar came from within. The sword had no tip, but a wave of powerful will-of-the-sword flowed from it.The will-of-the-sword made everyone shiver, including Awesome and Augustus. It was like this sword was born to rule.Nox looked at the weapon. "I expected nothing less from
Old Dragon's Peak was northwest of Imperia and connected to Moravia, but it wasn't very tall. Beyond the mountain was the vast and desolate desert of Moravia.Legends had it that the mountain was named so because there was an ancient well built upon it. No one knew how old it was, but it was said that a dragon was imprisoned within. Thanks to that, Old Dragon's Peak had always been a famous tourist spot.It was fall, a peak season for traveling. The base of the mountain was packed. Most of them were tourists. Oddly enough, the mountain was locked for a few days.The people at the ticket office were no longer staff members. Instead, there were eight warriors in black. They looked icy, and sabers hung at their waists.The entrance that stood before them had a wooden sign hanging over it. It read, 'The mountain is closed today. Authorized personnel only.'Many tourists who came to visit began to feel dissatisfied. The dense crowd at the entrance started to yell at the eight guards st
The town was only big enough to house a few hundred thousand people.The pair of warriors who came down the mountain quickly made their way to a hidden house. There were guards stationed all around it, though they were in casual attire. The duo gave the guards a look before entering the house hurriedly.In the dim room, Captain Zanther said, "Cassius Zanther, reporting for duty, Commander Nettleton."There was a burly man in the center of the room, seated. He had the face of a fierce panther, and his arms were as long as an ape's. He radiated the air of a Top Legend Realm and was imposing.This was the commander of the Forbidden Army, Quintus Nettleton. Legends had it that Quintus used to be a general in the military, but later, he was transferred to Imperial City and made the commander of the Forbidden Army."How's the situation on the mountain?" Quintus asked coldly."Commander, the families have shut the place down. Only authorized personnel are allowed entry," Cassius replied
Cassius was perplexed. He knew that Quintus used to work for the military and that he was only made commander of the Forbidden Army later. Cassius wondered why he called Nox his lord. 'Does he know Lord Nox?' he thought."I don't understand, commander. If Lord Nox is still alive, why did we crown a new one? Why would the Philosophers attack him so brazenly?" Cassius asked."Ask no more of this. Know that he is the only one who can subdue the chaos that is coming. He must be the one. That was why the emperor did this," Quintus replied.Cassius was more baffled than before. Eventually, he said, "Will Lord Nox really come?""He will, trust me." Quintus had a look of longing in his eyes."But the mountain is dangerous, and there are so many Top Legend Realms around. If he shows up, he'll be in trouble, won't he?" Cassius asked."Trouble? Eh, we're not the ones who should worry; it's the families," Quintus sneered.Cassius stopped asking questions. He was looking forward to meeting N
Did Nineve truly wish to see Nox die? Of course not. She was just throwing a tantrum to soothe her heart. The fact that Nox started dating a celebrity while she never stopped loving him all these years was unacceptable.Though that was her real thought, Nineve had to keep up appearances. "I want that bastard dead, and so what? He hurt me…"Drunk sighed and advised, "Your Highness, you can't take back some things. If you do go, I'm afraid there will be no turning back.""I don't care! It's fine by me! I just want to vent!" Nineve cried through tears.Drunk, seeing that he could no longer persuade her, shook his head. Quintus was in the distance observing Drunk and Nineve with his brows furrowed."Damn it, it's really the princess. Why is she here all of a sudden?"Cassius asked, "Should my team and I tell her now?"A somber Cassius looked at Nineve. Just as he was about to make a decision, a group of people appeared before the princess. The one in the lead was an old man in gray
Though not as famous as the Blackstones, the Magickas, or the Warringtons, they were still powerful in the eyes of the outside world. The one in the lead was the Blackstones.As the family that had been vying for power since the Warring States era, the Blackstones had always been a core part of the Philosophers.Horatio, clad in a brocade robe, was seated in the center. Beside him were two powerful Top Legend Realms, and they were unmoving, their eyes closed.A long while later, Horatio finally asked, "Is everyone present and accounted for?"One of his family's members walked up. "The Balancers and the Confucians have not shown up.""Very well. The Confucians have always been averse to the fight for power. I'm not surprised about their absence. However, why aren't the Balancers here?" Horatio asked."I don't know. The envoys we sent to their family have not returned."Horatio's face fell. The Balancers too had existed since the Warring States era, but they were mysterious. They
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