"Well, come on! Don't let me stop you!" Awesome taunted.Though scared out of their wits, the duo could not back off. After all, there were so many families watching them. If they were to retreat, they would never live this humiliation down."I'll fight you, baldie!" The swordsman could not take it anymore. He roared and released all his power. His blood energy conjured a greatsword that was black in color. The man was about to fight Awesome with all he had.Since this guy wanted to get himself killed, Awesome would grant him that wish. He leaped and appeared before the swordsman. Before the swordsman could do anything, Awesome tapped the air. "Die."A sliver of golden light flew out of his finger and pierced the swordsman's forehead. The swordsman's life was sapped out of his body, and his eyes bulged in his final moments. He stared at Awesome as if he was a ghost.Moments later, the swordsman fell with a thud. He was dead."You're the last one." Awesome grinned at Torontio.To
Awesome was surprised.The old man scoffed. "I am the third generation elder of the enforcers for the Blackstones. We are friends with your family. For your patriarch's sake, I can let your killings slide, but if you keep this up, I will join the fray!" the old man said angrily."Is that a threat? You want to try me?" Awesome did not care who would stand up for these people. Anyone who crossed Nox must be killed.Just when the old man was about to fly into a rage, Horatio stepped up. "You are the heir of the Confucians? I am Horatio, heir of the Blackstones," said Horatio.The monk spat loudly. "You're the Blackstones' heir? They say the Blackstones have been on a constant decline. I thought it was nothing but lies, but now I see it is the truth," the monk mocked.Not even a man like Horatio could endure that mockery. "How dare you insult me?"Awesome chuckled. "I was just telling the truth. Why don't we fight it out, then, if you have any objections about it?""Why you little…"
"How dare you kill one of us?" the other families' people roared furiously.Quintus was unafraid. With his saber in hand, he stood tall. "And so what if I did? I am the leader of the Forbidden Army. Anyone want to challenge my authority?""The Forbidden Army?""He's the Forbidden Army's commander, Quintus?"The families' people looked grim. The Forbidden Army were the emperor's royal guards. They had the power to execute anyone they deemed punishable by death, and they were only loyal to the emperor.They could not believe that the commander of the Forbidden Army was on Nox's side."Commander Nettleton, you're the leader of the Forbidden Army, yet you involve yourself with the families' matters. This is… highly inappropriate, is it not?" Horatio remarked darkly."And so what if I did? Lord Nox is my lord. As long as I'm still alive, I will kill anyone who shows him disrespect!"The families did not look happy at all."How arrogant, Commander Nettleton, but your lord is no long
Everyone was shaken. They could not believe these people knew Nox. 'What's going on?' they wondered.Keith, Bear, and Bard were confused as well. Nox, however, only sneered at the crone. "I spared you six years ago, and yet you would charge into death like it's an old friend."'Six years ago?' Everyone was stunned. They thought, 'These Top Legend Realms are those who tried to fight him six years ago?'The crone cackled. "Yes, it has been so long, hasn't it? Ever since you sliced my arm off, not a day has passed where I don't think about you, Lord Nox." An evil look filled the crone's face.It turned out that these Top Legend Realms were brutalized by Nox when he was crowned lord six years ago. The crone was named Casilla Maiden, a member of the Maidens, who hailed from Centerise.The man with a scar on his face was Josiah, who hailed from Northrise. Six years ago, Nox subjugated the Three Great Powers, and he killed anyone who tried to stop him.Josiah and Casilla were remnants o
The man who spoke was Ezra Magicka, heir of the Magickas. Ezra had always been neutral in this fight. He had seen how powerful Nox was.A red-faced Top Legend Realm, affiliated with the Magickas, looked at the new Top Legend Realms solemnly. "These are the remnants of the dissidents six years ago, Mr. Ezra.""They're the dissidents?" Ezra was shocked."Yes. When Lord Nox was crowned, he subjugated the Three Great Powers. However, many objected to this before the crowning, and many were killed," the Top Legend Realm said slowly."So, you mean these are the people who tried to stop Nox six years ago?" Ezra asked."Yes. See the one on the wheelchair? Kristan Septua's his name. He's the Septuas' patriarch, and they are a powerful entity in the north. Though they are not the core of the Philosophers, their Yin Yang Formation is an incredible part of the Path."Even the Balancers judge their Magicka Formation as a powerful technique, yet Lord Nox cut off their patriarch's legs."Ezra
As the remnants of the dissidents showed up, Nox's allies began to look grim. Although they were not afraid of a fight, they were not expecting so many Top Legend Realms to be lying in wait.'Where did they come from? And who are they?' they wondered. Alas, none but Nox knew who these people were."Dammit. I had no idea that Blackstone bastard had this much influence. How'd he gather so many Top Legend Realms?" Awesome blinked, muttering under his breath."Blast. There are more Top Legend Realms than we anticipated," said Quintus in dismay, looking a little grave. He turned around. "Milord, should I summon my army and kill these rebels?"Nox remained calm, as if the appearance of these dissidents did not faze him. "No," said Nox."But milord—" Quintus wanted to object, but Nox shot him a look that told him to shut up.Since Nox had made up his mind, Quintus decided to say no more. Nox stood before his enemies, scanning the remnants of the dissidents."The Zorlouses, the Maidens,
Nox waved them down. "You guys step back. These people have a score to settle with me, so stay out of it.""But Nox…" Augustus wanted to protest.Nox patted his shoulder, smiling at him. "Listen to me."Augustus retreated."You did this to me, Greenshade. How about we settle our score?" The wheelchair-bound man looked at Nox darkly.Nox did not look at him. "And what makes you think you're worth my time?""Why you little…" Kristan was purple with rage, but he did not dare snipe back.Nox ignored him and turned his gaze to the Blackstones. "You're the Blackstones' heir?" Nox asked. It was a weird question, and he was looking at Horatio."And so what if I am?" Horatio answered."Tell me the truth. Who gathered these remnants? The Mousses?" Nox asked.Horatio shuddered. It was just as Nox had guessed. These people were gathered by the Mousses. The Blackstones did not have that kind of influence, after all. However, he could not say that. He did not have the courage."Your silen
The Magickas' decision made Horatio's face fall, but he got over it quickly. There were at least a dozen Philosophers here, and they were accompanied by at least thirty Top Legend Realms from the fight six years ago.The absence of the Magickas would not be felt."And what about the Warringtons? Would you stay subjugated under a worthless person? He made us submit six years ago, and he'll do it again if he can." Horatio looked at the silent Warringtons.The Warrington family was one of the top ten Philosophers. Although they were battle-crazed people, they were no fools.Not even the sects could stop Nox's rampage six years ago, and they were no better than the sects. One of the elderly men stepped forth. "Cease sowing discord, Mr. Horatio. We only swear fealty to the office and the nation. We will stay out of this fight, just like our Magicka brethren."Horatio laughed mirthlessly. "And I thought the Warringtons were gods of war. You're nothing but cowards! Very well, stay away i
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