"Lord Goede, all we know is that he's a part of the Greenshades. We do not know who his mentor is. However, we are sure he is at least an Upper Three," said Hrimnir.The Upper Three were: Seven Deaths, Eight Gates, and Supreme."An Upper Three? A young man like him?" Goede was surprised."I would never have disturbed your peace if the threat was not great," said Hrimnir earnestly.Goede leaped and descended from the air. The very earth shook when he landed on the ground. "Very well. As I have awakened, I'd like to see how many talented warriors Faeast has produced."Waves of evil energy emerged from Goede. Excited, Hrimnir said, "Thank you for taking your time out of seclusion, Lord Goede. Thank you for guarding the safety of our family.""Oh, I did not come out of seclusion for that impertinent brat. I have something else to retrieve…" Goede looked at the west darkly."Is the item within Stone Village untouched?"The mention of that village turned Hrimnir solemn. He quickly an
While Hrimnir was immersed in his thoughts, Geode turned his gaze to the other coffins. The remaining patriarchs lay within. Ethan and Falco were their names."Ethan and Falco are still slumbering?"Hrimnir answered, "Yes, Lord Goede.""Very well. I shall retrieve the item before I rouse them. They would be surprised, I reckon." Goede cackled again and took a deep breath before gazing at the sky.Goede leaped, turning into a black wisp of smoke that shot up the cliff. Hrimnir followed quickly. The Blackstones held a feast that day, for one of their patriarchs had returned to them.…Two days later, a duo appeared in a town about a hundred miles away from Qustian Peak. Their appearance gained much attention and discussion from the people around them.One was an impossibly handsome man, while the other was a monk with a head bereft of any hair. The remote town's people were curious about these newcomers."About a hundred miles left to Qustian Peak, boss. Maybe we should catch som
"Oh, we have a funeral here?" Awesome was surprised to be met with this sad occasion.Nox scanned the situation. Soon, he noticed something amiss. Slivers of black energy, invisible to most people, were radiating from the bodies of the funeral-goers.The energies differed in their intensity. Some were thick, while some were almost invisible. Nevertheless, each of them had the same evil energy clinging to them. Nox's gaze turned icy.He would have stayed out of this, but he was bothered by how these otherwise regular civilians could come into contact with such energy. "Something's wrong with these people." Nox stared at the crying crowd."What'd you say, boss?" Awesome obviously could not see the energy.Golden ripples shot out of Nox's eyes. He cast Divine Sense and observed the auras of the villagers before turning his gaze to the coffin.The energy was thickest there, where the dead lay. The cause of the child's death was this evil energy. Once Nox's guess was clarified, he sai
"Hello, everyone. I was just passing by when I heard the crying. So, here I am." Awesome smiled.The crowd was surprised to see a monk here. A tanned man stepped forth. "We're having a funeral here. If it's alms you need, I'm afraid you've come to the wrong place."The villagers thought Awesome was here for alms. Awesome was not mad. Instead, he smiled. "Oh no. I'm not here for alms.""Then, what are you here for?" The man looked at Awesome."To save you," said Awesome."To save us?" The villages looked at Awesome curiously."Well, that's interesting. You appeared out of nowhere, and now you want to save us? What do we need saving from?" a middle-aged woman said.Awesome pointed at the coffin. "Tell me, who's the one who died?""The chief's grandson," said the woman."Do you know how he died, then?" Awesome continued."Of course. The black demise, that's how." The woman's eyes reddened."It's no disease, if that's what you're thinking," Awesome said."It's no disease? What
"Yes."That answered Nox's question. 'I see someone must've put the village under a spell. That's why the villagers have been dying like mayflies. Who's the bastard? Who would harm the people of a remote village?'The thought filled Nox's gaze with chilling fury."Lad, how'd you know my grandson's last moments, anyway?" The old man had no idea how powerful Nox was. Regardless, he needed some answers."I told you, he did not die because of a disease. Someone did this.""What? This is man-made?" The chief and his villagers could not believe this."Yes, and they did not just harm your grandson; they're doing it to everyone. Every single one of you is infected by that same energy that killed the boy.""Some of you should be feeling it now. The moment you're infected, the energy will sap your strength. When night comes, your body will scream out in pain. You'll feel as though your flesh is being sliced open by a knife. And then, finally, black blood will trickle out of your mouths an
Nox prepared himself for a long trek to Stone Village. He wanted to find out which malicious bastard was behind this whole thing. The villagers led Nox to their home, and they told Nox about their village's history.They said that the 'disease' only happened over the past year, and it had claimed nearly 50 lives. Men, women, the elderly, children… it didn't matter. The 'disease' took them all. Even a few babies died because of it.They died just as Nox had described, dying after bleeding from their orifices, their blood rancid and black. When Awesome heard that even babies died, he cursed, "Damn them! Who's the bastard? Who would even harm these people?"He growled angrily, "Boss, when you find the fucker, I want a shot at them. I'll slaughter them!"Nox walked ahead, his icy gaze on the nearing village. A while later, they saw a village standing in the distance. It stood in a vale and housed about three to four thousand families."That's our home," the chief said, pointing at the
Nox's face was a mask of cold rage. He was not expecting the Blackstones to be behind the culling of these villagers, and this formation was already here decades ago.This village was nothing but a regular place, and only civilians lived in it. Yet, the Blackstones did not hold back."The bastards again? Unbelievable! Their hearts are as black as coal!" Awesome cursed.The poor villagers had no idea why Awesome was cursing the Blackstones. Surprised, the chief asked, "Why are you cursing the Blackstones?""Because they're the ones killing you guys." Nox looked at the obelisks."What?" The villagers were stunned."They're the culprits? But that can't be! My father told me they've been protecting us all this time!" The chief did not believe this."Yeah. Everyone in Qustian Peak knows the Blackstones. Their family members would donate money and food to us. Everyone thinks they're philanthropists!" another villager said."Yeah!"Nox did not explain anything to the villagers. Inste
"However, I need to find out why the Blackstones are suppressing your village." Nox's gaze was cold.The villagers had no idea what he was talking about. They were only civilians, so they knew nothing about formations and earthly resentment—terms that only warriors knew."Can you take me into the village, sir?" Nox said suddenly.The chief quickly said, "Yes, of course, savior. Come with us." The chief led the way. Nox and Awesome followed.The moment they stepped into the village, Nox felt magical energy pouring through. It was a subtle energy. One had to be at least a Five Mountains to feel it."Something's wrong about this village, boss," Awesome said. He could feel the energy as well."Yes. The fact that the Blackstones would suppress this village with a formation like that is telling." Nox expanded his divine sense. Like a spider web, it weaved through every nook and cranny in the village.Nox saw everything his divine sense scanned. He saw bedridden patients, children play
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
The talismans were Magic Mountain's Forbidden Art, and Nox had fused them with Ultimate Sun Dragon Manual. Nox's mentors back in Mystia had taught him the Sovereign Seal earlier than expected.Their goal was simple. If Nox became the Sovereign, he could use the seal to command all the natural energy around him. If he didn't become the Sovereign, he would teach the Sovereign how to use the seal.The Sovereign Seal was a Saintly technique and the most ancient technique around. It was stronger than a Celestial technique.A golden seal brighter than the sun slowly rose into the air. It was the Sovereign Seal.As it appeared, natural energy gathered around it. The energy flew into the relics Brundela took from Faeast. Within a museum not open to the public, a bronze sword started to tremble as natural energy flowed into it. That got the attention of a professor."That sword belonged to Faeast's Emperor Elijah! What is going on?"A silhouette came out of the sword, and his aura was maj
Back in the navy command center, Fergus got the drone footage of Brundela's latest development. There were a few generals from the Nox Army with him. They could see that the monsters in the capital were far stronger than the ones they took out."It's a pity the capital is too densely populated. We have the weapons, but we can't use them." Fergus slammed the table in frustration. Even if the capital were to fall into enemy hands and the people torn apart by the monsters, Fergus could not order his men to fire at the capital, or things would be bad for them.Fergus could only open fire if the monsters were in a no man's land."Commander Parrish, the lord has orders. We are to keep the waters guarded. Once the capital's crisis is over, we are to make our way to the port and give humanitarian aid," a Nox Army general said telepathically. He just got Nox's orders."Is that so? Then Nox can stop this crisis." Fergus' eyes shone. He had no idea what Nox was planning, but he was the Sovere
Demons were walking the lands of Brundela. Legendary creatures were roaming the streets as if the end of days were here. The resurrected monsters were causing chaos everywhere. When the Titans showed themselves, despair washed over Brundela.There were too many monsters running around. Even after the Twilight Order and Ice Temple cultivators sent out everyone they had, it still wasn't enough to stop these creatures. The monsters went straight to the council hall, and so did the Titans.The Ice Temple Lord created a Magic Ice Formation and kept using Forbidden Arts and mystical artifacts to fend off the enemies. He had already done his best."You have to do something, Nine-State Lord. I can't hold on much longer!" the Ice Temple Lord said telepathically.Though monsters were about, they were not a threat to the Ice Temple Lord. he could leave anytime he wanted, but he had a deal with Nox. If he were to desert the battlefield, he would face a hell far worse than he could imagine late