Annie, however, was unfazed. She wanted her question answered.Queenie answered calmly, "Ms. Annie, there is a misunderstanding. I am holding this lunch to thank Mr. Weeks, and I need to make things clear with him. I have a boyfriend."Annie asked, "So you're saying everything my father did was a waste?"Queenie said, "I am grateful for what he did, so I'll try my best to repay him.""And how will you do that?" Annie questioned.Queenie explained, "I know I don't have that capability for now, but trust me. Someday, I'll repay all the kindness Mr. Weeks has shown me. And it's my freedom to date and bring my boyfriend to this meetup."Annie was about to say something, but Alexander stepped in. "Annie, shut it. You are not to show any insolence to Ms. Sanders."Annie was flabbergasted. "What is going on, Dad? Why are you so nice to her? She's treating you to lunch, but she brought her boyfriend along. She's trying to embarrass you."Alexander roared in his mind, 'You stupid girl!
While Nox, Queenie, and Alexander were having lunch, Yvette and George were checking out the hotel. This was their first visit to a six-star hotel.The couple walked around, clicking their tongues in surprise. "Very resplendent hotel.""Touche," said Yvette."The waiter said this hotel's name is derived from the fallen Lord Nox," said George."I see. Pity he's no longer with us.""Yeah."The couple chatted along the way. Posters were pasted on the walls down the corridors, and they talked about the life story of Lord Nox. Legends said he was made a marquis at seventeen and a lord at nineteen.However, since Lord Nox was a mysterious figure, there were barely any photos released to the public. The only photo was one of his back, and it hung in the center of the hotel. A lot of tourists were watching it.Yvette and George checked it out too. A lot of tourists were taking pictures of the photo. A group of high schoolers were listening to their teacher regaling them with the tale o
Alexander was mocking George and Yvette again, much to their and Queenie's shock. They couldn't believe a guy who had lost his memories could gain the respect of a man like Alexander.Alexander left early, leaving Queenie and everyone else behind. They too were getting ready to leave.It was a happy day for Queenie. She had no idea why Alexander was so respectful to Nox, but no matter what, she finally got a weight off her shoulders. At least she made it clear she was taken.Yvette and George, however, were miffed. George wouldn't stop cursing ever since he came out. He couldn't believe a loser who'd lost his memories was privileged enough to have lunch in this hotel.When they came to the parking lot, something more infuriating happened. A Wrangler was parked right in front of George's Benz. There were a lot of parking bays here, but the Wrangler just had to park before their car.George flew into a rage. "Which bastard parked their car here?"No one was around, and George kicke
"You're calling the cops? What, you think I'm scared? Go ahead, do it!"Queenie realized these people couldn't be reasoned with. Furious, she was about to call the cops, but another dojo member charged ahead and snatched her phone.That stoked her rage even more. "Give me back my phone!"The man sneered. "You want it? Come get it."And then Nox stepped in. "You have three seconds. Give her back the phone, or else," he said icily.The man who took Queenie's phone chuckled. "Who the hell are you, punk? You think you're a hero or something?"Nox ignored them. "One."The man in the dojo uniform burst into laughter. "Oh, so you're trying to be a hero? Fine, let's see what you've got.""Two."Even when Nox was giving them a warning, the man remained smiling."Three."And the last warning was given. The man was about to mock Nox, but he was too slow. Nox had attacked. He raised his hand and swung it down as fast as lightning. The slap landed squarely on the man's face, and he screa
Faeast was a nation of warriors. After the Battle of the Ten Nations, the people put a lot of their efforts into training. Ancient martial arts took the nation by storm.In Riverton alone, there were nearly twenty dojos, and practitioners numbered a few hundred thousand. These people before them were disciples from Thunder Dojo.They had been training for years, yet they were no match for Nox. In the end, the disciples picked up their unconscious companions and drove away like defeated beasts. Nox saw them off and handed the phone back to Queenie.Queenie took it from him and stared at Nox, feeling warm inside."Oh no, oh no. Why'd you beat them up, Greenshade? They're from Thunder Dojo!" George roared."What are you saying, Dad? He helped us out back there. You can't yell at Nono," Queenie argued. She didn't like how her father was being all jumpy."What do you know? That's Thunder Dojo's guys. Those fighters are no joke. Last year, the head of a commerce chamber crossed a fight
With the encouragement of that speech, the disciples worked harder in their training."Warriors first temper their skin, bones, and tendons. Then our blood and flesh, and finally, we cultivate our inner energy. Only when you have started gaining inner energy can you call yourself a warrior," continued Timothy."Master, are there any more realms above warrior?" a novice asked curiously.Timothy smiled. "After warrior comes Combatant. Combatants can be divided into three further categories based on their progress: Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced. But even a Beginner Combatant can crush boulders and possess strength beyond imagination."He added, "Advanced Combatants can scale walls, leap across roofs, and turn a simple leaf into a deadly weapon."Timothy raised his right hand and pushed it down on the stone table before him. A thud graced the air, and the table cracked from the center."Awesome, Master!""You're incredible, Master!"The disciples whooped and cheered for thei
The disciples were already back at training, but then a commotion happened outside. Timothy frowned. "What's going on? Why the commotion?"A disciple quickly came in. "Master, it's Bosco. He and some of our disciples got beaten up."Timothy's face fell, and then he saw a few disciples bringing in a group of bruised men. They were none other than Bosco and his friends. Nox kicked their arses.They knelt before their master. "Master, you have to help us."Timothy looked at them and icily said, "You useless wretches. I told you to keep your head buried in training, but you wouldn't listen to me. And now look what that got you into.""I'm sorry, Master, but the guy not only beat us up; he even insulted the dojo. We can't just take that lying down!" Bosco said.Timothy questioned, "And who has the gall to insult my dojo?""I don't know. All I know is he's a young guy. About twenty years old or something."Timothy laughed mirthlessly. "You useless fools. You couldn't even take down a
"Who are you looking for?"Bosco screeched, "Tell your boss to get his ass out here!"That shocked the servants. It was at the same time that Yvette, George, and Queenie came out. When they saw the people in the courtyard, George frowned."What's going on?" He approached the commotion.Queenie followed her father. She realized something felt off.The servants saw George coming. "Sir," they said.The Thunder Dojo guys laid eyes on George and Queenie."That's them! They beat us up, Simon!" Bosco pointed at Queenie and her folks.George saw who it was, and a chill ran down his spine. "Oh no! They're from Thunder Dojo!"Queenie's face fell. She could see they were here for vengeance.Simon looked at Queenie and her folks. Icily, he said, "Them? You're saying these people beat you up?""No, Simon. The guy who beat us up was a punk!" answered Bosco."Where is he?" Simon asked.Bosco stepped ahead and screeched at George, "Give me that punk, you bastard, or you're done for!"Geo
'What?' The Generals were confused, and White Tiger was a little frustrated."Milord, do you think we won't be of help? If she can come with you, why can't we?" Azure Dragon pointed at the princess. "Azure Dragon and the others might be useless, but I'm not!" He just got on the princess' bad side and annoyed his friends."Can you shut the fuck up?" Azure Dragon smacked White Tiger's head. An angry Nineve kicked him too.'He's looking down on me?'"I don't have much time. Stay back and keep an eye on Faeast. I have my reasons for taking them with me, and I need you guys to do something for me," said Nox.Azure Dragon could guess what that was. "You need us to summon Kirin?"'Kirin?' White Tiger shut up and said nothing more."Yes. I'm not sure if I can come back alive. It's time for him to join us." Nox nodded."I understand." Azure Dragon did as he was told. The other Generals did the same."Shit. That monster's coming out again." White Tiger was nervous. Kirin tormented him a
Nox had no choice but to take the ladies along. Queenie was fine with it, but Nineve could be a problem. Nox asked solemnly, "Will you come with me? I can't promise your safety, though.""You think I'm a coward? I don't need your protection! Besides, I can't stop you from saving your grandpa. And if I die out there, I don't have to be the empress anymore. I don't want to work all day like my dad did!" she said angrily, but Nineve wasn't afraid. Her family had no cowards.Atlas's reputation was the worst of them all. He worked with the Mousses at one point, but he never betrayed the country even in its darkest hour."Come back, Aphrodite. I know you're still there!" Nox shouted into the distance. And he was right. Aphrodite came back looking all smug."You've always been efficient, especially when it comes to important stuff. I knew you'd come to a decision soon enough." She smiled."Enough. I don't have time to tell the family, but Grandma probably knows what I'm doing. She'll exp
'Grandpa went to Celestial Domain.' Nox looked solemn. Nineve and Queenie had never seen him looking so grim before."I see. So that was an SOS. He must've been in trouble last time, but I wasn't powerful enough, so he didn't tell me anything. That communication spell must've taken everything he had," said Nox darkly.Time was not on their side. "I need to go now. I know the place. You're not coming with me, Master. Besides the founder, no one's strong enough for the journey," said Nox."What?" Nineve's jaw dropped. The Masters were all Pinnacle Legend Realms, and Sealmaster was a powerful Emperor. If not even they were powerful enough, that place must be a dangerous one.Nineve made it obvious she didn't want Nox to go. Queenie grabbed Nox's arm tightly. She couldn't dissuade him, but she wanted him to take her along. Aphrodite watched the drama unfold. She wondered what Nox would do."No." Nox frowned."Damn right you are!" the Master interrupted. "I can't tag along, but Nineve
"I know. They don't want their family broken up, but death is a release for you, Penelope, especially if living itself is painful." The Master sighed. If Nox heard that, he'd curse him, but Penelope thought it made a lot of sense."You have to live for yourself once. Death is another form of life for people my age. I couldn't do anything for myself while I lived. Death is how I will fulfill the promise I made when I was young."…Back outside, Aphrodite sat on the stairs and lit up a cigarette. She went through three before she said, "I presume you know what happened back then."Nox frowned. 'She knows everything.'Nox's reaction was the answer Aphrodite needed. "You overestimate my power. I don't have any spies in Imperia anymore, and no one can keep an eye on you."Nox almost shouted. Aphrodite had no idea he knew about the truth. That was just a ruse so she could observe him and get her answer."The mission is simple. Save Cassian and retrieve a treasure," said Aphrodite."W
'One of us will die? I need to make a choice again? Will I repeat my father's mistake?'Nox stared daggers at Aphrodite. "That is nonsense! Even if that prediction is right, we'll either get out of it together, or we die together! We will not live if the other dies!"Aphrodite paled. "That hurt my heart. Well, you are the Sovereign, and you won't give in to anyone. Even in death, you will be glorious." She smiled sadly.Nox didn't care about Aphrodite's prediction, but Queenie took it seriously. She knew Aphrodite wasn't talking nonsense."Shut it. Did you come with the Master, or did he invite you?" Nox didn't like Aphrodite at all. He didn't want to see her unless it was something important.Aphrodite knew Nox didn't like her, and she couldn't blame anyone. She did it to herself. "I know you don't like me. I would never come uninvited," she said.Nox narrowed his eyes. So that meant the Master called her here. Then, the drunken Master sobered up. Penelope opened her eyes as wel
"She called you a commoner! A peasant!" Nineve snapped."But is she wrong? I am a commoner." Queenie clicked her tongue. She didn't really care about her background.Nineve felt like crying, and Nox pulled her back. He said coldly, "And why are you here, Aphrodite? Why were you with a Master?"Aphrodite arched an eyebrow and answered slowly, "I can come and go as I please, Lord Nox. Remember, I saved this clan once."Nox's temples throbbed. 'How dare she try to pull another one!'Before he could fly into a rage, Aphrodite added, "If I hadn't escorted a Greenshade back to her home, Cassian couldn't have communicated with you. Though Penelope has lost her powers, she can still cast some spells as long as she has the right tools."Nox's face was twitching. Aphrodite was a sharp woman. Even now she could keep him at bay easily. She did help the family once back when she was younger. No one could compare to her intellect, save for the heavens themselves.She was just like the legenda
Nox had no idea what the High Heavens looked like, but he wasn't answering Nineve. There must be a reason his grandfather tried to communicate with him. Faeast's threat wasn't defused yet. The path of the martial was still after them.Many of the path of the ancient divine's factions were keeping an eye on Faeast all the time as well. "What was he trying to tell me? What did he want me to do? Wait, Sealmaster summoned the founder back then. He must know something."Nox realized he could get some answers from Sealmaster, and he wanted to leave for Magic Mountain right away. Just when he was wondering how to settle the ladies down, one of the Masters and Aphrodite came to the Greenshades' abode.The Master told Aphrodite, "It's Daniel's wedding. I have to send my best regards. I represent Magic Mountain, after all."Aphrodite answered, "You know I can't go in, given my circumstances. Lord Nox must have some questions for me.""Very well. Then I shall leave you for now." The Master l
Neither managed to guess what Nox was thinking. One wanted him to look on the bright side, while the other wanted him to let it go, but Nox had reached the truth. He had ascended. He knew all of this, of course."They eventually ended up together? No, they're already separated by a veil of death. I will never give in to anyone. I will not repeat this tragedy. I will always, always finish the job. Even if I made a mistake, I would see it through!" Nox said. These were his true thoughts.Ironically, Aphrodite knew exactly the kind of man he was, and that was why she betrayed him. She knew no one could change his mind once it was made up. Alas, fate did not smile upon them.Though Queenie and Nineve couldn't guess his mind, they would try their best to keep up with him, especially Queenie. If Nox was going into hell itself, she would follow him."I think we can bring this case to a close for now. Grandma will handle the aftermath. You guys stay out of it as well. My clan's filled with
Daniel flew out of the house. The other Greenshades followed him as well. Queenie and Nineve helped Penelope to the entrance. More than a decade ago, the Greenshades mobilized to fight for their lives. Now, they were going to welcome their hero back home.On the street outside the house, a thousand Forbidden Army soldiers escorted the remains of Nox's mother home. They were all clad in white armor. The royal family members were in red. They were holding a red casket, while Atlas was standing before it, walking toward the Greenshades' abode.The accompanying band was playing a sad yet triumphant tune. Daniel remembered something, and he quickly went back inside to change into a tattered crimson shirt. This was the one he wore during the battle all those years ago. It was the one Nox's mother made for him.Nox's parents never had a wedding, so Daniel wanted to fulfill that wish. Atlas stabbed a banner into the ground and announced, "By the decree of the late emperor, His Majesty Quilo