Awesome made some hand seals and pointed at his ESP. A beam of light fell on it, and he turned it upside down, shaking out the contents.A mountain of precious metal, jewelry, ancient relics, paintings, and gemstones fell out. Everyone stared at the mountain of treasures in dumbfounded wonder. Even Madison and Redsleeve could not believe what they were seeing.Jewelry was strewn everywhere, and there was enough to fill a whole truck. There were antiques and gemstones in the pile as well. Bear was the first to snap out of it, leaping toward it like a man dying of starvation."Holy shit, Awesome! Where did you get all these? My gods!"Everyone was staring at Awesome with wide eyes. None expected the monk to come up with so much expensive stuff."Looted it from the Blackstone vault." Awesome grinned."You looted their vault?" Everyone was speechless."Duh. I mean, they're part of the Philosophers. Those families have lived for more than a thousand years. Of course, they're loaded.
While Awesome and Bear got out to play, roaring laughter graced the halls of the Greenshade abode. "Good news, Daniel!"Claude and Winston came in quickly, looking happy and jovial. It seemed that something fantastic had happened. Daniel was in the hall, going through an ancient book. He placed it down. "You have news from Qustian Peak?""Yes, and it went just like you predicted, Daniel. Nox has wiped out the Blackstones, including their patriarchs!" gushed Claude."I see," Daniel said calmly. This was not the excited reaction Claude was looking for.Claude was surprised by the complete lack of reaction as he blurted, "Why aren't you more excited, Daniel? He destroyed a Philosopher and their patriarchs all by himself. Who else in Faeast can do that?"Daniel smiled. "I'm not excited because I knew this would happen.""But you should at least be happy for him," Claude muttered. "This is an honor."Daniel was not acting as Claude expected him to be. Instead, he asked, "Have the oth
Daniel waved his brother down. "That's not it, Claude. Don't you forget. The sects are the strongest among the Three Great Powers. Not even our family could afford to underestimate a sect."Claude was a little indignant about his dismissal. "You're overestimating them, Daniel. The sects didn't make a peep when Nox was crowned lord. I bet it was because they were shaking in their boots.""No. Things were different, then," said Daniel. "Six years ago, Nox fought the ten nations and was protected by his merits. If the sects were so stupid as to go against his crowning, they'd have been wiped out many years ago."Daniel continued, "Things have changed, now. The Mousses have usurped Nox's position. Not even I can guess what they're thinking.""Daniel's right. This is also a concern I've been harboring for quite some time," said Winston."I think you two are overthinking things. Nox has returned, and the sects have no guts to show themselves. That's good, isn't it?" Claude said.Daniel
Claude and Winston were surprised that Daniel wanted to go to Imperial City."That's sudden, Daniel. Why?" Claude asked curiously. Winston had a weird look on his face as well.Frankly, Daniel was a familiar face in Imperial City sixteen years ago. The emperor gave him and only him the permission to enter and exit Imperial City at will. Alas, that came to an end when the incident happened.Ever since then, Daniel never stepped foot in Imperial City. So, Claude and Winston were genuinely curious as to why he was breaking that habit after so long.Daniel gazed at the heart of Imperia. "Because I need some answers from him." He was talking about the emperor.Claude said, "But you haven't met him for so long. Are you sure he'll agree to see you?""Yeah, he will. Don't worry." Daniel smiled.Winston and Claude said nothing more. None of them could change Daniel's mind once he was set on something.…A towering man in a regal robe was going through report after report within the Gil
"Nox went to Qustian Peak for a job. He's done with his excursion, I assume?" the emperor asked quietly."Lord Nox has annihilated the Blackstones, and not a single soul was spared." Felcro smiled."Good. And the other Philosophers? Have they made a move?" the emperor asked."Not at the moment."The emperor roared with laughter. "Good. I see I have placed my trust in the right person! Still, there is something I worry about…" The emperor paused.Felcro had been serving the emperor for a long time. So, he knew of the emperor's worries. "You mean the sects, Your Majesty? They have not made an appearance thus far.""Yes." The emperor stood up. "We both know the sects are the strongest faction among the Three Great Powers. The families and clans are nothing but minute targets. Faeast was built on martial prowess and war."He continued, "Nox managed to subjugate the families and clans before they could do any harm, but if this continues… He would be facing the sects next."Felcro sa
"My humblest greetings, Your Majesty." Daniel knelt on one knee."Do not be so formal, Daniel. We are friends. Let's forget such formalities. Please, rise!" The emperor quickly left his throne and held Daniel up.However, Daniel retreated before the emperor could touch him. He said coldly, "It is alright, Your Majesty. I am but a civilian. I'm afraid I'm unworthy of your affection."The emperor's hands hung in mid-air, and he felt awkward. He looked at the icy Daniel and smiled bitterly. Then, he straightened. "It has been sixteen years. Yet, I see you have not forgiven me.""I would never dare. You are the emperor of this nation. I do not have the right to stay furious at you," said Daniel.The emperor smiled bitterly. He heaved a sigh and turned to Felcro. "Leave us. I wish to speak to Daniel alone."Felcro was stunned. He looked at Daniel and was about to say something, but the emperor waved him away. "Leave."Felcro would not disobey a direct order from the emperor. "Then, I
Daniel was a father. So, all he wanted was for his son to live a peaceful life. All fathers would want that for their children. He did not want Nox to be involved in any political fights. He refused to let his son be used as an executioner for the emperor.Nox had subjugated the clans and families. If the sects were to step in, Daniel would be filled with nothing but worry. The sects were the strongest faction among the Three Great Powers, and they had legacies that traced back thousands of years.They were far more powerful than any clan or family.The emperor only smiled. "You worry too much, Daniel. We're friends; brothers, even. I see your son as my own. I would never harm Nox."Daniel sneered. "Oh, really?"The emperor fell into another awkward silence. Then, he sighed. "I know you're still pissed about what happened sixteen years ago, and I blame myself for what happened. Still, you can see that I care about Nox."He said, "No one has the power to calm the chaos roused by t
"What brings you here today, Daniel? It's been a long time since you were in Imperial City." Nineve looked at Daniel with surprise, her eyes twinkling.Daniel had always thought of Nineve as family. So, he smiled at her kindly. "I wanted to see the emperor.""You wanted to see my father? Did you meet up with him?" Nineve asked."Yes, I did," said Daniel."I see.""I have something to do. I shall be taking my leave now, Your Highness," said Daniel.Before Daniel could leave, Nineve said, "A moment, Daniel.""What is it, Your Highness?" Daniel turned around.Nineve fidgeted and weighed her words. "What about him, Daniel? What's he up to lately?"That question made Daniel smile. He knew the princess was asking about his son. "You're talking about Nox, aren't you?"Nineve blushed, but she did not answer that question."Nox is out on a trip, but he isn't back in Imperia just yet," said Daniel honestly."Where did he go? Why didn't he tell me?" Nineve asked quickly. She had never
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