Qustian Peak was not a tall mountain, but it was encompassed by a dense forest. Regardless, the Snowgroundians were trekking through the woods swiftly, making their way to Blackstone Palace.They were obviously powerful warriors. So, they traversed through the harsh path as though it was a mere prairie."We should arrive there soon. General Senas will reward us handsomely once we retrieve the items and return to the border," said Tuta, the burly Snowgroundian towering over six foot five. He was staring at Blackstone Palace like a hungry wolf."Yeah. Once we get those manuals, our warriors can finally cultivate Faeastian martial arts." The other Snowgroundian smiled with malicious glee."Less talking and more walking. We're about to get there," said Farma. The trio flew ahead.A while later, they emerged from the forest and arrived at Blackstone Palace. However, the scene that greeted them left them stunned. The once grandiose palace was lying in ruins, and a gash a few dozen feet
"The Blackstones are truly gone from the face of this Earth. How did this happen?" Tuta shouted."And why didn't our spies tell us about this?" the other Snowgroundian asked. Snowground had always been in cahoots with the Blackstones, but none of their spies knew of the Blackstones' destruction."This can only mean one thing: they died a short while ago," blurted Mr. Farma."Is that so?" Tuta paused."Yes. Take a look at the corpses. Judging from the rot, I reckon they have only died for days." Farma pointed at the bodies on the ground.Tuta and the other Snowgroundian looked at the bodies and nodded."Blast. If they're all dead, what about our stuff? We paid so much for those!" Tuta cursed angrily.The Blackstones had taken Snowground's treasures and payment for the manuals, but the Snowgroundians could not get what they were promised with their partners as dead as dirt."Shit. General Senas will be livid if we return empty-handed," the other Snowgroundian said.Snowground sp
Nox slowly raised his eyes when faced with an incoming blow. Soon enough, a powerful, destructive aura flowed out of his eyes. The air around them turned into stretches of invisible chains, imprisoning Tuta."Blast, what is going on?" The frightened Tuta tried to pull his fist back, but it was too late."You damn fool!" Nox tapped the air, and a sliver of formidable aura shot out of his finger and pierced Tuta's forehead.The most powerful berserker of Snowground exploded, his towering body nothing more than chunks of flesh as it splattered against the ground."Tuta!" Farma and the other Snowgroundian were horrified to see Tuta getting killed so easily."W-Who are you? How dare you kill my countryman?" the other Snowgroundian stammered with fear.Nox only smirked. "Your country is nothing but a minute blip on the map. You have no right trampling all over Faeast." He tapped the air, and the Snowgroundian died the same way Tuta did. He was nothing but a pile of flesh now.Nox kill
Nox killed a million or so of Snowground army elites when he duked it out with the Snowground army, filling Darkbog Mountains with mounds of corpses. It wouldn't be an overestimation to say that its land was drenched in red all those years ago.Snowground's military strength was set back by fifty years thanks to Nox, but now, some of Faeast's generals were working with them. That was unacceptable. "Tell me their names," Nox said coldly.Farma was too frightened to go against Nox. So, he promptly blurted, "Salasor Elson, lieutenant colonel of the cavalry, Craicius Choplin, the commander, and Zed Foster, general of border defense."…As the priest listed out all the names of the traitors, Nox committed them to memory. Once he was done answering, Nox said coldly, "And who's the Snowground general stationed in Darkbog Mountains?""G-General Senas," said Farma honestly."Senas? Ah, the old git who lost an eye?" Nox sneered.Farma squealed in shock, "W-Who are you? How do you know abo
Farma finally realized who Nox was."You have recognized me. Time to die." Nox swung his hand, and the natural energy pushing down on Farma squished him into a meat pie. Nox killed the priest and looked in the border's direction coldly."You asked for this, Snowground." Nox was the lord of Faeast and had spent his whole life protecting its people.The scum of Snowground had the gall to steal his nation's most valuable treasure so their own warriors could cultivate it. Nox would not stand for this, not in his name as guardian."It's been six years… Still, if Snowground wants another bloodbath, so be it," said Nox murderously. He was going to Snowground. There was nothing to worry about back in Imperia.Nox had just gotten rid of the Blackstones. Even if the families had something to say about that, they would not be stupid enough to voice it out now. Besides, Awesome was around, and so were his friends. Nox had nothing to worry about with them around.Now, he must head off to Dark
Doug had a cigarette hanging out of his mouth, and a golden chain hung around his neck. It was mostly copper, and the gold was just a layer on the outside. He saw Nineve as well, and his eyes shone."Hot stuff. She's loads better than the best chick in KTV.""I know. Just look at her. She's like a celeb; no, better than that!""Yeah!""Don't just stand there, stupid! Hit her up! We just might be able to have a fun night!"The thugs leered and quickly ran up to Nineve.Nineve took her seat in the restaurant and was about to make her order, but a trio of leering thugs stood before her."Hey, cutie. Wanna make a friend?"Nineve raised her head and was met with the thugs who were leering at her a moment ago. Though Nineve lived most of her life in Imperial City and barely interacted with thugs like these three, one look at their outfits was what she needed to know who these people were.She didn't even spare them another look as she hissed, "Get out of my sight. I don't appreciate
The thugs were out of sight, and Nineve sneered as she turned her attention to Doug. "Do you want more?"Doug was starting to feel scared in the face of Nineve's prowess. He leaped out of the restaurant and pointed at Nineve. "You'd better not go anywhere if you're as tough as you think you are!"He ran and picked up his lackeys on the way. Nineve saw them off and returned to her order, but the lady boss quickly came out of the kitchen."You should leave right now, girl."Nineve asked in surprise, "Why?""Because those thugs are from an infamous gang around this place, and they have a lot of members. They're probably calling for reinforcements as we speak," said the lady kindly.Nineve smiled. "Thank you for the tip, but don't worry about me. Those scums are so far below my radar." She was the princess, and these thugs would never scare her. She'd be a laughingstock if they did.The lady boss did not press any further. "Fine, it's your choice. I've already done my good deed for
Tiger was captivated by Nineve's beauty right away. He grinned as he approached her. "Hey, hot stuff. My bro said you beat him up. Did that happen?""And so what if I did?" Nineve snapped.Tiger said, "You're feisty. I like that, but you shouldn't have beaten my men up on my turf." Tiger took the seat across from Nineve.Nineve looked at him. "What do you want?""Oh, don't worry. I'm a reasonable man. I'll put this behind us if you'll go on a dinner date with me, maybe have a drink or two. What do you think?" Tiger asked.Nineve laughed. "What makes you think scum like you have the right to dine with me?"The insult rubbed Tiger the wrong way. "Don't push your luck, hot stuff. Cross me, and you're not leaving this place unscathed."Nineve snickered. "Really? Then show me what you can do, scum."Her derision infuriated Tiger. "Fine, if you want to fight, let's fight! Mess her up, boys!" he roared.A trio of armed thugs charged at Nineve, and they swung their weapons at her. The
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