Annie had never seen her father look so flustered before. She said, "This belongs to a young man waiting at our company.""Young man? What young man?" Alexander asked again, wasting no time."I don't know. The guard told me he wanted to see you. He said you'd understand everything once you saw this junk."Alexander felt his whole being tremble. Another minute later, he blurted, "Tell me where he is right now.""He's at the company's entrance.""Quick, take me to him!" Alexander charged out of his study like a madman, leaving Annie flabbergasted."What's wrong with Dad? It's just some junk. Why does he look so excited?"…Nox was speechless. He was going to show the token to Alexander himself, but a woman took it away after a bout of misunderstanding. The guard told him that the woman was none other than Alexander's daughter, Annie.Since his token had been taken away and he heard from the guards that Alexander hadn't been coming to the company for days, Nox had no choice but t
Annie wanted to go with them as well, but Alexander said, "Annie, you and everyone else stay here. I need to talk to our guest alone."Disgruntled, Annie grunted, but she glared at Nox. She thought, 'What's so special about him? Why is Dad giving him the VIP treatment?'Nox followed Alexander into his private study. The first thing Nox saw was the memorial tablet in the center of the study. 'In memory of Lord Nox.'Nox approached the tablet and stared at it for what felt like an eternity."Milord, I humbly greet you." Just like that, the richest man in Riverton knelt with a thud behind Nox.Nox did not turn around. Coolly, he asked, "You know who I am?""Of course. I have never seen you in the flesh, but I know that token. That is your symbol, milord. No one can possess that item but you," Alexander said carefully.A long silence later, Nox slowly turned around. "Stand.""Yes, milord." Alexander got back up on his feet. He couldn't hide his ecstasy, however, and he was tremblin
Alexander racked his head, but he had no idea what that family was. A while later, he shook his head. "Apologies, milord. I have never heard of that family.""It doesn't matter. They are but a small family in this city, and this little favor stemmed from what they did." Nox told Alexander about the Sanders family, though he made it brief.Alexander got the gist of it right after that. He wasn't the richest man for nothing, after all. "I see. What would you wish for me to do, milord?" Alexander asked.Nox smiled. "The puny Sanders family would sacrifice their daughter's happiness and subject her to a marriage of convenience for mere pennies. Send your men to liberate her from her prison. Do not let the Sanderses torment her. If anyone does, you don't need to spare their lives.""Understood, milord. I shall be issuing orders right away."Nox nodded."Milord, do you need my services in any other matter?" Alexander asked respectfully.Nox waved his hand. "Nothing at the moment, but to keep
Ever since Queenie was taken back to the Sanders Residence, she had been locked up in her room. A woman's voice came from that room. "You're going to give me a heart attack someday, Queenie. Why did you do that? Why did you go on a vacation with a total stranger? And why did you take him to your place?"The voice belonged to Queenie's mother—Yvette Crystals."And who is that man? When did you two start to date?"Queenie couldn't take the barrage of questions anymore. "Mom, I've told you. I don't know him. We're not dating. He's just a stranger I fished out of the sea.""You're still lying to me even now?" Yvette was furious. With a heavy heart, she said, "Queenie, I raised you. You are not the kind of girl who'd lie to me. What happened to you?"Queenie smiled bitterly and shook her head in resignation."You just crossed the whole family, and your lover beat Silas up. What should we do now?""That was not my fault, Mom. Silas went too far," Queenie protested."He went too far?
Hogs had always been the dominant one in the family, and now, the chance for George to make a turnaround had arrived. If his daughter could marry Silas, he could finally have the upper hand, but his daughter brought humiliation to him instead."I'm sorry, Hogs. I'll make sure you and the family are happy with the outcome of this matter."Hogs sneered, "And how will you do that? Centersea has canceled all partnerships with us, and our company's going to be in a standstill. How will you make it up to us?"George sighed. "Don't worry, Hogs. I'll apologize to Silas.""And what good will that do? He already saw your daughter's lover, and the bastard even beat him up. I heard that he's still in the hospital," Hogs said sternly.Jezebiah sneered, "I never pegged Queenie as someone that wild, uncle."Despite the insults, George could only hang his head low."If we lose this marriage, I will have to take drastic measures on you, brother. You know I've been the lynchpin of this family for
Hogs took a deep breath and simpered like a sycophant as he approached Ferguson. "I'm Hogs, the head of this family. And you are…""Ferguson Laws. A steward of Empire Corp's CEO, nothing more," Ferguson replied.Even though he knew this, Hogs was still surprised this man really was working for Empire Corp. "Mr. Laws, I apologize for this less-than-acceptable welcome. Please, come in. We'll need to throw a warm reception. We're the hosts, after all," said Hogs unctuously.Ferguson waved him down. "Spare me the pleasantries. I came here for one reason. My employer is seeking a certain person."He was looking for someone?Hogs and George were left wondering. The Sanders family was just a third-rate family in this city. Compared to Empire Corp, they were nothing, and yet now Empire Corp wanted to seek someone from within their abode.A confused Hogs asked, "And who might that be, Mr. Laws?""Queenie Sanders."The Sanderses were stupefied, including George.Curious, Hogs asked, "Why are you
Ferguson smiled. "Hello, Ms. Sanders. Mr. Weeks sent me here.""Mr. Weeks? Who's that?" Queenie asked curiously."His full name is Alexander Weeks."Hogs and George almost fell to the ground. The richest man of Riverton really did have business with them.Queenie, however, muttered, "Sorry, but I don't know that guy."Hogs and George felt their legs getting weak again."It's very normal for that to happen, but he did tell me you are his VIP from today onward. Should you run into any trouble, do please tell us. Say the word, and our company can deal with all your problems. That's the promise my employer made. Problems like… imprisonment."The Sanders family looked tense immediately. They couldn't believe Alexander wanted to get to know Queenie and stand up for her. This was not what they expected.Queenie was stunned as well. She had no idea what Empire Corp or who Alexander Weeks was, but she was getting some ideas after she heard Ferguson speak. "I have no idea who your boss i
Right after Queenie left, Hogs' screams of rage could be heard coming from his study. "That damned brat! She thinks she owns the family just because she knows Alexander? Damn her!"Sounds of things being smashed came from the study next. Hogs was furious this time."Calm down, Dad. This is just her final struggle. Once she marries Silas, the family will be fully under our control," Jezebiah said.Hogs held his fury back. A while later, he said, "You're right, but something feels off. How did she manage to get in touch with someone like Alexander?""I think it's probably Silas," Jezebiah said."Silas?""Yeah. Think about it, Dad. Aside from Centersea, who else has the privilege of getting in touch with Empire Corp?"Hogs thought that was a good point. "Let's say that Silas was behind this. Why isn't he letting us keep the girl locked up then?" That was something Hogs couldn't understand.Jezebiah rubbed his chin. "Maybe he really likes her and didn't want us to punish her."Hog
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