"I see. I'll have to check the guest out. See if the legends are true." The princess ran into the Gilded Halls.At the same time, a white sliver of sword energy flew out of the Gilded Halls, and a wave of gust howled behind. Atop the white light was a silhouette in green, riding on a flying sword."Whoa, a divine swordsman!" The princess watched the swordsman fly away, agape. She gasped with excitement.Douglas and Felcro saw the silhouette off. "That's Sword Sect for you," Douglas commented.Then, a majestic voice from within the halls said, "Come in, Mr. Gaia." That was the voice of the emperor.Douglas bowed, "Yes, Your Majesty."A moment later, Douglas, Felcro, and Nineve were in the Gilded Halls. The emperor was sitting atop his throne. The princess quickly approached him. "Father!"The emperor looked at his daughter. "And what brings you here?"Nineve pouted. "I wanted to see you. Mr. Gaia said you were talking to a Sword Sect guy? Is that true?"The emperor smiled. "Yes
"Destiny is inevitable, it seems. I thought the sects would not go after Nox, but I've obviously underestimated the lengths they would go to," murmured the emperor.Douglas answered, "Worry not, Your Majesty. I am sure Lord Nox can calm this storm down alone."The emperor waved Douglas down and rose to his feet. "I am not worried about Nox; however, I am worried about the effects this war will have on Faeast's martial arts world. It will be plunged into chaos. It'll be a disaster that we've not seen for a hundred years."He continued, "Many of my ministers are in cahoots with the sects to gain more clout and influence. If the martial arts world were to fall into chaos, so will the nation's stability."Douglas's heart sank, for he knew the emperor was right. The nation was built on martial prowess, and the Three Great Powers had established themselves deeply in this land. Should chaos befall them, the nation would be thrown into disarray.People with ambition would rise and fight f
Nineve was in her mansion, ready to ask her father about Nox, but then she caught wind about Royal Retreat and her father's isolation. She shrieked, "What? Father's going into seclusion? Why?""Mr. Gaia told me that the emperor has gone into isolation mode. Now, Mr. Gaia is in charge of administration," a servant answered."What happened? I just left the Halls. Why is Father going into seclusion so suddenly>" Nineve had a feeling something major was going to happen soon. "I have to ask Father about this."Nineve quickly approached Gilded Halls. When she arrived, the doors were already closed to her, and Royal Army's soldiers were guarding it. Felcro was also among them.Nineve looked at the closed doors and frowned. Quickly, she went up to the Gilded Halls. "What's going on, Felcro? Where is my father?"Felcro smiled at her. "His Majesty is in seclusion now.""And what's up with that? It's so sudden," said Nineve.Felcro remained smiling. "I do not know."Nineve was miffed. In
"Your Highness, you need to see this," said Drunk from outside.Nineve went back out. "What'd you find?"Drunk looked at the ground around him weirdly. "If I'm right, a fight happened here.""What do you mean a fight?" Nineve asked quickly."Look at the gashes. What do they look like?" Drunk pointed at the ground.Gashes as thick as arms decorated the earth underneath, and a broken tree stood limply on the side. Nineve stared at them. "Sword marks.""Yes. Anyone who can leave a mark this intense must be a Top Legend Realm."Nineve's heart sank. "So, you mean to say that a Top Legend Realm attacked Keith and the others?"Drunk shook his head. "I don't know, but I have sensed that a lot of powerful Top Legend Realms have been coming into Imperia lately."Shock took over Nineve's mind. Drunk was already a Six Paths decades ago, and now he was already a Seven Deaths. Nineve would never doubt his words. The fact that he said a Top Legend Realm attacked Keith and the others made her
The girl's praise made Madison blush. She smiled, crouched, and held Gina's chubby hands. "You will, I'm sure of it."Gina smiled happily. Then, she caught sight of Penelope leaving her abode. "Grandma!" She ran up to her grandmother and jumped into her arms. Then, she smiled and said, "The lady said I'll grow up to be as pretty as she is!"Penelope smiled and pinched Gina's cheek. "And I'm sure you'll be beautiful, Gina."Gina giggled."Run along now, though. I need to speak to our guest."The girl nodded. "Okay." She hopped away and got onto a swing. After the girl was gone, Madison quickly bowed to Penelope. "Hello, Mrs. Greenshade."After moving into the Greenshades', Madison found out that this was where Nox used to live. This woman was his beloved grandmother."Oh, you don't have to, young lady." Penelope smiled. "Daniel said you're all Nox's friends?" Penelope asked.Madison nodded. "Yes.""That's good to hear. Nox left this place when he was just a little boy. It's gre
Nineve led the way while Drunk followed. The moment they stepped inside, Drunk felt powerful auras hiding within the abode. Although the abode seemed spacious and almost deserted, Drunk felt at least dozens of auras hiding around the area. These auras were at least Top Legend Realm level.He commented, "I expected no less from the previous greatest family of all time. They have so much power hidden within."Suddenly, an aura flew toward them. "Who dares intrude upon our land?" a clear voice said, and a burly figure appeared before Nineve.Nineve looked at the man before her. "Claude, it's me. Don't you recognize me?"The man was none other than Claude. He just realized he was talking to the princess. "Oh, Your Highness. My greetings!""It's alright, Claude. Please, raise your head," said Nineve."You should've told us you were coming. We'd have held a welcome for you." Claude smiled."It's alright, Claude. Is Daniel in?" Nineve asked.Claude knew that she was asking about his
"Tell me what happened. Who attacked you guys?" Nineve looked at Keith and Bard."The sects. Their members came for us," said Keith honestly."The sects?" Nineve looked surprised, and even Drunk frowned."The strongest faction among the Powers?" Nineve asked, surprise filling her tone.Keith nodded."Blast. It's been years since they last showed themselves. Why the sudden resurgence? Why'd they attack you guys? What's going on?"Every Faeastian martial artist knew that the sects rarely sent their people out. Every time the sects made their appearances, the martial arts world would change drastically."They're coming for the lord," said Keith grimly."What? They're after stupid Nox?" Nineve was in disbelief."Yes," said Keith.That enraged the princess. "Are they mad? How dare they attack stupid Nox? He just reclaimed Snowground! He's the nation's hero!" said Nineve angrily.Keith shook his head. "If I were a betting man, I'd say they're after the lord because of the things h
Daniel was speaking facts, and Nineve was stunned by this revelation. "So, you're saying Father went into seclusion on purpose?""Yes," said Daniel."But why? He promised he'd make Nox Defender Lord. He promised he'd make Nox the guardian of the nation. Why is he doing this?" Nineve was speechless about her father's decision."Don't read too much into it, Your Highness. I'd do the same thing if I were in his spot," said Daniel, trying to cheer the princess up."Why? Why is this happening?" Nineve was still confused."Faeast prides itself on its martial prowess. It would be foolish if the emperor made an enemy out of all martial artists for my son alone," said Daniel. That was the cruel truth.The nation was established through sheer martial prowess. The factions among the Three Great Powers were deeply interconnected. The emperor would not plunge the nation into chaos just for one man.Nineve fell silent. A long while later, she asked, "What should we do, then?"Daniel put his
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