"Calm down, Nineve. I'll ask Nox about this. I'll explain everything to you after that." Since she could not persuade Nineve, Penelope had to buy some time.Nineve did not fall for that trick. Crying, she said, "I don't care! I want that bastard to explain himself! I want to know the bitch who stole him away from me! Penelope, he took my virginity! I'm his now! No one can take him away from me!"Nineve spilled everything. Penelope was speechless, but then she stared at Nineve. "Really?""Of course." Nineve nodded.Penelope was excited. "Of course. Don't you worry, Penelope. He'll have to take responsibility for what he did to you! He'll never hear the end of it if he doesn't!"Since Penelope had made a promise, Nineve wiped her tears away. "You have to help me, Penelope.""Of course. You're my granddaughter-in-law now. I'll take your side, of course," Penelope promised.Nineve felt more at ease now.…A private jet was flying into Imperia airspace. Nox was in the luxurious cab
The private airport was filled with people. They were: Bear, Bard, Awesome, and the other comrades. Nox's comrades were excited when they knew he was coming back. They had been waiting at the airport for more than two hours.Daniel did not show up, but Claude and Winston were here."You think Nox is gonna skin us alive, Bear?" Awesome blinked at the skies above, asking worriedly."Don't worry. I've talked to Keith and the guys. They won't tell the lord about our little adventure." Bear smiled."Really?" Awesome was happy."Yep. Trust me. It'll be okay.""You're awesome, Bear." Awesome had nothing to worry about now.The crowd kept on waiting, and soon, a luxurious private jet appeared in the airspace. Everyone got excited."He's back!""The lord is back!"Claude and Winston looked happy as well."Nox is finally back. Wish Daniel were here to see this too," Claude lamented."One day, Nox and Daniel will put the past behind them, I'm sure of it." Winston comforted him.Claud
"Queenie, this monk is my brother, Awesome."Awesome whizzed ahead to introduce himself. "Hello, Mrs. Greenshade. I'm Awesome Confucian, aka Awesome!"Queenie almost laughed and thought, 'That's a weird name.'"You're pretty, Mrs. Greenshade. No wonder Nox couldn't forget about you. Right after he left Snowground, he went straight to Riverton to see you. Do you have any pretty friends, Mrs. Greenshade? I might be a monk, but I indulge in sins. Lust, alcohol, murder, you name it!" Awesome thumped his chest.Nox smacked his head. "Shut it!"The monk held his head and complained, "But it's true!""Ignore him. That was just a joke." Nox brought Queenie to Claude and Winston. "These are my uncles, Claude and Winston."'Uncles?' Queenie quickly said, "Hello, Claude. Hello, Winston."Claude and Winston smiled. "Pleased to meet you. Since you're Nox's girlfriend, that makes you family. Pity Nox didn't tell us you were coming. We'd have prepared some gifts." Claude smiled."It's alrigh
A fleet of luxury cars made their way to the outskirts of Imperia. Nox and his comrades were inside the cars. He and Queenie were in one vehicle while the others sat in other cars.Nox had been quiet ever since they left the airport. A long time later, Queenie said, "Something's on your mind, Nox. Care to share?"Nox was looking outside the window, but he turned around, smiled, and shook his head. Since he didn't want to talk about it, Queenie just held his hands. The car drove on.A while later, Nox suddenly said, "I might have omitted something about my life, Queenie. Can you forgive me?""What is it?" Queenie asked."It's about my family," Nox said earnestly. He had never told Queenie about his family's affairs and how it used to be the greatest family in Imperia.Queenie mused over it for a moment. "You must have your reason for keeping it a secret. I wouldn't be mad at you."Nox felt bubbly inside. "I can tell you about my family." He took a deep breath and looked at the be
Bear came up, looking cold. "And what are you doing here, old man?"Keith and Bard stepped forth, looking hostile as well.Douglas quickly said, "I heard that Lord Nox is back, so I came to greet him. He did defeat Snowground and made it our vassal state for at least a century. It's a titanic feat.""Well, someone's sources work fast. And what's your ploy this time?" Bear whipped out his dagger and pointed it coldly at Douglas.Douglas' face darkened. "I'm here to welcome the lord's return, Bear. You're going to attack me?"Bear sneered. "Who knows? You might be up to something.""Why you…" Douglas bristled. "You oafs. I don't want to talk to you." He turned to Nox. "Look at them, Lord Nox."Nox knew Douglas meant no harm and swung his arm. "Leave us, Bear. I want to talk to him alone."Only then did Bear and the others leave. Nox turned to Douglas. "It's late, Mr. Gaia. What is it that you want?"Douglas smiled and approached Nox quickly. "I really am here to welcome you home
'Peace sometimes demands payment in blood.' Douglas fell silent after hearing that. A long while later, he bowed. "Accept this bow, Lord Nox. For the emperor and the people of Faeast." He then knelt on one knee.Nox had always protected the people and the nation. Six years ago, he did so by defeating the ten nations. He made sure peace was brought to the nation and the martial arts world. The nation was unified. Now, he protected the borders and reclaimed Snowground.He slew clans and families all for the nation's prosperity. Even though he had achieved an impossible feat, the leading clans were adamant about hunting him down. It was natural that Nox would not stand for it.Douglas was infected by Nox's bravado, and he said, "I and Imperial City are on your side, Lord Nox. Tell me if you need anything."Nox waved him down. "No thanks. I know why the emperor declared a Royal Retreat. He just doesn't want the ministers and military to be dragged into this mess. I'll let him have that
Since no one was going to explain what it meant to be good friends, Awesome turned to Selina. She was in white and looked gorgeous. Her legs were slender and fair, and her curves were perfect. She had the air of a mature woman, and Awesome loved it."She's beautiful, but she's Nox's girl." The monk sighed, but he still approached Selina. "Hi, lady. I'm Awesome, the boss' brother. You're his woman, aren't you? Can you introduce some of your friends to me?""Piss off," Selina said and left, ignoring the stupid monk.Awesome felt aggrieved. He wondered why these ladies were so fierce to him. 'Dammit, this is no way to live!' A dejected Awesome left the place alone.…With Nox around, the courtyard was once again merry. Keith and Bard were in the living room, telling Nox about all the happenings in Imperia and how they were attacked by the sects a few days ago."And they are?" Nox asked calmly."Two of the Six Great Sects: Moste Magicke and the Pavilion of Regality. If it weren't fo
Keith started first. Sitting cross-legged, he carefully looked at the auspicious energy which floated above his head. Then, he made a sign using both hands while chanting a spell. Instantly, a thick wisp of auspicious energy entered his body through the crown of his head.A pounding sensation struck the second the auspicious energy entered Keith's body. The energy and blood in his body experienced a significant transformation. More terrifyingly, all the acupuncture points in his body were activated at this moment. At once, Keith felt a searing energy spread throughout his body."Absorb!" he shouted and channeled Tiger Demon. At this moment, the surging martial energy within him seemed to skyrocket. In less than a moment, Keith clearly felt that his cultivation had begun to change fundamentally.Upon seeing Keith absorbing the auspicious energy, Bard, Bear, and others surrounding him also started absorbing the energy.…While all his comrades-in-arms began to focus on their trainin
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