Jaculus failed to take down his opponent but ended up being the one who was battered and bloodied, barely hanging on by sheer willpower. His breaths came in ragged gasps, but he refused to fall. "Jaculus, Commander of the Hidden Dragon Guard, and Quilo's most loyal hound," the priest across from him sneered. "Heh. They say that you have cultivated your profound skills to perfection, so how are you so pathetic now? Look at yourself. You haven't even so much as touched my robes after fighting me for over an hour." His mocking tone was laced with derision.Jaculus clenched his teeth and thought to himself, 'Who the hell would have guessed that the Deputy Sect Master of Celestial Ordinance's Abode, Mireil Loux, would be in Imperia's branch?'Mireil had lived for over a century as a demon-like human and stood at the very pinnacle of the Eight Gates' peak.Under normal circumstances, with Jaculus' newly acquired Eight Gates cultivation, going up against Mireil would be like seeking de
A deep and eerie silence fell over them like a vacuum.It appeared as though time had stopped as raindrops hovered in mid-air. Mireil's eyes nearly burst out of their sockets as they grew wider in shock.This power was beyond anything that mortals could achieve. If anything, it was the might of gods and humans themselves! "So, you're the one pulling the strings behind all this. No wonder Jaculus has been pushing himself so hard. Tell me! Who are you?" He spat and threw Jaculus aside like a piece of trash. His full attention was now locked on the shadowy figure before him.Thud!The figure moved. Each step he took shook the earth. It was as though his feet were crashing through the clouds. The sheer pressure from his presence was overwhelming, causing Mireil to momentarily lose focus.In that brief instant of disorientation, the shadow expanded infinitely, and it seemed to touch the sky!Mireil's body rebelled against him, and his knees nearly buckled under such divine power.
"Once I make this move, no one beneath the Supreme Realm can stand against me. Lord Nox, prepare to meet your demise!"Mireil's words echoed, heavy with malice. "Killing you is only the beginning. The world will witness that the Celestial Ordinance's Abode is the true ruler of Faeast. Every soul shall bow before us and recognize us as the only god of this world!"Thunder boomed as a blood dragon crafted entirely from the power of lightning tore through the clouds from the heart of the storm. Its massive, menacing form hurtled toward Nox and consumed him!However, Nox remained unfazed. His gaze was cold. "Hmph, you're not even qualified to be a mere evil spirit. Yet, you dare compare yourself to a true god?"You, who are merely half away from ascending to the Supreme Realm, dare to speak of gods in front of me?"He took another step and raised his hand with ease. All the stagnant raindrops flew right back up to the clouds.At that moment, the backward droplets transformed into cou
The insides of Nox's body shook as a sliver of Ultimate Sun Energy shot out of him, charging into the skies above. It turned into a golden dragon and covered most of Imperia. The dragon's roars echoed throughout the city, and the air rumbled.Mireil's blood dragon was still roaring. It was a provocation for the golden dragon, allowing a fake dragon to live even for a second longer was an insult to the golden dragon.Unadulterated Ultimate Sun Dragon Energy came bursting out of the golden dragon's maw. Ignorant of its enemy's power, the blood dragon tried to defend itself. Unfortunately, the energy pierced through its body mercilessly. Burning energy exploded in its body, and golden beams of light shot in every direction.The blood dragon was destroyed less than a moment later. With his spell broken, Mireil suffered powerful recoil, causing him to spew blood. His skin cracked, and blood spilled from him as though he was a fountain. Moments later, he was nothing but a sheen of red.
"To think the great Lord Nox is nothing but a villain. And you think you can stand up against the sects? I'll destroy your conviction, Lord Nox, even if it means the death of me!""Shut it, you bastard! How dare you insult my lord! It's just as well that he's taking your essence!" Jaculus would not stand for any slander against his lord. Nox was doing a good deed by ridding Mireil. It was only right to be given a reward for his efforts."Don't put yourself on a pedestal, scum. Your essence can't even make me one mote stronger." Nox's lips curled. He was a Supreme, while Mireil was just an Eight Gates. Consuming the weak's essence would only weaken Nox.Besides, Nox didn't learn any Forbidden Arts related to the consumption of essence. He cast Revival again. The blood-red gem turned lively green, radiating the scent of fresh grass and jade. One whiff was enough to sober up the mind.Nox sent it flying down, and it stopped atop the medical tent. The gem broke into hundreds of slivers
Jaculus was shaken. However, he felt encouraged when he saw unwavering conviction flaring in Nox's eyes. "Milord, I will never lay a finger on innocent Faeastians ever again. If I turn my back on this promise, I will take my own life as recompense. The Hidden Dragon Guards share my conviction." He went on his knees, crying."That's all? No, with great power comes great responsibility. It is your job to keep your men in check. If you can't even do your job, you can forget working for me," said Nox coldly.It didn't take long for Jaculus to understand what Nox meant. "I will slay anyone who tries to stop Faeast's rise to power."Nox nodded with satisfaction. The warriors who came up the mountain heard everything. Nox's brothers all shared his goals and aspirations. They'd resolved to see Nox's ambition through. Now, the Hidden Dragon Guards truly knew who Nox was.They understood why his men would risk their lives for him. Everything they did was for the rise of Faeast. Of course,
"Milord, the Sword Sect bears news. They managed to destroy the Pavilion of Regality with the help of Grand Weaver's workshop—the Sword Sect's leader slain their patriarch. We also have good news from the western frontier. Our soldiers have taken Moste Magicke out."The member continued, "However, their patriarch is too powerful for us to handle. He broke through the lockdown. We and the Hidden Dragon Guards have sent our men after him.""I see. The patriarchs are at least half-Supremes. Tell your men to back off. They can't handle that old man," said Nox solemnly."Yes, milord. Jaculus wishes to know if we are attacking Heaven's Cage. The enemy has Mystia's support. So, we'll need your orders if we're to take them," said the member."No. I will deal with that one myself. They'll know when we're moving out," said Nox.Nox remained before his ancestors for a long time, musing over the phenomenon that happened earlier. He wondered if it was a coincidence, or if his ancestors were tr
This issue, however, was a major one. Nox must consider every single possibility if he wanted to keep this momentum. His soldiers' lives were on the line. The fate of the people was at stake. He could not afford to make a single mistake. Otherwise, his people would be dragged into war."So that's why you always look dour, emperor. I knew this was a troublesome job. I very much prefer flying solo." This was why Nox refused to be crowned Defender Lord. His previous position had no administrative duties. All he had to do was fight.He had the emperor dealing with all the red tape and administrative duties behind the scenes. All he had to do was fight. Alas, a Defender Lord would hold both administrative and military power.They would have to deal with all the unpleasant, political stuff cropping up like mushrooms after a rain. Nox had a headache just thinking about it.Quilo was in his palace, sleep eluding him. He was keeping an eye on Nox's situation. Although he was in the palace
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