The caller flew into a rage, and the commanders heard a bang. It seemed that something had exploded. "Fuck you, I'm his boss! You can tell him right now that I have news, or don't. I don't care!"The commanders stopped the mind games and approached Nox. Then, they said carefully, "Watch your attitude, sir. We're doing this for your own good."The commanders came up to Nox. Keith covered the phone. "Milord, we got a call from Mystia. Some arrogant guy who calls himself an adherent of the path of the sword. Doesn't respect you at all. We can't get him to play nice."Nox nodded, and Keith handed the phone to him. Nox said, "Turn on the speakerphone." He shook off the snow on his clothes and told Bard to prepare for their trip to Heaven's Cage.The commanders were surprised that their lord was already getting ready for the trip before taking the call. They wondered if he knew something. They turned on the speakerphone, and the caller obviously had no idea that Nox was hearing.He curs
"Ms. Sanders is safe, god-grandpa. The patriarch means to train her," said the caller.'Holy shit. The Master of Swords training Queenie himself!' The commanders were beyond jealous."I see." Nox nodded and heaved a sigh. Since Queenie was safe, he could start his next move."One more thing, god-grandpa. Why won't you let us join this fight? The Sect Alliance has been a prick forever now. Bastards actually think they're qualified to lead Faeast's martial arts world."The caller said, "Say the word, and all the swordsmen will charge right out of Mystia to kill the bastards." Maniacal cackling followed.Nox said nothing. He gave Keith a look and hung up. Bard stepped forth. "Who is that guy, milord? If we can have the path of the sword on our side, the Sect Alliance will be nothing to us." He was a master of schemes. Therefore, he would use any resources available."You're short-sighted. For schemes to work, the schemer must have power themselves. You lack foresight. You do not kno
These mountains were listed among the world's Ten Forbidden Zones. Due to the extreme weather, navigation gear would malfunction here. Countless adventurers tried to brave this region over the last few centuries and conquer the mountains, but they went missing and were never found again.The team lost their direction the moment they stepped into the mountains. Without Nox, even the commanders couldn't navigate this place."This place is weird, milord. Navigation gear is useless here. Even our compass is spinning like it's a ballerina high on cocaine. And what's with the ten suns? And aurora borealis? What is this place?" Bear cursed."That's why I asked the Defender Lord of the East to go ahead without me. Without a Supreme, any team would lose themselves and die here. What you see now is an illusion, and it is not dangerous enough to kill you. The true threat is the natural energy here."Nox explained, "There is no rhyme or rhythm to it. The magnetic field is in disarray, and it
The entrance was right in front of them. So, Nox concentrated and tried to sense the flowing natural energy. It was like trying to find active fountains and separate them from still fountains. The places where energy sat still were dead zones, while the place that had abundant energy and a geyser shooting out more of it was where the entrance stood."Found it. Come with me." Nox stepped forth. The soldiers were quick to follow, fearful they would get left behind. Moments later, Nox disappeared.Before Keith could react, he felt a great force tugging him in. "What the hell?" Bear grabbed him only to be sucked in by the force as well."What now, commander?" Everyone else was scared, and they didn't want to make any rash moves."Ah, nothing to be afraid of. The lord has gone in, and so shall we, even if there are dangers ahead," Bard growled and leaped into it.The captains roared and followed suit. They were sucked into a colorful passage. Lights shone like rainbows, and they had
These people were Nox's generals, and they were Legend Realms. They greeted Nox and gave the stunned group a teasing smile. "Yeah, it's normal to have that reaction. You'll get used to it soon enough."A heavyweight military chopper whizzed past them overhead. The military cams installed on the chopper were taking pictures of the mountains. A bunch of researchers in protective suits were fiddling with some complex machinery in the distance, measuring something.By the time Bear and the others snapped out of it, Nox was already making his way to the encampment. There was a flat land in the center of the mountains and the gate. Defender Lord of the North and his army were already there, building a temporary base.Tens of thousands of warriors formed formations while a dozen generals took up the main spot. They were training. The warrior's shouts shook the air. Bear and the others were quick to head to the camp when they finally saw some familiar figures.They washed themselves up and
When Nox came into the tent, the researchers practically jumped to their feet. "Chief!""Sit. Skip the salutations." Time was of the essence. Thus, Nox skipped all formalities and sat down, cutting to the chase. "Found anything over the last few days? The spiritual energy here has gone haywire. If the ripples hit the outside world, will it be disastrous for Faeast?"There were some things most people wouldn't understand. Therefore, Nox didn't tell Bear and the others everything. The changes that happened in Heaven's Cage were because of the overuse of the Royal Celestial technique during the battle in times of legend.In most cases, the effects of Celestial techniques would subside and disappear with time. Only then would life grow anew. However, Nox had investigated this place for years, and the spiritual energy showed no signs of healing even after all this time. Instead, it was even more chaotic than ever.Not even Nox could unravel anything from this mystery. So, he needed
"Should the day come when a nation loses its moral fiber, its fate will grow weak. The only way to ensure a nation stays strong is to walk a righteous path and uphold justice."The soldiers reacted strongly to the explanation. They knew the Defender Lord of the North was telling them to always stay on the straight and narrow and to be a hero like their lord."Well, that's one way to interpret it. Ah, another thing. There is an important reason why we need to get rid of the phantom cultivators. They can engulf a nation's fate. The worst people in a nation would become their lackeys, while the agents of justice would be their food. We'll only be left with numb, soulless husks or cowards who wouldn't stand up to oppression."He warned, "If we don't put a stop to this, Faeast will become hell on earth."The soldiers finally realized how serious this was."And who invented this evil technique, Defender Lord?" Bear asked, "If evil energy cannot become a living being, how did the first p
Atlas bowed to Nox. "Although the Limerents did contribute to the nation, Faeast has seen many heroes throughout the ages. We're nothing compared to the giants who made sure our civilization gets to continue."They are now nothing but records in history, and the young will always be the ones to lead us forward. You are the best among us, Nox."He thanked Nox for his service toward the Limerents and his contribution to the nation. "Even though the previous emperor did wipe out the phantom cultivators and established Faeast, he did not finish the job. The real threat comes from Mystia."He announced, "Your lord destroyed the soul of a phantom cultivator's Royal Apex in Mystia and annihilated the remnants in the nation. He has successfully driven the phantom cultivators out of Faeast, but the embers of this ancient evil now hide in Heaven's Cage."He continued, "This is why we are here." Atlas swept his gaze across the crowd. The soldiers' eyes were red with rage, and they were raring
Back in the regular guards' camp, Harley spat blood. He was lying in the ruins of a building, his body covered in slash marks. His Celestial technique was broken. This man was leagues above him. Celestial techniques were useless. The swordsman was too powerful."Magic Mountain's techniques? But their swordsmen are on good terms with the lord!" Harley stared at the man in green. He defeated Harley using Magic Mountain's techniques.Magic Mountain and Mystia had always been at loggerheads. They had slain many demons and monsters throughout the years, and their swordsmanship was a bane for the cultivators."I wonder how Nox managed to make a Mystian like you loyal to him. Yes, I am a Magic Mountain swordsman. Was, to be honest. I was kicked out a hundred years ago. My master said my heart is astray. How laughable. I have killed demons over ninety years, and hundreds of them have died to my blade! My heart is not astray!"Your sins are innumerable, Harley, and you must be slain! White
All of a sudden, the soldiers let go of their weapons. They had a look of fanaticism on their faces as they throttled themselves to death. The party went on, and the bluebloods enjoyed every moment, oblivious to the incoming danger.The monk passed through the residence smoothly, with all the soldiers and guards throttling themselves to death. Suddenly, everyone noticed a monk in red robes in the party hall. The drunk guests thought this was an event arranged by Atlas."We have a monk here. Wonder what kind of show you're presenting," a portly rich man joked, laughing loudly."Show? I am the leader of an evil sect. No show, but I do have a scripture to share. The government calls my sect evil, and they claim the monks are agents of darkness. You are not much better yourself. Omitofo."The old monk chanted once more, and the look on everyone's faces changed. Some knelt and cried their hearts out. Some groveled and didn't even notice that their heads were bleeding. They talked about
Back in his residence, Atlas called a feast and invited the bluebloods of Imperia. He was glowing during the event and could never be happier. He used to be a declining aristocrat with nothing but the title of nobility.However, his luck turned for the better when he got older. He followed Nox into battle at Heaven's Cage, Vertolt, and Winterosch, making him a true lord. The Limerents controlled the nation, and he was a prince. He could even have some power over the nation or at least be one of the top dogs in Faeast.If Nox became emperor, then all the better. Perhaps he could be a more intimate part of the royal family. He drank to his heart's content and partied with the most desired people in Imperia. Nothing could be better."Life is short, people. Drink!"…The Ice Temple's vice-Lord was in the regular guards' encampment. This was a critical junction, and yet Atlas wasn't at his post. Instead, he was having a party. The vice-Lord had a bad feeling about this, but he had no p
Harley sneered, having nothing but disdain for Atlas. "I can't believe the master would employ a shithead like you."Atlas laughed. "You think you're so high and mighty, but you're also Lord Nox's lapdog now. I am his subordinate, and we have a close relationship. I'm also the uncle of the emperor. That makes me Lord Nox's great-uncle," bragged Atlas."Dumbass. Just do your fucking job. Vermilion Bird and Black Tortoise told me the Mousses might try something," Harley cursed.The mention of the Mousses made Atlas panic, but he calmed himself down and snored. "The Mousses? They won't dare do anything when I'm here. If they show up, I'll kick their ass! I command thirty thousand units. If they come to Imperia, it'll be the last thing they see!" Atlas was confident.Harley was speechless. 'My word, how can he be such a braggart?'With thirty thousand Nox Army units in Imperia, combined with the Forbidden Army, the regular guards, and 200 thousand elites protecting Imperia, nothing co
Vermilion Bird said, "Azure Dragon used to be an Advanced Eight Gates. After the Mousses had him under their control, he became a Supreme. Judging by these photos, he's gotten more powerful since then."'More powerful?' Nineve knew how the cultivators were ranked. Top Legend Realms were another kind of life form entirely. In Faeast, a Supreme could be made a lord. An undefeatable Supreme would be made a ruler. A Sovereign was made every five hundred years, while a ruler was made every century.Supremes appeared once every decade or so. "I don't get it. You three obviously found some power source, and with Nox's help, you leveled up. Azure Dragon only has the Mousses. How'd he level up so fast?"If the Mousses were so powerful, they wouldn't have to resort to assassinations or betrayals."Not the Mousses. It's all Azure Dragon. He's our captain. He's a very talented and cunning man. Emphasis on talent. He's so strong that not even three of us can compare to him, combined. The only g
Elizabeth said nothing but went red and hung her head low, causing Black Tortoise to panic."Uh oh. If you want him, you'll have to fight for him. That's all I can say, but the lord does think highly of you." He laughed."Shut it, Black Tortoise. You're talking nonsense here!" Vermilion Bird snapped. "See you, Your Majesty." She then took Black Tortoise and left the room quickly. They had work to do.The duo led most of the Shadow Division members back to Faeast. After the incident of Brundela, Faeast's fate was going strong, and the people were excited. However, beneath that excitement was unseen danger.Vermilion Bird and Black Tortoise came back to Northstate's governor-general's place and met up with Nineve. Black Tortoise said solemnly, "What happened, Your Highness? We need the details."Nineve looked exhausted, and there were dark circles under her eyes. She had been working hard in Nox's absence. "Honestly, Atlas… I mean, the Defender of the Lord hasn't been pulling his we
Douglas worked through the night for the negotiation."One, you must apologize for your invasion of Faeast. Two, you will return all stolen relics to us and pay for damages. Three, you will open trade with Faeast, and it must be complete and total. Those are our demands. We promise not to interfere with your nation's administration. Once the aid is administered, our fleet and army will retreat from Brundela."And one more thing. Faeast recognizes you as Brundela's new ruler." That was interesting. It also meant that Faeast could rescind that recognition at any time. Elizabeth had no choice. Without Faeast, Brundela would be gone. In the end, the nations arrived at an agreement.At midnight, they called a press conference. Faeast helped Eropa settle a war and avert a world disaster. That news took the world by storm. The Eastern dragon was rising, and none could stop it. It wouldn't take long for Faeast to return to the top.Brundela's case was over. After they gave enough aid, Ferg
"They call you Great Generals?" the Ice Temple Lord laughed. "If I do want to betray him, how do you hope to stop me? You three had to take me on together, and it only ended in a draw. Now that I'm an Emperor and White Tiger is in a slumber, I can destroy you in a moment!"The Ice Temple Lord looked at Vermilion Bird and Black Tortoise with disdain. Vermilion Bird's eyes were wide. She didn't care. She would fight the Temple Lord to the bitter end if she must.Black Tortoise was the calmer one, and he pulled Vermilion Bird back. "Calm down. Even if he wants to betray the lord, he at least would want to see the lord's body before he tries anything."Even a woman like Aphrodite lost this fight. He wouldn't dare try anything stupid."The Ice Temple Lord was still smug about being an Emperor, and now his celebration was cut short. Betraying Nox required a lot of courage. Nox's power terrified him. Even if he couldn't win the fight, Nox could at least come back safely.Besides, he only
The formation Nox created with the Sovereign Seal was on the brink of destruction. Once the formation was gone, the Sovereigns and the spirits would return to dust. In this final moment, Brundela's Faeastian called their friends and family in their homeland and projected the modern-day Faeast onto the gigantic screen in the plaza.The spirits cried when they saw how developed their nation had become. The Sovereigns and the rulers were meticulous people. They used to rule over a unified nation, so they knew how hard it was to create a dynasty. Every dynasty would have its peak and nadir.Every time a dynasty was on a decline, Faeast would be in danger. They didn't talk about the truth behind that video, of course. They admired the beautiful land of Faeast as they waited for their final moment to arrive."The hardest and darkest moment is behind us, sirs. Faeast has me now. You may rest in peace. I will not let you down. I will destroy the canker that infects Faeast and give it the pe