Since the guy didn't trust Jaculus, Nox had to speak to him telepathically. "Are you dumb?"The squad leader was pleasantly surprised to hear Nox's voice, and he almost yelled out 'milord'. Nox quickly said, "Shut it. I can't believe you used to work for me closely. This is the self-restraint you have? Keep this to yourself."The squad leader shut up right away, and he nodded, looking like he wanted to laugh and cry at the same time.After the mountain was moved, Nox told Jaculus he was going in. Before Nox could, Jaculus asked, "A question, milord. Just for the sake of this discussion, what if the demonoid has broken through to the next level? Can our obstacles stop him?""If he's a Supreme, yes. If he's a Pinnacle Legend Realm, it would be tough. We don't have to enter the chamber through the original entrance, and the same goes for the exit. Just wait for me. It shouldn't take long." Nox went inside.Nox walked along the crack between the two mountains and traveled down until h
Countless evil entities hid in this underground chamber. They were hunters hiding in the shadows, their eyes set on the only prey around—Nox. "Weird. The violent energy isn't coming from them," Nox muttered.Something rustled in the dark. Because of his divine sense being blocked, he couldn't sense these enemies."This isn't a horror movie, so show yourselves! Eight Techniques, Runic Talisman, Dancing Comets!" Nox drew runes in the air, and they shone crimson. "Go!"The runes split into a downpour of comets, lighting up the underground chamber. Nox could see that the chamber was destroyed, and corpses were everywhere. The comets shone their light on everything in the chamber, including the evil entities.Then, Nox realized these entities were nothing but puppets made with quality metal. There were a thousand of them in the chamber. From the runes imprinted on the puppets, Nox recognized these as the Blackstones' products."Blackstone puppets? Then they're probably not as simple as
At the same time, the other puppets came back to surround Nox. They banded together to cast a Forbidden Art, and a wave of chilling frost enveloped the underground chamber, freezing more than half the place.Nox swung his hand and created a barrier around him. Everything outside the barrier was frozen, but everything within was not affected."Yep, this is a mechanical soul, alright." Nox noticed the multitude of patterns carved on the crystal and the phantom fire flickering in its center. His Divine Sense could not penetrate the crystal to figure out exactly what was inside. He crushed the crystal, and the thing within was revealed to him.The phantom fire morphed into an evil spirit. Its face contorted with rage and agony, and the spirit pounced at Nox."Nothing but an evil spirit. This crystal uses souls as its fuel." Nox held up his hand to contain the evil spirit. He then scanned the spirit to find out its history.A moment later, Nox sighed. These evil spirits were powerful w
Thirteen Needles of the Phantom King was the signature technique of the King of Acupuncture. Nox knew how it was administered, but he never tried to master it because he knew another more powerful technique—Heaven's Thirty-Two.That technique merged acupuncture with celestial ordinance, and it could even change the fate of a patient if used well enough. That kind of technique wasn't something any person could master.That technique involved the power of fate, and using it was akin to casting Forbidden Arts. One wrong move, and the user could suffer a terrible backlash. "The emperor is dying. If I don't use it, he won't survive."Nox said, "Vermilion Bird saved the King of Acupuncture before, so he taught her this closely-guarded technique. It's a perfect fit for her, given her frequent fights with assassins."The job of an assassin didn't always mean they had to rely on weapons. The best assassins were masters of poisons. Thirteen Needles of the Phantom King was a technique that sp
They were man-made life that had sentience. The Legend Realm puppets formed a circle around Nox and used the natural energy within them to create a protective formation.After they were done, Nox finally calmed down and drove all other thoughts out of his head. "Arise!" The needle split into thirty-two, and all the needles, infused with natural energy, started doing their work.If the King of Acupuncture saw Nox controlling thirty-two needles at the same time, he would have the shock of his life. All the needles seeped into Quilo's body. Natural energy was injected into Quilo's flesh, and Nox infused them with a part of his life essence.The tactician was in the play himself. If Nox wanted to save a dead man, he would have to plunge himself into the sea of death himself. He could only save Quilo if he could carry the weight of fate.Nox's technique easily cured the toxins of the Thirteen Needles of the Phantom King. Once the poison was gone, Quilo's life force would leave him fast.
A ball of gas shot out of the magma. It was as if something menacing was about to come bursting out of the sea of red. The gigantic being sent tons of magma flying into the air. Soon after, a crimson bird came swooping out of the magma sea.A silhouette appeared beneath it all, unscathed by the boiling magma. It seemed as though its body was made out of magical steel. It swung its palm, and everything in its path shattered. The bird was sent crashing into the ground above.The bird almost dissipated from the attack. However, one would be able to catch a glimpse of a human underneath its wings.Quilo said solemnly, "That's the Sacred Beast Seal, a technique from the Beast Temple."The man with the seemingly invincible body stepped on the magma and roared in laughter. "Is that all the Sacred Beast Temple has to offer? That's nothing!" Then, he saw Quilo and was stunned. The man couldn't help but wonder whether he was seeing things after fighting in the magma for too long."Limeren
Nox nodded. 'That's the tyrant, alright. He'd kill his subjects' families without hesitating. What a cruel bastard.'"Is that a yes? Will you submit to me, then?"Before Nox could say anything, Vermilion Bird flew into a rage. "How dare you ask my lord to bow to a tyrant like you! Die! Sacred Beast Seal!"Vermilion Bird activated the Sacred Beast Seal again and charged at Bartemius."How dare you speak when you're not spoken to! You're already at your limit! Great Physique Seal!"A red rune blasted out of Bartemius' body as he swung his fist. The seal amplified his strength by a thousand times and destroyed Vermilion Bird's seal easily. Crushed by the impact, Vermilion Bird was sent flying before eventually falling into Nox's arms."Milord!""That's a Mystian spell. You're no match for it. Let me handle this." Nox covered himself with energy and sent Vermilion Bird to Quilo.Vermilion Bird landed on her feet. It was evident that she wanted to keep fighting, but Quilo stopped he
Bartemius' face fell. Nevertheless, he noticed the malice in Nox's eyes, and it stemmed from disdain. "What is that supposed to mean, boy?" Bartemius asked, keeping his fury in check."Isn't it obvious? You are not worthy enough to be emperor, not even if you're a Royal Apex. I will never betray my ancestors." Nox shook his head.Bartemius finally realized he had missed something. "Who are you, boy? Which family are you affiliated with?" he asked solemnly."My name is Nox. Nox Greenshade. You killed a lot of people a hundred years ago, and some of them were members of my family."Bartemius inhaled sharply. 'He's a Greenshade?' His pupils contracted as a wary look appeared on his face. The Greenshade clan was an ancient family in Faeast. They'd already existed since the days of the first emperors.Any history that dated so far back couldn't be verified, but the Greenshades remained prominent even after so many millennia. They'd witnessed heroes and talented individuals born from th
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