A layer of protective energy sprang forth and covered Nox, howling like a hurricane.Bartemius was flabbergasted. "How do you…""The question should be the other way around. Protective energy isn't a rare technique in Mystia. Only an idiot like you thinks they're something worth gatekeeping." Nox scoffed.'That look again!' Bartemius might spew blood at this point."You insolent little… Who do you think you are? You have no right insulting me, Greenshade!" Bartemius summoned another manual, and his body was covered in flames. An air of violence rampaged around him.A crimson saber flew out of the magma. Bartemius' aura grew stronger with that weapon in hand. "The Caesar Saber Technique is unparalleled, and I am Faeast's Lord of Saber!" He caressed his weapon as his lips curled into a sneer.The saber unleashed a wave of ice-cold energy, turning everything around it into frost."Oh, so we're not clashing techniques now? Fine, weaponry it is! Eight Techniques, Swordmaster!"Nox h
"Blooddrinker!" Bartemius swung his saber, and a ribbon of light a thousand feet long hurtled toward Nox."Swordmaster, Unto the Origin." Nox controlled all power with his sword. This technique could take out most enemies back in Heaven's Cage. Now, it could wipe them off the map. Even gods would fall under his attack.When the sword fell, everything died. Even the magma was compressed further downward. Bartemius' saber energy dissipated upon impact while his weapon shattered into pieces. The shard flew at Bartemius, riddling with holes.Bartemius' meridians were destroyed as his saber energy rampaged through his flesh and bones. His crushed innards splattered against the ground as he fell into the magma. Shortly after, the suppressed sea shot back up, covering the underground battlefield in flames."I'll take Vermilion Bird, Nox!" Quilo wasn't powerful enough to stay here for prolonged periods. He grabbed Vermilion Bird and leaped toward the passage that led down here."Vermilion
Nox and Quilo leaped into the sea of magma and went straight to the deepest depths. They broke through the ground and entered the chamber of the Dragon's Vein. This was a hidden vein that covered more than half of Faeast. Magma flowed slowly over it while the vein shone a dark golden hue.Quilo couldn't help but think that they had somehow stumbled overground. Still, he was quick to snap out of it, commenting, "So this is the Dragon's Veins. Legend claims that there are nine of them, and they can decide a nation's fate."Only one is left, and it's in Imperia. That's why the previous dynasty's administrators made Imperia the nation's capital."Quilo couldn't hide his excitement. It was a big deal to lay his eyes on the Dragon's Vein."They're not that powerful. Dragon's Veins can produce natural energy. Spiritual energy is split into Yin and Yang. The energy we usually have access to is Yin Energy. Yang Energy is way up there in the sky."To be a cultivator means to master the ar
For real cultivators, this was heaven on earth. "I shall leave Faeast in your hands, Nox. If the Limerents try anything funny, punish them as you see fit. Yes, even my uncle. If anyone turns their back on Faeast, I give you the power to issue a kill order."Quilo was staring at Nox. It was clear what he had in mind. He wanted Nox to be the new ruler—the new emperor. Nox said nothing. He merely nodded with a smile. Nox knew that Quilo trusted him, but Quilo couldn't tell him what to do.Quilo went into cultivation after giving Nox his final orders. Before he left, he said telepathically, "You can use the formation as well, Dad. If anyone tries to break in, use it to kill them."Quilo froze. In Faeast, it was common for sons-in-law to call their father-in-law 'Dad,' but he knew Nox meant something more than that. "Very well. You're now my godson." He laughed and entered strict isolation. He would not leave until he became an Emperor Realm warrior.Nox returned to the underground cham
Vermilion Bird just had a breakthrough and needed time to stabilize her powers. The battle with Bartemius also wounded her badly. So, she had a lot of internal injuries, and Nox saw no need for her to risk herself."I am not just your comrade, milord. I am also a general of Faeast. No Nox Army soldier would retreat in battle. Winterosch is trying to invade us. It is my duty to protect my nation. "This is not just a battle between countries. Two temples are behind this, and this battle needs me," Vermilion Bird insisted.Nox did consider that. Bard alone wasn't enough to deal with this. "Fine, but be careful. We're in no hurry. The battle's still days away. We'll go to Northstate together once you're healed." Nox nodded."Of course." Vermilion Bird was excited that she could fight with Nox again.Jaculus naturally didn't know that Nox would require days to heal Vermilion Bird. "It's been five days, and we still have no news. He can't be taking that long, can he?" Jaculus muttered,
Nineve was exhausted after all the work she'd done a few days ago, but Atlas' grumbling swept her exhaustion away, replacing it with rage. She slammed the table and glared at Atlas, much to his confusion."What's that supposed to mean, great-uncle? We're all working for Lord Nox here. We're his subordinates! This is your job!"Atlas gasped. "You're lecturing me, girl? Not even your father would take that tone with me!" Atlas only respected Nox out of everyone in this army. He was second-in-command. To him, a princess was worth nothing."Goddammit, Atlas, will you see sense? Lord Nox isn't crowned lord because of his generosity! He's not like my father! He made his way up because he slaughtered enough people to make mountains out of corpses!"He only keeps you around because you're useful to him and the nation. The moment he thinks you're a threat to Faeast or a dissenter, you're dead. It won't be Nox who does it, but my father," said Nineve.That made Atlas shiver. He knew Quilo.
Seven days went by in a flash. The battle was at hand. Alas, Nox had not returned. Nineve called him, "Nox isn't here yet. We'll wait for him.""At this point, I have the right to ignore this command. The lord said, we fight in seven days. So, we will go to battle in seven days. I will lead Nox Army to the faceoff. I will handle any and all consequences."Black Tortoise would not allow any arguments, and Nineve was well aware of that. The challenge was issued, and all eyes were on them. If they didn't launch the attack, Faeast's standing in the world would be affected. They had to push forward.All Nineve could do was work with Black Tortoise. The order was issued, and the three states' military moved out.At the same time Black Tortoise was leading his army on the assault, an unexpected guest barged into the secret base Shadow Division set up in Winterosch. She went around all the layers of traps and entered the base without breaking a sweat.Bard only noticed the intruder when s
"You recognized me even through all that?" Vermilion Bird was confused."It is you! Of course, I recognized you! I know that face anywhere!" Bard cried in excitement while the Shadow Division members knelt on one knee.They were happy that Black Tortoise had returned, but Vermilion Bird was one of them. She was their boss and family. The members huddled around her, crying like children who had finally found their mother after losing her for years."You're embarrassing yourselves. Honestly, I can't believe that none of you got any better, and I've been gone for so long! I see that remedial training is the least of your worries!" Compared to her excited subordinates, Vermilion Bird was stern.The members knelt on one knee, including Bard. He even asked for the punishment himself."We'll do that after we're done here. The battle is at hand. Black Tortoise needs our support. Tell me everything you found out, especially about the temples."Vermilion Bird went into the base. Bard and a
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