Diro wished he could turn things around and lead Winterosch to prosperity. Even if he couldn't, at least he wanted to stop the upper echelons from sucking the nation dry. Without reform or overthrowing the gods, the only fate awaited them was the fall of the nation.Alas, in a nation where bloodline reigned supreme, someone who came from a poor family would never see success. Despair was everyone's companion. The warriors were exhausted. Even if Nox didn't send his men after them, this forest alone could trap them until they died.Just when Diro saw no way out, the Ice Temple's representative showed up. Following him was the emperor of Winterosch, frozen half to death. The guards perked up at the sight of a god, but when they realized the god was on Ice Temple's side, they were wary.Diro saw the god as his final lifeline. He knew the Ice Temple and the Assad Temple were allies in this war. The Assad Temple's reinforcements didn't show up, but they could work with the Ice Temple and
Though they gave their lives to their nation, the only reward they got was eternal damnation in Helheim. Diro could no longer hold his fury in. He lunged at the emperor and pinned him against the ground."How dare you, peasant? What are you doing?" The emperor was too comfortable with his status, and he didn't think Diro would have the guts to harm him."What am I doing? You started this war! While my people sacrificed themselves for the nation, you pigs went on with your decadence! How the war ends doesn't matter to us! If we win, you swines take the credit! If we lose, my people are condemned to death! What did we ever do to you to deserve this?"Diro roared, "You pigs will destroy Winterosch one day! I won't let that happen! I'm going to take you down today!" He swung his fist at the emperor's head with all his fury. The emperor's head exploded like a watermelon.That did not stop Diro. Again and again, he swung his fist. When he finally vented all his anger, he had a breakdown
Atlas wasn't sure how to handle this, so he consulted Nox."Fine. We'll set up a few cities on the border. Northstate produces enough food to feed a million people, after all. We'll tide them over winter. Winterosch has a lot of ore on its border, doesn't it? When the cities are up and running, we can set up shop here. The place will be rich in a few years. The border trade alone will help Winterosch's economy immensely," Nox said.Atlas knew that Nox wanted to work with Winterosch. He wasn't against it, but Winterosch might turn against Faeast once their economy was up and running. Those bastards were ingrates, after all."The top brass is rotten, but the people suffer for it. You think they want to fight this war? They had no choice. It's all for a better life. I want to destroy Winterosch's top brass and have a fair ruler take the throne. If they can make sure their ruler is fair and just, Winterosch will be Faeast's best partner."You don't have to worry about the ingrates. We
Vermilion Bird took out the remaining soldiers of Winterosch. The heads of the escaped aristocrats were sent to Diro, courtesy of the Shadow Division.Diro and his men were excited to see the heads of their oppressors. It felt like someone had avenged them. That someone was purported to be their enemy, Faeast.Nox was making his intention clear, and Diro was no fool. He knew Nox was trying to make an ally out of him. At this point, he had to consider his comrades' future, so he asked for their opinions.They gave their answer swiftly. Diro would call the shots, and they would go with it. Diro took some time to mull things over, and he sent a scout to gather information at Endriver Pass. They knew the army of Faeast would never kill prisoners of war.Diro thought they must've set up a camp to lock these people up, but when the scout sent the news back to Diro, he and his men fell silent. Faeast's army had mobilized all their logistical units to cook food for the prisoners of war.T
Yet, he couldn't fault Nox for that. The emperor was the root of their problems. If the aristocrats had shown even a shred of mercy, he would never have felt displeased about their rule. If the emperor had been a bit more useful, he'd never have fallen for Nox's trick.Diro made up his mind. He grabbed the goat's leg and started chomping down on it. Black Tortoise announced, "Dig in!" The food was ready, and barrels of wine were served. The Winterosch soldiers pounced at the food and ate as much as they could.Then they cried. The food was one thing. They were supposed to be Winterosch's elite, and yet they never had a meal this nice over the course of this war. Even Diro didn't get to have this kind of luxury."When you were stationed on the border, you used to fight Aldric a lot. You have invaded Faeast many times, Diro. Do you confess?" Nox said, and the air was filled with murderous intent.The Nox Army soldiers who were making food just a while ago were putting their hands on
In other words, if Winterosch tried to start a war down the line, Nox would wipe it off the world map. Diro felt his heart pumping furiously. He had a feeling Nox could do that if he wanted to. Even if Nox said he would destroy the heavens, Diro wouldn't doubt it."I will take the throne, and I swear that as long as I rule, I will not start a war against Faeast." Diro wasn't going to stubbornly hold on to his title as general. If this chance slipped by, he would not get another."Good, and I have faith in you. Here's my promise. As long as Winterosch stays in its lane, we will not wage any war against you." Nox nodded. He then wrote Diro's name on the pages of the Golden Book of Lords using runes."I now crown you as lord of Winterosch. You have the right to build a government and set up royal etiquette. You have the privilege to don the five-claw dragon robe.Diro's eyes went wide with shock. Winterosch and Faeast were two different nations. Winterosch's faith was not in dragons.
'Prison?' Harley was shocked, and then he was surprised. As long as he was spared the death sentence, he didn't mind the punishment. He was an Intermediate Pinnacle Legend Realm. Nox aside, he would be the strongest warrior in Faeast.If Nox didn't try to attack him, no one would be stupid enough to make things hard for him. All he needed to do was help Nox find White Tiger."Here's the thing, master. When we found out that you died in the Ocean of Death, we attacked the Four Great Generals. First, Aphrodite sabotaged Azure Dragon. She lured him into the Divine Formation outside the pass and took his soul. After that, she attacked the other generals."Nox aside, the Mousses were wary about Azure Dragon. He was in control of Faeast's penal code and was loyal to only Nox. Not even the emperor could make him do anything. That was why Quilo failed to rein in Azure Dragon.While the Mousses set Azure Dragon up, Quilo protected Black Tortoise and Vermilion Bird. He failed to keep White T
Nox had given them orders. If Faeast was in grave danger and something bad had happened to him, the Four Great Generals could merge their Sacred Beast Seals and summon that person. When they saw the look on his face, Black Tortoise and Vermilion Bird knew what he was thinking.Vermilion Bird asked, "Milord, you're thinking about…""I'm fine. He's an ace we have. We need to find Azure Dragon before we talk about that." Nox said, "Harley, tell me what's going on with White Tiger.""He's fine, but our holy heir has him locked up." Harley frowned."Keep talking.""The holy heir is the future leader of the Ice Temple and a student of an Emperor."Black Tortoise and Vermilion Bird's pupils contracted. Emperors were like Rulers. Technically, any Supreme could call themselves a Ruler, but there weren't a lot of acknowledged ones.The same went for Pinnacle Legend Realms. Emperors built their name on great violence. White Tiger was fine, but an Emperor's student had him locked up. Anyone
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
"You're going nowhere! Die!" The Sovereigns chased after the spirit, and a hundred rulers followed. They trapped the Titan's spirit and ripped him to shreds."Holy shit! That's the ancient Faeastian Sovereigns for you!" White Tiger roared with pride. He was on the roof of a tower somewhere.Emperor Elijah narrowed his eyes and exchanged a look with the other Sovereigns. He hurled the remaining essence of the Titan's spirit to White Tiger and stuffed him with it. The energy filled White Tiger up, and he ballooned. Black, rancid energy came out of his body, and he fell into madness.Nox cast Heaven's Demise and sealed White Tiger's consciousness. The Ice Temple Lord, realizing what the Sovereigns were trying to do, encased White Tiger in a coffin of magic ice."This is an impressive underling you have, Nine-State Lord. Devouring spirits gives him power. Anyone else would've lost their minds and become a killing machine, but White Tiger's already mad to begin with. There's no further
"The third kind of Emperor uses natural energy, the power of Yin and Yang, and the elements to become one. Since they use all kinds of elements and energy to become an Emperor, they are practically invincible."The Ice Temple Lord was excited. "So, you're saying I'm the strongest kind of Emperor?"Nox was speechless. "No, what I was trying to say was you took the wrong path. You could've absorbed the energy in the heavens, but you absorbed the Yin energy in the ground. You're stronger than Frostmir, but his level was higher, so you'd still be no match for him." Nox pursed his lips."Eh?" The Ice Temple Lord was disappointed. He thought he could be on par with Nox once he became an Emperor. The Ice Temple Lord wasn't the only one who gained power. The Ice Temple cultivators did as well. Black Tortoise, White Tiger, and Vermilion Bird gained a lot of power, too.Vermilion Bird was now a Flawless Supreme, Black Tortoise was an Advanced Supreme, while White Tiger was an Intermediate Pi
The fact that Nox could cast Sovereign Seal showed the Ice Temple Lord a new level of power. The Sovereign was more terrifying than the gods. 'No wonder they could rule the world in ancient times.'The ancient Sovereigns and rulers of Faeast attacked their enemies. The fate of Faeast gathered over their heads, piercing the clouds that hung over them. The weaker monsters were all slain, and Emperor Hans pierced the pharaoh with his spear, returning him to dust.Emperor Blade killed the god of another ancient civilization. The evil energy possessing them was purified. Moments later, the only gods left were the Titans. Unlike the possessed gods, the Titans were ancient cultivators.Even if they didn't master any spells or techniques, they'd trained their bodies to their absolute best. The Sovereigns and rulers didn't have much advantage against these enemies.These spirits were only summoned through the relics and the remnants of energy left within. Their bodies were gone, and their s
The talismans were Magic Mountain's Forbidden Art, and Nox had fused them with Ultimate Sun Dragon Manual. Nox's mentors back in Mystia had taught him the Sovereign Seal earlier than expected.Their goal was simple. If Nox became the Sovereign, he could use the seal to command all the natural energy around him. If he didn't become the Sovereign, he would teach the Sovereign how to use the seal.The Sovereign Seal was a Saintly technique and the most ancient technique around. It was stronger than a Celestial technique.A golden seal brighter than the sun slowly rose into the air. It was the Sovereign Seal.As it appeared, natural energy gathered around it. The energy flew into the relics Brundela took from Faeast. Within a museum not open to the public, a bronze sword started to tremble as natural energy flowed into it. That got the attention of a professor."That sword belonged to Faeast's Emperor Elijah! What is going on?"A silhouette came out of the sword, and his aura was maj
Back in the navy command center, Fergus got the drone footage of Brundela's latest development. There were a few generals from the Nox Army with him. They could see that the monsters in the capital were far stronger than the ones they took out."It's a pity the capital is too densely populated. We have the weapons, but we can't use them." Fergus slammed the table in frustration. Even if the capital were to fall into enemy hands and the people torn apart by the monsters, Fergus could not order his men to fire at the capital, or things would be bad for them.Fergus could only open fire if the monsters were in a no man's land."Commander Parrish, the lord has orders. We are to keep the waters guarded. Once the capital's crisis is over, we are to make our way to the port and give humanitarian aid," a Nox Army general said telepathically. He just got Nox's orders."Is that so? Then Nox can stop this crisis." Fergus' eyes shone. He had no idea what Nox was planning, but he was the Sovere
Demons were walking the lands of Brundela. Legendary creatures were roaming the streets as if the end of days were here. The resurrected monsters were causing chaos everywhere. When the Titans showed themselves, despair washed over Brundela.There were too many monsters running around. Even after the Twilight Order and Ice Temple cultivators sent out everyone they had, it still wasn't enough to stop these creatures. The monsters went straight to the council hall, and so did the Titans.The Ice Temple Lord created a Magic Ice Formation and kept using Forbidden Arts and mystical artifacts to fend off the enemies. He had already done his best."You have to do something, Nine-State Lord. I can't hold on much longer!" the Ice Temple Lord said telepathically.Though monsters were about, they were not a threat to the Ice Temple Lord. he could leave anytime he wanted, but he had a deal with Nox. If he were to desert the battlefield, he would face a hell far worse than he could imagine late