It felt as though James was in the face of a god, and he felt his heart race in fear. He shut his mouth and prayed to God to bless Brundela.There wasn't much to talk about in the meeting. Their goal was to destroy the evil gods. Dickson was an agent of the evil gods, so he was on the list as well. No one knew about the contents of the contract Elizabeth signed. When the meeting came to an end, James found an opening to talk to Elizabeth alone, and he asked her about the contract."It was no contract, really. There's only one term. We must obey the Nine-State Lord's orders until the destruction of the evil gods," said Elizabeth."That's all? That can't be. They're just going to ignore the humiliation they've suffered? If it were us, we'd never have let it go so easily." James frowned. He knew what Brundela did to Faeast a long time ago. A lot of their museum artifacts came from Faeast, after all. It was impossible they'd let a perfect chance at vengeance go."I don't know. Faea
The helicopter set off for Brundela. Elizabeth remained in a corner, her hands tucked under her clothes. Black Tortoise noticed that, and he knew she was hiding a dagger underneath. Elizabeth was prepared to fight should she be taken hostage.That cautiousness was useless to Black Tortoise, but he didn't say it out loud. He'd just let her do it if that was what it took to make Elizabeth feel safe and in control. Fortunately, the helicopter arrived at the duke's land and landed on the castle grounds three hours later.The castle was five hundred years old. When the modern era hit, this castle became a place where the duke kept his wine collection. It wasn't open to the public. The castle was under tight security, and a whole company of special forces units was stationed around the castle.Elizabeth noticed a lot of soldiers in blue armor. They weren't wearing any modern attire, and it made her more nervous than before. She came out of the helicopter shivering and cautious. She would
Within the great hall of the castle stood a few people who radiated an air even colder than those outside. Their armor was more resplendent than the guards', and they were covered in bizarre runes. A dozen trinkets, old and ancient, hung from the armor.Elizabeth had no idea how the cultivators ranked themselves, nor had she ever had contact with supernatural things. She thought these were the leaders of the temple, and the trinkets on the armor were like medals in the West.She didn't know anyone in the great hall save for an old man in the corner making tea. She thought he looked familiar.Black Tortoise announced, "The Nine-State Lord has arrived!" His voice was thunderous, and the gods within shook. They had weird looks on their faces, and some rolled their eyes.Nox mocked, "They're not blind, Black Tortoise. Of course, they know I'm here. We've left them hanging for so long that they must be impatient."The gods gulped. It almost sounded like Nox wanted to kill them. They wo
Nox expected Elizabeth's response. This was why she'd been so nervous all the way. "Ice Temple guys, get up and take your seats. Have a taste of Faeast's quality tea. You, old man, you kneel until she tells you to get up," said Nox.The gods stood up and took their seats. Then, they looked at the old man mockingly. It felt great seeing someone else suffer the burn. The old man groveled in terror, scraping the skin of his forehead. Soon, the ground was covered in blood."Nox, he's…""I know. Duke Coleman. He's the nemesis of Brundelan royalty and has been trying to set up his own fiefdom within the empire. He's just like your uncle now: a villain who stops at nothing to get what he wants," said Nox.Elizabeth nodded. Coleman was a traitor. He carved out his own fiefdom in Brundela blatantly, while his company monopolized the nation's markets. Then, he even set up his own military in his land.The duke tried to assassinate Elizabeth a few years ago. Fortunately, the intelligence age
"Elizabeth, when it comes to war, there is only profit. Whether someone is your friend or enemy is irrelevant. Mystia has been an enemy of Faeast for more than a thousand years, and yet I am working with Ice Temple now," encouraged Nox. He had noticed that Elizabeth couldn't forgive Coleman, yet she couldn't resolve herself to kill him.Coleman then declared that he would willingly give Elizabeth his wealth, military, and land, all for his survival and redemption. Elizabeth eventually nodded, and Coleman shed tears of joy. He turned into a faithful servant and helped Elizabeth return to her seat."Allies and enemies don't matter… I think you mean something else by that, Nine-State Lord," an icy voice came from the antechamber. The Ice Temple gods stood up and knelt in that chamber's direction.The others were already kneeling to them even before the god showed themselves. Elizabeth could imagine how powerful this newcomer would be. Yet, Nox didn't give any response. He simply took
"I did a lot over the last week, Elizabeth. Taking out the Assad gods in Coleman's land is just a bonus. I mostly convinced the Ice Temple gods to work for me. They just want to redeem themselves, so I'll spare them when the reckoning comes," Nox said.Elizabeth was stunned. She had no idea what the Ice Temple was, so Nox just wasted his time for nothing. Black Tortoise laughed. "Milord, you do embellish your stories sometimes. You went all the way to Mystia and beat up the Ice Temple's Lord and even made a video about him begging for his life to show his followers. That's the real reason they submitted to you."Ice Temple's Lord was almost having a breakdown. That fight was humiliating enough, yet Black Tortoise was bringing it up again. He protested, "Enough! I only surrendered to the God of Murder, not you! He acknowledged that, too!"Yes, that was what Nox said. Ice Temple would only submit to Nox. They would rather be his slaves than yield to Faeast. The latter would at least
The mention of God lit up something in Elizabeth's eyes. Black Tortoise knew what she wanted to ask, so he answered, "The Temple of God was destroyed by the other temples hundreds of years ago. There are still remnants roaming around, but they're not major gods."Elizabeth felt her faith crumble. This was different from what her church taught her. 'Even God died?'"Mystia's factions are now divided into Three Paths, Six Halls, and Twelve Pavilions. The Three Paths are the path of the sword, the path of the martial, and the path of the ancient divine. "The Six Halls are the Beast Temple, the Ice Temple, the Olympians, the Assad Temple, the Temple of Fire, and the Eternal Bliss Temple. The Twelve Pavilions change a lot, so I'll spare you the details."To make things simple, the people in Mystia are just cultivators who can absorb natural energy. They aren't that mysterious. Mythology is nothing but a big scam," said Black Tortoise.Elizabeth's view of the world shattered. She was e
Ice Temple's cultivators were surprised. 'It's going to be that simple?' they thought. They assumed Nox would make them fight the Assad Temple's gods and the other temples as well. Protecting Elizabeth would be easy."You think it's going to be easy? Don't underestimate the princess of the Mortal Realm. She represents the legitimacy of the royal family. They have made her next in line, and the people expect that. "The Assad Temple wants to control Brundela, not plunge it into hell. They don't want to destroy Brundela. Their aim is to control its wealth."The ruler could be either Dickson or Elizabeth. Brundela would be plunged into disarray depending on the candidate, as how the nation is ruled would be affected. So, the Assad gods will kill Elizabeth themselves," Nox clarified.Only then did the Ice Temple gods realize what their job really was."Worry not, God of Murder. I shall protect the princess of Brundela myself. Even if Oudin himself were to come, I will duel him," the T
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