The announcement made everyone cheer. This was a big event for the nation. The birth of a new lord was an honor for the nation, and this time, they had a lady, a famous one too—Aphrodite.Lady Phoenix, that was her full title. Alexander was the first one to snap out of it. He looked at Nox, trembling. Only he knew the truth behind Nox's evident death.The moment Nox saw the woman who betrayed him becoming the new lady of Faeast, murderous intent burst forth from his body, and the temperature around him fell drastically.George and Yvette started shivering, and they muttered, "Why's it so cold all of a sudden?"Queenie noticed Nox staring at the screen. Curious, she asked, "What's wrong, Nono?" She knew something was wrong with him.Nox said nothing, but his eyes were on Aphrodite. His fury was flaring, and his blood was boiling. A long, long time later, he said coldly, "I need some fresh air. Alone." He left the great hall without saying anything else.Queenie saw him off. Confus
"Nono, where have you been? Did something happen? You looked upset."Nox regained his composure and coolly said, "Nothing. Just a little stuffy, that's all.""Really?""Yeah."Alexander kept his trap shut. He knew how furious Nox really was inside.Queenie blurted, "Why don't we go home, Nono?""Home?" Nox was surprised."Yeah. To Sanders Residence. I'll talk to my folks, don't worry." Queenie patted her chest confidently.Nox sighed. "Queenie, sorry, but I can't go to your place.""Why?" Queenie asked.Nox looked into the distance. "Because I have a lot of things to settle.""Can you tell me about it?"Nox shook his head. "Sorry, but I can't tell you now."Queenie was disappointed to hear that, and she looked at Nox. "You won't come home with me?"Nox sighed and shook his head."I see. If you don't want to, I won't force you. Don't worry, though. Someday, I'll convince my folks."Everyone sat down for another meal. Then, the Sanderses left the villa. With Blackdragon's
The middle-aged woman answered, "Zone: Draco's tanks are passing by.""What? Tanks?" George froze. "Why are the tanks from Zone: Draco in Riverton?"The middle-aged woman shook her head. She had no idea either. Since everyone was stuck in traffic, George could only go back and wait in frustration.Time went by. About an hour later, something far ahead rumbled. The noise was almost deafening, and the ground was shaking.Everyone then saw tanks showing up. These tanks belonged to Zone: Draco. As they passed by, everyone got out of their cars and started taking photos. They were gushing with awe. Even the Sanderses did the same.They got out and watched the tanks going by.Yvette asked, "Weird. Why'd Zone: Draco's troops come to Riverton?""Maybe it has something to do with the birth of our new lady." George was reminded of the news he had seen earlier."That's probably true. The lady is the goddess of the militia."Queenie was staring at the tanks as well. They weren't leaving t
Alexander led Draco into the room. Draco quickly saluted Nox, and then he said, "Milord, this is bad. I've received news from the military zones. They will crown a new lord at the stage of bequeathment in Imperia, and it's that vile woman—"Nox rocketed up from the ground, and a wave of powerful pressure burst forth from his body. "I know," said Nox coldly."Milord, you know?" Draco was surprised.Nox nodded."Then we should be leading an army to Imperia and announce to the world that that vile woman is unfit to be a lady! She is not fit to lead Faeast's army!"Nox remained silent for a long time. Then, he answered, "We cannot do that for now.""What? But she poisoned you and usurped your position. Why are you not getting revenge?" Draco was in disbelief.Nox said, "Because it is not the time." Nox was right. Aphrodite was the new lady, and her family was one of Faeast's Ancient Four. If the public knew Nox was still alive, Faeast would be plunged into chaos, and the ten nations
Nox laughed. He knew how hotheaded Draco could be. Then, he said coldly, "The fact she is crowned lady means Faeast's Ancient Four is supporting her, especially the Mousse family.""That is correct, milord. From what I've gathered in the troops, all of the generals who worked for you disagreed about letting her be crowned. Unfortunately, the very next day, they would either go missing or die in accidents. I'm sure she has something to do with it," huffed Draco.Nox's eyes turned icy. "What about Azure Dragon, White Tiger, Vermilion Bird, and Black Tortoise?"Back when Nox was still active on the field, he had a quartet of powerful men with him: Azure Dragon, White Tiger, Vermilion Bird, and Black Tortoise.Besides Draco, the four of them were Nox loyalists, and all of them were top Greater Grandmasters. Azure Dragon was very nearly a Legend Realm.Draco quickly said, "From what I know, Azure Dragon retired after your fall. I heard he went overseas to avenge you. White Tiger and Ve
The duo came to collect rent. No one in the River Tri-State area knew how Logan made his way to power. No one knew how he rose to power in Goldcity underbelly. Barely anyone knew of his past.Logan alone knew the reason he became the underground ruler and de facto leader of the River Tri-State area. It was because of his unimaginably powerful backer, the Wood family.The Wood family was one of Faeast's Ancient Four. Rumors flew around about Faeast's Ancient Four. Some said they had existed for a thousand years. Some said they had influence over Faeast's political, business, and military spheres.All sorts of stories flew around, but none ever shook Faeast's Ancient Four. They stood tall and proud. Even Lady Phoenix came from the Mousse family.Thalia mused for a moment. "So he's the guy who owes us rent?"Lorelei smiled. "And it's time for us to collect." She held Thalia's hand and went into the villa. It was in ruins, and the ground was caked with dried blood.Thalia stared arou
Thalia nodded with a smile. "I see.""Let's go, girl. Draco captured our debtor. Then, we'll ask them to hand him over." Lorelei took Thalia's hand and got out of the villa.And then they vanished into thin air again.…A few military Hummers were going down the wide roads of Riverton's outskirts. Draco ordered his men to take in the remnants of Blackdragon.Aside from Cashmere, many important Blackdragon members were captured. They would be taken to Zone: Draco, where they would be interrogated. After all, they did cross Nox.Aside from the Hummers, the tanks had returned to the military zone. Draco took a helicopter to get back after he left Watercloud Villa.Only a dozen armed soldiers were taking Cashmere and everyone else in. Cashmere and the remnants of Blackdragon were ashen.A few days ago, they were the underground rulers of the River Tri-State area, but then, in less than half a day, their chamber of commerce was pulverized. Even Logan was killed.Everything was like
The girl wasn't afraid of Harold at all. She was licking her lollipop, still standing around.Harold asked, "Why are you out here alone, girl? Where are your folks?"The girl only laughed."It's dangerous out here. You shouldn't be playing alone. Listen to me and get out of here. Go back to your folks," Harold persuaded.He thought the girl would leave, but she was still standing around in silence. Confused, Harold crouched. "Did you hear me, girl? You shouldn't be here. It's dangerous."The girl pointed at the Hummer behind Harold.Curious, Harold turned around. The girl pointed at the car, escorting Cashmere and the Blackdragon remnants. "Mister, I need one of the guys in there. He owes my family rent. Can you get him out here so he can pay his rent?" asked the girl.'Rent?' Harold was flummoxed. He looked at the girl again. She was about six or seven years old, and her hair was tied in pigtails. 'It looks like she just got out of kindergarten, and she's already collecting ren
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