The thunder was booming, almost as if someone up there was roaring. Nox's Immortal energy turned the tables around. With Thunderlord's Seal, he was fighting back. The lightning in his hands was as sharp as a blade, and he cut down all the lightning bolts of the tribulation.The exploding bolts flew everywhere, and the seas screamed. Dominic's hair was standing on end. He gasped. "Something's off." And then a dozen lightning bolts fell. They crashed into Dominic, and black smoke billowed from his skin. "Yeah, it's coming to an end."Dominic was grinning in pain, but Aphrodite's eyes were shining. The clouds could no longer gather any energy. Nox had fended off the backlash. Nox flew high up into the air, breaking through the barrier. "Ultimate Dragon Control! Shatter them!"Dragon roars filled the skies as nine dragons appeared in the clouds. They engulfed the lightning clouds, and the lightning bolts disappeared."He did it. Incredible. Nox managed to fend it off! In the end, it's
There was no favor to be owed. If anything, he only owed Dominic a favor. "Threegolden cores. Last time I was training at your place, I had to beg and beg before you'd even give me the remains of the materials for the core. I can't believe you gave her three golden cores at once," Nox said.Aphrodite frowned. She knew what Nox was trying to say. If Dominic was only saving her because of Nox, it would be a waste. He wouldn't acknowledge it. In other words, he hadn't forgotten about her betrayal."Can you stop that? I didn't make these cores. I took them from beings that'd cultivated for a thousand years. All I did was refine them a little and stabilized their energy. They're not actual cores. You don't even need these to power up. Giving them to you would be a waste," chided Dominic.Cultivators who'd trained for a thousand years could conjure golden cores within their bodies. Goldenwheel managed it. If the core wasn't refined and stabilized the moment it left the cultivator's body,
Dominic used one golden core to prolong Aphrodite's lifespan. Under the influence of Dominic's life essence, the golden core's energy flowed through Aphrodite's body, breathing new life into what was essentially a corpse.Aphrodite looked no better than an old bat, but as life was breathed into her flesh, she regained her youth, though not fully. She looked like a woman in her late thirties, not twenties. Though she was past her prime, she looked more mature and elegant.Nox had a weird look on his face. Aphrodite used to be aloof and innocent. Now she looked mature and slightly alluring."Thirty years of lifespan. Her body's at about thirty-seven, thirty-eight years of age. Just like the age of your soul. Intelligence can only take you so far, but wisdom is forever. You'd do well to remember that. Life's a marathon, not a sprint."Dominic activated the second core. This core would reshape Aphrodite's talent, or to put it simply, it would change her fate. Aphrodite couldn't cultiv
"And you should shut up now. Her talent's restructured. Above average, I'd say. About on par with Azure Dragon but definitely far away from Kirin." Nox smacked his lips.Dominic and Aphrodite were shaken, especially Aphrodite. The look on her face changed. She was obviously wary of Kirin."Kirin? Honestly, you impress me again and again. You managed to tame the top talent of the path of the ancient divine, and now he's working for you," said Dominic.Kirin was the true captain of the Great Generals. Even the untamed White Tiger who would even crack jokes about Nox would stay quiet in Kirin's presence. If they wanted to summon him, Azure Dragon would have to risk his life to take on the burden. Even with the sacred beast essence together, they could only summon Kirin for a while.If Azure Dragon could hold on a bit longer back on Mount Prison, Kirin could've killed Goldenwheel and Black Flood all by himself."He only used ten percent of his power back then, and already he was a nig
The third core was used to raise Aphrodite's power. That was the step that exhausted the most life essence. "Good thing I cultivate the path of humanity, or else I'd have to suffer the Heavenly Dao's backlash. No good deed ever goes unpunished, as they say. Humanity is born with darkness inside them."If someone grows up in the wilderness without anyone to rely on, they'd have to kill to live and thrive under the law of the jungle. The saints brought with them morality and taught the people about it. The virtues of Faeast are not just to keep people in check; it's the first step to reaching the truth."Even though Voltaic has no bonds with anyone, he still cares about the nation. Karma's a bitch, you know. The only right thing you did was to love Nox, and now you get to live because of that. You'd best treasure that." Dominic activated his life essence and called the core's power to life.Aphrodite's power rose, and as the core's power flowed into her veins, she became a Supreme, bu
Aphrodite understood the underlying message. Nox didn't care about her betrayal because he didn't care about her. It was over between them. It also meant that her betrayal hurt him enough. Aphrodite knew how principled Nox could be. One betrayal was enough to cut off all her chances."I know what I should do now. I might be free, but my life doesn't belong to myself any longer. It belongs to the nation." Aphrodite tucked away her sadness and resumed her aloof self.Nox said nothing more and took her back to Faeast. They arrived at Imperia at dawn. Aphrodite walked the royal path once more, and it felt like a dream for her. The blood was still not cleaned up yet. A Nox Army soldier was crying as he washed away the blood. The roadside was covered in white flowers from the people.Soldiers marched in unison and raised the flag then pulled it down half mast to commemorate their fallen brothers. A lot of the survivors were hurt and bandaged. Countless people stood on the roadside, mourni
Nox didn't even raise his head. He flicked his finger, and the saber shattered into pieces. The leader was sent flying away, much to his horror. He quickly stopped his units from attacking and bowed to Nox. "What might your name be? And why are you on the royal path?"He knew that he'd have died if this man hadn't pulled his punches. The gap between them couldn't be bridged. Not even sacrificing all his soldiers would harm this man, so he switched up tactics. He needed to deescalate the situation. If this man was a friend, then all would be fine. If he was an enemy, then the swordsmen would arrive by the time he needed them to.The leader was still finishing up his ideas when Nox took off his cloak, and the leader almost jumped. "Milord!"The soldiers recognized Nox as well, and they were excited. Everyone saluted. The gaze in their eyes was genuine and passionate. Nox was the sun that shone over Faeast, or that was how it was in their eyes."Can't believe you'd attack your own lor
This was what she wanted. She wanted to stand in the light.The Forbidden Army stood in formation at the palace, welcoming Nox's return. The Nox Army soldiers did the same. Though they were all injured, they felt healthy and livelier than ever."On your knees!" a general roared, and the Forbidden Army knelt before Nox. This was the respect a Faeastian lord would get.Atlas was at the entrance to the palace, waiting for Nox. He quickly approached Nox and knelt on one knee."Hm, you leveled up a little." Nox scanned Atlas. He knew Atlas' neglect almost ruined everything, but he eventually gained an epiphany and killed three invading nations' rulers to redeem himself. He was now an Intermediate Supreme. Given his talent, this was a great improvement."All thanks to Sealmaster's priest manual. How was your journey? Fine?" Atlas got up. He was a smart man. Though he didn't recognize Aphrodite, he knew she was not as simple as she looked."Yes, fortunately. Magic Mountain still has the
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