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
Nox went inside first. The Limerents had gotten news about it, and they were waiting for him. The royal family bowed to him. Nox was not part of the clan, and Atlas outstripped him in status. Quilo, even more so. These people usually only had respect for these lords, but they would never bow to them.However, they didn't grumble when it came to Nox. He had the right. He was an Emperor, and he could be ruler of the nation if he wanted to. He was the Sovereign, and he was as respected as the heavens. He was bigger than any ruler.The declining Limerents were nothing compared to Nox. Not to mention he'd been nothing but kind to them. Without him, the Limerents would never have an Emperor among them. Any family that had an Emperor among them could be recorded in the history books. As long as Faeast stood, its people would remember them.They couldn't understand why Quilo would risk his life for revenge, but it was too late to change things now. Without Nox fighting against the Sect Alli
"You want me to be… I'd love to, but you'd probably have my head! Besides, any prime minister who tries to take the throne for himself would never be treated kindly by history, no matter the reason," Douglas snapped. The history books would call them usurpers, and that was a serious crime.Douglas would never be bold enough to try that. He had a family to think about. Nox had no time for anything else. He went to the altar, where Nineve was guarding. She was in mourning attire. The Four Great Generals were in white armor, standing in the four cardinal directions."Milord' the generals greeted Nox. White Tiger wasted no time asking about Aphrodite. "What's up with Aphrodite?"Vermilion Bird cursed, "You brought the bitch home? Oh, I know. Because her plans killed His Majesty. You're going to slay her right in front of his altar, aren't you? If you can't do it, I'm happy to help."Nox was speechless. He knew the Great Generals would find out, since Atlas managed to, after all. Azure
Everyone thought Nox and Nineve were the perfect match. One came from royalty and could hold up the nation if needed to. The other was born to the famous Greenshades. That clan had guarded this nation for a thousand years, and many nobilities were born to them.Aphrodite couldn't compare to that. Her family's history was tainted with deception and betrayal. Queenie wasn't even a nobility. She was of commoner stock and was not a good fit for Nox. Aphrodite looked at the woman who was sneaking glances from the corner."I'd like to know your decision, Queenie. Do you think you have what it takes to be his wife?" She could've killed Queenie if she wanted to, but she spared her, all because of this moment.If Nox were to die, Queenie would perish as well. Now that he survived and came back better than ever, she wasn't good enough to be with him. Everything she did was for nothing.Nox got up and put his hands in a prayer, then he looked at Queenie.'He saw me!' She wanted to leave, but
'Um…' Queenie wanted to leave, but Nox summoned his sword energy and commanded Queenie to take her blade as well. Nox was using the Limerents' sword techniques, and he was controlling his sword with his energy. Queenie had no choice but to do as she was asked to.When she used her sword energy and summoned her will-of-the-sword, Sealmaster's eyes shone. Realization struck him. "Origin Sword, eh? I almost forgot she used that in the fight. The power's right, but her finesse is a bit all over the place. Nothing that can't be fixed with a bit of practice. She just needs to fight more like Nox, and she'll have the aura," Sealmaster praised.Nineve looked irritated. 'You're not even close to that woman. Why are you taking her side?' she thought."Fine, she's my father's student, but I am his daughter. If we were in a sect, I'd be the heiress. More reason for her to bow to me." She snorted.Queenie didn't mind paying Nineve some respect, but she would never kneel to her. She was a proud
"I know. They don't want their family broken up, but death is a release for you, Penelope, especially if living itself is painful." The Master sighed. If Nox heard that, he'd curse him, but Penelope thought it made a lot of sense."You have to live for yourself once. Death is another form of life for people my age. I couldn't do anything for myself while I lived. Death is how I will fulfill the promise I made when I was young."…Back outside, Aphrodite sat on the stairs and lit up a cigarette. She went through three before she said, "I presume you know what happened back then."Nox frowned. 'She knows everything.'Nox's reaction was the answer Aphrodite needed. "You overestimate my power. I don't have any spies in Imperia anymore, and no one can keep an eye on you."Nox almost shouted. Aphrodite had no idea he knew about the truth. That was just a ruse so she could observe him and get her answer."The mission is simple. Save Cassian and retrieve a treasure," said Aphrodite."W
'One of us will die? I need to make a choice again? Will I repeat my father's mistake?'Nox stared daggers at Aphrodite. "That is nonsense! Even if that prediction is right, we'll either get out of it together, or we die together! We will not live if the other dies!"Aphrodite paled. "That hurt my heart. Well, you are the Sovereign, and you won't give in to anyone. Even in death, you will be glorious." She smiled sadly.Nox didn't care about Aphrodite's prediction, but Queenie took it seriously. She knew Aphrodite wasn't talking nonsense."Shut it. Did you come with the Master, or did he invite you?" Nox didn't like Aphrodite at all. He didn't want to see her unless it was something important.Aphrodite knew Nox didn't like her, and she couldn't blame anyone. She did it to herself. "I know you don't like me. I would never come uninvited," she said.Nox narrowed his eyes. So that meant the Master called her here. Then, the drunken Master sobered up. Penelope opened her eyes as wel
"She called you a commoner! A peasant!" Nineve snapped."But is she wrong? I am a commoner." Queenie clicked her tongue. She didn't really care about her background.Nineve felt like crying, and Nox pulled her back. He said coldly, "And why are you here, Aphrodite? Why were you with a Master?"Aphrodite arched an eyebrow and answered slowly, "I can come and go as I please, Lord Nox. Remember, I saved this clan once."Nox's temples throbbed. 'How dare she try to pull another one!'Before he could fly into a rage, Aphrodite added, "If I hadn't escorted a Greenshade back to her home, Cassian couldn't have communicated with you. Though Penelope has lost her powers, she can still cast some spells as long as she has the right tools."Nox's face was twitching. Aphrodite was a sharp woman. Even now she could keep him at bay easily. She did help the family once back when she was younger. No one could compare to her intellect, save for the heavens themselves.She was just like the legenda
Nox had no idea what the High Heavens looked like, but he wasn't answering Nineve. There must be a reason his grandfather tried to communicate with him. Faeast's threat wasn't defused yet. The path of the martial was still after them.Many of the path of the ancient divine's factions were keeping an eye on Faeast all the time as well. "What was he trying to tell me? What did he want me to do? Wait, Sealmaster summoned the founder back then. He must know something."Nox realized he could get some answers from Sealmaster, and he wanted to leave for Magic Mountain right away. Just when he was wondering how to settle the ladies down, one of the Masters and Aphrodite came to the Greenshades' abode.The Master told Aphrodite, "It's Daniel's wedding. I have to send my best regards. I represent Magic Mountain, after all."Aphrodite answered, "You know I can't go in, given my circumstances. Lord Nox must have some questions for me.""Very well. Then I shall leave you for now." The Master l
Neither managed to guess what Nox was thinking. One wanted him to look on the bright side, while the other wanted him to let it go, but Nox had reached the truth. He had ascended. He knew all of this, of course."They eventually ended up together? No, they're already separated by a veil of death. I will never give in to anyone. I will not repeat this tragedy. I will always, always finish the job. Even if I made a mistake, I would see it through!" Nox said. These were his true thoughts.Ironically, Aphrodite knew exactly the kind of man he was, and that was why she betrayed him. She knew no one could change his mind once it was made up. Alas, fate did not smile upon them.Though Queenie and Nineve couldn't guess his mind, they would try their best to keep up with him, especially Queenie. If Nox was going into hell itself, she would follow him."I think we can bring this case to a close for now. Grandma will handle the aftermath. You guys stay out of it as well. My clan's filled with
Daniel flew out of the house. The other Greenshades followed him as well. Queenie and Nineve helped Penelope to the entrance. More than a decade ago, the Greenshades mobilized to fight for their lives. Now, they were going to welcome their hero back home.On the street outside the house, a thousand Forbidden Army soldiers escorted the remains of Nox's mother home. They were all clad in white armor. The royal family members were in red. They were holding a red casket, while Atlas was standing before it, walking toward the Greenshades' abode.The accompanying band was playing a sad yet triumphant tune. Daniel remembered something, and he quickly went back inside to change into a tattered crimson shirt. This was the one he wore during the battle all those years ago. It was the one Nox's mother made for him.Nox's parents never had a wedding, so Daniel wanted to fulfill that wish. Atlas stabbed a banner into the ground and announced, "By the decree of the late emperor, His Majesty Quilo
"Embellishment, but that's not important. Given his adventures, it could make a good novel," Nox said. In modern times, his clan was in its nadir. His grandfather and his brothers were born in times of chaos. Faeast was in disrepair, and its people were suffering. Evil ran rampant across the land.A declining family would have it rough if they wanted to make a name for themselves. Cassian had a rough start. His talent, background, and environment was vastly worse than Nox's, but still he managed to grow into an Emperor. It was a feat, alright.Nox asked, "I have a question, Grand—"Penelope gestured at him to keep quiet. Daniel and the others had arrived. Nox asked telepathically, "You don't want too many people finding out where he is? Because he made too many enemies?"Penelope said nothing, but she smiled."I see." Nox stood up and faced his family. His grudge had disappeared, and he had only affection for them.Daniel and his brothers exchanged a look. They could sense the ch
Nox didn't know that Quilo was the one who took him to Mystia, but now he did. And now he knew that his mentors were good friends with his ancestors. Then Nox woke up.Nineve and Queenie huddled around him. The princess looked at Nox closely. He was sweating and pale as a cadaver. "Did you have a dream? You look terrible. Must've been a nightmare.""Penelope said someone was communicating with you." Queenie wiped the sweat off Nox's forehead with her sleeve."Yes, it was a dream, but it wasn't all a dream. I was in the past and saw the future." Nox nodded and looked at Penelope. The dame was smiling at her grandson. Her silence was the answer for everything."You knew?" Nox asked."Naturally," Penelope answered."I had no idea things were so complicated. Who's trying to tell me all this?" Nox asked."Who do you think wants you to know the truth?" Penelope asked cryptically."It's Grandpa." Nox stood up and looked at the ancestral hall. "When I came back last time, his tablet wa
"She's smart. Now the Mousses are no longer traitors, but the people who took down the enemies. Since they control the military and are a part of the path of the martial, not even the royal family can do anything to her." Nox narrowed his eyes. Even back then, Aphrodite was smart.Griffin's will-of-the-sword lasted until Cassian exhausted his life essence. The founder's avatar stepped into the portal Penelope created and went back to Mystia. Nox had a guess that he was going to use the souls he took hostage to negotiate with the Mystians.After the crisis was over, Cassian returned to Mystia as well. Nox had no idea what happened after that. From what he heard during his time in Mystia, no news about Cassian came out after that."He didn't even get to talk to you, Grandma." Nox looked at Penelope and felt for her. Now he knew how much the dame had sacrificed for the family.Quilo dragged his wounded self and unconscious Nox out of the temple ruins. "Sorry you had to go through this