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
Everyone was flabbergasted. Nineve couldn't believe this.Sealmaster liked Queenie more and more. "She might look weak, but she has a backbone. A woman among women, I daresay."Nox was surprised. Queenie might look gentle, but she had great power lying underneath."You insolent wretch!" The annoyed Nineve started throwing a tantrum."If anyone here's insolent, it's you. I'll teach you a lesson in your father's place! I am the heir to the path of the sword. My other mentor is the Master of Swords himself. You know how powerful one of the Three Paths is, don't you?" Queenie growled. She had pride in herself, and she wouldn't suffer anyone who tried to abuse their power.Like Nox, she believed that justice was not one person's possession. As long as they knew they were doing the right thing, they had nothing to fear."Why you…" Nineve jabbed a finger at Queenie, but she couldn't even say a word. "Fine, if you think you're so good, then let's fight!" Queenie got hasty and wanted to c
They both saved Nox's life from certain death, and that was how they had his heart. Nox was speechless. He couldn't argue with that, since that factor did affect him a lot. Back when he was training in Mystia, his mentors always taught him about morals before they taught him manuals.When it came to love, Fiery Ignis left an impact on him. He said the people who usually looked weak and useless might save him when he needed it most. If he ran into anyone like that, he could trust her with the rest of his life.Dominic was like a mentor to Nox as well. His mentors were people like him, who chased after the same belief. That was why Dominic admired Queenie.Nineve was throwing a tantrum because she hated herself for not throwing everything behind to save him when he needed it most."I'm not mad at you…""You're not, but you gave them your heart! Even a traitor like Aphrodite has more of your attention than me!" Nineve cried, trying to poke holes in Nox's answers.The Masters were go
'What?' The Generals were confused, and White Tiger was a little frustrated."Milord, do you think we won't be of help? If she can come with you, why can't we?" Azure Dragon pointed at the princess. "Azure Dragon and the others might be useless, but I'm not!" He just got on the princess' bad side and annoyed his friends."Can you shut the fuck up?" Azure Dragon smacked White Tiger's head. An angry Nineve kicked him too.'He's looking down on me?'"I don't have much time. Stay back and keep an eye on Faeast. I have my reasons for taking them with me, and I need you guys to do something for me," said Nox.Azure Dragon could guess what that was. "You need us to summon Kirin?"'Kirin?' White Tiger shut up and said nothing more."Yes. I'm not sure if I can come back alive. It's time for him to join us." Nox nodded."I understand." Azure Dragon did as he was told. The other Generals did the same."Shit. That monster's coming out again." White Tiger was nervous. Kirin tormented him a
Nox had no choice but to take the ladies along. Queenie was fine with it, but Nineve could be a problem. Nox asked solemnly, "Will you come with me? I can't promise your safety, though.""You think I'm a coward? I don't need your protection! Besides, I can't stop you from saving your grandpa. And if I die out there, I don't have to be the empress anymore. I don't want to work all day like my dad did!" she said angrily, but Nineve wasn't afraid. Her family had no cowards.Atlas's reputation was the worst of them all. He worked with the Mousses at one point, but he never betrayed the country even in its darkest hour."Come back, Aphrodite. I know you're still there!" Nox shouted into the distance. And he was right. Aphrodite came back looking all smug."You've always been efficient, especially when it comes to important stuff. I knew you'd come to a decision soon enough." She smiled."Enough. I don't have time to tell the family, but Grandma probably knows what I'm doing. She'll exp
'Grandpa went to Celestial Domain.' Nox looked solemn. Nineve and Queenie had never seen him looking so grim before."I see. So that was an SOS. He must've been in trouble last time, but I wasn't powerful enough, so he didn't tell me anything. That communication spell must've taken everything he had," said Nox darkly.Time was not on their side. "I need to go now. I know the place. You're not coming with me, Master. Besides the founder, no one's strong enough for the journey," said Nox."What?" Nineve's jaw dropped. The Masters were all Pinnacle Legend Realms, and Sealmaster was a powerful Emperor. If not even they were powerful enough, that place must be a dangerous one.Nineve made it obvious she didn't want Nox to go. Queenie grabbed Nox's arm tightly. She couldn't dissuade him, but she wanted him to take her along. Aphrodite watched the drama unfold. She wondered what Nox would do."No." Nox frowned."Damn right you are!" the Master interrupted. "I can't tag along, but Nineve
"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