In the great hall of the Sanders Residence stood Nox and Queenie. Nox was in an expensive suit, looking like the scion of a big family. Queenie was breathing nervously. She kept telling herself to calm down, while Nox looked at ease."Remember, you're the godson of Alexander, Nono. Don't get spooked. Don't let them expose you."Nox smiled. He wouldn't be spooked by something of this level. It was juvenile.Footsteps approached them. Queenie knew it was her parents coming. She slowly turned around and met her angry parents' gaze. Quickly, she said, "Hey, Dad. Hey, Mom."George ignored his daughter. Instead, he looked at Nox sharply. "Who is he?" He didn't recognize the transformed Nox at first."He's the one who's been with me all this time, Dad."George finally recognized Nox. "You? I recognize you! Who let you bring him back? Have you no shame, Queenie? You're bringing your lover back to our home? One of these days, you'll be the death of me and your mother!" He flew into a rage
"Don't underestimate my boyfriend, Dad. Do you know why Empire Corp sent its head steward to our house this morning?"George felt something getting stuck in his throat, but he said, "What do you mean?"Queenie answered, "Isn't it obvious? Dad, Mom, to tell you the truth, my boyfriend is Alexander's godson. His name is Nox Greenshade."The news was like a bombshell. George and Yvette were petrified. They couldn't believe Nox was Alexander's godson.When they looked at him once more, Yvette and George didn't know what to say.Nox finally spoke up. "Hey, Mr. and Mrs. Sanders."George remained stunned for nearly twenty seconds while staring at Nox with widened eyes. "A-Are you really Alexander's godson? The godson of the richest man in Riverton?"Nox nodded with a smile. At the same time, far, far away in the resplendent halls of Watercloud Villa, Alexander sneezed. This was not the kind of honor he could take without suffering any repercussions.George couldn't believe his eyes, and Yvett
George was hesitating. He mused, 'If this man really is Alexander's godson, then Queenie really can find great success. Question is, is he really who he says he is?' George couldn't be sure about that.A long while later, George said, "Mr. Greenshade, worry not. If you and Queenie are really in love, we won't get in your way, but marriage is a big thing. I need some time to think this through. I promise you'll be satisfied."Nox looked at Queenie. Queenie knew she couldn't force her folks to make a decision right now, so she nodded."Please, Mr. Greenshade, have some tea. Queenie, meet me in my study. We need to talk." And he took Queenie away.George closed the door and pulled Queenie aside. "Tell me the truth, Queenie. Is he really the godson of Alexander?"Queenie lied, "Yes.""You're not lying?""No.""Odd. How'd you get in touch with an Empire Corp guy? I never knew about this," asked George curiously.Queenie scratched her head. "W-We met on a dating site.""A dating si
"There's no way she knows someone that high profile."Hogs answered solemnly, "I share your sentiment, but you saw what happened. I think Alexander does know her.""So, you're saying Queenie hooked up with an Empire Corp guy?" Jezebiah said."I don't know, but if we cross Silas because of her, we're in for a lot of trouble.""That's obvious. We took his money, and we're this close to the contract signing."Hogs looked more displeased than ever. A long while later, he shot up. "Tap into every single connection we have and find out if Alexander does have a godson. As for me, I'm going to Centersea.""To see Silas?" Jezebiah asked.Hogs nodded. "Yes. I don't care if Queenie did hook up with Alexander's godson. Silas must know about this, or we're going to be in big trouble.""Got it. I'll make some calls."…Ever since Queenie started the lie, she sat around, waiting for the outcome of this ordeal. If she could bullshit her way out of this and cancel her marriage with Silas, she
"But Dad just told me Centersea is a partner of Empire Corp, and the bastard knows Alexander. We can't keep up this act any longer. He's going to find out, and when that happens, we're done for!" Queenie added fearfully. "Why don't you just run, Nono? While you still can."'She wants me to run?' Nox cocked his eyebrow."This isn't your problem in the first place anyway. If he finds out who you really are, you're going to have trouble knocking on your door. Nono, just listen to me and run!" Queenie dragged Nox, attempting to make him leave.Nox did not budge. "I told you, calm down. I'm here, so nothing's going to happen.""What are you two talking about? Queenie?" Queenie's parents came closer.It was awkward for Queenie, but Nox stepped in. "It's nothing, Mr. Sanders. We were just chatting."George grunted, but he said nothing more. Queenie was fidgeting, but Nox was unperturbed. Calm. Almost as if he really was the godson of Riverton's richest man.Queenie's mind was racing. '
"Just you wait, Queenie. And you too, you bastard. You'll rue the day you crossed me."A moment later, the motorcade came to a stop before the Sanders Residence. Out came a swarm of bodyguards in black. Then Silas, Hogs, and Jezebiah came out. Finally, Raymond made his appearance.Hogs led the way into the residence. "Follow me, Silas. Queenie and her cur of a lover is right inside."Silas tossed his cigar away, his eyes twinkling venomously, and he strode into the residence.Queenie, Nox, and Queenie's parents were in the lobby. Then, a wave of black came in. Queenie's parents shot up from their seats, staring at the Joshton bodyguards in shock.Queenie was watching as well, and she blanched. Nox, however, didn't even spare them a moment of his time. He was quietly finishing his cup of quality tea.A shout echoed in the air. "Get out here right now, Queenie!"Hogs, Jezebiah, and Silas came in. George quickly approached his brother."What's wrong, Hogs?"A sneer curled Hogs' li
Total, utter panic had settled in Queenie's heart. She saw no way out. This was just an act, to begin with, but she never thought Hogs and Jezebiah would search for Alexander's family tree right away and throw money at their connections to find out if Alexander had a godson.The secret could no longer be contained, and Queenie had no idea what to do.The silence was making George nervous, and he was almost going to pounce. "Tell me the truth, girl! Who is that man?!""If she won't tell you, I will. I've spent a ton of money to get this intel. Unfortunately, Alexander has no godson. He has a daughter, however. Only daughter. And Centersea is one of Empire Corp's business partners. Ask Silas if you don't believe me." Hogs sneered.Yvette and George were petrified, and then Yvette's legs buckled. She plopped to the ground like jelly. George was shivering in rage, his eyes crimson. "He's not Alexander's godson? You and the bastard tricked us? We're your family!"Queenie was tearing up
"That you'll never be pushed around. That you'll never be used as a chip to bargain. Put your trust in me, and I'll make you the happiest woman in the world. Forever."Queenie was stunned. She thought, 'He just feels so cool all of a sudden. His eyes are shining, and even his face is gleaming. Everything about him just screams, "I'm the king."' Queenie had never had anyone give her that kind of promise before."One last time, Queenie. Do you believe me? Will you take my hand?" Nox asked huskily, and he extended his hand.Queenie stared at his hand, her mind blank. Not a single man had ever given her that kind of promise before. None of them would ever do this for her. She wondered, 'But he's just an amnesiac. He has no idea who he even is. Who is he, really? Is he a good guy or a bad guy?'So many questions, yet so few answers. Still, when she stared into Nox's eyes, she felt secure. Safe. And she was starting to waver.Driven by her impulse and desire to escape her family's oppre
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