"Yes, it's me," said Nox calmly.Keith was flabbergasted. "It's you? I-I thought you'd fallen in battle. Everyone claims you're dead. How did this happen?""No one can kill me if I don't want to die," said Nox confidently.Keith slammed his head against the ground. "Milord!" And the commander cried happily, calling out to his master. Everyone thought Nox was dead, even the Shadow Division.Everyone couldn't believe it when news of Nox's demise reached the Shadow Division. The commanders led all members and knelt beneath Qustian Peak for three days and nights.No one could convince them to leave. Nox founded the division, and these were his guards. Nox himself trained the commanders. Supreme Tiger, White Bear, and Wolfhound were powerful enough to rival Nox's four generals.Together, they were the Seven Madmen. Keith couldn't stop crying joyfully. Never had he imagined running into his lord again.Nox was a little annoyed seeing this. "Alright, enough. You're one of the commande
"Unbelievable! The bastards did that? Milord, please say the word. I will lead my man into Voxlia and slay Black Flag!" said Keith angrily.Nox waved him down. "Not the priority. Voxlia is just a tiny nation. Nothing to fear."Keith said, "You're right, milord. You almost wiped them out. I can't believe these people would try to invade us again."Nox said nothing."Milord, I have a question, but…" Keith trailed off."Ask away.""Why didn't you return to the military in Imperia and tell the guys you're still around? Ever since the news of your death made the rounds, everyone's hearts got broken. White Bear almost got himself killed kneeling beneath Qustian Peak." Keith started tearing up again.Nox clapped Keith's shoulder. "It's complicated with me. Remember to keep the news of my survival a secret, that's all."Keith nodded. He knew Nox had a reason to do this.Nox asked, "So, how many of you are there in Riverton? Did Bear and Bard come?""They're in Imperia, milord," said
Keith waved it down. "No apology needed. We're both working for the lord, after all.""Yes, of course, Supreme Tiger."Nox watched the two of them buttering each other up. He said, "That's enough. Keith, did you come alone?""No. I have about a dozen guys with me," said Keith."Tell them to leave. And remember, don't tell them I'm alive," said Nox.Keith nodded and went away.Derek and the other guys were anxiously waiting outside Dragoncourt."What now, Captain Five? It's been nearly half an hour. Are we just going to wait?" one member asked.Even though he was captain, Derek was getting anxious as well. He checked the time. "Five more minutes. If he doesn't come out, we're going in.""Yes, captain."Time went by. Five minutes were up, and Derek was about to lead a charge into the mountains, but a silhouette came leaping out.The division members roared, "Commander!"It was Keith. Derek quickly approached him, saying, "Commander, are you alright?"Keith was ecstatic, and
After the Sovereign's Society was gone, Keith quickly returned to Nox. He couldn't be more excited to see Nox alive. He told Nox how much he missed him and how the Shadow Division missed him.Nox was melancholic but knew he couldn't show himself now, so he stayed silent."If you can't make a comeback, milord, then I shall stay with you, even if I were to be a servant." Keith was tearful."You're a commander. If you leave, what should your men do?" Nox rolled his eyes."I don't care! You trained me, milord. Without you, I wouldn't be here. I'm staying even if you're kicking me out!" Keith declared.Nox had a headache, but in the end, he said, "Fine, stay with me for now. But deal with the Shadow Division mess yourself.""Thank you, milord." Just like that, Keith got his wish to stay with Nox. He followed Nox into the great hall and saw a young girl. Her hair was tied in a ponytail, and she ate a lollipop.When the girl noticed Keith, she asked, "Where'd this big guy come from, Gr
Nox still had no idea that Queenie had fallen sick. It had been nearly five days since then. The first three days, Queenie barely ate or drank. She only started eating on the fourth and fifth day.Even so, she still looked almost cadaverous, and her soul felt crushed. Her parents were worried sick but couldn't do anything about it. She wouldn't talk to them, and she only lay around."What now, George? She's going to kill herself at this rate. Look at her." Yvette was in her room, wiping her tears.George was sighing, and he couldn't stop smoking. "It's all that bastard's fault! If he hadn't cheated on Queenie, she'd never end up like this."Yvette said, "Cursing him helps nothing. We have no idea where his house is, and we can't find him.""I know. Just give me some time. I'll come up with something." George had a frown on his forehead; then he smacked his leg. "Wait. Derek is already in Riverton, isn't he? Try calling him again." George was reminded of Derek.Yvette said, "I've
Time flew by. At about four in the afternoon, a black SUV pulled over at the Sanders Residence. The door opened up, and out came a dashing Derek, wearing a suit. Four Shadow Division members followed Derek, and they were holding presents."This is the place, captain?" a member asked.Derek looked at the entrance. "Yes. I was raised in this household from four to ten years old. My aunt is just like a mother to me. And I have a cousin. We got along really well when we were kids. I wonder how she's doing."The thought of Queenie made Derek smile. "We should get inside." He led his team members into the residence.Yvette and George quickly ran up to Derek. "Derek, you're here. I've missed you!" Yvette hugged her nephew.Happily, Derek said, "Aunt Yvette!""Oh, you've grown a lot more handsome, Derek. Here, let me have a look at you." Yvette took a closer look at Derek."She missed you a lot, Derek. Sometimes, she would even call your name in her sleep," George said."Thank you. I'm
George froze in shock. A moment later, he asked in disbelief, "Really? He's that powerful?""Of course," said the member proudly.They weren't lying. Being the Shadow Division, all political leaders must work with them in any operation. Though Derek was just a captain, he could make Riverton's governor work with him if he had to.George was visibly excited. Yvette was happy as well."That is impressive, Derek. Come in. We'll talk inside. And you guys, too. Come in." George was more polite after that.He led Derek and his team members into the living room and quickly served them tea and cigarettes. Derek was feeling awkward.He, George, and Yvette chatted about life while the Shadow Division members sat silently. A long while later, Derek asked, "Where's Queenie? Ever since I left Riverton, I have never seen her. Is she alright?"Derek and Queenie played together often when they were kids. They grew up together and were close; he wanted to know how Queenie was doing.Yvette tear
"Don't worry, guys. I'll make sure I'll make that guy pay for what he did.""Thank you, Derek. That's good to hear," said George. "But the bastard can fight. You gotta be careful."The Shadow Division members laughed. "Don't worry, you two. No one fights better than us."George and Yvette were happy to hear that.Derek asked, "Where's Queenie? I want to see her."Yvette stood up. "I'll take you to her." She led Derek into the inner sanctum.Queenie was in her room, forlorn and gaunt. The days of starvation took away much of her weight. She was getting sallow, and she lay on her bed like a dead person.The door creaked. In came Yvette and Derek. The sight of Queenie made Yvette tear up. "She's here, Derek."Derek approached Queenie, and the sight of the cadaverous lady broke Derek's heart. "I'm here, Queenie."Queenie didn't move. She didn't seem to have heard Derek. Derek asked, "Remember me, Queenie? It's me, Derek."Queenie said nothing. Derek's heart sank.Yvette wiped he
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