The firecrystal was purplish-brown and resembled a marble. If it weren't for the energy contained within, most people would think it was just a marble."Didn't know Riverton had something like this." Nox was staring at the firecrystal, his eyes glimmering.Firecrystals could be used to make some rare artifacts, but Nox didn't need it. He just wanted to make a protective item for Queenie. "And I choose you. I can make a pendant out of you. It'll shield Queenie from regular harm."Nox's eyes twinkled, and he started refining the component. The firecrystal was the size of Nox's fist, and within it was its real essence—the power of fire. He would have to refine it down to its purest form if he wanted to make a protective item.He also had to carve some runes on it to make it work. Thus, he tossed the firecrystal into the air, and it started to spin. He then made some hand seals and pointed at the firecrystal.A golden sliver of magick shot into the firecrystal, and a scorching wave of
Dragoncourt was subjected to intense heat for a whole day. A lot of trees wilted in the process, but Jebediah and Thalia were hit the worst.The estate felt like a big sauna cranked up to eleven halfway through. They were drenched in sweat, and the heat almost suffocated them."The heat's killing me! I can't take this anymore!" Thalia screamed as she ran down the mountain.Jebediah thought his skin was getting crispy. He wiped his sweat and looked at the mountain in fear. "Dear gods. If this keeps up, the mountain's going to melt."Powerful heat waves blasted forth from Nox. He was sitting cross-legged, his hair billowing in the air. Around him was a beam of light as burning-hot as a blaze. Before him was the firecrystal, radiating heat.After a day of refinement, the firecrystal was now the size of a thumb, its surface a fiery red color. The firecrystal hovered before Nox.A long time later, Nox's eyes snapped open, and beams of gold shot from his eyes. "Come back!" He raised hi
"It is supposed to be small. How else can I make a protective pendant?" Nox rolled his eyes.Jebediah was still staring at the firecrystal in confusion. There were a lot of bizarre patterns inside, but it looked like an ordinary stone on the outside. If it weren't for Nox holding it, Jebediah wouldn't even look at it."Is this really a protective item, milord?" Jebediah asked."You don't believe me?""No, I do. I'm just curious. Never seen protective items like this before," said Jebediah.Nox got what Jebediah was trying to say. He looked at the old guy and smiled. "Try it for yourself.""How should I do that?" Jebediah asked."Attack the item with all your strength." Nox pointed at the pendant."What? I don't think that's a good idea." Jebediah waved his hand. He entered the Zen Realm and considered himself a capable sorcerer. If his attack ruined this pendant, he'd hate himself."Just do it." Nox held up the pendant."Are you sure, milord? What if I ruin it by accident?" J
"Okay, then." Jebediah made more hand seals, and negative energy came charging ahead. Gales howled, and even the skies went dark. Ghostly wails swirled around Jebediah, and phantom silhouettes appeared behind him."Phantom Procession!" Jebediah put all his power into that attack, and dozens of silhouettes attacked the pendant.He was a sorcerer. There was no way he couldn't ruin a pendant. If this got out, he would be embarrassed.Then something chilling happened. Before the phantom silhouettes could touch the pendant, another explosion echoed. As if detecting a threat, the ball of light expanded, and the phantom silhouettes disappeared into smoke."What?" Jebediah's mind was numb, but the light didn't stop. It fired off at Jebediah."Holy shit!" Jebediah quickly made hand seals to block the beam, but it was too late. The beam hit him and sent him flying away. He fell with a thud, groaning in pain.Nox approached him. "Do you understand now?"Jebediah felt his joints getting dis
"Guys, it's a nice day. Why aren't you out and about?" Queenie was surprised. Her parents would usually be out at this hour.George said, "I'd love to be out and about, but I can't.""Why's that?" Queenie asked."Why? Some foreign spies infiltrated Riverton, so the city's on lockdown. Everyone's on house arrest.""What? We have spies in Riverton?" Queenie did not look happy at all."Yeah."Queenie was then reminded of the assassination two days ago. Nox said something about Voxlia. "Maybe this has something to do with those guys." Queenie thought that was possible."But why'd they go after Nox?" That was a question Queenie couldn't figure out. She had to ask Nox eventually.Suddenly, someone knocked on the door. Everyone froze, including Queenie."Who's out there? I thought we were in a lockdown," asked George."I'll take the door." Queenie was excited, thinking it was Nox. She opened the door and was met with a lean figure holding a bunch of presents.Queenie never met this
Queenie might be friendly to Derek, but her parents were a different story. They looked distant, as if Derek was just a stranger.Since Queenie had no idea about the story, she was surprised. "Dad, Mom, what is wrong with you? It's Derek. At least say hi."George harrumphed. "I'd rather not." He went into the house.Yvette was better, but not by much. "Derek, stay for a bit if you can. I'll whip something up for you." She left as well.Queenie was not happy with her parents' attitude at all. "Don't mind them, Derek. They were obsessed with you a while ago. I don't know what's gotten into them."Derek knew what had gotten into them, however. He smiled. "It was my fault, not theirs. It's been years since we met. I have a gift for you." He took out an expensive-looking wooden box.Queenie buzzed with excitement. "Whoa, what's that?""Some master of Enlightenment gave it to me when I was in the north two years ago." Derek opened the box, revealing a gleaming bead."What is this?" Q
On the other hand, Nox and Jebediah came to the streets, but they were empty. Nox asked, "City in lockdown?""Yes, milord. Orders from the city hall," said Jebediah.Nox was reminded of the Voxlian killers who infiltrated Riverton. 'Must be Keith,' he thought. 'No one else would put a city in lockdown, but how's progress going with him?' Nox did not know.He took his phone out and texted Queenie that he was coming over. Queenie was chatting happily with Derek, and the text delighted her even more."My boyfriend's coming over, Derek. You guys should meet."Derek paused for a moment. "You mean the guy I met last time I was here?""Yes."Silence caught Derek. He had no idea who Nox was. All he knew was that even Keith was respectful to him. 'Who is he, really?' he wondered. Keith wouldn't tell them, of course, and Derek was a little nervous about Nox coming over."Who's coming, Queenie?" George overheard Queenie."It's Nono," Queenie said honestly."What? That bastard again?" Ge
Derek quickly approached them. He had no idea who Nox was, but every time they met, Derek felt tremendous pressure coming from him. It was a feeling not even Keith ever gave off.Derek took a deep breath and extended his hand, enduring the pressure. "Derek Five. Pleased to meet you."Nox smiled. "Nox Greenshade."Though Queenie had said Nox's name, hearing it still made Derek shiver, as if it was magic. The men shook hands, and Derek was curious about who Nox was.Suddenly George popped up. He was black as thunder and glared at Nox. Though he was quiet, the disdain in his eyes was evident.Nox couldn't care less about the old man. Queenie was the one he came for. "I have a gift for you, Queenie.""Really, Nono? A gift for me?" Queenie looked pleased."Yes. We've been dating for a while now, and I haven't given you any presents, so I got you a special one."Queenie was overjoyed. "What is it? Show me." She extended her hand happily.George and Derek looked at Nox. They'd like t
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