George finally relented. He thought he was on top of the world only because no one in his family would take him down a peg or two. Not even Nox would do this to him. Thalia, however, would never hold back. George thought this was unfair and mortifying."Can't believe you insulted Greenie. Trash like you should know your place, and I'm the perfect girl for the job." Thalia grinned, but that was the sign that another nightmare would come for George.While Thalia was having fun torturing George, Nox was dealing with his guests. It was then he noticed the little commotion in the backyard."What's with the backyard?" Nox asked.Jebediah smacked his head. He had forgotten about George. "The snob barged into the estate, so I took him prisoner, milord.""The sno— Queenie's dad?" Nox frowned."Yep, it's that donkey."Nox was dumbstruck for a moment. "Lead the way." He stood up."Yes, of course."Screams of agony tore through the air as Thalia abused George in her room. Then, the door c
Thalia heard everything, and she was about to blow up. Jebediah clenched his fists tightly. If Nox weren't here, they would've turned George into mincemeat."Who dares insult my lord?" A roar rumbled the house, and a burly silhouette appeared seemingly out of thin air."You again?" The sight of Keith sent George reeling. He scrambled backward, fearing Keith would kill him again."Those who insult the lord shall die, especially useless pieces of shit like you!" Keith shouted, "Shadow Division!"The Shadow Division members unsheathed their blades. "Your orders, commander?"Keith pointed at George. "Take this piece of worthless trash out of my sight and cut off his head!""Yes, commander!" The Shadow Division members were about to attack George, and he was petrified."W-What do you want? You can't kill me! I'll call the cops!" George screeched as he kept retreating."The cops? Best joke I've ever heard!" Keith ordered, "Get your ass here right now, William! You and your politician
"What's happening here? Why're they bowing to him?" George was flabbergasted. This was his worst nightmare.Alexander finally could speak his mind. "Sanders, the lord has forgiven your insults time and again, but you spat in his hand. If he hadn't taken a liking to your daughter, I wouldn't even give a moment of my time to you!""Mr. Weeks!" George couldn't believe what he was hearing."It's all thanks to the lord your family still lives. You're nothing without him," said Alexander. "And he bailed you out of the Joshtons' revenge. You ignored that and insulted him incessantly. That's unforgivable."Every word pierced George's soul, and he slumped. 'What is going on? The richest man in Riverton just called Nox his lord. And Nox helped us? He bailed us out of that crisis?'William chimed in, "My sentiments exactly. You're an embarrassment to this city. Insulting a hero of the city? Unthinkable. It's an honor having him with us."George was quaking in fear. As if Alexander wasn't en
Again, Nox said, "I'll spare you only for Queenie's sake. You should feel lucky you have such a good and kind daughter. But remember, you'll run out of luck one day, and when that day comes, I will kill you.""T-Thank you." George groveled, professing his gratitude to Nox for sparing him."And you can't tell anyone about this, not even Queenie. It's going to ruin our relationship. Fail, and you die," Nox warned.Shivering, George promised, "I swear my mouth's zipped. No one will hear a word, not even Queenie.""Good. Now piss off."George couldn't remember how he got down the mountain due to the shock. Half his body was numb from fear. He was even slurring. The day had been a nightmare for him. All this time, he had nothing but disdain for Nox.All of a sudden, he found out that Alexander, the governor, the leaders, and even the commander, bowed to Nox. George wondered, 'Who is that man? I thought he lost his memories.' George shuddered at this thought.…The sun had set. Queen
"Dad, what happened? Who did this to you?" Queenie had a lot of complaints about her father, but she was still worried about him.George grabbed Queenie's arm. "Queenie, I'm sorry. I'm sorry." He broke into sobs again.'Huh? Did he just say sorry? Why? Oh no, Dad's gone mental!' Queenie couldn't believe her father would apologize."Dad, say something. What happened? Who did this to you?" Queenie quickly asked.George wasn't about to tell her. He was too terrified to. If he said a word about the encounter, Nox would kill him. "No more questions, Queenie. I'm fine. Just cleared my mind and realized I've been mistaken all along. From now on, you can date whoever you want. I won't butt in! Your relationship is yours."George started crying again. Yvette and Queenie found it confusing. After all, they didn't think that George, who was usually demanding at home, would change so drastically. The fact that he promised Queenie she could date anyone gave her the clue she needed.She wasn't
"Why did he change so much? It's barely been a day. And he's letting me see Nox? No way can that be Dad."Yvette was still looking at her husband. "Beats me."Suddenly, Queenie smiled. "It doesn't matter. This works for me."Yvette sighed. She had a lot on her mind, but she said nothing.…Ever since the ordeal at Dragoncourt, George had become a different person. He used to lord everyone around the house and did nothing but eat and read. Now, he was soft-spoken and even took up chores around the house.Yvette thought her husband's days were numbered. He was obviously going mad. After a few days, the terror finally got the best of her.Queenie had just started exercising when Yvette pulled her aside. "I think your dad's cursed, Queenie. He's doing the dishes. He's never done that before!"Queenie was dressed in a pink sport attire that accentuated the curves. She looked into the kitchen and saw her dad doing the dishes. "I think it's a good thing, Mom." She smiled."It's a cur
A beautiful silhouette leaped onto Nox. "Nono!" Queenie had been waiting for a while. She was still in her sports attire, and her hair was tied into a ponytail, looking energetic.Nox smiled. "Why did you ask me to come, Queenie?"Queenie grabbed Nox's arm and said mysteriously, "Something major just happened, Nono.""Sounds serious," Nox said."Yeah, it's my dad. He's not himself anymore," Queenie replied."Is that so?""Yes. A few days ago, he came back all bruised. His face was swollen like a balloon. It was from that day he started acting like a different person. He mellowed out and even took up chores around the house."Queenie added, "But more importantly, he said that he will stay out of my relationships. He even let me date you!"Queenie blabbed everything to Nox, but he wasn't surprised. It would be weirder if George remained the same snob he was after that harrowing event. "Sounds like a good thing if you ask me," Nox said."Wait. You're being too calm about this. Do
"Not much. Just telling your father to stay safe. Wasn't I, Mr. Sanders?" Nox gave George a look."Yes, of course. Nox is right," George answered quickly."What did you just call Nono?" Queenie's eyes went wide with confusion.Yvette, too, wondered why George called Nox by his first name. He never used to do that. Why was he so courteous today?"His name. Why?" George couldn't call Nox 'milord,' so he went with his first name."Something's wrong. You used to talk down to him. Have you really come around?" Queenie was buzzing with excitement."Tosh. I've never talked down to the l—I mean Nox. I told you. It's all a big misunderstanding, and I'm sorry for my ignorance. I swear you can date him now, Queenie. Don't worry." George sounded genuine. He would get on his knees and beg if needed.Queenie couldn't be more elated. She asked Nox over to see if George had really changed, and he had. "Did you hear that? Dad said we can date!" A happy Queenie clasped Nox's hand.Nox was smilin
"What a joke. Do you think that shabby saber can defeat me? Even if Sariel were here, I could still take him down. You're not a talented cultivator at all. All you care about is the decadence of mortals. Even if you risk your life when it matters most, it's still useless."You should've lived out your life in mediocrity. Enlightenment does not come to those who refuse it, and you have clearly said no to my offer, so you shall suffer in hell. It is your rightful place." The monk laughed and made hand seals. A black demonic seal came out of his palm and went straight for Atlas' vitals."I'm done for." Atlas didn't want to die like this. He shouldn't have gloated. Perhaps this wouldn't have happened. He would never rest in peace if he died while Faeast was in trouble. He could excuse himself if his defenses were taken down, but no. His defense was lax, and now his enemy was going to kill him like he was a maggot.His ancestors would rip him to shreds when he met them. Atlas regretted a
The Nox Army wanted to fight with Atlas, but Atlas roared, "Fall back! The enemy is the House of Enlightenment's leader! You're just going to get yourself killed!" He talked to them as governor-general, and Atlas charged into battle alone."You think you can stop me, Atlas? I will kill you and take the nation's fate!" Cyrus rode the wind, and Atlas risked his life. He faced Cyrus' spells and fought him head-on. Though it seemed valiant, Atlas was risking his life, and yet he couldn't get close to Cyrus. All he could do was buy some time.It wasn't pretty on the other side. The swordsman in rein used to be Sword Sect's leader's student, and his powerful swordsmanship was the bane of Mystian cultivators. Harley was burning his spirit to hold on.While the battles raged on, dark clouds hung over Imperia, and they slowly turned into skeletons, threatening to engulf the city. Dark mists traveled everywhere, covering the city. The sleeping residents were haunted by nightmares and couldn't
"That god's aura is incredibly weak now. Shit, that bastard's after White Tiger!" The Hidden Dragon Guards realized what was going on, and they told headquarters about this, but to make things worse, they lost contact with headquarters.Everyone back there was dead, including the royal guards. They were lying in pools of their own blood. There was a barrier hanging around, cutting off all contact with the outside world. The powerhouses in the palace were killed, and none survived. Curiously, the royal family living near the palace was fine.Jaculus was outside the palace. He got the message and came back from the outskirts to hold the fort. He'd been stationed at the Dragon Vein, but this was an emergency, so he had to come back.Jaculus was helpless, however. Atlas and the god were stronger than him, but their situation was unknown, and they needed him to save the situation. "Shit. Black Tortoise and Vermilion Bird are overseas, and Lord Nox is in Mystia. Sword Sect is in trouble t
Back in the regular guards' camp, Harley spat blood. He was lying in the ruins of a building, his body covered in slash marks. His Celestial technique was broken. This man was leagues above him. Celestial techniques were useless. The swordsman was too powerful."Magic Mountain's techniques? But their swordsmen are on good terms with the lord!" Harley stared at the man in green. He defeated Harley using Magic Mountain's techniques.Magic Mountain and Mystia had always been at loggerheads. They had slain many demons and monsters throughout the years, and their swordsmanship was a bane for the cultivators."I wonder how Nox managed to make a Mystian like you loyal to him. Yes, I am a Magic Mountain swordsman. Was, to be honest. I was kicked out a hundred years ago. My master said my heart is astray. How laughable. I have killed demons over ninety years, and hundreds of them have died to my blade! My heart is not astray!"Your sins are innumerable, Harley, and you must be slain! White
All of a sudden, the soldiers let go of their weapons. They had a look of fanaticism on their faces as they throttled themselves to death. The party went on, and the bluebloods enjoyed every moment, oblivious to the incoming danger.The monk passed through the residence smoothly, with all the soldiers and guards throttling themselves to death. Suddenly, everyone noticed a monk in red robes in the party hall. The drunk guests thought this was an event arranged by Atlas."We have a monk here. Wonder what kind of show you're presenting," a portly rich man joked, laughing loudly."Show? I am the leader of an evil sect. No show, but I do have a scripture to share. The government calls my sect evil, and they claim the monks are agents of darkness. You are not much better yourself. Omitofo."The old monk chanted once more, and the look on everyone's faces changed. Some knelt and cried their hearts out. Some groveled and didn't even notice that their heads were bleeding. They talked about
Back in his residence, Atlas called a feast and invited the bluebloods of Imperia. He was glowing during the event and could never be happier. He used to be a declining aristocrat with nothing but the title of nobility.However, his luck turned for the better when he got older. He followed Nox into battle at Heaven's Cage, Vertolt, and Winterosch, making him a true lord. The Limerents controlled the nation, and he was a prince. He could even have some power over the nation or at least be one of the top dogs in Faeast.If Nox became emperor, then all the better. Perhaps he could be a more intimate part of the royal family. He drank to his heart's content and partied with the most desired people in Imperia. Nothing could be better."Life is short, people. Drink!"…The Ice Temple's vice-Lord was in the regular guards' encampment. This was a critical junction, and yet Atlas wasn't at his post. Instead, he was having a party. The vice-Lord had a bad feeling about this, but he had no p
Harley sneered, having nothing but disdain for Atlas. "I can't believe the master would employ a shithead like you."Atlas laughed. "You think you're so high and mighty, but you're also Lord Nox's lapdog now. I am his subordinate, and we have a close relationship. I'm also the uncle of the emperor. That makes me Lord Nox's great-uncle," bragged Atlas."Dumbass. Just do your fucking job. Vermilion Bird and Black Tortoise told me the Mousses might try something," Harley cursed.The mention of the Mousses made Atlas panic, but he calmed himself down and snored. "The Mousses? They won't dare do anything when I'm here. If they show up, I'll kick their ass! I command thirty thousand units. If they come to Imperia, it'll be the last thing they see!" Atlas was confident.Harley was speechless. 'My word, how can he be such a braggart?'With thirty thousand Nox Army units in Imperia, combined with the Forbidden Army, the regular guards, and 200 thousand elites protecting Imperia, nothing co
Vermilion Bird said, "Azure Dragon used to be an Advanced Eight Gates. After the Mousses had him under their control, he became a Supreme. Judging by these photos, he's gotten more powerful since then."'More powerful?' Nineve knew how the cultivators were ranked. Top Legend Realms were another kind of life form entirely. In Faeast, a Supreme could be made a lord. An undefeatable Supreme would be made a ruler. A Sovereign was made every five hundred years, while a ruler was made every century.Supremes appeared once every decade or so. "I don't get it. You three obviously found some power source, and with Nox's help, you leveled up. Azure Dragon only has the Mousses. How'd he level up so fast?"If the Mousses were so powerful, they wouldn't have to resort to assassinations or betrayals."Not the Mousses. It's all Azure Dragon. He's our captain. He's a very talented and cunning man. Emphasis on talent. He's so strong that not even three of us can compare to him, combined. The only g
Elizabeth said nothing but went red and hung her head low, causing Black Tortoise to panic."Uh oh. If you want him, you'll have to fight for him. That's all I can say, but the lord does think highly of you." He laughed."Shut it, Black Tortoise. You're talking nonsense here!" Vermilion Bird snapped. "See you, Your Majesty." She then took Black Tortoise and left the room quickly. They had work to do.The duo led most of the Shadow Division members back to Faeast. After the incident of Brundela, Faeast's fate was going strong, and the people were excited. However, beneath that excitement was unseen danger.Vermilion Bird and Black Tortoise came back to Northstate's governor-general's place and met up with Nineve. Black Tortoise said solemnly, "What happened, Your Highness? We need the details."Nineve looked exhausted, and there were dark circles under her eyes. She had been working hard in Nox's absence. "Honestly, Atlas… I mean, the Defender of the Lord hasn't been pulling his we