The Wood family's base was somewhere in Imperia. A black-robed man sat in an eerie underground palace. Underneath that man was a Tai Chi diagram, and before him was a cauldron nearly ten feet tall.The flames in the cauldron crackled, and the ring on the man's pinky sparkled. The man looked down at his ring and croaked, "Found the girl. Tell Kristoff to take her home."A servant came out of the shadows. "Yes, sir." He then retreated from the man's presence.The Wood family, one of Faeast's Ancient Four, was also known as the Dark Bloodline. Their details were known to barely anyone. No one knew for how long this family had existed.Though they seldom showed themselves, the Wood family was on par with its counterparts. Not even the Mousse family dared to underestimate them. The Wood family had three talented men: Lucas, the eldest; Kristoff, the second; and Hector, the third.Kristoff was tasked with retrieving Thalia.…After Nox went to see Thalia, she finally started taking su
Jebediah almost sputtered. "What are you talking about? We don't hate you.""You guys like me?" Thalia raised her head."Yeah. You're small and cute. Of course, we like you," Jebediah answered honestly.Thalia paused. She heaved a sigh. "I still have to go. Greenie found himself a wife."Jebediah asked, "You sure you're going home?""Yes. I already contacted my family. They should be here in a couple of days." Thalia looked toward the east.Jebediah thought Thalia texted her family. He didn't think it was a supernatural type of contact. "Okay. It's your call. You're still young, and you've been out for a while now. Your family must be worried."Thalia nodded. "If you ever come to Imperia, I can show you my clan. You may not know, but my clan is huge. I have three brothers, and they're awesome. You'll get the VIP treatment." Thalis thumped her chest confidently.Jebediah smiled. "We'll meet up when I get to Imperia.""It's a promise."They talked for a while longer, and Thalia
"Master Kristoff, the Lesterian Chamber of Commerce in Imperia has contacted the Healer Sect. They requested a visit to the family. What is your division?" the mousey man asked."That chamber is only worth 100 billion, and Healer Sect is a declining organization. Request denied," Kristoff said."Yes, sir." The pair backed off while Kristoff kept fiddling with his bracelet.Kristoff was in charge of the family's internal affairs. He was the head of the family on paper. Meanwhile, Lucas was immersed in the martial arts. He kept himself in a solitary room, training all day. No one knew how powerful he was.As for Hector, ever since he joined an overseas organization, he never came back. The Wood family had a lot of powerful people working for them, with The Twelve Zodiacs being the most famous. Standing with Kristoff were Mouse and Ox, the boss and last member, respectively, of The Twelve Zodiacs.They came with Kristoff to search for the missing Lorelei and take Thalia back. The
"We'll have use of him eventually, so just let him have his fun."Mouse said nothing more at Kristoff’s words. The moans echoed in the private jet for ten minutes longer and stopped. Houston said, "Get me some booze, will you."Mouse and Ox's faces fell, but they were ready to oblige. Kristoff suddenly stood up. "I'll do it.""A military guy isn't worth your time, sir," Mouse protested."He's a guest, Mouse." Kristoff took a bottle of expensive wine and approached the cabin. Mouse was disgruntled.The cabin was a bedroom, though it was messy, with women's apparel and lingerie strewn across the ground. A hideous man lay on the bed naked while a pair of beautiful air stewardesses lay in his arms."Your wine, Mr. Pear." Kristoff came in."Ah, Kristoff. You shouldn't have." Houston quickly sat up."It's an honor, Mr. Pear. Don't mind me." Kristoff smiled."The honor is mine. Didn't think I'd have you serving me wine." Houston took the bottle of wine from Kristoff.Kristoff didn't
Kristoff only smiled. He had no right to talk about the Shadow Division. They were part of the military's strength and the guards of Lord Nox. Under his leadership, the Shadow Division had delivered bloodshed to the ten nations.During the spy wars of the ten nations, they had made incomparable contributions. When Lord Nox was around, the Shadow Division was the military's top division. They could act without orders should they deem it necessary.Ever since Lord Nox's fall, the Shadow Division had been the target of many attacks from the military. In the last meeting, some generals even proposed the disbanding of the Shadow Division, but it was objected to, all thanks to the contributions they made.Still, that didn't change the fact the Shadow Division was isolated in the military."So, what brings you here to Riverton, Kristoff?" Houston took a sip of his wine."Personal reasons. My sister snuck out of home, so I'm here to pick her up," Kristoff answered."I see. If you have ti
Thalia rested her chin on her hands and stared into the distance. A whole day went by just like that.The next day, a couple of cars stopped at the mountain's base.Kristoff asked, "This is where her signal came from?""Yes, sir," Mouse said.Kristoff looked at Dragoncourt. He opened the car door and hopped out. Mouse, Pig, and the Wood family's guards followed."Get up there and take Thalia home," Kristoff said."What about shitface, sir?" Mouse pointed at the drunken Houston in the back of the car."Let him sleep," Kristoff said."Yes, sir."Kristoff led a pair of warriors up the mountain with him, but the moment they stepped onto the path, the formation started working. Mouse felt something change, and his face fell. "Careful, sir. There's a formation here."Kristoff stood still, his eyes narrowed. He was staring at the shifting formation. "Interesting. What place is this? Why does it have a formation? Mouse, break this formation.""Yes." Mouse touched his forehead, where
Only then did the trio manage to stop the terrifying formation, but barely. At the same time, a disembodied voice boomed, "Who dares intrude? You will pay with your lives!"A blast of pressure as heavy as a mountain slammed down on Kristoff, Mouse, and Pig. At the same time, a dashing figure came down from the skies and landed heavily on the ground.The moment Nox appeared, his regal aura crashed onto the intruders. Kristoff and his team felt chills down their spines. As one of the top three fighters in his family, although he wasn't the strongest, he was still a prominent figure.Even so, when he saw Nox, his heart raced with fear. His mind screamed at him as though Nox was a god, not a human."Who are you?" Mouse asked. He was a Rank Five Grandmaster, but even he felt fear at the sight of Nox. He tensed up. His eyes gleamed green, trained on the enemy before him.Nox didn't look at him. Icily, he said, "You barged into my domain but have the gall to ask me who I am?""Don't was
This was the first person who dared to take that tone with him after he made a name for himself.Kristoff asked, "That's a bit too much, don't you think? You beat up my men.""That's what you think? If I were the one defeated, would they show me mercy?" asked Nox coldly.Nox was right. If he was defeated, they'd have killed him. The Twelve Zodiacs were cruel killers, after all.Kristoff was in a dilemma. He didn't expect a run-in with someone this powerful from the get-go. "A bit harsh. I know my men were in the wrong, and I apologize. If you spare them, my family will remember this. You'll have our favor. Is that alright?""You think the Wood family is enough to threaten me?" Nox looked displeased."W-Wait. How do you know I'm a Wood?" Kristoff was horrified. A moment ago, he was just shocked at Nox's prowess, but now he was scared stiff. His family rarely showed themselves, and no one knew he came to Riverton.Even so, Nox saw through him.Nox said shrilly, "That was Rashomon
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