The news stoked flames of anger within Nox's eyes. "If the Curseland Five harbors that bastard, I'll slaughter them all."Keith said nothing. He knew his lord could be arrogant, and he knew Nox would really slaughter the five clans. "There's something more, milord," blurted Keith."What is it?""Do you remember Ms. Hendrickson, your admirer?"Nox frowned. "Selina Hendrickson from Blathanna Sect?""Yes. Ever since you rejected her, she left the northern battlefront for Curseland. Blathanna Sect's in Southwest City, they say."Memories of Selina flitted through Nox's mind. She was the leader of the Blathanna Sect and an incredibly gorgeous woman. No one knew who she used to be or how she rose to fame.The only thing they knew was that the sect she led was on par with Sovereign's Society, Shadow Sect, and Chamber of Healers. They were the strongest four among Faeast's new sects.Blathanna Sect was made up of beautiful women, but they were not to be underestimated. They were profes
Jebediah woke up early to make breakfast for Nox. After they ate, Nox said, "Jeb, I need you to do something for me.""Your orders, milord?" Jebediah quickly approached Nox.Nox handed him a prescription. "Buy everything that's listed on this paper. I'm making some pills for Queenie.""Yes, milord." Jebediah went on a shopping trip.At the same time, Nox got a text from Keith. It was about Curseland Five. Nox opened the file, and murder burst from his soul.Curseland Five was made up of five of the oldest clans in Curseland. They'd been standing for a thousand years, their roots deeply entrenched in this part of the nation.The five clans were: the Pearsons, the Mullers, the Greens, the Vines, and the Flames. They worshipped Cursegod and practiced witchcraft and cursebugs. The Pearsons were the most powerful of them all.The Vines were the most evil, while the Mullers possessed the vilest of cursebugs. These clans controlled the southwest's underworld and world of martial arts.
Jebediah called his senior, whom he'd not seen in years. The man was called Joseph Fowl. He was best friends with Jebediah when they were in training, but after Joseph left, Jebediah never saw him again.Two years ago, Jebediah caught wind of how Joseph came to Curseland and became a VIP for some powerful organization. Now that they were in Curseland, Jebediah was reminded of that guy.The call went through, and Joseph agreed to meet up the next day.The next morning, Jebediah changed into a new robe and spruced himself up for the meeting. "Milord, Joseph's my best friend when I was still in training. And he's always been more talented than me. He's now a VIP for some organization here," praised Jebediah.Nox didn't answer. Perhaps he didn't hear Jebediah.Not too long after that, a pair of black cars drove in from the distance. They stopped at the hotel's entrance, and a few besuited men opened the door. A dwarfish priest in robes came out of the car.He was barely over five foo
The fact that Joseph was Blathanna Sect's VIP shut Jebediah up."I know you're surprised, Jebediah, but don't be ashamed about it. Not every dog gets its day. I don't really mind. If you wish to work for me, you gotta tell me your power. Just so you know, we don't take in weaklings," Joseph explained.Jebediah smiled bitterly. "Just Intermediate Zen Realm, Joseph.""What? Already?" Joseph exclaimed. He'd always been more talented than Jebediah, but even he only became a Zen Realm the year before, and he was still Beginner Zen Realm. He couldn't believe Jebediah was stronger than him now."Yeah." Ever since Jebediah started working for Nox, his cultivation had been growing strong. After taking the Frostpills, he became a Zen Realm, and now he was an Intermediate Zen Realm sorcerer."Not bad. Didn't think you'd make it." Joseph was still in disbelief. He looked at Jebediah with his mousey eyes. He noticed the magick and the aura rolling around Jebediah, and he was shocked."Not bad
The look on Nox's face changed. Before Jebediah could say anything, Nox answered, "Sure. We'll tag along."Joseph turned to Nox, and he smiled. "You have a smart student, Jebediah.""I…" Jebediah wanted to scream so badly. He fumed inwardly, 'Can you shut it, you idiot? The man's my lord!'Joseph had no idea about that, of course. He thought Nox was Jebediah's disciple. "If your student wants to watch, you guys can tag along. I'll show you what Blathanna Sect's made of." He got into the car."I'm very sorry, milord. I can't believe he's turned into a git. Please, don't be mad at him."Nox dismissed it with a smile. "It's fine. We got an invite. Might as well see what this big thing is." He strode ahead.Jebediah heaved a sigh and followed closely.On the way there, Joseph started bragging about how great and important he was at Blathanna Sect and how he was an honorary guest officer.The negotiation happened because the Flames and Blathanna Sect had a row. The Flames, though pa
An exquisite woman in a long green dress stood in the leading spot. She was lithe and beautiful, and her arms were inked with tattoos. She looked just like the head honcho of a gang. Judging from the air she radiated, she was a Grandmaster.Joseph approached the woman. "Ms. Felicia, I have arrived."The woman was Felicia Waters, or as they called her, the Demoness of Poison. She was famous.Felicia looked at Joseph coldly. "You're late.""Sorry… the traffic… a nightmare, really," said Joseph quickly. Contrary to what he said, Joseph was just a nobody in the Blathanna Sect.Felicia brushed it aside, looking at the skies. "It's almost time. We should go in now." She led her group of ladies into the club, and Joseph followed like a good little lackey.Though the club was shining, Nox felt dark auras coming from the hall the moment he stepped in. He looked ahead and noticed about twenty burly warriors standing around.In the leading spot was a middle-aged man in Curse clan attire. H
The young man burst into laughter. "You think a prostitute like her can be compared to me?"The Blathanna Sect girls were in an uproar. "Who are you calling a prostitute, scum?""All of you! I'm the heir to the Flames. You should be honored that I'm here to negotiate with you! You think you're all that? Yeah, I beat that bitch. I slashed her face. What can you do about it?" Stan Flames sneered."Ms. Felicia, let me kill him!" A tall girl whipped out her blade.Felicia was about to answer, but the servant spoke. "Ms. Waters, if you wish to fight us, then it'll mean war. And wars aren't easy to end. You should know how powerful we are. If you do this over a servant, then we'll take whatever that comes our way. Just remember that Curseland Five destroys our enemies completely."Felicia shot up from her seat, unleashing the air of a Grandmaster. Furious, she said, "What, you think Curseland Five is enough to threaten us?"The servant only smiled. "Think what you will. That is but a s
The negotiation ended with the death of a Flame family elder and its heir. The hall was splattered with blood, and the Blathanna Sect girls remained stunned.They saw Nox off, and a long while later, a long-haired girl said, "Who was that? He actually killed an heir and an Advanced Zen Realm with just two blows.""To be honest, that's terrifying.""But he's cute."The girls broke into a discussion, but then Felicia roared, "Get up here, Joseph!"Joseph scurried out of the formation. "Ms. Felicia, here… here I am."Felicia glared at Joseph with a darkened expression. "Who's that guy, you old git? Why was he with you?"It turned out that Felicia had noticed Nox the moment he came out with Joseph. After all, Nox had the air of a king, and his outstanding looks helped. Still, Felicia was speechless after she saw him kill a Flame family elder and heir.Poor Joseph went on his knees. His voice trembling, he said, "I don't know, Ms. Felicia! It's not my fault!""You don't know? He sh
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