The Empire Corp's team came in the afternoon. Ferguson was in the lead as usual, and he was followed by Mr. Larson and a team of eight bodyguards.Hogs led his family to welcome Ferguson. Queenie was tailing along. When Ferguson saw her, he smiled. "Ms. Sanders, we meet again."Queenie thought Ferguson was a nice person. She smiled. "Hello, sir."Fearing any sudden change, Hogs quickly said, "Mr. Laws, now that my niece is here, can we proceed with the signing of the contract?"Ferguson nodded. "Naturally." He beckoned at Mr. Larson.Mr. Larson came up to Queenie, bearing the purchase contract. He handed a pen to her. "Sign here, and the contract will come into effect immediately."Queenie took the pen and went through the contract.Hogs urged, "What are you waiting for? Just sign it."Jezebiah's eyes were shining with passion. Queenie's parents were staring at their daughter. Fifteen million for a dying company was something they never thought was possible, but here it was.A
Queenie froze. "There's more?" She wondered what it could be.The Sanderses were terrified. They thought the Empire Corp would go back on their word.Mr. Larson smiled. "This is a takeover contract. Sign it, and you'll be the boss of Sanders Pharmaceuticals."Everyone inhaled sharply. Jezebiah, Hogs, and Queenie's parents were petrified. Even Queenie thought she was hearing things. "I beg your pardon?""Sign it, and you'll be taking over Sanders Pharmaceuticals.""I'm going to do what?" Queenie was close to screaming.Mr. Larson was still smiling. "You'll do exactly what you heard. Mr. Weeks' orders. This purchase is done for your sake. Of course, you'll be handling the company."Hogs, Jezebiah, and Queenie's parents exclaimed. 'What? The Empire Corp is handing over the company to Queenie?' they screamed in their minds.Queenie got the gist of it, and her eyes went wide. "You bought the company just to give it to me?""Yes, it is as you say, Ms. Sanders," Mr. Larson answered.
"Don't just stand there, girl. Sign the papers and thank them!" George gushed. He could feel his heart beating so fast that it could leap out of his chest.Even Yvette said, "Sign the papers, Queenie. Sign them."Jezebiah and Hogs were jealous. They did not expect the Empire Corp to pull this move. Queenie, however, did not sign right away.She held the pen dumbly, staring at the papers before her. Everything felt so unreal, as if it was a dream. Queenie had no idea what to do.Her parents were starting to get fidgety over her indecisive attitude. What they wouldn't give to take her place and sign the papers for her.If the contract went through, they'd get their company back just like that, and they would get Empire Corp's backing, too. Anyone else would've signed the papers right away.Everyone was waiting with bated breath, but Queenie turned her eyes to Nox. "Nono." She had no idea why she would think of him right now.Nox approached her.Queenie blurted, "Should I sign the
They did make a small fortune from the deal, but it was nothing compared to the partnership with Empire Corp and the absolute fortune of a starting fund. Jealousy would bring them nowhere, however. Queenie was the owner of the company now, not them."Congratulations, George. Your daughter got herself a great connection. The richest man in Riverton, no less." It was a lie. Hogs was filled to the brim with dismay and hatred.George knew very well the congratulatory remark was fake. "You can save the congratulatory remarks. I just want our company to get back on its feet." He then turned to Yvette. "Where's Queenie?""In her room with that guy," said Yvette."She's still with that charlatan? Really? After all that's happened? Ridiculous. We're talking to her." And George went to Queenie.…Queenie was in her exquisite room. While everyone else was over the moon, she alone looked brooding. Queenie rested her chin on her hands, staring ahead blankly. By her side were Nox and Blackshar
Once in the study, George closed the door and happily held his daughter's hand. "Queenie, take a seat. Let's have a chat."Queenie sat with her father quietly.George dragged a stool and sat with his daughter. "Tell me, Queenie. How'd you get to know Alexander?""I don't know Alexander," said Queenie honestly."You don't? That's not possible. Tell me the truth, Queenie. How'd you hook up with Empire Corp?" George didn't believe his daughter."Dad, I swear I don't have any connections with Empire Corp. And I don't know Alexander.""Really?""Yeah."Now that befuddled George. "If that's the case, why are they so generous to you? They even made you the owner of Sanders Pharmaceuticals. That company is worth tens of millions."Queenie shook her head. "To be honest, I have no idea why they're doing this."George could see Queenie wasn't lying, and he was at a loss for words. He wondered, 'They bought Sanders Pharmaceuticals at a price far beyond what the market is offering, and th
Queenie argued, "Dad, I'll say this once again. I can fall in love with whoever I want. I can date whoever I want, and it's none of your business. If you're still going to control me like you used to, Nox and I will leave this place right away."Since Queenie was starting to get mad, George had no choice but to hold it in. "Calm down, Queenie. I'm doing this for your own good."Queenie was still displeased. George added, "Fine. If you want to keep him around, keep him around. But before we find out who he really is, you're not taking this relationship any further. Understand?""Yeah, yeah.""Good."And they reached an agreement about Nox's stay."Now that you're the boss of our company, you should check things out tomorrow. We need to assuage the workers," George said.Queenie nodded. "Okay."…Nox stayed in the Sanders Residence that night. His room was near Queenie's, and Queenie had Blackshark stay with him."Just make yourself at home. I'm right next door if you need me."
When Queenie woke up the next morning, she found her room to be freezing. "It's just October. What's with the cold snap?" She flinched a little and got out of bed.The sun was glaring overhead, but for some reason, she found a layer of frost sticking to her window. "The weather's certainly going haywire," Queenie muttered, though she was unperturbed.She approached Nox's room and knocked on his door, but no one took it. A smile curled her lips. "He's sleeping well." She decided to leave Nox alone.Queenie freshened herself up and got changed. Her parents, Hogs, and Jezebiah were in the great hall, waiting for her. When she showed up, George quickly approached her."Finally awake. We've been waiting.""You could've slept in." Queenie entered the great hall."Did you forget? It's your first day taking over the company. We're taking you there to check things out."Queenie grunted."It's getting late. We should move out now," suggested George.Queenie wanted to bring Nox along, bu
"Calm down, Dad. She wants to manage the company? Fine, let's see how she rolls. Don't forget, the company's filled with our men." Jezebiah snickered.Hogs said, "True. She thinks she can steal what is rightfully ours. Never. Son, make some calls and tell them…"Hogs whispered something to Jezebiah, and Jezebiah smiled darkly. "No problem, Dad. Just sit back and enjoy the show." Jezebiah made his way to a quiet corner and started making calls.…While Queenie and her family were on their way to the company, Nox was still in his room, quietly cultivating. A long while later, his eyes snapped open.The slivers of inner energy swirling around him swam into his body. He stretched his arms and leaped off the ground. Nox came out of his room and was met with a blinding ray of sunlight.He wanted to see Queenie, but her bedroom was empty. Nox asked the servants about Queenie's whereabouts. He was told she and her family had gone to Sanders Pharmaceuticals.Nox smiled. "Good. She can fi
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