Queenie spent her days unconscious and in bed since she was infected. Now that she was finally awake, she wanted to visit the sights. Although Nox was concerned about her health, he could understand that she felt stifled. "Sure," he said."Really?""Yeah.""Let's go. I've never visited the Southwest before. I wonder if they have any good spots."Nox went with Queenie on a little excursion. When they left the building, they promptly saw a black Benz G500 waiting for them. Selina, Jebediah, and Copperpeak were at the exit. Of course, Selina was driving since Nox wasn't familiar with the area.Meanwhile, Jebediah and Copperpeak wouldn't take no for an answer. So, they followed along on this excursion."So where do you want to go, Queenie? Southwest International Mall? Or Greentown? Oh, right. There's a massive Lantern Festival there. You wanna check it out?"Lantern Festivals were famous in the southwest. It was on par with the Spring Festival, a celebration observed by Faeast. Eve
After Nox and his group went into the building, a motorcade of supercars stopped before it. The one in the lead was a purple McLaren Speedtail, a high-profile supercar with scissor doors. Following it was a motorcade of black Benzes.A dozen bodyguards in black suits escorted a gorgeous woman who came out of the McLaren. She was wearing a lace-covered mermaid dress, and her looks were beautiful. The woman was obviously a big shot. Yet, the look of cruelty on her face marred her beauty.A pair of elderly men stood with her. One had eyes as sharp as an eagle, and he was a Grandmaster. His cheekbones were prominent, and his arms were as long as an ape's. The air around him was filled with power.The other man wasn't tall. Still, the air around him was filled with magick. It was evident he was a powerful sorcerer.After they got out of the car, the Grandmaster said to the haughty woman, "We're here, miss."The lady slowly raised her head and regarded the building. "How many are there
Obviously, the woman was used to getting what she wanted. She ordered her bodyguards to remove the couple at once. So, they immediately went up to Nox.One of them said, "Hey, this spot belongs to our employer. Please leave."Nox slowly turned around and scanned the haughty woman. Then, he went back to the scenery, ignoring the bodyguards entirely."Hey, I'm talking to you. My employer wants this spot. Buzz off if you know what's best for you. Here's some cash." The bodyguard whipped out a wad of cash and tossed it to Nox.Nox said curtly, "Piss off."The bodyguards froze. "What'd you say to me? You're dead!"He charged at Nox. Alas, then a looming figure stood in his path. It was Copperpeak. It grabbed the bodyguard by his collar and tossed him away like he was a ragdoll. The bodyguard fainted without so much as a scream.The other bodyguards were enraged. "How dare you! Die!"The bodyguards were all Combatants, and they promptly lashed out at Copperpeak. Unfortunately, they w
Mr. Clockwork lashed out his claw as a powerful aura filled the air around him. Alas, Copperpeak quickly stood in his way.Mr. Clockwork's attack landed on Copperpeak, but it didn't even budge. It was as unmoving as ever. In fact, it was as if the attack didn't faze it."What?" Mr. Clockwork was surprised. Before he could react, Copperpeak slammed its fist at him. Mr. Clockwork could only hastily spin away and slam his fist at Copperpeak as well.Their fists clashed, and the air rattled. In the end, someone was sent staggering backward. It was Mr. Clockwork. Copperpeak didn't even move an inch."You're a tough one. Again!" the old man roared defiantly and unsheathed a black blade."Mr. Clockwork, halt!" a voice said. It was the sorcerer. Although he wasn't towering, the air around him was filled with magick. He clasped his fists. "It's surprising to see someone like you in the southwest. We apologize for the intrusion."He waved at Mr. Clockwork and was about to leave."Hold it.
"Useless! Trash! All of you!" A roar came out of a room while sounds of glassware and cups smashing rang in the air.The one screeching was the woman Nox had forced to kneel—Melania Regal. She was the young lady of the Regals. Yet, a peasant forced her to kneel before him. To make matters worse, it was in a place like the southwest.The bodyguards and the old men stood silently, taking the abuse."How dare he make me kneel? I'll kill him!" Melania grabbed a bottle of wine and hurled it at the 100-inch LED TV.Mr. Goldstein watched her going on a rampage and finally said, "I'm sorry for my failure, Ms. Melania. I should be punished—""You should die! You're a grand sorcerer, and you couldn't even take one blow? You should be ashamed of yourself!" Melania bellowed.Mr. Goldstein sighed. "You're right, but I didn't expect him to be this powerful, and…""And what?""That giant that follows him around is no human," said Mr. Goldstein."Then, what can it be?" demanded Melania shrill
"I'm Scott Lorwhal of Shapewill Sect.""I'm Magickus of Unbreakable Temple.""We're the Spice brothers."The leaders of all sects in the southwest were greeting Melania one after nothing. The woman was more important than anyone thought, as even these big shots could only bow before her.…After Nox took Queenie back to Blathanna Sect, he told her to get some rest and fed her a Fleshtemper. Only when Queenie had fallen asleep did Nox leave.He then ran into Selina. She was waiting for him all this time. Nox asked, "Selina? What brings you here?""One question. Something happened at the observatory deck, am I right?" asked Selina shrewdly.Nox smiled. "Nothing. Just some fools trying to harass us.""That explains why Queenie was in such a hurry to return."A smile curled Nox's lips. "She has no idea who I really am. So, I can understand why she's nervous and worried.""Wait, she has no idea you're the Lord Nox?" Selina couldn't help the curiosity tingeing her tone."Yes.""
Drago Regal was ranked seven on the Heavenly Ranking. Nox remembered who he was. That guy was indeed a fossil with an invincible body. Drago did show up when it was time for them to fight for the rankings. Alas, he wasn't high enough to fight Nox.'That's the leader of the Martial Alliance?'"I think I remember him." Nox smiled.Selina continued, "The sects are gathered to celebrate the fossil's birthday. They sent an invitation to us a few days ago.""I see.""So… why'd you bring them up anyway?" Selina wanted to know."Because I almost killed a woman who's from that family," said Nox nonchalantly.'What?' Selina's jaw dropped."A Regal woman? What's her name?""Not sure. Claims she's from the Regals." Nox told her what happened at the observatory deck.That answered Selina's question. "I see. Dammit. That has got to be Melania, then," grumbled Selina."Melania?""Yes. That woman is bossy and adored by Drago. She's the one who organized this gathering, or so I've heard."
Everyone in the martial arts world in the southwest wanted to inveigle themselves with the Regals. The fact these people were willing to help her gain vengeance made Melania smile. "Thank you, everyone.""Don't mention it. It's an honor to work for the Regals.""Touche.""So? Who's the bastard, Ms. Melania? We'll wipe him out for you," the Spice brothers said."My men are getting the footage. You'll see the bastard soon," said Melania.Everyone was waiting for the surveillance footage to arrive. A while later, a bodyguard came back with it. "Found it, Ms. Melania." He hurried up to Melania and handed the footage he copied to her.She played the footage, and the screen showed Nox, Selina, Queenie, and Jebediah coming into the observatory room. "That's the bastard." Melania pointed at Nox.The sect leaders huddled around to check things out, and they saw Nox.Chris said coldly, "That punk made Ms. Melania kneel? How dare he.""And I thought he'd be older. He's just a brat!""Le
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