First, she was the lady of a big family, and second, her fiance was part of the Southkings. She thought Nox was going to violate her because of his request. Her hands still covering her chest, Melania stared at Nox with fear. "W-What do you want to do to me?""Shut it and strip." Nox didn't bother explaining.Melania shut up. Nothing could stop Nox from killing her. She had to survive, so she closed her eyes. With trembling hands, she started unbuttoning her clothes, revealing her pearly skin and voluptuous chest to Nox.Her breasts were tightly wrapped in a pair of black, lacey bras, and her skin had a faint scent to it. She was like a kitten that needed a hug right now.Nox didn't care. He was staring at the black pearl hanging before Melania's chest. The incredible chill he felt earlier was coming from that thing. Nox scanned it with his Divine Sense and recognized that pearl."That's a Phoenix Eye Bodhi Pearl!"Bodhi Pearls were treasures of the religion of Enlightenment. One
Melania thought Nox was after her, but all he did was take away her pearl. Though she had questions, she didn't dare to voice them out.Nox was observing the pearl closely, his eyes gleaming brighter with every passing moment. "It's the real deal." He turned around, staring at Melania. "Where did you get this?""My grandfather gave it to me," Melania answered truthfully."Drago did?""Yes.""How much of this does he have?" Nox continued to ask. One pearl didn't have enough cold energy to compare with a thousand-year-old ice plant. He needed a handful or even more than a dozen for that."This pearl is a family heirloom. My grandfather wears a bracelet made of it. That's all I know," Melania said honestly.The answer made Nox's eyes twinkle. 'This pearl is about the size of my nail. If Drago has a bracelet, then that's about a dozen of them. Drago's pearls have enough cold energy to rival a thousand-year-old ice plant."A small smile played on Nox's lips. "Good. Finally, somethin
When Melania was done covering herself up, she stood next to Nox with her head bowed. The once arrogant lady of the Regals was now Nox's servant."Tell me, where does your family live?" Nox asked."Southtomb," Melania said."Guess that's where I'm going next."…While Nox was hunting down Melania, his friends waited back in the club. A long time later, three silhouettes appeared at the entrance. The man was handsome while the woman was gorgeous, though she looked haggard and was following the man like a servant.They were Nox and Melania, and following them was Copperpeak.Selina and Jebediah noticed them at once. Quickly, they welcomed Nox. "Finally, Nox. And this lady is…" Selina asked curiously when she saw a stranger following Nox.Jebediah and the other ladies were stunned to see Melania, too. They were looking at her curiously."Melania Regal," Nox said.'What? This is Melania?' Selina took a closer look and finally recognized her. "It is her!" she exclaimed. "Why did y
"You're going out? Where?" Queenie quickly asked."Southtomb," Nox responded. Southtomb was the biggest industrialized city in the southwest. It wasn't just a state, but it was also the central hub of the southwest's economy.The fact that Nox was going there made Queenie curious. "That's sudden. Why?""I have some business there," Nox answered briefly. He didn't want Queenie to worry."How long are you going to be there? When are you coming back?" Queenie was reluctant to see him go."It'll be fast, and then I'll come back right away." Nox squeezed Queenie's hand.Queenie would rather Nox stay with her, but she knew he had work to do. "Fine, but come back soon.""I will." Nox pulled Queenie into his embrace. He then told Selina and Jebediah that he would be paying the Regals a visit.When Selina was told that the Regals had a stash of Phoenix Eye Bodhi Pearls, she asked, "Are you sure those pearls have enough cold energy to rival a thousand-year-old ice plant's?""Yes. The p
The only other companion Nox brought was Copperpeak. Southtomb was more than hundreds of miles away, so Nox was going to take the high-speed rail.Selina was going to have a driver take him there, but Nox declined. High-speed rails were faster and more convenient. Nox and his little group made their way to the station.Since Copperpeak had no ID, Nox cast a spell at the checkpoint so Copperpeak could sneak in. He and Melania bought tickets, of course.Being the lady of a rich family, Melania was driven everywhere in luxury cars. This was her first time riding a high-speed rail. Though disgruntled, she didn't complain out of fear.They got the tickets and waited for their ride. Once it was here, Nox and his little team hopped in. They got business class tickets, so their seats were in the front. After they sat down, the train left the station.It would only take about an hour to get to Southtomb. Nox took out the pearl and fiddled with it. Melania stayed silent, stealing occasional
After that, Nox barely talked to Melania at all. It didn't take long for the train to stop at Southtomb. The little group hopped off their ride, standing at the packed entrance of Southtomb's station. Nox stared at the skyscrapers in the distance. "Here at last."Nox swiveled back. "Your family calls the shots here?""Yes," said Melania."Good. Take me to lunch, then," Nox said imperiously.Melania couldn't refuse, or she would die. Humbly, she asked, "What would you like to eat?""Anything's fine."Melania didn't press on with any more questions. She hailed a ride and led Nox to an eatery. This city was her family's base of operations, so she knew it like the back of her hand. Soon, they arrived at Sunshine Restaurant, the most famous eatery in this city.Every rich businessman or politician would pick Sunshine Restaurant for their gatherings or dining events, so that was where Melania took Nox.The building was octagonal and towered like a mountain. Supercars lined up at the
Master Kingsley smiled. "If you say so, Mr. Hobson. I shall lend a hand, then. After all, us Phantomslayers have always been guest officers for the Regals.""Thank you, Master Kingsley."The group came in, and Donald summoned a waiter to get them the best table, all for Master Kingsley.Just as Master Kingsley was glancing around, he spotted Melania. He shivered. "Could that be…"Noticing that, Donald asked, "What is it, Master Kingsley?"Master Kingsley was looking at Melania closely. He muttered, "But that's Ms. Melania. How can she be here?"That did not escape Donald. Excited, he turned around as well.Finally recognizing Melania, Master Kingsley stood up straighter. "It is her!" He walked up to Nox's table quickly. Donald and his group followed closely."Greetings, Ms. Melania. I am Ashton Kingsley, part of the Phantomslayers." Ashton bowed to Melania.Melania wasn't expecting a run-in with a Phantomslayer here. She looked at Nox, but he didn't even look at them, so she s
After getting chased away, Ashton remained outside, looking gloomy. "Something's off," he muttered."What do you mean, Master Kingsley?" Donald was perplexed.Ashton looked at Sunshine Restaurant. "I get the feeling Ms. Melania doesn't feel right.""What do you mean?""She's not the subservient kind, nor would she look for anyone's permission to do anything. I'm almost certain that punk's holding her hostage.""What? But that's Ms. Melania. That punk wouldn't be so daring, would he?" Donald had a look of disbelief on his face."No idea, but I'm sure she's in trouble." Ashton narrowed his eyes, looking at the restaurant. "Here's an order, Donald. You and your men go to the Regals and tell their family head what we saw," ordered Ashton."Right away." Donald and his students quickly left for the Regals' place.Ashton's eyes were filled with rage. "I don't know who you are, punk, but threatening Ms. Melania is unforgivable!"Back in the restaurant, Nox and Melania had their lunch
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