An elder gushed, "That's the Southkings! They're here!"Everyone looked outside as if their savior had arrived. "Quick. We need to greet them!" They ran out like dogs welcoming their master.A dozen silhouettes stood at the entrance. The one in the lead was a sallow man with sunken eyes. He had obviously overindulged in his lust. Beside him was a group of powerful disciples from the Southkings.One was an old man with a pockmarked face. The air around him was thick with magick. He certainly looked like a powerful man."Mr. Arthur, this is the family of your fiancee?" The pockmarked man looked at the plaque above.On a closer inspection, the sallow man was not only unhealthy; he was lame. A smile curled his lips. "Yes, Mr. Zanther.""I've heard of their rulership here in the southwest, and their patriarch is number seven on the Heavenly Ranking. If you can take his granddaughter's hand in marriage, you will become part of the main family, I expect," said the pockmarked man."I'll
"Even your patriarch died?" Arthur asked, shocked."Yes," Joshua answered, tears rolling down his cheeks."His body is in the great hall as we speak." A Regal elder wiped the tears away, his voice cracking."Mr. Southking, you must help us.""Mr. Southking, please avenge us!"The Regals started groveling. Arthur looked solemn. He thought the Regals called him to discuss matters regarding the marriage, but now he was tasked with their revenge. Although he was reluctant to dirty his hands, Arthur had to rely on the Regals for his future."Of course. Leave this to me. I would like to see my fiancee. Where is she?"Joshua quickly answered, "She's in the great hall.""She's not touched, I presume?" Arthur asked again."No, but Greenshade made her his servant for a while.""What? He made my woman his servant?" Arthur roared. "Is she still pure, then?"Joshua was stunned for a moment, then he said, "Worry not. She's still pure."Arthur looked stormy. Obviously, he didn't believe a
Arthur sneered. "Do you think I'm a fool? You're a beauty, and you have a perfect body. Any man would want to rail you. I bet that Greenshade bastard had the same idea."Melania felt insulted as she gnashed her teeth. "Shut it, Arthur! You do not get to question my integrity!"A dark smile twisted Arthur's lips. "I'm your fiance. Of course, I get to question you.""If that's the case, then let's cancel the engagement. I will not let this insult slide!" Melania was furious now. She never wanted to marry Arthur in the first place. Now that he had insulted her integrity, she wouldn't stand to be tied to this person any longer than necessary."You're going to cancel our engagement over a bastard, Melania?" Arthur's face was contorted with rage.Melania said nothing. She had made up her mind to annul the engagement. Her silence made Arthur fume, his face turning an ugly shade of magenta."Damn you, Melania. Let's see if you can still take that tone with me after I kill that bastard!"
Nox ignored Mr. Zanther entirely. Instead, he kept going on, "Melania, a word of advice. Annul the engagement. This piece of shit isn't worth it. He doesn't deserve his family's name."Melania probably didn't understand. Nonetheless, she kept her silence even if she did understand his hint."You insolent child!" Mr. Zanther wouldn't stand for this. He stepped ahead again, the magick around him tearing into the air as his eyes bore into Nox's soul."You're insulting the Southkings. No one does that and gets out alive."Bear stepped ahead, taking the challenge. "Hey, the lord is talking, you barmy old codger. One more word and I'll slit your throat wide open!"Mr. Zanther's fury took over his mind. "Damn you!" he roared, charging at Bear with his palm open.Bear didn't even move. Rather, he stood there with a slight smile on his face. However, he suddenly spoke before the palm could hit him, "What the fuck are you waiting for, you little monster?"A white silhouette flickered and
The real pride and joy was the young man who stood with Nox. The air around him was filled with bloodlust, and he had the aura of a powerful swordsman.Bear guffawed and mocked the kneeling entourage, "That's what you get for showing off, you old git. And you, limpy! You call yourself Southkings? Well, come on. Don't let us stop you!"Arthur and Mr. Zanther felt their strength leaving them. They continued groveling. "Please, I'm sorry. I had no idea you were here, Master Augustus. Please, spare me!""You want him to spare you? Who do you think you are?" Bear retorted. "Tell these idiots who's the real pride and joy of the Southkings, you little monster!"Augustus wasn't as much of a braggart as Bear. So, he merely stood in silence."Listen up, Regal idiots! This whole marriage is a farce! This man is nothing but a piece of trash, get it? He doesn't get to call himself a part of the Southkings! He's just a branch family trash! No, that's insulting to trash! This little monster here
Melania was shaken. She felt something stuck in her throat as she tried to speak. Alas, only choked air left her throat. Tears trickled down her face. Nox did try to settle things diplomatically. He told them to hand over the bracelet, but they refused.As a result, Drago was killed, and they were told that the man they latched their hopes on was just a branch family trash. Melania felt her heart shatter as she fell onto her knees. Finally, she turned to look at Nox with despair."Please, spare my family. We… we're sorry." Regret fueled her tears.Melania's brothers and the survivors went down on their knees as well."Please, spare us."They finally relented to Nox's power. After all, the pride and joy of the family, which they thought was their ally, knew Nox. He was even Nox's sworn brother. They stood no chance in this battle.Nox looked at them coolly. "I can spare you, but you now serve me. I will brook no disobedience."No one objected. Instead, everyone nodded in eerie un
Nox came out, followed by Bear and Augustus. Copperpeak came after them, and then Melania was at the back of the group. The usually gorgeous Melania looked disheveled and tired.The sect members were terrified of Nox. They stood in silence, fearing the worst. Nox came to the center of the hall and took the spot there. Everyone stared at him, waiting for his announcement with bated breath. They were worried he might slaughter them all.The moment Nox sat down, an invisible wave of pressure slammed onto the sect members. He looked at them. "I presume you know why you're summoned?"The Saberbreaker Sect's members went down on their knees. "Please, spare us. If you do, we'll make you our leader. We'll serve you!"Following the Saberbreaker Sect, the Shapewill Sect, the Greencity Watch, the Spice brothers, the Unbreakable Temple, and the members of all sects knelt."Please, spare us.""Spare us, and we'll make you our leader. You can command all of us."Since everyone was eager to ma
Melania was shivering with surprise at the announcement that she would be managing the Martial Alliance. With tearful eyes, she stared at Nox. 'He doesn't hate me? And he wants me to manage the southwest's Martial Alliance?'The Regals had the same thought. They even thought Nox would destroy their family, but now he was appointing Melania as the Martial Alliance's new manager. It was a stunning revelation.Jonathan quickly said, "Don't just stand there, Melania. Hurry up and say your thanks.""What he said. Say thank you!" added Joshua.They were worried Nox might get displeased and change his mind. Melania, however, was stunned. Her eyes were still on Nox. "W-Why do you want me to manage them? Don't you hate me?"Nox grinned. "Why should I hate you?""But after what my family did to you…" Melania trailed off.Nox waved her down. "Your family has paid for their sins. Now, I need you to whip this alliance into shape."Melania started crying again."And you're not going to just
Back in the regular guards' camp, Harley spat blood. He was lying in the ruins of a building, his body covered in slash marks. His Celestial technique was broken. This man was leagues above him. Celestial techniques were useless. The swordsman was too powerful."Magic Mountain's techniques? But their swordsmen are on good terms with the lord!" Harley stared at the man in green. He defeated Harley using Magic Mountain's techniques.Magic Mountain and Mystia had always been at loggerheads. They had slain many demons and monsters throughout the years, and their swordsmanship was a bane for the cultivators."I wonder how Nox managed to make a Mystian like you loyal to him. Yes, I am a Magic Mountain swordsman. Was, to be honest. I was kicked out a hundred years ago. My master said my heart is astray. How laughable. I have killed demons over ninety years, and hundreds of them have died to my blade! My heart is not astray!"Your sins are innumerable, Harley, and you must be slain! White
All of a sudden, the soldiers let go of their weapons. They had a look of fanaticism on their faces as they throttled themselves to death. The party went on, and the bluebloods enjoyed every moment, oblivious to the incoming danger.The monk passed through the residence smoothly, with all the soldiers and guards throttling themselves to death. Suddenly, everyone noticed a monk in red robes in the party hall. The drunk guests thought this was an event arranged by Atlas."We have a monk here. Wonder what kind of show you're presenting," a portly rich man joked, laughing loudly."Show? I am the leader of an evil sect. No show, but I do have a scripture to share. The government calls my sect evil, and they claim the monks are agents of darkness. You are not much better yourself. Omitofo."The old monk chanted once more, and the look on everyone's faces changed. Some knelt and cried their hearts out. Some groveled and didn't even notice that their heads were bleeding. They talked about
Back in his residence, Atlas called a feast and invited the bluebloods of Imperia. He was glowing during the event and could never be happier. He used to be a declining aristocrat with nothing but the title of nobility.However, his luck turned for the better when he got older. He followed Nox into battle at Heaven's Cage, Vertolt, and Winterosch, making him a true lord. The Limerents controlled the nation, and he was a prince. He could even have some power over the nation or at least be one of the top dogs in Faeast.If Nox became emperor, then all the better. Perhaps he could be a more intimate part of the royal family. He drank to his heart's content and partied with the most desired people in Imperia. Nothing could be better."Life is short, people. Drink!"…The Ice Temple's vice-Lord was in the regular guards' encampment. This was a critical junction, and yet Atlas wasn't at his post. Instead, he was having a party. The vice-Lord had a bad feeling about this, but he had no p
Harley sneered, having nothing but disdain for Atlas. "I can't believe the master would employ a shithead like you."Atlas laughed. "You think you're so high and mighty, but you're also Lord Nox's lapdog now. I am his subordinate, and we have a close relationship. I'm also the uncle of the emperor. That makes me Lord Nox's great-uncle," bragged Atlas."Dumbass. Just do your fucking job. Vermilion Bird and Black Tortoise told me the Mousses might try something," Harley cursed.The mention of the Mousses made Atlas panic, but he calmed himself down and snored. "The Mousses? They won't dare do anything when I'm here. If they show up, I'll kick their ass! I command thirty thousand units. If they come to Imperia, it'll be the last thing they see!" Atlas was confident.Harley was speechless. 'My word, how can he be such a braggart?'With thirty thousand Nox Army units in Imperia, combined with the Forbidden Army, the regular guards, and 200 thousand elites protecting Imperia, nothing co
Vermilion Bird said, "Azure Dragon used to be an Advanced Eight Gates. After the Mousses had him under their control, he became a Supreme. Judging by these photos, he's gotten more powerful since then."'More powerful?' Nineve knew how the cultivators were ranked. Top Legend Realms were another kind of life form entirely. In Faeast, a Supreme could be made a lord. An undefeatable Supreme would be made a ruler. A Sovereign was made every five hundred years, while a ruler was made every century.Supremes appeared once every decade or so. "I don't get it. You three obviously found some power source, and with Nox's help, you leveled up. Azure Dragon only has the Mousses. How'd he level up so fast?"If the Mousses were so powerful, they wouldn't have to resort to assassinations or betrayals."Not the Mousses. It's all Azure Dragon. He's our captain. He's a very talented and cunning man. Emphasis on talent. He's so strong that not even three of us can compare to him, combined. The only g
Elizabeth said nothing but went red and hung her head low, causing Black Tortoise to panic."Uh oh. If you want him, you'll have to fight for him. That's all I can say, but the lord does think highly of you." He laughed."Shut it, Black Tortoise. You're talking nonsense here!" Vermilion Bird snapped. "See you, Your Majesty." She then took Black Tortoise and left the room quickly. They had work to do.The duo led most of the Shadow Division members back to Faeast. After the incident of Brundela, Faeast's fate was going strong, and the people were excited. However, beneath that excitement was unseen danger.Vermilion Bird and Black Tortoise came back to Northstate's governor-general's place and met up with Nineve. Black Tortoise said solemnly, "What happened, Your Highness? We need the details."Nineve looked exhausted, and there were dark circles under her eyes. She had been working hard in Nox's absence. "Honestly, Atlas… I mean, the Defender of the Lord hasn't been pulling his we
Douglas worked through the night for the negotiation."One, you must apologize for your invasion of Faeast. Two, you will return all stolen relics to us and pay for damages. Three, you will open trade with Faeast, and it must be complete and total. Those are our demands. We promise not to interfere with your nation's administration. Once the aid is administered, our fleet and army will retreat from Brundela."And one more thing. Faeast recognizes you as Brundela's new ruler." That was interesting. It also meant that Faeast could rescind that recognition at any time. Elizabeth had no choice. Without Faeast, Brundela would be gone. In the end, the nations arrived at an agreement.At midnight, they called a press conference. Faeast helped Eropa settle a war and avert a world disaster. That news took the world by storm. The Eastern dragon was rising, and none could stop it. It wouldn't take long for Faeast to return to the top.Brundela's case was over. After they gave enough aid, Ferg
"They call you Great Generals?" the Ice Temple Lord laughed. "If I do want to betray him, how do you hope to stop me? You three had to take me on together, and it only ended in a draw. Now that I'm an Emperor and White Tiger is in a slumber, I can destroy you in a moment!"The Ice Temple Lord looked at Vermilion Bird and Black Tortoise with disdain. Vermilion Bird's eyes were wide. She didn't care. She would fight the Temple Lord to the bitter end if she must.Black Tortoise was the calmer one, and he pulled Vermilion Bird back. "Calm down. Even if he wants to betray the lord, he at least would want to see the lord's body before he tries anything."Even a woman like Aphrodite lost this fight. He wouldn't dare try anything stupid."The Ice Temple Lord was still smug about being an Emperor, and now his celebration was cut short. Betraying Nox required a lot of courage. Nox's power terrified him. Even if he couldn't win the fight, Nox could at least come back safely.Besides, he only
The formation Nox created with the Sovereign Seal was on the brink of destruction. Once the formation was gone, the Sovereigns and the spirits would return to dust. In this final moment, Brundela's Faeastian called their friends and family in their homeland and projected the modern-day Faeast onto the gigantic screen in the plaza.The spirits cried when they saw how developed their nation had become. The Sovereigns and the rulers were meticulous people. They used to rule over a unified nation, so they knew how hard it was to create a dynasty. Every dynasty would have its peak and nadir.Every time a dynasty was on a decline, Faeast would be in danger. They didn't talk about the truth behind that video, of course. They admired the beautiful land of Faeast as they waited for their final moment to arrive."The hardest and darkest moment is behind us, sirs. Faeast has me now. You may rest in peace. I will not let you down. I will destroy the canker that infects Faeast and give it the pe