The corpse poison of the thousand-corpse worm was the deadliest of them all. That poison would attack the victim's heart and destroy their innards, making them lose all feeling in their limbs.If this symptom dragged on, the victim's body would start to rot from the inside. Eventually, the necrosis would start eating away at their whole body. When Nox thought of that, the scowl on his face deepened.Queenie noticed the look on his face and whispered, "Is it serious, Nox?""It's alright," said Nox quickly. That way, Queenie wouldn't overthink things. "You just have to remember that I'm here. As long as I'm here, I'll definitely cure you."Queenie didn't probe further. Instead, she rested her head on Nox's chest. "I'm not scared of this illness. I'm just worried about losing you. What should I do, then?"Nox felt something squeezing his heart, and he hugged Queenie tightly. "It's alright, Queenie. I will cure you, no matter what. I promise."Queenie didn't say anything in response.
"You've met the lord, I presume?" Bear turned to Selina."Of course," answered Selina."So, what do you think? He's far more handsome, isn't he? More dashing?""Don't beat about the bush, fatso. What are you trying to say?" Selina asked.Bear grinned and teased, "It's a reunion after a long separation, and you loved him so much back then. It's not every day you get to meet him. So, maybe you should take the chance and… You know, get it on with him if you get my drift."Icy fury crept onto Selina's face. "One more word out of you, fatso, and I'll cut off your tongue."Bear scrambled away from her. "I'm just saying what I'm seeing."A cough came from the side. The surprised Bear turned around and quickly saw Nox leading Queenie out. "Milord!" he called. "Oh, Your Highness, you're awake!"Queenie immediately became confused by his form of address. So, she asked, "Who is he, Nono? Why does he call me Your Highness?"Nox shot Bear a scathing look. Bear instantly realized he'd let s
"Good."After the brief introduction, Nox took Queenie back to her room in order to prevent her from getting too exhausted. Queenie suddenly asked, "Do you have anything more to do after this, Nono?"The surprised Nox asked, "No. Why?"Queenie held Nox's arm, chuckling. "Nothing. It's just I gotta visit a relative tomorrow. Can you come with me?""What relative?""My uncle. He's in Greentown as well. I've checked the map, and it's about a dozen miles away. If you're not too busy, maybe we can visit him together?" Queenie told Nox about her uncle.Nox knew that Queenie was bored after staying at Blathanna Sect due to her cursebug affliction. Nox didn't see a reason to reject her proposal, especially since she wanted to pay her relatives a visit. "Yeah, I can make it tomorrow.""Really?""Yep."Queenie beamed. "Thanks, Nono." She rested her head on his chest.The next day, Nox got ready for the visit. Queenie got up early to dress herself up. She wore a floral dress, her hair c
Queenie told Nox about her uncle during their journey there. He was in the construction business. A contractor of some sort, and he'd been doing quite well for himself in the southwest. The taxi started going forward.Halfway through, Queenie said, "Nono, Selina used to have a crush on you, doesn't she?"The sudden question caught Nox by surprise. He froze for a moment and answered, "No.""You're lying. I saw how she looked at you. I saw how she treated you. Of course, she likes you. She even thought about you even when it's supposed to be a visit to my uncle's."Nox quickly explained, "You're reading too much into it, Queenie. I—""It's alright. I'm happy she likes you, Nono.""What do you mean?""I mean, she's beautiful. If a woman like her fancies you, that means you're a brilliant man." Queenie smiled.Nox scratched his head. 'It's impossible to read women.'"However… I'll strangle you with my bare hands if you cheat on me." Queenie pinched Nox's arm.Nox held her hand ge
"Is Uncle David here?"The mention of David Crystals stunned the girl, then she turned her head around. "Dad, someone wants to see you!"A man in a wheelchair came out, and Queenie recognized him."Uncle David!"The honest-looking man in the wheelchair was surprised to see Queenie. "Queenie, is that you?""Yes.""My dear girl, this is a sudden visit. You could've called. I'd be more than happy to pick you up," said David happily."Oh, it was a spur-in-the-moment idea. So, I didn't want to disturb you. What happened to your leg?" Queenie didn't miss the fact her uncle was in a wheelchair.David smiled bitterly. "Some falling slab of stone crashed into it at the site. It's alright, I was careless."Since that was the case, Queenie asked no more questions."Come in, Queenie. It's been years since I saw you. You're all grown up now," David happily invited Queenie and Nox inside. He then told the girl who opened the door, "Zara, this is your cousin, Queenie."Zara looked at Queen
David hastily spoke up when he noticed how hostile Johanna seemed. "Don't mind her, Queenie! That's just the way your aunt is. But you really didn't have to bring us gifts!""Of course I had to, Uncle David," Queenie replied without hesitation. Meanwhile, Nox hadn't uttered a single word at all. From the moment Nox entered the room, he could tell that David was a humble and honest man. However, it was also evident to Nox that Johanna and her blonde-haired daughter didn't think too highly of Queenie."How's the pharmaceutical business going, Queenie?" David started a new topic of conversation. "It's doing fine!""That's great. By the way, Queenie, what does your boyfriend do?" David came up with another question. A hint of awkwardness surfaced on Queenie's face upon the mention of Nox's career. After some contemplation, Queenie decided to tell David the truth. "He doesn't have a job yet.""Oh, I see! There are plenty of opportunities for a young man like him, so I wouldn't be to
Upon unboxing the gift, Johanna was greeted with three fat and juicy pieces of Ganoderma herbs. Johanna lost her temper when she saw the inside of the gift box, which was bare and empty apart from the three pieces of herbs."Look at that, David. What sort of nonsense did your niece get for you? What is this oddly shaped thing? It looks like a mutated root vegetable. Why would we need such a thing?" In a fury, Johanna threw the box of herbs onto the ground. On top of that, she lifted her foot and started to crush the herbs with her high heels. The herbs broke into pieces.Woof! Right then, their pet poodle hurried over and began to munch on the herbs that were on the ground. "Look at that! Only dogs would eat such trash!" Johanna angrily threw herself onto the couch after making a final statement. David had no choice but to sigh in response to Johanna's rage.All of a sudden, they heard the sound of the doorbell. "Who is it?" Johanna, who was still furious, shouted fiercely when she
"Don't kid me, Mr. Hudson. A-Are these really expensive herbs? I thought they were just some root vegetables!" Johanna was on the brink of tears as she questioned the doctor in a hoarse voice.Terrence was slightly offended. "I've been in the field of medicine for 40 years now. Do you think I wouldn't be able to tell the difference between Ganoderma and carrots?"Johanna sank onto the ground with a loud thump after hearing the man's words. "You guys sure are something else! I can't believe you fed these treasured herbs to your dog." Terrence made a snarky comment before he turned to leave. The foolish couple was left to clean up their own mess....In the meantime, Queenie and Nox had left before they got to witness the chaos that struck David's household. Both of them strolled silently on the street."I'm sorry, Nono. I wanted to introduce you to Uncle David today, but I didn't expect..." Queenie mumbled in a rather disappointed tone.Nox knew that she was trying to make him fe
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