"I do have money. The card is legit!"Queenie tried to explain, but Hudson wasn't going to listen. "Either you pay up, or I'll make you. We worked our asses off for you, and you're withholding our salaries? Guys, what say you? Should we make them pay?"Their emotions stirred, the workers roared, "Yes!"A venomous sneer twisted Hudson's lips. He held his steel bar tighter and jabbed it at Queenie. "One last time. Pay up!"Queenie was crying from fear now. She had no cash to pay everyone."You're not paying? Then you're asking for it." Hudson approached Queenie.George darted ahead and tried to stop him, but Hudson kicked him away. George fell, the pain keeping him down.Queenie roared, "Dad!"Hudson raised his weapon.The steel bar swung away at Queenie, but the split second before Queenie was hit, someone grabbed the weapon."You filthy bastard. How dare you attack my woman?" A towering figure stood before Queenie.It was none other than Nox.Hudson froze. Jezebiah and Hogs
The sight of Ferguson petrified George while Queenie's eyes went wide.Ferguson approached Queenie and smiled. "We meet yet again, Ms. Sanders.""M-Mister, what brings you here?" Queenie stared at Ferguson, dumbstruck.Ferguson answered, "My employer has heard of your financial woes. He sent me here to aid you. Monetarily speaking, of course."'Monetary aid?' Queenie's parents were speechless, and so was Queenie.Ferguson then snapped his fingers at the armored cars. The great vehicles roared closer to the factory. A dozen armed officers leaped out of the vehicles and pulled the doors open, revealing wads of cash stacked in the storage.Four armored cars brought a total of 150 million dollars. The impact stunned everyone once more. The workers, Queenie, and her parents, everyone. Yes, Jezebiah and Hogs included. Eventually, Hogs' legs buckled, and he almost fell unconscious.Nox was the only one standing still."A hundred and fifty million, Ms. Sanders. Take it. If you need mor
And with Empire Corp's help, the fiasco came to an end. The workers were paid, and the Sanderses could rest easy.Queenie, however, was still staring at the armored cars and the mountains of cash within. She was still basking in disbelief, but Ferguson eventually came up to her and broke her out of her stupor."Now that your financial woes are settled, what will you do? Do you require more assistance?"Queenie stared at Ferguson for a while. She shook her head."Very well. We shall be taking our leave, then."Ferguson was about to leave, but Queenie blurted, "Hey, wait a minute."Ferguson turned around, smiling at Queenie. "What might you need, Ms. Sanders?"Queenie pointed at the armored cars. "Can you tell me the reason you guys keep helping me? I don't think I know anyone in Empire Corp."The smile on Ferguson's lips remained. "But my employer knows you.""You mean Alexander, the richest man in Riverton?"Ferguson nodded, but that only added to Queenie's pile of questions.
Queenie didn't stop scolding her uncle.Since they were having a falling out anyway, Hogs sneered. "You think you can lecture me, girl? Empire Corp might be backing you up, but I call the shots in this household. You're already exiled, girl. You're not a part of this family.""You call the shots? Grandpa is still alive. No one but him can exile me," Queenie retorted snarkily."Dad? He's been bedridden for years. If you're trying to scare me, you're doing a bad job."And then a roar exploded through the air. "You think I'm bedridden?"Hogs knew that voice all too well, and he froze in shock. Then, he saw a familiar silhouette strutting into the scene. The man was none other than Henry."Dad!""Grandpa!"Queenie and her parents couldn't believe Henry just showed up out of nowhere. Jezebiah and Hogs were both shocked. They were staring at Henry unblinkingly, their blood growing cold.'Henry is awake?' That was the thought that went through their heads."Dad, you're awake. I thou
Hogs said, "I'm sorry, Dad. I'm sorry.""You think an apology alone will cut it? No. From now on, you are forever exiled from this family. You are not to return to the household for as long as you live!" Henry bellowed.Hogs plopped down on his behind. A long while later, he raised his head, his eyes red. "Must you go this far, Dad? Don't you care about me? I'm your son."Henry answered, "And that's the only reason I'm not going further, you animal."Hogs burst into laughter. "Fine. If you're going to exile me and Jezebiah, then so be it. But listen closely, you bastards. I won't forget this."He glared at Queenie. "And you, girl. This isn't the last you've seen of me." Hogs said, "Jezebiah, we're leaving."And they left, exiled from the family. What they did had nothing to do with the Sanderses anymore.Jezebiah and Hogs got what they deserved, but Queenie only saw them off in silence. She then looked at Henry. "Grandpa, I thought you were ill. How'd you wake up all of a sudden
Henry started tearing into him. "I haven't even started with you! Did you force Queenie into a marriage with Centersea's heir for the family?"George's heart skipped a beat. "Dad, I—""Silence! You would sell out your own daughter because of your own failure? I can't believe you still have the audacity to stand here and act all high and mighty!"George couldn't talk back."I'm telling you, I will not allow anyone but Nox to marry Queenie." He summoned Nox over and turned to Queenie. "Queenie, you come here too."Queenie approached Henry. Henry held Queenie and Nox's hands and put them together. "I might've been bedridden for a couple of years, but I'm not blind. I can see you two will make the perfect match. Start dating and get married at the end of the year if you can."He added, "And give me a great-grandkid while you're at it.""Grandpa!" Queenie's cheeks were as red as blood, and Nox smiled dryly."That's all I have to say. Now, let's go home." Henry grabbed Nox's hand in
Eventually, the Sanderses were all gathered. Nuclear and extended family. Queenie, her parents, and all the branch families were there. Henry was in the main seat, healthy and lively.He scanned everyone present and cleared his throat. "I'm calling this meeting for an announcement.""What is it?" George asked curiously.A pause later, Henry announced, "I have been informed of our family's situation over the last two years. The main agenda of this meeting is to announce the next family head's candidate. I am, after all, getting on in age.""We're having a new family head?" The Sanderses were stunned."That is correct." Henry nodded. "And the new family head shall be Queenie. Any objections?"There was an uproar. They couldn't believe Henry would make Queenie the next family head.One branch family member spoke up. "That's against the rules, sir. Hogs and George are still around, after all."Henry answered, "I've exiled Hogs. That animal is no longer part of the family, so he's o
Henry got up, smiling at Nox. Nox shook his head."George told me you lost your memories and have no idea who you are. You don't even remember where your house is." He approached Nox.Nox listened silently. Henry blurted, "Just think of this place as your own home."Nox's heart fluttered."I don't know how far you've gone with Queenie, but I want her to marry a good man. Then I can rest easy. As her grandfather, I ask you: can you take care of Queenie?"Nox looked at Henry. "I can.""Good. That's all I want to hear." Henry patted Nox's shoulder. "It's not easy for the family to get this far. I would like for you and Queenie to keep it going on for a while longer.""Don't mind George," he added. "He's lived his whole life playing it safe, but he's a good kid."Nox nodded."That's all I have to say. You're dismissed," Henry said.Nox took his leave. Henry saw him off, and he narrowed his eyes.The moment Nox came out, Queenie hurried up to him. "What'd Grandpa say, Nono?"Nox
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
"You're going nowhere! Die!" The Sovereigns chased after the spirit, and a hundred rulers followed. They trapped the Titan's spirit and ripped him to shreds."Holy shit! That's the ancient Faeastian Sovereigns for you!" White Tiger roared with pride. He was on the roof of a tower somewhere.Emperor Elijah narrowed his eyes and exchanged a look with the other Sovereigns. He hurled the remaining essence of the Titan's spirit to White Tiger and stuffed him with it. The energy filled White Tiger up, and he ballooned. Black, rancid energy came out of his body, and he fell into madness.Nox cast Heaven's Demise and sealed White Tiger's consciousness. The Ice Temple Lord, realizing what the Sovereigns were trying to do, encased White Tiger in a coffin of magic ice."This is an impressive underling you have, Nine-State Lord. Devouring spirits gives him power. Anyone else would've lost their minds and become a killing machine, but White Tiger's already mad to begin with. There's no further
"The third kind of Emperor uses natural energy, the power of Yin and Yang, and the elements to become one. Since they use all kinds of elements and energy to become an Emperor, they are practically invincible."The Ice Temple Lord was excited. "So, you're saying I'm the strongest kind of Emperor?"Nox was speechless. "No, what I was trying to say was you took the wrong path. You could've absorbed the energy in the heavens, but you absorbed the Yin energy in the ground. You're stronger than Frostmir, but his level was higher, so you'd still be no match for him." Nox pursed his lips."Eh?" The Ice Temple Lord was disappointed. He thought he could be on par with Nox once he became an Emperor. The Ice Temple Lord wasn't the only one who gained power. The Ice Temple cultivators did as well. Black Tortoise, White Tiger, and Vermilion Bird gained a lot of power, too.Vermilion Bird was now a Flawless Supreme, Black Tortoise was an Advanced Supreme, while White Tiger was an Intermediate Pi
The fact that Nox could cast Sovereign Seal showed the Ice Temple Lord a new level of power. The Sovereign was more terrifying than the gods. 'No wonder they could rule the world in ancient times.'The ancient Sovereigns and rulers of Faeast attacked their enemies. The fate of Faeast gathered over their heads, piercing the clouds that hung over them. The weaker monsters were all slain, and Emperor Hans pierced the pharaoh with his spear, returning him to dust.Emperor Blade killed the god of another ancient civilization. The evil energy possessing them was purified. Moments later, the only gods left were the Titans. Unlike the possessed gods, the Titans were ancient cultivators.Even if they didn't master any spells or techniques, they'd trained their bodies to their absolute best. The Sovereigns and rulers didn't have much advantage against these enemies.These spirits were only summoned through the relics and the remnants of energy left within. Their bodies were gone, and their s
The talismans were Magic Mountain's Forbidden Art, and Nox had fused them with Ultimate Sun Dragon Manual. Nox's mentors back in Mystia had taught him the Sovereign Seal earlier than expected.Their goal was simple. If Nox became the Sovereign, he could use the seal to command all the natural energy around him. If he didn't become the Sovereign, he would teach the Sovereign how to use the seal.The Sovereign Seal was a Saintly technique and the most ancient technique around. It was stronger than a Celestial technique.A golden seal brighter than the sun slowly rose into the air. It was the Sovereign Seal.As it appeared, natural energy gathered around it. The energy flew into the relics Brundela took from Faeast. Within a museum not open to the public, a bronze sword started to tremble as natural energy flowed into it. That got the attention of a professor."That sword belonged to Faeast's Emperor Elijah! What is going on?"A silhouette came out of the sword, and his aura was maj
Back in the navy command center, Fergus got the drone footage of Brundela's latest development. There were a few generals from the Nox Army with him. They could see that the monsters in the capital were far stronger than the ones they took out."It's a pity the capital is too densely populated. We have the weapons, but we can't use them." Fergus slammed the table in frustration. Even if the capital were to fall into enemy hands and the people torn apart by the monsters, Fergus could not order his men to fire at the capital, or things would be bad for them.Fergus could only open fire if the monsters were in a no man's land."Commander Parrish, the lord has orders. We are to keep the waters guarded. Once the capital's crisis is over, we are to make our way to the port and give humanitarian aid," a Nox Army general said telepathically. He just got Nox's orders."Is that so? Then Nox can stop this crisis." Fergus' eyes shone. He had no idea what Nox was planning, but he was the Sovere
Demons were walking the lands of Brundela. Legendary creatures were roaming the streets as if the end of days were here. The resurrected monsters were causing chaos everywhere. When the Titans showed themselves, despair washed over Brundela.There were too many monsters running around. Even after the Twilight Order and Ice Temple cultivators sent out everyone they had, it still wasn't enough to stop these creatures. The monsters went straight to the council hall, and so did the Titans.The Ice Temple Lord created a Magic Ice Formation and kept using Forbidden Arts and mystical artifacts to fend off the enemies. He had already done his best."You have to do something, Nine-State Lord. I can't hold on much longer!" the Ice Temple Lord said telepathically.Though monsters were about, they were not a threat to the Ice Temple Lord. he could leave anytime he wanted, but he had a deal with Nox. If he were to desert the battlefield, he would face a hell far worse than he could imagine late