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
"Do you know why I brought you here, Nono?" Queenie approached the center of the plants.Nox shook his head."Because this is my secret garden." Queenie caressed the plants. She planted and cared for them herself. "Not even my parents know of this place. Every time I feel upset or bullied, I always come here alone. You're the first one to enter my secret garden."Nox looked around the room.Suddenly, Queenie pointed at the Carola. "Do you know what this flower's name is?"Nox shook his head, feigning ignorance."Carola, the wishing rose. They're grown in Findella, and the type of rose I love the most. And it carries a great meaning behind it. You can tell your most beautiful wish to it. I heard Findellan royalty loves them, too. Pity they're rare and expensive…"Queenie carefully caressed the rose's petals. "Nono, kneel with me," Queenie blurted."You want me to kneel?" No one ever asked Nox to kneel. Besides his parents and mentors, of course."Yeah. Come on. Get on your knee
Morning came. Queenie came down, all dressed up in professional attire. The black suit showed off her waist perfectly, and a pair of black stockings encased her legs. She looked just like a perfect modern lady."I'm going to work, Nono. Stay home, okay?" Queenie drove to the company, leaving Nox alone at home.Nox saw her off and was about to return to his room, but someone sneered. Nox turned around to see George glaring at him."Just because Dad likes you doesn't mean you can stay in this household all you want. As long as I'm here, I'm not going to let this happen. And my daughter is too good for you. I'd leave if I were you. You're nothing but an embarrassment."Nox didn't even bother. He left for his room."Hey, I'm talking to you! Are you deaf? Hey!" George finally realized Nox was ignoring him, and he almost went berserk with rage.Yvette came out. "What's wrong, George?"George stomped his foot. "I can't believe this!""Who got on your nerves?" Yvette was confused."Wh
Nox activated his eyes.From behind the screen came two muffled groans. The next moment, the screen shattered into splinters, revealing two Sacred Realm cultivators staggering backward under the relentless assault of Nox's powers.The pair wore golden robes adorned with intricate ancient runes, their long hair cascading over their traditional attire. Their garb unmistakably marked them as followers of the path of the ancient divine.Behind them, a woman sat poised and composed, sipping tea with an air of unbothered grace as Nox watched. Her crimson lips parted slightly as she set the teacup down, her breathtakingly beautiful face touched with an edge of sharp intensity. "Lord Nox, it's been a while," she said coolly.Nox's pupils contracted, a flicker of surprise crossing his face. He murmured under his breath, "What is she doing here? As far as I know, the Greenshade family hasn't crossed her path."The woman's keen hearing caught his muttering, and her expression darkened inst
Nox stepped into the Greenshade estate alone.As soon as he entered the courtyard, he spotted Atlas, the Defender Lord of the North, kneeling in the middle of the yard.The sight of him kneeling was unsettling. His face twisted in rage, his body trembling, though it was hard to tell if it was from anger or exhaustion.Nox glanced at Atlas briefly, ignoring him completely as he walked past him without a second thought."Huh? Hey! Nox! Don't you care about me at all? I've been kneeling here all night!" Atlas called out, desperate for attention.Nox smirked, clearly amused. "You're hilarious. It's not like I told you to kneel here.""What? Can you at least show some conscience? I heard your family was in trouble, so I brought the Forbidden Army here right away!" Atlas huffed, his cheeks puffed out in frustration.When Nox continued walking without responding, Atlas's face twitched in embarrassment, almost as though he might burst into tears.Just then, Nox flicked his hand, dispel
Nox unleashed his divine sense, scanning the entire perimeter of Imperia. The same scene repeated itself everywhere: borders littered with unconscious civilians, numerous car crashes, and many more trapped victims in desperate need of help."It looks like we need to break this damned formation first. Ugh, what a pain. And of course, we've got to locate the core before we can dismantle it," he muttered in frustration.The Soul Maze Formation was powerful—so much so that only those in the Legend Realm could traverse it unscathed. Imperia didn't boast many cultivators at that level, and those few were already occupied along the borders, rescuing civilians.Nox focused his Divine Sense and quickly pinpointed the core of the formation within minutes."There's a Sacred Realm guardian from the path of the ancient divine stationed at the core," Nox said telepathically to Cassian. "Grandpa, you and Kirin should head there. But don't rush—leave the rest to me."Nox's caution was clear—he di
Aphrodite maintained her usual stoic demeanor, but behind the scenes, she said to White Tiger telepathically, "Being enslaved by Nox's soul technique? That's quite the excuse. Surely, you know I'm naturally immune to soul techniques?"White Tiger scoffed and shot back telepathically, "They'd have chopped you into pieces by now if I hadn't done some fast talking! Do me a favor and behave yourself for once, or I'll handle you personally before they could even get the chance."Despite his grumbling, White Tiger couldn't help but feel a mix of envy and frustration over Aphrodite's extraordinary immunity. It was said that if someone's mind was honed to an unparalleled level, they could naturally resist soul techniques. Aphrodite had truly reached such a pinnacle of intellect.Aphrodite assumed command of the Nox Army as Nox's soul technique had seemingly bound her to him. She immediately ordered them and the nearby forces to retreat, leaving only the Sword Sect of Magic Mountain behind
Kirin and White Tiger had already entered Nox's room, only to freeze at the sight of his stormy expression. Trouble was clearly brewing."Milord, what happened?" White Tiger asked cautiously, lowering his head as if trying to shrink out of sight.Could this be about them swindling Aphrodite? But they had lost everything all night long—wasn't that punishment enough?Nox announced, "Imperia has gone dark. I can't reach Azure Dragon or the others. White Tiger, contact the military zone immediately and arrange for a military aircraft. I need to leave for Imperia right now!"White Tiger instantly tensed at the news. Imperia suddenly going dark, combined with Cassian's imminent return to reunite with Penelope, felt too coincidental. Could someone be targeting the Greenshade family?"Damn those scoundrels! Understood, milord. I'll get everything ready!"He rushed off to make the arrangements.Meanwhile, Aphrodite's telepathic voice reached Nox. "Stay calm. It's not as dire as it seems.
Nox felt choked by the sheer emotion he was feeling. Sometimes, even a thousand promises couldn't compare to the simple vow of staying together in life and death."Don't worry. There's no one in this world capable of killing me," he reassured her with a smile. All the talk about ruling the Nine States and Five Domains or becoming the emperor of the world paled in comparison to having the one he loved by his side.The destroyer ship made its way back to Faeast's inner harbor. Nineve eagerly led the group to the largest shopping mall in the area as soon as they disembarked.The marines quickly found themselves acting as her personal attendants, lugging bags upon bags of purchases. The spree lasted the entire day, only stopping when the mall finally closed for the night.Later that evening, Nox was watching a live news broadcast in the hotel.The screen showed an official spokesperson from Faeast addressing the issue of piracy on the high seas. The statement carefully emphasized the
As the Temple Lord of the Beast Temple, Kirin was none other than the auspicious beast Kirin itself.On the other hand, Mufasa, while known as the temple's guardian, was, in cruder terms, little more than a servant to the golden lion. His master, the golden lion, paled in comparison to the Kirin in both cultivation level and bloodline.Simply put, if the golden lion were present, it would have to kneel before Kirin."What now? Why'd you drag me out? Couldn't you deal with it yourself? You're so annoying! I was just having a great chat with my students," Kirin grumbled, clearly irritated.However, he immediately shut his gob after receiving a hard whack on the head from Nox."I called you out to ask if you could gather the beasts of the Beast Temple. Tell them to withdraw from Mystia and return to Faeast for the time being. I foresee a war with the path of the martial brewing soon, and I'll need a fully armed force of sacred beasts," Nox said, his piercing gaze fixed on Kirin."Ca
Faeast's rise was inevitable. This belief was absolute and unshakable!At that moment, Aphrodite came to a realization that so long as she and Nox had no romantic ties, their hearts could truly be in sync.Love brought complications such as resentment and division. But without personal emotions clouding their judgment, everything they did would be for the nation alone. Take this moment, for example. The intricate trap she had laid was no longer just a scheme. Rather, it had become a necessary move to safeguard Faeast. By nightfall, the destroyer arrived at the island where Voltaic resided. Before the ship even came to a stop, Voltaic stepped onto the water, striding across the waves with Mufasa by his side. With effortless grace, he leaped onto the bow, landing before Nox on the deck. "You old bastard, what's your deal? When I tried reaching out before, you acted like you were deaf. Now that I've shown up, you're all smiles and warm welcomes? What's that supposed to mean?" No
Just then, several pirate ships appeared on the horizon. They were from Capwave Island. Now, Nox had every reason to suspect that these pirates were nothing more than pawns, a smokescreen used by the elites of the island nations to cover their tracks. "Milord, those guys have their eyes on us. What's the call?" the captain asked. "My rule is simple. If they make a move, fire. Wipe them out. But you're the captain, so I'll leave the decision to you," Nox said. The university students onboard were all fired up, ready to take action without a second thought. The captain, mindful of the number of civilians on board, decided to attempt communication first. He picked up the radio to send a warning to the pirates.The deafening roar of jet engines ripped through the sky. A sudden transmission cut into their frequency. The voice on the radio was firm and unmistakable. "This is the Faeast Air Force. We have orders to escort your vessel. Stand by." Above them, fighter jets h