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
A truck trudged down the road and came to a stop before the Sanders Residence. A whole stash of Carola roses was tucked in the container. A group of workers leaped off the truck.George and Yvette came out. They saw the truck and the whole stash of beautiful roses, but they wondered what was up."What are you guys doing?" George asked one of the truckers.The trucker answered, "Hey, we have a flower delivery here.""A flower delivery?""Yeah. We bought the whole city's supply of Carola roses this morning for Miss Queenie Sanders. Is she in?"'What? These are for Queenie?' Yvette and George were stupefied. They couldn't believe these people bought the whole city's supply of Carola just for Queenie."You bought the whole city's roses for my daughter? Who sent you?" Yvette asked in shock.One of the truckers answered, "The Empire Corp. Wait, you don't know?"The answer petrified George and Yvette for a moment, and then they started to buzz with excitement. "The Empire Corp again!
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