"Yanagawa Ikkaku? Eastsun's Divine Swordsman?" the silhouette asked."Yes," said Aphrodite."His master died in the Battle of the Ten Nations, and the bastard is coming to this land again? Damn him!" hissed the silhouette."I think we can ignore him. He is going after Nox, after all. And he's not the only one. Gungsten's Moste Magicke has sent their men to attack Nox as well."The silhouette was surprised. "What did he do to alarm Moste Magicke?"Aphrodite said, "I don't know the details, but a few days ago, some entertainment industry leader was killed in the east realm. I think Nox did it."The silhouette burst into laughter. "He's a troublemaker, alright. Moste Magicke is a sect that's been alive for a thousand years.""Are they strong, Grandpa?""Yes, very," said the silhouette. "It's the biggest sect in Seaton and has been here for a millennium. They're experts in curses and formations. The sect has a lot of branches in Seaton. Seaton's black magic is a branch of their spe
Alexander trotted up to the jet. The bodyguards and Empire Corp's top management quickly followed him. As the exit opened fully, Alexander was met with Nox, Bear, Queenie, Jebediah, Copperpeak, and Madison.Thrilled, Alexander approached Nox. "Milord, you're back!"Surprised to see Alexander here, Nox asked, "How'd you know I was coming back, Alex?""Commander Colton told me all about it," said Alexander.That answered Nox's question. 'That fatso loves to show off. Of course, he told Alex.'"It's been a while, Mr. Weeks." Queenie came out as well.Alexander almost called her "milady," but he swallowed his words. Happily, he said, "Oh, it's a delight seeing you, Ms. Sanders." Alexander sent Nox and Queenie off to the southwest after the tragedy that befell her. Seeing her awake now made him ecstatic."We should get to Dragoncourt, Alex," Nox said."Of course."Everyone got into Alexander's car and made their way to Dragoncourt.The estate had been empty since Nox left. Nox wan
Madison said, "Greenie, you talk to Queenie. I'll leave you two to it." She then left, leaving Nox and Queenie alone in the room."We're finally home. I want to see my folks, Nono." It had been a long trip, and Queenie wanted to see her parents as soon as she could."Sure, I'll go with you.""Okay."Nox asked Alexander to get them a car, and they set off for the Sanders Residence. Nox got some presents on the way. They were visiting after quite a hiatus. So, they had to get Queenie's folks something.The couple came to the Sanders Residence with an armful of gifts. Alexander was following them. "Should I go in as well, milord?""Yeah, come in," Nox said calmly.They had just entered when they were greeted with the sounds of argument."Pay up, Sanders. That painting is Emerald's Shadow, made by Virtuoso in the sixteenth century. Do you have any idea how valuable it is? When it went on an auction at Gungsten a few years ago, it was sold for one and a half million!"A baldy weari
George gasped in surprise upon seeing his daughter's sudden return. Yvette stared at her daughter in wide-eyed surprise, too."I'm back, guys!" Queenie said happily as she ran up to her parents. Yvette hugged her tightly, her eyes tearing up."You're home. Your father and I were worried sick." She wiped her tears away.George heaved a sigh of relief at seeing his daughter home safe and sound. Queenie turned around, pointing at the baldy. "Who are these people? Why are they asking you for money?""Antique market guys," said Yvette. "They're scamming your father. They claimed he ruined their painting. So, he has to pay up."Queenie flew into a rage. "Who are you? How dare you scam my family!"The baldy gave Queenie a side-eye. "And who are you, girl? Get your nose outta this.""This is my home. So, their business is my business!" retorted Queenie."Ah, so you're this guy's daughter. Pretty." He clicked his tongue. "Regardless, you still have to pay. Your father ruined a precious
"Boss?" The lackeys were flabbergasted to see their boss taken out with a single slap. However, they snapped out of it quickly."That bastard beat up the boss! Get him!" They held their steel bars and attacked Nox. Alas, dull thuds punctured the air as the thugs flew back from a slap, just like their boss. They, too, were knocked out cold.After that, Nox approached Queenie's folks with a smile on his face. "George, Yvette, are you alright?"George almost leaped with glee when Nox called him by his first name. "We're alright," he said quickly.Although Yvette had no idea how powerful Nox was, she felt satisfied that he stood up for them. Still, she felt rather bashful to hear Nox addressing her as such. This could only mean he saw them as his in-laws."Alex, toss these dumbasses out. Queenie and I want to spend some time with our family." Nox followed the Sanderses into their house.Alexander waved his hand, and dozens of bodyguards came rushing in and tossed the scammers out.Q
Yvette's acerbic response made George get to his feet. "You're unreasonable. Have you seen how Nox treats Queenie? He went all the way to the Southwest just to cure her. You can't just toss him away after you get what you wanted out of him!""Are you calling me ungrateful? I can't believe you! Don't you remember who did this to Queenie?" Yvette gave Nox a look.When Queenie saw her parents getting into a squabble, she quickly stepped in. "Stop, you guys! I'll stay at home, alright?"Nox looked at Queenie. "Queenie, I…" Nox wanted Queenie to move in with him so he could tend to her himself. The poison could flare up at any moment, after all.Queenie understood his reasons. Still, she stopped Nox from explaining further as she said, "It's alright, Nono. I'm finally home. Just let me stay with my folks for a bit."Nox mused for a moment. "Fine, but take your meds."Queenie nodded. Nox stayed for a while before leaving. Queenie wanted him to stay for dinner. Alas, Yvette seemed less
Alexander was taking Nox back to Dragoncourt in his Maybach. When Nox left the residence alone earlier, he inquired, "Milord, is the lady not coming back?"Nox said, "Her mother refuses to let her go. So, she's staying with her folks."Alexander grumbled, "Crystals still won't let you date her daughter? She's being such a harpy about it!""She's just a civilian," said Nox. "They worry about the most mundane things. I can understand where she's coming from."Nox was right. Yvette was a mother. Of course, she wouldn't let her daughter move in with a guy before they got married. He could respect that. Alexander mused over his statement and said nothing more."Alex, give Queenie's folks 30 million when you get back. Transfer it straight to their bank account. Don't pay them in cash. It's never easy being parents," said Nox slowly.Alexander didn't even think as he promptly responded, "Of course, milord. I'll tell the finance department to handle it."Nox said nothing more. Money mea
Nox quickly made his way to the inner room.On a soft bed lay Madison, who was writhing in pain.Her face was flushed, and her body was emitting a feverish heat.Nox's expression changed when he saw this, and he hurried to Madison's side.Madison had already fallen unconscious. As Nox reached her, he extended his hand to check her condition. A strong wave of heat met his hand when he touched her forehead."What a high fever!"Bear, standing nearby and unsure of the situation, quickly asked Nox, "Milord, what's wrong with this famous actress?"Nox didn't respond. Instead, he grabbed Madison's wrist to feel her pulse, after which his expression turned grim.Her pulse was extremely erratic, and amidst the chaotic pulse, he could sense terrifying energy emanating from her lower abdomen's elixir field.The heat and pain she was experiencing seemed entirely due to the mysterious energy in her abdomen."How could this be? What exactly is happening in her abdomen?"After a few secon
"What a joke. Do you think that shabby saber can defeat me? Even if Sariel were here, I could still take him down. You're not a talented cultivator at all. All you care about is the decadence of mortals. Even if you risk your life when it matters most, it's still useless."You should've lived out your life in mediocrity. Enlightenment does not come to those who refuse it, and you have clearly said no to my offer, so you shall suffer in hell. It is your rightful place." The monk laughed and made hand seals. A black demonic seal came out of his palm and went straight for Atlas' vitals."I'm done for." Atlas didn't want to die like this. He shouldn't have gloated. Perhaps this wouldn't have happened. He would never rest in peace if he died while Faeast was in trouble. He could excuse himself if his defenses were taken down, but no. His defense was lax, and now his enemy was going to kill him like he was a maggot.His ancestors would rip him to shreds when he met them. Atlas regretted a
The Nox Army wanted to fight with Atlas, but Atlas roared, "Fall back! The enemy is the House of Enlightenment's leader! You're just going to get yourself killed!" He talked to them as governor-general, and Atlas charged into battle alone."You think you can stop me, Atlas? I will kill you and take the nation's fate!" Cyrus rode the wind, and Atlas risked his life. He faced Cyrus' spells and fought him head-on. Though it seemed valiant, Atlas was risking his life, and yet he couldn't get close to Cyrus. All he could do was buy some time.It wasn't pretty on the other side. The swordsman in rein used to be Sword Sect's leader's student, and his powerful swordsmanship was the bane of Mystian cultivators. Harley was burning his spirit to hold on.While the battles raged on, dark clouds hung over Imperia, and they slowly turned into skeletons, threatening to engulf the city. Dark mists traveled everywhere, covering the city. The sleeping residents were haunted by nightmares and couldn't
"That god's aura is incredibly weak now. Shit, that bastard's after White Tiger!" The Hidden Dragon Guards realized what was going on, and they told headquarters about this, but to make things worse, they lost contact with headquarters.Everyone back there was dead, including the royal guards. They were lying in pools of their own blood. There was a barrier hanging around, cutting off all contact with the outside world. The powerhouses in the palace were killed, and none survived. Curiously, the royal family living near the palace was fine.Jaculus was outside the palace. He got the message and came back from the outskirts to hold the fort. He'd been stationed at the Dragon Vein, but this was an emergency, so he had to come back.Jaculus was helpless, however. Atlas and the god were stronger than him, but their situation was unknown, and they needed him to save the situation. "Shit. Black Tortoise and Vermilion Bird are overseas, and Lord Nox is in Mystia. Sword Sect is in trouble t
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