"A person who seemingly appeared out of nowhere could kill the Kitagawa Temple's top assassin?" Hitomi's voice was sharp with anger.Mizutani trembled and said, "Please calm down, Miss Hitomi. Everything I said is true! I even used the best hackers, but we still couldn't find any information about this man...""We only know his family name is Greenshade!""And he has a girlfriend named Queenie, who runs a pharmaceutical company in Riverton called Sanders Pharmaceuticals!"Hitomi's expression darkened when she heard this.The purpose of her visit to Faeast was to avenge the death of Onimusha!But no matter what methods her team used, they couldn't uncover any information about Nox.It was frustrating, considering their spy network could even dig up information on the most elite in Faeast, yet they couldn't find anything on Nox."Damn it! Is this man from Faeast really that mysterious?" Hitomi exclaimed."Miss Hitomi, don't worry. Whether or not we find information on him, he is
Queenie's expression changed after she heard the news. Sanders Pharmaceuticals was her family's core business. Ever since Queenie was poisoned, George was the one managing the company.After hearing the news, Queenie quickly asked, "What's the matter, Dad?"George said, "Morton Pharmaceuticals showed up all of a sudden and claimed that we copied their antibiotics, so they want to sue us." "Morton Pharmaceuticals?" Queenie was stunned."Yeah. You need to come over now. If you don't, they're really going to sue."Queenie quickly said, "I'll go there right now, Dad." She hung up and turned to Nox. "Sorry, Nono. Something came up at work. I might have to go.""What happened?" Nox asked."It's a company called Morton Pharmaceuticals. They said my company copied their antibiotics, so they want to sue us." Queenie picked up her bag."I'll come too," said Nox."You?" Queenie was surprised."Yeah. I have nothing to do anyway, so might as well.""Sure. I'll drive." Queenie got out an
When Queenie and her group came in, George pointed at Michael. "That's them."Queenie scanned the group before her. "I'm this company's person in charge. Who might your representative be?""That will be me, Ms. Sanders," Michael answered fluently.Queenie looked at the balding man. "And you are?""He's the owner of our company, Mr. Morton." A bespectacled man beside Michael came forth arrogantly."Hello, Mr. Morton. Why did you come to our company all of a sudden?" Queenie asked.The bespectacled man answered, "Your company copied our antibiotic. This is a violation of intellectual property, and you produced them in secret. You know why we're here."Queenie chortled. "Best think before you speak, sir. Slander is criminal, you know."The bespectacled man laughed loudly. "Criminal? I work for Famous People Firm, and you're talking about the law with me? The fact your company copied our product is enough for me to bankrupt you!" the barrister announced haughtily.George looked so
Michael turned to Queenie. "I apologize for my men's behavior, Ms. Queenie." He bowed. He actually bowed, much to Queenie's surprise.Morton Pharmaceuticals was a multinational conglomerate, and they were richer than she could imagine, so she didn't think Michael would say sorry. "I'm a businessman, and I will look into this case thoroughly. If this is a case of misunderstanding, I will come again and apologize, but if this is no misunderstanding, then we will have to go by the book."Since that was a good point, Queenie said, "Of course, Mr. Morton. Investigate as you please. If you find that we do copy your product, I will shoulder all responsibility.""I trust you're a person of integrity, Ms. Sanders." Michael said, "Then I shall take my leave." He and his men left the office. Before he departed, Michael looked at Nox.After they were gone, George happily said, "That's a decent guy. He's loads better than his snobbish lawyer."Queenie nodded. She thought Michael was a good g
After Nox escorted Queenie back to her house, he hailed a ride to Dragoncourt, and the first thing he did after coming home was to summon Bear.A moment later, Bear came to the great hall. "You called, milord?""Bear, tell your guys to look into Morton Pharmaceuticals immediately. It's a multinational conglomerate in Riverton," Nox said."Um, why the sudden investigation on them, milord?" Bear wondered aloud."Because I suspect it's a front for some foreign spies to hide in Faeast," Nox said."What? We have spies roaming the land? God damn it! Haven't they learned their lesson after we killed so many of them?"During the Battle of the Ten Nations, Nox had ordered a cleansing of the spies who infiltrated Faeast. That operation saw nearly ten thousand spies massacred. Ever since then, the intelligence agencies of the ten nations were spooked and hadn't sent any more spies to Faeast.Of course, Bear was mad to hear that there were still spies among them."I have reason to think he
The man behind Hitomi stepped forth. "Should I kill him now, Miss Hitomi?"Hitomi shook her head. "If he is the one who killed Musashi, do you think you can take him down?"The man with the katana fell silent. Musashi was Kitagawa Temples' most famous killer and the top assassin on Shadow Web. Even so, he was killed. The sabreur stood no chance in a fight against Nox."What now, Miss Hitomi?" Michael asked nervously.Hitomi held her cat closer. She blurted, "He didn't find out that you're a spy, did he?""No, of course not. I've long destroyed all information related to my past after staying in Faeast for so many years. They couldn't have known," Michael promised."Good. Saburo, I order you to set up a meeting between me and Musashi's killer."Michael was surprised that Hitomi wanted to see Nox. "You wish to see him, Miss Hitomi?""Yes. I'd like to see what kind of man possesses the power to kill Musashi." Hitomi smiled."I will make the arrangements right away." Michael lef
For the last two days, Queenie spent her time finding out how those antibiotics came about. Eventually, the warehouse's manager found something on the second day."We found something, Ms. Sanders. Our factory isn't the one that produced the antibiotics. It's some no-name workshop in the outskirts. They used our name. We even found the supplies and the stuff they used to impersonate us."The manager showed her all the evidence, including the bottles that had Queenie's company's name plastered all over them.Queenie and George were visibly excited. "This is great! You helped us out big time, Liam!""Of course, Mr. Sanders. It's my job." Liam rubbed his head."With this, we don't have to fear Morton Pharmaceuticals," George said happily, and he turned to Liam. "Did you find the workshop, Liam?""Yes, and our security department has them pinned down.""Great! Liam, lead the way! We're demanding an explanation from them! I want to know why they impersonated us and made Morton Pharmac
With the witnesses slaughtered, Sanders Pharmaceuticals was once again in trouble. If Morton Pharmaceuticals did go ahead with their lawsuit, Queenie would have problems on her plate.The Sanderses were agonizing over the incoming trouble when three luxury cars stopped at their home's entrance. The doors swung open, and out came Morton Pharmaceuticals' people. The one in the lead was Michael himself, and he was followed by a group of bodyguards.A servant came running into the yard. "Mr. Sanders, bad news! Morton Pharmaceuticals' guys are here!""What? They're here? So soon?" George was scared."Yeah, and they demand to see Ms. Queenie," the servant said."Oh no. They're really going to sue us!" George looked grim."It's alright, Dad. I'm here." Queenie walked into the yard.George ran up to his daughter. "Calm down, Queenie. Just talk things out with them. Tell them we've found the guys who made the counterfeits. Ask them not to sue us.""Don't worry about it, Dad," Queenie sa
"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