As the attack fell upon Nox, Kobo snarled, "Now you die!" Though he was supposed to be Musashi's senior among the ranks of Kitagawa Temple's disciples, Musashi was the more famous one.When he was told that Musashi was slain in Faeast, he knew this was his chance to rise to fame. If he could kill Nox, he would be more famous than his dead junior. That was why he used Kitagawa Iaijutsu right off the bat.Nox didn't even dodge the terrifying attack. He raised his right hand, and a gust of green wind converged into a blade that met the attack. The room shook as invisible saber energy cracked the walls.Kobo's pupils contracted. "He took my attack head-on?" Nox not only took on the attack, but he didn't even stand up. This was humiliating. Kobo took great offense. "Damn you, Faeast bastard! Let's see how you take a second one!"Kobo let out a roar, and he held his saber with both hands. Slivers of black aura radiated around him as his katana grew ten feet longer. "Iaijutsu, Phantom!"
Perhaps out of fury, humiliation, and excessive blood loss, Kobo's head lolled, and he drew his last breath. Then, Nox turned his attention to the deathly pale Hitomi. "Your turn." He smiled.The smile only made Hitomi shiver. "W-What do you want to do?" She retreated, holding her black cat tightly."You wish to avenge Onimusha, right? Is this your army?" Nox asked calmly.Hitomi took a deep breath. "M-My father will be here soon to challenge you!""Who's your father?" Nox asked."The top swordsman of Kitagawa Temple, Yanagawa Ikkaku. You should've heard of him." Hitomi thought using her father's name was enough to scare Nox."Sorry, but small fries like him don't get a moment of my time," Nox said.Hitomi was stunned by his haughtiness, but she continued, "You're arrogant, Faeast man. My father is the strongest man in the temple. If he comes to you, you will die."But then Nox's eyes twinkled, and he sneered. "Is that so?"Then, an invisible wave of energy crashed onto Hitomi
Everyone thought Hitomi was going to perish, but then Nox stopped his attack. The group looked at him in confusion, but his eyes were twinkling as he stared at the petrified Hitomi.Even Hitomi was flabbergasted. 'What is he doing?' she thought.Just as everyone wondered what was going on, Nox blurted, "Ah, I wasn't expecting this, but you have something I need."Stunned, Hitomi wanted to ask, but Nox continued, "Do you know why you still live? Because of this." He grabbed Hitomi's voluptuous chest, and powerful golden energy rammed into her body.Hitomi screamed as twisted runes started surfacing on her skin. The runes were crimson in color, covering her body like scales. At the same time, the air was filled with Yin energy. Waves of black, evil energy swam into the air from her body.As Hitomi screamed, another bang came from her body, after which the wave of black aura converged into an avatar. It was a one-eyed creature with two horns protruding from its head. Its face was gro
Hitomi was only covered by a black bra and pink underwear. She was flabbergasted. "Why you…" she gasped, covering her chest right away, looking at Nox with wide-eyed disbelief.'What's he trying to do? Is he going to ravish me? But we're in public, and his girlfriend is right there!'The samurais were stupefied to see what Nox just did, of course, and Queenie was flummoxed. 'What is Nox doing?' she wondered.While everyone had burning questions, Nox pointed at Hitomi's belly. "Who planted the runes on you?"Hitomi was stunned, but then she looked at her belly. A circular rune, crimson in color, laid upon her skin. In the center of that rune was a one-horned oni, and Hitomi gawked."What is this?" Her eyes went even wider, and she'd forgotten that she was almost naked. However, the samurais hung their heads low.None dared to look at Hitomi. Eastsun's rules were strict, after all. If they tried so much as to glance at Hitomi, they would have their eyes gouged out once they went ba
Just like that, Hitomi had a Death Seal planted on her, and Nox took her away.Back at Dragoncourt, Bear was seated at the entrance, muttering, "Wonder what the lord is doing." And then, he saw a trio coming back. When he took a closer look and saw who it was, he was delighted."Milord, you're back!" Bear shouted as he ran up to Nox. "Um, who's this lady, milord? Never seen her before." He was curious about Hitomi."This is the daughter of Kitagawa Temple's leader. You know, the guy who wants to get back at me?""Oh, she's an Eastsun woman, huh?" Bear was buzzing with excitement."Keep her locked up, Bear." Nox then went into the estate.Suddenly, Queenie said, "I want to go home, Nono."Hearing that, Nox looked surprised. "Aren't you coming with me?""No. I'm exhausted, so I need to go home and sleep." Queenie walked away.Nox saw her off. "Okay. Drive safely."As she went down the mountain, Queenie started to pout, but Nox had no idea about that. After handing Hitomi to Bea
"What? She's from Eastsun? When did the lord take interest in women from that country?" Jebediah blinked in confusion."He's not interested, you dolt. The woman wanted to kill him, so he took her back." Bear scoffed.Jebediah smacked his head. "I see. But why did he bring her home? He should've killed her," said Jebediah."No idea," muttered Bear.Then Nox appeared. "What are you two talking about?"Jebediah and Bear quickly grinned. "Nothing, milord."Nox didn't press them for answers. He looked at the room. "She's inside?""Yes, milord.""Open the door.""Yes." Bear quickly unlocked the chain on the door and opened it up.A pale Hitomi quickly stood up. Her hair was ruffled, and the look on her face was solemn. Her lips were cracked, as if she just woke up from an illness. Her kimono looked messy after what Nox did to it. Most of her skin was revealed, but Nox had no interest.He turned to Bear and Jebediah. "Leave us, you two."Bear and Jebediah nodded and left the room.
The explanation only drained more color from Hitomi's face. Being a native of Eastsun, she knew of shikigami and the Yin Yang Masters, but they were supposed to be rumors. If she ran into any one of them, she'd tremble in fear. Now she found out she had an oni hiding in her body.She'd be a fool to think her family had no idea about this. A moment of silence later, the pale Hitomi looked at Nox. "Can you tell me the real reason it possesses me? What does it want from me?""Your body, of course," Nox answered."What?" Hitomi was stunned."Don't be shocked. Only people with Pure Yin Physiques like you can withstand the power of that oni's clone. Most people would've had their essence and blood sucked dry at this point."You're still alive because the oni hadn't taken over completely. If it did, your soul would've been consumed, and it would've taken over your body."Hitomi fell to the ground. Her eyes were wide, and her mind was blank. "How did this happen?" Hitomi knew that when s
The moment Nox extracted the oni from Hitomi, something happened in Eastsun. A Yin Yang Master, wearing a tall hat and ceremonial robes, came running out of the great hall, covered in blood. "Help!" he screamed.However, a blast of black energy came flying out of the temple. It turned into a phantom hand and grabbed the running Yin Yang Master. The guy could only let out a shout before he was dragged into the great hall again.More screams came from the great hall. The air was covered with the stench of blood like this was hell on earth. At the same time, dozens of robed Yin Yang Masters came from all directions. All of them were pale as if they had seen a ghost."Oh no. Susanoo has awakened, and he's furious. He killed all his servants and the Yin Yang Masters who served him." A Yin Yang Master looked at the bloody great hall in horror.A quartet of Eastsun elders were in the lead. Their eyes twinkled, and the air around them was filled with magick. Any sorcerer could see that the
"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