Queenie's parents approached her quickly. "Queenie, you're back."Queenie pointed at the sea of flowers in surprise. "What's with these roses?"With a smile, George said, "Alexander bought these for you.""The same Alexander from Empire Corp?" Queenie was speechless.Yvette chimed in, "Yeah. He's really nice, don't you think?"Queenie did not look happy at all. Instead, she was flabbergasted. She thought, 'Empire Corp bought a sea of roses for me? Why? Are they mad?'Curious, she asked, "But why did Alexander get me so many roses?"George answered with a question, "You still can't see why?""You mean you can?" Queenie asked back."Yes. Because he likes you."Shocked, Queenie spewed and sputtered. "That has to be some sort of joke. I don't even know what the guy looks like, and you're telling me he likes me?"George was grinning. "Just because you haven't seen him doesn't mean he hasn't seen you before. Besides, you know full well why a man would buy roses for a lady."Queen
Queenie stepped away."Hold it right there, girl! You think just because you're the head of this family now, I can't keep you in check? I'll never let you marry that bastard as long as I'm alive!"George was screaming like a madman, but Queenie ignored him. She went back to her room only to see another sea of roses, and her face fell. She loved Carolas, but this was still something someone else gave her.She told the servants to take down all the roses and move them out. The servants couldn't believe their ears. "Miss Queenie, are you sure we're discarding all of them?""Yes, all of them. I don't want them," Queenie answered.The servants had a lot of questions, but they kept their mouths shut and moved the roses out.Nox came in. When he saw the servants moving the roses out of Queenie's room, he frowned. Into the room he went, and Queenie saw him."Just in time, Nono." She approached Nox. "Help me toss these roses away.""Why?" Nox was speechless."There is no why. I just do
Queenie locked herself in the study and searched up everything she could about Empire Corp and Alexander. A while later, she saw the information about that company and its owner.She stared at Alexander's photo and huffed angrily. "Holy smokes, this guy is old enough to be my dad. I can't believe he wants to date me. And he also has a daughter about my age. The perv!""No way," she said. "No way I'm letting this perv woo me. I need to meet up with him and clear things up." Queenie closed up her notebook and tried her best to calm down."And I can't believe Nox isn't at least mad or jealous. Another guy is trying to woo me. Unbelievable." Queenie was getting angrier and angrier. She whipped up her panda plushie and started punching it like it was Nox.…For the whole day, Queenie ignored Nox. She was really mad.Nox felt aggrieved. He gave her a whole city's supply of Carola, but Queenie thought it was a gift from Alexander.The next morning, George came to Queenie. Queenie thoug
"Why not? A lot of companies would kill just to get one of those invitation cards.""I don't want to see that old git," answered Queenie."Why? He's never treated you badly. If it weren't for him, you wouldn't be Sanders Pharmaceuticals' owner." George didn't understand why his daughter was so reluctant."And they helped us out. A lot. You should thank Alexander in person, even if it's just out of courtesy."Queenie fell silent. She didn't want to see Alexander, but her father had a point. It was all thanks to Empire Corp that she could stay in the Sanders family. Besides, Queenie had to get a chance to meet Alexander and tell them they were an impossible match.Queenie took a deep breath. "Fine, you made your point. I'll join the ball and meet Alexander.""Really?" George was excited that Queenie would go."Yeah.""That's great. Alright, you have to get ready for the ball. Lighten up your skin, make yourself pretty, and get some gowns while you're at it," said George.Queenie
Nox saw Queenie off, rubbing his chin. "She's going to the ball too, which means I'll have to be extra careful so she won't find out who I am."He went back into his room. Quite a while later, Alexander called. His men would arrive at the Sanders Residence soon. Nox got changed and left for the ball.A Rolls-Royce and two black Maybachs were parked outside the house. The first thing Nox saw was Alexander standing by the car subserviently.Alexander quickly ran up to Nox. "Milord, I am here to pick you up."Nox grunted. Alexander opened the door for him, and Nox went inside the car. Alexander followed him closely. The motorcade turned around and made its way to the ball.George came out of the house and saw the motorcade leaving. His eyes went wide. 'Hey, that's the Empire Corp motorcade,' he thought. He stared into the window and saw someone familiar inside."Nox? Why is he with the Empire Corp? What's going on?" He was stupefied. "No way. I'm seeing things. There's no way Empire
"Really? That's impressive.""Of course it is. And tonight, Riverton's bluebloods are all invited to a ball held on that same ship.""Really?""Yep. Look at the row of supercars. They're owned by Riverton's rich and famous. And Riverton's viceroy will show up as well.""Awesome. That's the power of Riverton's richest man for you."The tourists watched enviously as more supercars appeared. The bluebloods of Riverton and guests of the ball were in those cars. Impeccably-dressed people eventually stepped out of the vehicles and lined up for the ball.Beauty and lust always surrounded wealth and power. Alongside the powerful people were scantily-clad women who were also attending the ball.At the same time, a Mini arrived at the car park. Queenie got out of the car. She stared at the cruise ship docked by the riverside and muttered, "So that's where the ball is held?"The resplendent, unnecessarily luxurious sight made Queenie frown. 'The rich sure know how to splurge. Holding a ba
"Damn you. It's a surprise seeing you here, but you're not escaping me this time." A venomous smile curled Silas' lips.He had nothing but hatred for Queenie. Ever since Nox brutalized him, Silas had carried a grudge, but his men were no match for Nox, so he'd been holding the grudge in and letting it fester.Now, he finally saw his chance. And then, honks ripped through the air. A trio of military Hummers were charging over to the pier.The tourists gasped."Those are Zone: Draco's cars.""Zone: Draco's soldiers are joining the ball too? Whoa."The Hummers stopped, and a dozen armed soldiers in uniform leaped out of the vehicles. And then, a lieutenant colonel came out. He was burly and tanned. His face was almost purplish-bronze.A terrifying aura swirled around him. This man was Rivera Joshton, the representative of Zone: Draco for the ball.Gold, Silas, and his bodyguards approached him. Gold, especially, was excited. "Rivera, you're finally back."Rivera called out to his
Zone: Draco was an important part of Riverton. Silas was basking in the glory, thanks to his uncle as well.But too many guests were around, so the path ahead was blocked. Silas noticed a passage on the left side of the deck, but there was a red carpet draped on the ground, and a big group of bodyguards were standing sentry.Since there was barely anyone using that passage, Silas pointed at it. "Uncle, Dad, there's too many people here. Why don't we take that passage?"Gold and Rivera looked at the passage and nodded. They were approaching the passage, but before they could use it, a few bodyguards stepped forth."Good evening. This is a special passage, and it is not open to anyone."Silas' face fell. "Who are you to get in my uncle's way? Do you know who he is? Move."Silas wanted to barge in, but the bodyguards did not budge. "Sorry, but it's Mr. Weeks' orders. No one but our VIP is allowed entrance through this passage.""You think you have the right to stop my uncle, you cu
Black Tortoise was in a hurry to take the Greenshades back to Imperia, while Daniel thought, 'He's still not perceptive enough. He still doesn't understand why I pleaded for the soldiers.' Sparing these soldiers meant sparing Aphrodite.Daniel knew his son all too well. He was Nox's father, after all. Nox was a loyal man, to his country, to his lover, to his friends, to his family. Nox would save Aphrodite the moment he met her. He couldn't let her die, after all.They were about to leave, but then two balls of powerful auras appeared in Black Tortoise's divine sense. "Someone's here!" The Greenshades noticed the commotion. They wondered if it was an ambush.A feral human came crashing into the cruise ship and tore through the deck until he landed in front of the group. Then, a crimson bird flew all the way down. They were Vermilion Bird and White Tiger."Hello, Daniel!" White Tiger grinned and gave Daniel a bear hug. Decorum was not his strength."White Tiger, that's the lord's f
The Four Great Generals were Nox's brothers, so they were also like family to the Greenshades."You could've been less blunt about it. Even if he doesn't have long to live, Nox can give him enough elixirs to prolong his life by a few decades," said Claude."Besides, the elixirs we took had sacred beast essence in them. You guys have the Yang sacred beast essence. Your blood can dispel the elixir's power and prolong our lives a little," added Winston."Sorry," said Black Tortoise, and he was about to kneel."Hold it right there. It wasn't meant to be an admonishment. You're a Great General and Faeast's guardian. You are the hope of the current generation. I will not allow you to kneel to anyone, not even me." Daniel was really mad this time. He thought, 'He's a Great General. At least have some dignity.'Black Tortoise was confused. 'What do they want me to do?'"None can stop Faeast's rise to power. Even Aphrodite knows that, so you must as well. She has repaid her family for rai
Daniel's body was filled with ice energy, and it couldn't be released. The energy was buried deep in his body. Divine sense couldn't even see it. Daniel wasn't the only one. The other Greenshades were suffering the same symptoms as well.The squad leader answered, "We do not know, General. The mistress didn't tell us anything about this." The other members teared up, and they bowed to the furious Black Tortoise.Daniel stirred and chided, "Black Tortoise, you are a Great General and the calmest among the quartet. Even if we and your lord are dead, you must remain calm, do you hear me? This is nothing!""But Mr. Greenshade…""You do not know Aphrodite at all. She wishes to be a legendary tactician and a modern legend. Even if she is evil, she knows there's a line she shouldn't cross!" said Daniel. He then explained the truth to Black tortoise.Aphrodite captured the Greenshades, so Daniel gave up his resistance. Though he was already a Supreme, Aphrodite could still get him killed
"Though you have committed the crime of treason, as long as you safely escort your charge and make enough noise, Faeast will not punish you. They need to make sure their image is upheld, after all," said Black Tortoise. That was why he was annoyed. Aphrodite no longer had the advantage, yet she still pulled one last gambit."What about the mistress, General? She said she has a plan. She no longer needs our protection, so does that mean…" The leader realized something. Their mistress was going to die, so she didn't need them anymore."She finally did one thing right, and it was right before her death. Pity it's too late for regrets." Black Tortoise snorted. He had no idea that Nox was risking his life to save Aphrodite. He thought Nox was going to kill the witch.And now the other suicide squad members realized that their mistress was dying. She sent them back home and set up one final play so they could survive. The members cried for their mistress, and the leader bawled. He pulled
Nox told Black Tortoise about how Aphrodite has sent her men to escort the Greenshades back to Imperia. Black Tortoise had just taken out Poseidon's troops on Eropa's coast. His wounds were all thanks to Poseidon. After killing him, Black Tortoise went back to Faeast and traveled to Seacoast as fast as he could.And now he was facing these suicide squad members. Aphrodite's most loyal men were her bodyguards, and they were all ex-Nox Army people. Nox ordered them to remain perfectly loyal to Aphrodite and carry out all her orders.Back then, he and Aphrodite were the perfect match, but then she betrayed him, much to everyone's shock. Even after she betrayed the country, these people still thought she did it on purpose, so they followed her lead. And then they realized that Aphrodite had betrayed the nation for real.The bodyguards couldn't turn back anymore. The only thing they could do was follow Nox's orders. After the incident of Nox's apparent death and Aphrodite's own exile, th
Then, a voice boomed, "If anything happens, I'll handle it!"Everyone looked shocked, and they turned their attention to the newcomer. It was a wounded man, and he was slowly approaching them. The air around him was thick with bloodlust, as if he'd just returned from a bloody battlefield. Everyone bowed to him, and the fanaticism in their eyes was almost palpable. The air was electric.The people captured videos of this scene and posted them online. Some of the sharper guys recognized the newcomer immediately. The generals were bowing to the man, including the one talking to the Mousses' guy. He quickly approached the newcomer.Even the Mousses' guy was looking at the newcomer fervently. Out of habit, he bowed to the incoming man. "General Black Tortoise."The soldiers were stunned. They might not be part of the Nox Army, but they were the military, so they had the right to bow to Black Tortoise. 'But you're just a traitor. You're insulting the Great General!'Black Tortoise seeme
"Tell them to eat shit, guys! We're taking this for ourselves, and if they pull anything funny, we're taking them out!" one of the swordsmen's leaders shouted, and his comrades agreed."Dammit, the bastards. We're going in as well! We got orders from the Shadow Division. If they attack us, they're traitors!" The sects' cultivators gnashed their teeth. The soldiers were stunned. Their people were fighting among themselves even when the mission hadn't begun.It was ridiculous to fight over who would get the credit. Then, someone inside the governor's estate came out with their hands held high. The swordsmen and cultivators were about to move, but a general said, "Hold it! I'm the commanding officer here! I'll talk to him!"He strode ahead. At the same time, hundreds of guns were trained on the alleged remnant of the Olympians. The general looked at the man and asked solemnly, "You don't look like an Olympian. Are you a Faeast citizen?"The man nodded. The general asked, "The Mousses?
At the same time, the captain of the squad that arrived first on the scene asked his chief, "Chief, the governor's still in there. Should we—"The general shot him with a glare. "Governor? He is no longer a Faeastian governor, and we don't negotiate with foreign enemies. He has a duty to protect his nation and sacrifice for it!"The captain nodded. Faeast's rise to power could not be stopped, especially now. The remnants thought they could threaten Faeast just because they got one hostage. It was a joke. Then, the swordsmen came on their flying swords. The soldiers couldn't believe what they were seeing."I can sense them. They're inside, and they only have one hostage. Probably the governor." The swordsmen came down and greeted the generals. The generals greeted back."We're counting on you."The swordsmen were about to go inside, but then they sensed more aura coming in. "More? No, they're Faeast's cultivators. Finally revealing themselves?" The swordsmen looked around, their w
"I'll mobilize the Shadow Division. We are to take them down," said Keith. They had some Magic Mountain swordsmen nearby. These people demanded to come to Imperia to fight, and now they could be used for this operation.The swordsmen were drinking away at a barbecue shop and complaining about the situation when the news hit them. "The guys who fought in Imperia got a lecture from the founder and got more power from that, but we get nothing at all?"They were a little frustrated, and then through the news, they saw news about the attack on the governor's estate. Just when they were wondering if it might be the work of the Olympians' remnants, Keith's call came."I need you to take out the bastards at the governor's estate. Take no prisoners! If you can save the governor, save him. If you can't, too bad. But if they have taken any civilian hostage, don't act hastily."The swordsmen were excited. "Don't worry about it, kid. Unless they have a Pinnacle Legend Realm with them, they're n