The air crackled with energy as the Thousand-Edge Blade fell upon Nox's energy blade. The energy blade was torn apart and splintered in all directions. Some unlucky samurais couldn't dodge in time and were promptly sliced apart.However, the remaining samurais didn't mourn for their lost comrades. Instead, they were ecstatic. "That's Mr. Itou for you! He tore that bastard's blade apart!" they gushed.In the meantime, Mr. Itou didn't share their excitement as a solemn expression appeared on his face. He could feel the incredible power lying within when he tore that energy blade apart. If he hadn't used his signature move right off the bat, he might have failed to defend himself.Although Mr. Itou looked calm, his hands were actually hurting from the recoil. Most importantly, that energy blade was just something Nox threw out without a care in the world. In other words, Nox was a lot stronger than he imagined.'Dammit, how can he be so powerful? No Legend Realm could be this strong.'
"What?""Mr. Itou's katana is broken?""I…"The samurais were petrified. They weren't expecting Mr. Itou to fail to withstand even one blow from Nox. The moment his weapon broke, Mr. Itou screeched, "Spare… me…"Alas, the dragon bodied him, acting like a meat grinder whirring through flesh. Mr. Itou's body was shredded into bits of bones and meat. Chunks of Mr. Itou's corpse fell from the air.Nox killed the famous swordsman with just a single blow. As a result, Mr. Itou's entourage was stunned. Even Hitomi was shocked."What? H-He killed Mr. Itou with a single blow?""He isn't human! He's a demon!"Everyone looked at Nox with terror. After Nox killed Mr. Itou, he swung his arm and told the remaining samurais. "I'm taking your shrine down because you asked for it."It was the truth. Nox didn't want to kill these people, but they sent spies to Faeast and tried to hunt him down. The Great Lord of Faeast would not stand for this. Therefore, it was time for some deep cleansing.N
Hitomi could only sink weakly onto the ground as she stared at the sea of fire and lightning devouring the corpses mercilessly. Her mind had gone blank. "Why? Why must you do this?" She was crying tears of blood, looking at Nox with confusion.Nox came down and landed beside Hitomi when he heard her."Even if we did the wrong thing, you've killed everyone we sent out. Musashi, Kobo, Hokusai, and so many more! Why must you keep killing them? Why must you destroy the shrine?" Hitomi asked, still shedding crimson tears.She wanted answers. Too many died today. Some deserved it, but most of them were innocent. A lot of them were just regular disciples who only did as Ikkaku ordered. Yet, Nox took them all out without mercy.Nox stood tall and inscrutable. He looked ahead with his unfathomable gaze as he said coldly, "Because your people deserve this.""We deserve this?" Hitomi trembled."Yes. I didn't do this for myself. I did this for my country. For the grudge that has gone between
Nox hurled Hitomi to the center of the hall. Ikkaku didn't look at his daughter. Instead, his eyes were on Nox."You're the leader of this shrine?" Nox questioned."Yes," said Ikkaku."Good. I've slaughtered all your men. Now, it's your turn," said Nox mercilessly.There was no surprise on Ikkaku's face. He merely smiled sadly. "They're all dead, are they?" He looked at his daughter, who was crying tears of blood."I'm sorry, Father…" Hitomi sobbed.Perhaps Ikkaku hadn't heard her as he muttered, "This shrine has stood in this nation for more than seven centuries. It had thousands of disciples. Yet, you alone killed them all. Very well." He laughed somberly."And you, my daughter. Why did you betray me? Why did you betray the shrine?" Ikkaku looked at Hitomi again."I never betrayed you, Father. All I want to know is the truth. Why did I have an oni clone in my body?" Hitomi asked, still crying."Because I had someone plant it within you.""What? You…" Hitomi froze in shock,
Ikkaku swung the weapon as he leaped into the air, lunging at Nox. A bloodcurdling will-of-the-sword radiated from Kusanagi no Tsurugi.Nox raised his hand and swatted the sword away. The metal buzzed. Ikakku leaped into the air again when his attack missed, swinging his weapon a dozen times at Nox.Since he was the true leader of this shrine, his attacks were powerful and never-ending. Besides, he only gained more power the longer he held Kusanagi no Tsurugi. As a result, the energy behind his attacks was lethal.Ikkaku was at least a Beginner Legend Realm. The attacks rained on Nox's vitals. However, Nox simply slapped his hands together, allowing his palms to catch the sword energy.Ikkaku staggered backward while Nox stood his ground."Damn you, boy. You're a Legend Realm, indeed. Not many Faeastians can gain this power at this age. What is your name? Are you part of Faeast's Ancient Four?""I'll tell you when you're dead." Nox sneered."Insolence!" Ikkaku roared. He swung h
As the incantation went on, several runes appeared on Ikkaku's bloody face. They wriggled like tadpoles as they settled themselves on his skin. Evil energy rose around him like black snakes. Soon, the slivers of energy merged into a dark shadow behind Ikkaku."I will kill you, boy, even if this shrine's last member is killed," said Ikkaku cruelly. "Ancestors, I summon thee!" he roared and made a bizarre seal. Blood then poured out of his face. A dull thud rang out in the air as a silhouette came forth.The silhouette belonged to the previous master swordsman of the Yanagawa clan. He was the clan's strongest warrior. His name was Yanagawa Chiyu.Chiyu was revered across Eastsun during his time. He was the previous head of the clan as well as the master swordsman the country's military had hired as a coach. Many famous generals were his students. Some even claimed Chiyu was already one with the sword, and he was invincible.Chiyu was dubbed the strongest swordsman of Eastsun. Alas, h
Ikkaku couldn't believe the ancestor he summoned would escape in fear, but the fact remained that he did. Chiyu's actions only filled Ikkaku with despair. He paid the cost with his life to cast the spell. Yet, his ancestor ran away without even putting up a fight.Ikkaku sat there weakly, pale and almost lifeless. Time was ticking down fast for him. His life had started to wilt the moment he cast that summoning spell."You're the legendary Lord Nox? Perhaps I should feel honored that you're the one who will kill me." Ikkaku looked at Nox and laughed in despair. Blood trickled down the corner of his mouth."Father!" Hitomi ran up to her father, who was going to die, and she cried once more."I'm sorry, Hitomi," said Ikkaku. In the last moments of his life, he found a sliver of kindness within him. "I should never have sacrificed you," said Ikkaku, blood still spilling from his mouth.Hitomi shook her head. "I've never blamed you for that. Just… just tell me, why did you sacrifice m
"He committed too many bad deeds in his life, and the king of Eastsun was worried that his vengeful soul would haunt the grounds. So, the king hired more than 70 Yin Yang Masters to seal the tomb."Yet, even after a thousand years since his death, his soul continues to linger around. Furthermore, since so many years have passed, the Yin Yang Masters' seal has gradually weakened. In the meantime, Susanoo's spirit has only been growing stronger and stronger! "About 30 years ago, Susanoo's spirit finally released itself from the seal. However, due to the long years of being held captive by the seal, his soul required a human body in order for him to come back to life. After lengthy periods of searching, he finally found my daughter's body to be the best host for his soul…" Ikkaku's voice was filled with guilt as he told Nox all about the spirit that had been released from Eastsun.Nox didn't seem too shocked to hear this story. From the moment he laid eyes on the evil spirit in Hitomi
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
Douglas worked through the night for the negotiation."One, you must apologize for your invasion of Faeast. Two, you will return all stolen relics to us and pay for damages. Three, you will open trade with Faeast, and it must be complete and total. Those are our demands. We promise not to interfere with your nation's administration. Once the aid is administered, our fleet and army will retreat from Brundela."And one more thing. Faeast recognizes you as Brundela's new ruler." That was interesting. It also meant that Faeast could rescind that recognition at any time. Elizabeth had no choice. Without Faeast, Brundela would be gone. In the end, the nations arrived at an agreement.At midnight, they called a press conference. Faeast helped Eropa settle a war and avert a world disaster. That news took the world by storm. The Eastern dragon was rising, and none could stop it. It wouldn't take long for Faeast to return to the top.Brundela's case was over. After they gave enough aid, Ferg
"They call you Great Generals?" the Ice Temple Lord laughed. "If I do want to betray him, how do you hope to stop me? You three had to take me on together, and it only ended in a draw. Now that I'm an Emperor and White Tiger is in a slumber, I can destroy you in a moment!"The Ice Temple Lord looked at Vermilion Bird and Black Tortoise with disdain. Vermilion Bird's eyes were wide. She didn't care. She would fight the Temple Lord to the bitter end if she must.Black Tortoise was the calmer one, and he pulled Vermilion Bird back. "Calm down. Even if he wants to betray the lord, he at least would want to see the lord's body before he tries anything."Even a woman like Aphrodite lost this fight. He wouldn't dare try anything stupid."The Ice Temple Lord was still smug about being an Emperor, and now his celebration was cut short. Betraying Nox required a lot of courage. Nox's power terrified him. Even if he couldn't win the fight, Nox could at least come back safely.Besides, he only
The formation Nox created with the Sovereign Seal was on the brink of destruction. Once the formation was gone, the Sovereigns and the spirits would return to dust. In this final moment, Brundela's Faeastian called their friends and family in their homeland and projected the modern-day Faeast onto the gigantic screen in the plaza.The spirits cried when they saw how developed their nation had become. The Sovereigns and the rulers were meticulous people. They used to rule over a unified nation, so they knew how hard it was to create a dynasty. Every dynasty would have its peak and nadir.Every time a dynasty was on a decline, Faeast would be in danger. They didn't talk about the truth behind that video, of course. They admired the beautiful land of Faeast as they waited for their final moment to arrive."The hardest and darkest moment is behind us, sirs. Faeast has me now. You may rest in peace. I will not let you down. I will destroy the canker that infects Faeast and give it the pe