Seeing Nox heading straight for the temple's main gate, Elise hurried to catch up."Mr. Greenshade, where are you going? The guards just said the temple is closed, and no one can enter."Nox smiled. "Don't worry. They'll let me in."Elise was about to say something when Magnus sneered. "Look at this guy showing off. Who does he think he is? The temple is closed, and he thinks he can just walk in?"Though Elise disliked Magnus' tone, she also felt that Nox was being overconfident. After all, Shinogawa Temple was a thousand-year-old sanctuary, and they had explicitly stated it was closed off. But now, Nox was insisting on entering?As the two prepared to watch Nox embarrass himself, they saw him already at the temple's gate. Due to the numerous pilgrims, they couldn't hear what Nox was saying to the guards.Elise only saw the guards suddenly looking as if they had seen a ghost after Nox spoke to them. They quickly went inside to report.In no time, hundreds of Yin Yang Masters, dr
As the voice echoed, an elderly man dressed in the gray, noble long coat of the Genji Era of Eastsun and wearing wooden clogs emerged from behind the statue of Susanoo.The old man had a gaunt face, but his eyes displayed a strange dual pupil. As he walked out, a sinister aura emanated from his entire being. Nox glanced at him indifferently before calmly sitting on the cushion opposite, showing no concern for the eerie figure before him."I am Susanoo Ryuhei. Since you have come from the East, you must be here to see me," the old man, who introduced himself as Susanoo, said with a smile as he looked at Nox.Susanoo's Faeastian was articulate and with a classical accent, making him sound like a scholar from ancient times. Nox, being perceptive, quickly deduced that this gaunt old man was the original form of the most powerful Oni-Kami in Eastsun."You're right. I came to Eastsun to find you. I didn't expect you to survive a thousand years in the form of an Oni-Kami," Nox said, his e
Susanoo smiled. "As the Heavenly Dao has forbidden us from attaining immortality, we have no choice but to seek another path.""You are but a wandering spirit, and yet you dare dream of immortality?" Nox sneered."Why should I not? Time takes all. Even the most alluring blossoms wilt and turn into dust. Immortality is an aspiration many wish to attain. Is that not true for you as well?" Susanoo continued, "A thousand years ago, I saw what your land had to offer, and I must say, it is a far more fertile place than the place I call home."I have witnessed how your emperors spent mountains of coins and put their people to hard labor just to create an elixir of immortality. I have seen the people of Mystia and the godly people who live there. I have asked for a path to immortality."Alas, time is a cruel mistress. Any Legend Realm who wishes to go further will find it nigh impossible to step into the realm of the Earthly Deity, no matter how powerful they are." The oni sighed.Nox sai
"Perhaps lesser men will fall for your deception, but not me," said Nox proudly.Susanoo's expression darkened. "I have extended a hand of friendship to you, Faeastian. Do not test my patience!""Is that what you think? Well, to be a god that people revere is a tempting offer. Many Legend Realms would have shaken your hand," said Nox honestly. To keep one's soul alive forever and be reborn after centuries was an allure too big for most people to refuse.Drago, Musashi, Ikkaku, and a lot of Nox's past enemies would've taken the offer, but Susanoo apparently underestimated Nox's personality and strength. Nox swung his arm. With pride, he said, "I know what you're getting at. You want me to be your worshipper so you can usurp my body, aren't you?""Hm?" Crimson mist filled Susanoo's eyes. "You know?" He found this unbelievable.The moment Susanoo saw Nox, he'd been eyeing his body. After all, Nox was a young and handsome Legend Realm. The oni wished for nothing more than to take over
Susanoo would not stand for Nox's insolence. 'He wants to take my soul?'"You brute! You could've had the honor to be my puppet, yet you wish for death! Very well, then I shall take over your body and destroy your soul! I will take your memories and everything you have! You will be taught a lesson for this impudence!"After Nox exposed his true intent, Susanoo tore off his facade. He was nothing more than a malevolent spirit, after all. He could only survive by possessing a vessel.When Nox showed up, Susanoo couldn't hold back his desire for flesh. He wanted to take over Nox's body and life.Then, ribbons of crimson shot from his eyes, and pillars of blood energy shot into the air all around him. He raised his hand and gripped the air.A gigantic phantom hand was conjured. Possessed by blood energy, the hand hurtled toward Nox."A spirit calling itself a god. How laughable." Nox harrumphed and made a sword seal with his right hand, then swung his hand in a slashing movement.Th
"Damn that brat. He humiliates the Shinogawa Temple and challenges Lord Susanoo? He will die for his transgressions!""A mere mortal like him is no match for our master! We should've taken him down when we had the chance!" a lanky Yin Yang Master said.Shinichi answered, "The master has his reasons for inviting the brat."A portly Yin Yang Master narrowed his eyes. "Could Lord Susanoo be after his body?"Shinichi chortled. "Perhaps so. He leveled Kitagawa Temple and took out Ikkaku himself. If I'm right, that brat is at least a Legend Realm. It is natural that the master wishes to usurp his body."The Yin Yang Masters laughed."Mr. Chihiro is right. That brat thinks he can lord over us, but our master is beyond any Legend Realm!"A moment later, the air was rattled by an explosion, and the temple's entrance, which was nearly a foot thick, was smashed into pieces. Indescribably powerful lightning bolts flew out, and then the Yin Yang Masters saw a figure clad in blood energy barr
This was Susanoo's true self. The two-horned, double-irised rakshasa opened its maw in a sneer, and it stepped forth. The monster doubled in size, then it took another step, and its body ballooned.The monster took seven steps, and in the end, the true form of Susanoo was revealed. He was a fifty-feet tall rakshasa. The skies over Shinogawa Temple were drenched black, as if the heavens were startled by this creature's appearance."You might be a Legend Realm, Faeastian, but do you really think you can defeat me?" Susanoo bellowed with laughter. "You ignorant fool! I will usurp your body, capture your soul, and burn you within the flames of hell for a hundred years!"Susanoo swung his bloody axe down on Nox. A crimson crescent moon rained down on the battlefield.Nox stood tall and sneered. "You put yourself on too high of a pedestal." He grabbed the air, and the lightning around him turned into a saber.It was a lightning saber, the amalgamation of thousands of lightning bolts. Th
'He wants to fight me head-on?' Nox thought, smiling."Very well. If that's what you want, then I shall fight you head-on. From now on, I won't use any spells. We will duke this out with martial arts," said Nox proudly.The Yin Yang Masters heard that, and their eyes went wide."Is he mad? He wants to fight the master with martial arts? Doesn't he know Lord Susanoo is undying?" Shinichi was perplexed.They thought Susanoo would lose if Nox kept up his spellcasting onslaught, but now Nox wanted to relinquish his advantage and fight Susanoo head-on. That was foolish.Like they thought, Susanoo was wary of Nox's spells, especially the fiery lotuses Nox cast. Fiery Lotus Golden Eye was a terrifying spell that was the culmination of mindpower. That spell was a phantom killer, and Susanoo was a phantom.Though he had lived a thousand years, he was still a phantom. That was why he shivered when Nox cast his fiery lotus, but fortunately, Nox wasn't going to use that anymore. He roared wi
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