"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
While Queenie was seething, a yacht was quickly zooming closer to the ship. Within the yacht were Alexander and Nox."We are here, milord." Alexander waved at the bodyguards on the SS Empire.The bodyguards saw him and opened up the secret compartment. The yacht slowed down and entered the SS Empire. A while later, Alexander, Nox, and the bodyguards came up to the special passage."Milord, I must apologize. We have confirmed the identities of all the guests at this event. General Fort did not make an appearance. Instead, he sent a lieutenant general."Nox grunted, but he didn't complain. He knew Draco all too well. The man was obsessed with the military. He'd never take his precious time to join boring events like this. And then Nox followed Alexander into the fifth floor.But Nox didn't like balls like this either, so he requested to stay in his private parlor. Alexander could understand where he was coming from. "I shall stay with you, milord."Nox waved him down. "There is no
The ball was going to officially begin. Being the organizer, Alexander had to make a speech, of course. He went onstage and took the mic.With a smile, he said, "Thank you for joining this event, friends. This ball is held with the improvement of Riverton's business world in mind. It is a platform for all of you to socialize and connect. Most importantly, it's for me to express my gratitude to my king."The guests gasped. The mention of a king surprised them."Someone has Alexander's respect and gratitude? Who could it be?""Yeah. Who's important enough for Alexander to dub him king?"The guests broke out into a discussion. Even Queenie got curious."Mr. Weeks, who is this king you speak of? Can you ask him to come out here?" some rich guy suggested.Alexander waved him down. "Sorry, but my lord is in no state to see any guests." He held up a glass of champagne and loudly announced, "He is my everything. I swear my loyalty to the king for this life and forevermore! I raise a toa
Yes, it was Queenie. The attention everyone was suddenly giving her numbed Queenie. Her eyes went wide, and she was at a loss.A beautiful usher came up to Queenie, smiling. "Ms. Sanders, please go onstage.""Me? This must be a mistake." Queenie was in stunned disbelief."You jest, Ms. Sanders. You're the top guest of Mr. Weeks tonight. This is no mistake." The usher smiled.'I am his top guest?' Queenie wondered in confusion. 'But I'm supposed to just show up, talk things out with the old git, and scoot. Why is he asking me to go onstage? In front of Riverton's rich and famous, no less? And he has a present for me? What is going on?'"Ms. Sanders, please come with me," the usher said. "Mr. Weeks is waiting."Queenie snapped out of it, but she was still at a loss. Everyone was staring at her, and she panicked. Still, she was invited, so she had to go up there.Her mind still a mush, Queenie ascended the stairs. The guests were curious, wondering who this woman was. They started
Three months later, Nox declared Faeast as the leader of all nations, ushering in a true era of peace and prosperity. Then, he abdicated the throne, passing the throne to Nineve. Nox proclaimed that this nation was neither the Greenshade nor the Limerent family's, but a world that belonged to its people.One year later, Nox and Queenie lounged under the warm sun on the sandy shores of the Ocean of Death, enjoying a rare moment of tranquility. The world had finally settled into peace, allowing them to take a well-deserved rest."Nono, what's Aphrodite up to?" Queenie asked, her brows furrowed as she leaned against Nox. "Is she planning something shady again? She's been building alliances all over like she wants to imitate the Three-Eyed Empress.""Death changes people," Nox replied calmly. "Don't worry about her. She knows exactly what she's doing."Old Aphrodite would've killed Jacques and run off to save herself without a second thought. Instead, she spared him, stripped his cul
The Nine-State Crucible hovered majestically over the heavens, drawing all the spiritual energy from the Nine States and Five Domains into itself. As the ultimate artifact of Faeast, the crucible was unmatched—a legendary relic that had never known defeat.The origins of the Nine-State Crucible were shrouded in mystery. No one knew who forged it nor why it disappeared over the ages. For centuries, many dismissed it as a mere myth. Yet now, it reappeared, proving its existence—and, by extension, the truth of all the ancient legends tied to it.The sight left every cultivator present in awe, bowing in reverence to the artifact."The ancient sovereigns of Faeast forged the Nine-State Crucible to safeguard the Nine States and Five Domains. "Its power ensures that Ascendants cannot interfere with the mortal realm. It has crushed even Ascendants in the past, and you, still merely a mortal cultivator, think you can stand against it? I promised to crush you, and I will!"With Nox at it
However, only Nox himself could sever the celestial providence. Only by cutting off the Celestial Lord's celestial providence could Faeast's providence be restored to its peak."Damn it! Nox Greenshade! Do you really think you can defy the heavens? I didn't want to damage my cultivation, but it seems I have no choice but to go all out! You think a one-ring Minor Saint can defeat me? I am the Celestial Lord—the apex of mortals, the Great Saint of Dao and Virtue, ordained by the heavens themselves!"The Celestial Lord's furious roar resonated across Mystia, drawing in vast waves of spiritual energy from the realm that converged upon him alone."Great Saint of Dao and Virtue? If the so-called heavens of the Transcendent Firmament made you, it only proves that even they have failures," Nox retorted coldly.Even the Celestial Lord, enraged as he was, could scarcely believe Nox's audacity—daring to disparage the mighty figures of the Transcendent Firmament."I am indeed a one-ring Minor
'What? Griffin was a sworn brother to Magic Mountain's founder?!'"That's right," confirmed the formation master. "He only told us recently."As the first to learn of this connection, he had shared it with the Saints of the Five Elements, ensuring they wouldn't betray their alliance. Using the promise of ascension as leverage, he managed to secure their cooperation. After all, the Great Saint of Fire had already reached the threshold for ascension.The risks were minimal, and upon ascending to the Transcendent Firmament, the Magic Mountain's founder would surely offer his guidance. For that reason alone, the five mentors had rallied to aid Nox.With such mighty forces gathered, morale on Nox's side soared. Meanwhile, the Whitefield family's spirits plummeted, crashing from the heights of hope to the depths of despair in mere moments. The mental strain caused several of their weaker-willed members to break completely.With dread settling over them, the Whitefields could only place
The Whitefields were getting cocky, but then they realized the powerhouses that came weren't responding. The aura was powerful, but there was no life in it. On closer inspection, they noticed that the leader of the group only had half a body left. His soul was missing. The quartet behind him was nothing but a pile of mincemeat.The portal buzzed again, and seven silhouettes came out. Five of them felt domineering, and they looked prideful. It almost felt like they were peerless. These people were none other than the Saints of the Five Elements.Four of them were Pinnacle Minor Saints. While one had an aura so strong, this place couldn't handle it."A Great Saint! Great Saint of Fire!" Fiery Ignis, Dominic, and Achille couldn't believe their eyes.It had been too long since Mystia saw a Great Saint, and he was Nox's mentor."So, he's the one who broke through first. But now he's already hit his bottleneck. The other four's power isn't enough. If the Sacred Beast Seal isn't upgraded
The Montgomerys and the Byrds decided to see Nox together, but they were refused. They were cursing Nox and calling him disrespectful, but then they saw Nox and his team taking a portal to the path of the ancient divine."What? He went right to them? Why? He's going to fight the Celestial Lord now?" The representatives were shocked.'How dare they!' they thought.Nox and his team went through the portal quickly and appeared right over the Whitefields' place. The Whitefield family was the newest member of the divine four and the real mastermind behind the Inkdarks' demise."Kirin, I told you I'd take you back here someday. I told you that when we come back, the Whitefields will be no more. If you can't do it, I can wipe them out for you." Nox looked at Kirin."Don't look down on me, milord. You don't need to dirty your hands for them. I'll do it!" Kirin summoned his avatar, and with Saint power infused, the avatar turned into a real beast. The sacred beast itself descended upon the
"Time to finish this. My lord's going to the path of the ancient divine next. You should decide who's going to take over after the Celestial Lord is taken down. That's all. Now let's talk about our personal business. Listen up, anyone who had a part in attacking my family, tell your clans that I'm coming for them. I'm killing all of you!"Bloodlust filled the air, and the representatives were shocked. "You killed your own family. Yes, we made them attack you, but we never wanted to wipe it out!" the Whitefields' representative said.Kirin flew into a rage. "How low can you go? You forced them to kill me, or you would wipe us out instead! You think I'm stupid? You'd have killed my family either way! I know how you guys function. You're crueler than any beast out there. Listen up, there's still time to plan for your funeral. You'd better make a good plan."Kirin chased everyone away. The families were going back to prepare for battle, but two remained behind. One was the Byrds' repres
Nox's Magick Sword crushed the enemy leader's soul. "I said I would cut you down, and I did. Now do you see who's the ignorant one?"The enemy leader realized that Nox was the man at the pinnacle. Perhaps the moment Nox became a faux Saint, he was already no match for him. "So what if you can kill me? You are Faeast's Sovereign, and you have a duty to push Faeast to power. But the Celestial Lord still exists. As long as he is around, your wish will never be fulfilled." He sneered."Is that so? Well, he's next on the list to be culled. If anyone tries to make an enemy out of me, I will destroy them and their families, even if they are from the path of the ancient divine!"Nox shattered the remains of the soul, and the path of the martial's leader was no more. The problem harassing Faeast for millennia could be solved at long last. Achille was stunned. It hadn't been that long, but Nox had surpassed him.Nox was better than him in every way. He was an even better swordsman than Achil
The enemy leader was waiting. One technique broken wasn't enough to take Nox out. He wanted to wait until Nox had cast all he knew and find an opening to take him down, but Nox wanted to take him down with the power of the sword."You're stubborn. Very well, this makes things easier for me. I'll kill you, or at the very least, wound you!" He'd be stupid not to take advantage of this. The enemy leader's avatar morphed into a gigantic fist and slammed into Nox's chest.The impact shot through his body and reached his soul. Nox spat blood, and his soul was injured.Achille couldn't stand by anymore. Nox just told him not to push himself, but he wasn't taking his own advice. Then, Nox's weak will-of-the-sword shone blindingly, and then Unto the Origin appeared once more."Even under my pressure, you can use this technique? You're strong, but you're as stubborn as your mentor. You've lost your chance! Die! You'll never get here in time, Achille! Shadowkill!"The enemy leader's avatar t