Just when they were about to trek up the mountain, another loud boom came from the mountaintop, and then, a crimson pillar shot into the air. The scent of a pill radiated from that pillar.Everyone shivered and looked at the mountaintop again."A pill. Faeastian alchemy! Dammit, what is he making? What kind of pill radiates that kind of aura?" Sachiko was looking at the mountaintop solemnly."Who cares about that? There's three of us and one of him. We can take him!" Jirou said.Mutou was quiet, but he, too, was looking at the mountaintop, though his gaze was cold. "Let's go."The great priests and their retinue leaped up the mountain.On the mountaintop, Nox, bathed in golden light, sat before a green cauldron. The aroma of pills came from within."Finally done, I see." Nox's eyes snapped open, and beams of light shot at the cauldron. He raised his hand and summoned something. A blood-red pill flew out of the cauldron and fell into his hand. It was the Bloodchanger.The pill w
Before the memorial tablets, a vague silhouette of an old man sat quietly, cross-legged. There wasn't an ounce of vitality around him, as if he was a phantom.But then, his forehead started to blink, and the emblem of fire appeared. "Hm?" The old man's eyes snapped open. His right eye sparked with lightning, but his left was filled with gray fog. A frown creased his forehead."No… Kirin Firepoison… Something happened to it. Did he rid himself of that poison?" the old man gasped and leaped back up. His eyes went wide, and he touched the fire emblem on his forehead.When the old man confirmed that the emblem had appeared, his face turned into a mask of solemnity. Then, a loud rumble shook the air, and the ancestral hall started to tremble.Cracks came from underground, as if something was breaking, and then, another gash formed on the hall's ground, as if an earthquake had landed. The hall was broken in two. An ancient voice said, "Ah, I expected no less from the Great Lord of Faeast
As the patriarch's voice disappeared, the silhouette bowed once more, and he leaped out of the dark chamber.Phoenix Chamber, the bedchamber of Faeast's new lord, Aphrodite. Aphrodite was in her room, clad in red and cultivating. Dark crimson auras swirled around her as she made hand seals, and the auras formed an armor around her.On her forehead was a petite emblem of fire. This was the mark of the Mousses' Kirin bloodline. This mark meant Aphrodite had awakened her bloodline power. With that power within her, Aphrodite's cultivation was rising rapidly.Then, dark winds blew into Aphrodite's room."Who goes there?" Aphrodite harrumphed and swung her right hand. The crimson auras around her converged into a saber and darted backward. It fell upon the sturdy walls, leaving a five-foot gash."Good. I expected no less from the family's future pillar. You've awakened sixty percent of the bloodline's power."A dark voice came from behind, and a vague silhouette appeared before Aphrod
Though he had regained his full power, he still couldn't make the news of his survival public. After all, the military, court officials, and sects would be plunged into disarray. When that came to pass, the ten nations would avenge their humiliation.Nox's survival must be kept secret. That was why Nox never told anyone.Still worried, Aphrodite said, "Even so, if he does regain his full power, no one in the family can be his match. No one can fend off his Eight Techniques and Ultimate Sun Dragon Manual.""You worry too much. Greenshade might be a powerful genius, but our family isn't as simple as you think," said the silhouette cryptically, and he waved his hand. "Come out."A pair of shadows appeared. One was in white robes, while the other was in black. The man in white robes looked like a scholar, while the one in black robes had the face of a grotesque phantom.As if these two had just returned from hell, the air around them was filled with the stench of death. "Greetings, Ms
'They will be killed…'Hearing that, Aphrodite shivered, and fanaticism flared in her eyes. "Of course, Grandfather." Aphrodite had wanted to cull the dissenters for a long time now so she could consolidate her position. Of course, she was happy that her grandfather was finally starting the motion.The silhouette's eyes flared coldly. He continued, "If we want to unify the military, we must get rid of the Shadow Division. Greenshade built that division himself. The commanders and military judges swore their fealty to him. If the Shadow Division falls, all the military men who worked with Greenshade will take our side.""Yes, Grandfather. But the commanders are all Legend Realms, especially Keith. They say Greenshade taught him his Tiger Demon technique, and he's nearly invincible among his peers." There was worry in Aphrodite's eyes.She wasn't wrong. Being the commanders of the Shadow Division, Keith, Bear, and Bard were formidable. They couldn't be the commanders otherwise.The
"Sorry, Nox, but I'll destroy the thing you worked so hard to build." A cruel smile played on Aphrodite's lips.…Dozens of powerful silhouettes were making their way to the top of Gurenu Peaks. The one in the lead was Mutou. This man with red hair was a Legend Realm, and he was one of Eastsun's top ten fighters.Sachiko followed closely. Though she was not as powerful as Mutou, she was a great user of illusions. Jirou trailed behind. He had an invincible body and mastered the art of beastification. He was a battle junkie.These great priests were Eastsun's strongest. As Mutou and his group got near the top, the mountain suddenly rumbled, as if another landslide was coming."Curses, what is he doing? He's supposed to be refining a pill. What's with the ruckus?" Sachiko questioned. Her purple eyes glimmered, and she looked at the mountaintop solemnly.Jirou scoffed, "You're a coward, Sachiko. Do you really think a Faeastian can take on all of us?"Sachiko ignored the oaf. She onl
While the great priests were busy processing their shock, two more bangs echoed from within Nox. It was as if Nox had ameliorated. Then, his eyes snapped open. Beams of light brighter than beacons shot out of his eyes."I've regained my full power," he said. It wasn't loud, but the air around him rattled. When Nox regained his power, his looks and aura gained a significant increase. His hair slowly changed back to black as he regained his power.Nox was more handsome than ever, and the air around him felt sharp. He looked like a real god. Half an hour ago, he'd rid himself of the Kirin Firepoison. The moment he did, Nox slowly regained his power. To do that, he needed to absorb natural energy.That suction just now was because Nox was absorbing the energy he needed, and he had fully recovered.Sachiko gasped, "Look, his body changed again. What is he doing?"Mutou and Jirou's looks were turning grimmer. The powerful aura Nox radiated was unlike anything they'd ever seen. It was as
Sneering, Mutou continued, "The arrogance! Eastsun and Faeast have always been allies. Our martial artists and sorcerers have always levied their own lives, yet you barge into our nation, killed thousands of our worshippers, and destroyed a thousand-year-old temple. You must explain yourself!"Nox laughed loudly and turned around. When Mutou saw his face, he took a step back instinctively."You think you can make demands of me?"Though Mutou was wary of Nox because of his powerful aura, he would not take this attitude lying down. "You dare take that tone with us when you're in Eastsun? I shall fight you!" he roared and attacked.Mutou used Eastsun's famous shikigami spells. He stepped in specific directions and pressed his right hand downward. With a boom, a red circular talisman appeared before him."Come, Ootengu!" Mutou roared. A skeletal dog about ten feet long appeared from within the talisman and bared its fangs. The air around it smelled like blood, and it had red eyes. The
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