Nox looked at the plaque coldly, then at the entrance. He remembered those doors. He remembered how he loved to ride on the stone lions when he was a child. Yet, the memories only turned his expression dark and icy.A few moments later, he leaped and reappeared inside the estate. This place was gigantic, taking up tens of thousands of acres. This family was the top clan in Imperia, so there should be a lot of people around.However, Nox only found a deserted place. Once, servants could be seen everywhere, but now it looked like an abandoned manor. But Nox didn't care. He only came back to celebrate his grandmother's birthday. This was the only time he came back in eighteen years.Pulling his robe closer to his face, Nox leaped again, this time flying toward his grandmother's chambers. It had been eighteen years, but this place still remained the same. Nox found his way to his grandmother's chambers easily.He heard a child's voice coming from the garden. "Grandma, Mom said it's you
It had been eighteen years. The crone never thought she would see Nox ever again. Her callused hands brushed across Nox's cheeks, as if she wanted to see her beloved grandchild through her memory.Nox looked at his beloved grandmother with reddened eyes. 'She's not as young as she once was. Her hair's all wilted.' The once-loving grandmother was now a wizened crone."Grandma, I came back because it's your birthday today." Crying, the crone pulled Nox into her embrace. "I'm glad you're finally home. It's been eighteen years. To be exact, eighteen years, three months, and eight days. My boy, tell me everything. Have you been living well? Did anyone bully you? Did you eat well?"The crone didn't care how many achievements Nox had. She only wanted to know if he had lived well all these years.Nox held her hand. "It's been well, Grandma. Don't worry about me."The matriarch cried tears of sadness. "You were only five when you left us, my boy. Five! Well? How well could it have been?"
Nox only said, "It's your birthday today, Grandma. I don't want to talk about that."The crone understood that there was no agreement, so she sighed and nodded. Nox stayed with her, and a long time later, a petite figure appeared at the entrance. "Who's that, Grandma?"Gina stared at Nox unblinkingly. The crone quickly went to her and held her hand. "It's your brother, Nox.""Nox?" Gina paused, still staring at Nox. "So, he's the one you've been waiting for, Grandma?" Gina asked.Crying, the crone nodded."So, it's really him? Wow! Hey, Nox. I'm Gina," Gina said nicely. "Grandma told me you're the best brother in the world, and she's been waiting for your return. She never stops talking about you. Never stopped thinking about you, either. I often hear her cry in her sleep. See? She cried so much, she's blind in one eye."Gina pointed at the crone's blind eye. Nox felt something squeezing his heart, and he went on his knees. "I'm sorry, Grandma." Nox never knelt to anyone; not the
After Nox made his departure, a burly, elderly Legend Realm in the great hall said, "Mr. Greenshade, someone trespassed upon the matriarch's chambers, and he's more powerful than anyone I've ever seen."Daniel asked quickly, "And the matriarch?""She is unharmed, Mr. Greenshade."Daniel heaved a long sigh of relief, and then he asked sternly, "And who's the intruder who invaded our estate?""I don't know, Mr. Greenshade, but he might be an Advanced Legend Realm or stronger…" the old man trailed off."Is that so?""Yes. I tried to stop him, but he pushed me back without even lifting a finger," the burly man said.Daniels' face fell. He knew how powerful this old man was. After all, he had been in the clan for a hundred years. The Greenshade clan might not have many members, but being the top family in years past, they now still had twelve Legend Realms hiding among them.They were in the shadows, and this was the reason the Greenshade clan was at the top of the clan rankings. 'Y
"My son… is alive? And… and he came back?" Daniel stared into the sky, and his vision blurred, perhaps from excitement or perhaps from something else. A long time later, he bellowed with laughter. "I knew this family's made up of tougher stuff than anything the world has ever seen!"…The night grew older. A silhouette was in a public cemetery, knelt beside a grave. His hair billowed in the breeze, but he remained kneeling like a quiet specter. "Mom, I'm back," he said in a shaky voice.Dim moonlight shone on the silhouette. He was none other than Nox. Eighteen years ago, five-year-old Nox and his mother were exalted from the clan. From then onward, they had no one but each other.Nox's mother once worked four jobs in a day to raise him. About a year later, she fell sick due to overworking, but she pushed through just to raise him. Eventually, when Nox reached the age of seven, his mother died.Nox remembered that day like it was yesterday. His mother had died on the eve of the Ne
"You didn't stand up for me when you kicked me and Mom out of the clan back then. You didn't even go and see her when she overworked herself to death. How dare you call yourself my father after everything you did?" Nox spat his vitriol like venom.Daniel didn't defend himself. He let Nox abuse him all he wanted in silence. A long time later, he said, "Yes, I failed as a father and husband, but it doesn't change the fact the clan's blood flows in your veins. It doesn't change the fact that you are my son!""Silence!" Nox roared and darted ahead like a meteor and then slammed his palm into Daniel's chest.Though he was the leader of his clan and the top dog of Imperia thirty years ago, Daniel didn't dodge this fatal attack. Nox's palm slammed squarely into his chest. A torrent of energy rumbled the cemetery, and dozens of trees broke in half.Even so, Daniel remained in his spot, unmoving and unbudging. The ground around him started to break, and the cracks didn't stop until a few do
"Daniel's a top Legend Realm. Not even the old gits in Imperia can hurt him. How did this happen?" Winston was confused."Damn it! Meishter! Tell me, who did this?" Claude asked Meishter murderously.Meishter quickly answered, "I don't know, Mr. Greenshade. He went to the cemetery where the madam was buried, and then he was hurt.""What? He went to the cemetery?" Claude and Winston had more questions after that. The cemetery in the west of the outskirts was where Daniel's first wife was laid to rest. It had been more than ten years since she died.'So why did Daniel go there?'"Quick, we must see him!" Winston and Claude rushed into the great hall.A dozen Legend Realms stood on the sides of the great hall. When Claude and Winston came in, they knelt. "Greetings, Mr. Claude and Mr. Winston.""Where's Daniel?" Claude asked."He's in the inner sanctum, tending to his wounds," an old servant said.Claude and Winston rushed into the inner sanctum. Daniel was inside, lying on a bed
Daniel and his brothers were powerful men. The fact that one was hurt left the other two seething and raging for vengeance. Just when Claude was about to slaughter the families in Imperia, a voice came from outside, "Hold it right there!"The voice wasn't loud, but Winston and Claude tensed up. "Mother!" They turned around and saw their partially blind mother in the great hall. Beside her was Gina.Claude had to ask, "What brings you here, Mother?"The matriarch gave him a cold stare. "Of course, I had to come. You fools would have ruined this clan otherwise!""But the bastards hurt Daniel! Are we just going to let it slide?" Claude huffed."And who told you the old gits were the ones who did this?" The matriarch gave her son another stern and imperious look."He's a Top Legend Realm. Who else but the old gits in Imperia could do this?" Claude's eyes were red with fury."Wrong. They were not the ones who hurt Daniel. Besides, he was already a Top Legend Realm ten years ago. Do y
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