"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
Worried, the matriarch held her son. "Don't move. You're still too badly hurt.""It's alright. I can deal with this much." Daniel propped himself up against the headboard and smiled.The matriarch looked at her headstrong son and sighed. "Tell me, what happened?" she asked.Daniel waved the question down. "It's nothing to talk about, Mother. Stop worrying.""Nonsense. You call this nothing to talk about?" said the matriarch.Daniel smiled. "I'm fine, really."The matriarch heaved a long sigh. "I see. I know who did this to you. You know Nox is still alive now, don't you?" Though the matriarch might be blind in one eye, she could still see the truth.The fact that Daniel wasn't angry after getting hurt so much was enough of a surprise, but being happy on top of it could only mean that he knew Nox was alive.Daniel knew his mother was smart, so he nodded. "Yes, I do.""So, he did this to you?" the matriarch asked.Daniel didn't deny it. He looked up proudly. "He's all grown up
"I don't want to get into this mess. Before I die, I want you two to reforge your bond. Then I can rest in peace," said the matriarch slowly.Daniel said nothing. He didn't know if this wish could come true. However, it didn't matter to him. All he wanted was to keep his son safe; that was all."I'll be going now. Claude and Winston are waiting for you outside. You should talk to them." The matriarch slowly left the room. Not too long after that, Claude and Winston hurried in.They happily ran up to their conscious brother. "Daniel, you're awake! Tell us, who did this to you?" Claude asked, raring to fight.Daniel smiled. "You should stop asking questions about that. And I have great news for you two.""Great news?" Winston and Claude were surprised.Daniel nodded. "Yes. My son is still alive.""What?" The brothers gasped.Excited, Claude almost leaped in joy, and his eyes were filled with tears. "Are you sure that's true? So, the boy… the boy lives?"Winston was surprised as
"Are you stupid, Claude? Nox is still alive. We don't need to avenge him. And he's the Great Lord of Faeast. Do you really think anyone can leave a scratch on him?"Claude rubbed his head awkwardly, and he smiled. "True. I forgot he's invincible now. Lord Nox, eh?""The suicide squad was made for Nox. Now that he's still alive, it's time to hand over the management to him." Daniel took out a small token and handed it to Claude. The word on it read 'Greenshade.'This was the token of command. "Claude, take this token and tell Redsleeve and everyone else to swear fealty to my son. They are to meet him as soon as possible."Claude took the token. "Daniel, they're a proud bunch. They might refuse to take Nox's orders.""If they dare, then I shall kill them myself. Tell them it's an order!" A powerful aura exploded."I see. I'll tell them right now."Claude smiled, but then Daniel coughed up blood. After all, he was badly hurt. If it weren't for his own power, he'd have died. Talking
"You guys leave. I need some quiet time," Nox said slowly as he sat down.Knowing Nox's past, Bear and the others nodded before they left.Nox was alone, and he sat cross-legged.Bear, Bard, and Augustus were outside the main hall. Suddenly, Bear sighed, and he looked at the main house with worry. "The lord must be thinking about his mother.""Yes. I've heard the story. The Greenshades kicked him out of the clan when he was five. He had no one to rely on but his mother, but then…" Bard trailed off, and he eventually fell silent."Damn them! How heartless can they be? If it were me, I'd barge into their house and demand answers!" Bear balled his fists."Oh, shut it. You should stay out of this, Bear. Everyone has their own problems," chided Bard.Bear harrumphed. Whether he took that advice was a mystery to everyone.Augustus remained silent and standing.Time went by. Ever since Nox went inside, the surrounding temperature kept dropping.It was September, but the weather felt
Seeing their leader killed so easily, the other guards were flummoxed. One of them asked fearfully, "W-Who are you? How dare you kill one of us?"Another blast of sword energy pinned him on the wall. His heart was pierced as well. The second death struck fear in the remaining guards' souls. They called for reinforcements as they launched an attack.However, they were no match for the young marquis. A loud buzz tore through the night, and all the guards dropped dead. The moment the guards' screams echoed, hundreds of people came swarming the entrance. They had Grandmasters and three Legend Realms with them."Blast! What happened at the entrance?" a hunched elder asked shrilly."Someone has barged into our territory, elder," one underling answered quickly."What?" The elder's face fell. "And who's the fool? Men, come with me. We shall see who it is."The elder and his warriors flew toward the entrance. There were already a dozen or so bodies lying around, and Nox stood tall, with h
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