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
The young marquis of Faeast was, as reiterated many times before, a murderous lad. He learned from Nox, after all. When he saw how Nox defeated the ten nations like they were nothing and filled the land with the corpses of their army, he began to harbor a dream. He wanted to grow up to be just like Nox.The moment Augustus said he wanted to kill, the overwhelming murderous intent radiating from him scared the two assailants standing before him so much that they bled from their faces and died."That's a powerful murderous intent. Who is that lad?" The moment they felt Augustus' murderous intent, one Legend Realm looked at him darkly. When he saw how young Augustus was, he scoffed. "Nothing but a brat. You five, kill him!"He swung his hand, and five Grandmasters flew ahead. They thought Augustus was easy prey, given his age, so they went for the kill right off the bat. They worked together, and a wave of energy swelled. All their attacks fell on Augustus, but he didn't even look at t
Isaiah, one of the Mullers' Legend Realms, was a famous Origin Realm sorcerer. He slapped his chest, and a ball of black fog shot into the air. It turned into a black shield and tried to stop Augustus' attack. However, it was destined to fail.Like lightning, the energy sword crashed into the black shield, and thunderous rumbling rattled the air. The shield shattered into bits, and Isaiah slammed into the ground like a cannonball. The ground cracked, and Isaiah lay in the crater, coughing up blood."Blast… H-He's too powerful… Is he e-even human?" Isaiah was ashen, blood trickling down the corners of his mouth. He was shaken. The lad before him was murderous and had a powerful will-of-the-sword.The lad crushed his spell easily and badly injured him. They had no chance of winning."Die!" Augustus didn't care about him. He promised to kill, and so he would. The energy blade descended upon Isaiah once more."Isaiah, dodge!" The elder joined the fray, flying in like the wind. He swun
The Mullers were scared into silence. They had no idea who this man was, nor the reason for his daring to call their patriarch by his name.It was then that an ancient voice came from within the manor. The voice heaved a sigh. "You're here, Lord Nox, as we predicted you would, eventually."A burly, silver-haired figure appeared in everyone's sights. He was Tobias, a fossil that'd lived for more than a hundred years. Behind him were six Legend Realms. Five were men, and one was a woman. All were in their fifties, and all were giving off powerful auras.The Mullers quickly knelt before them and called Tobias the patriarch. Tobias didn't even look at his clansmen. He was only looking at Nox, his eyes trembling. This man was once an invincible legend. "I greet you, Lord Nox." Then he went down on his knees.The Mullers were stunned. "Patriarch, what are…" They weren't expecting their patriarch to kneel before this man.Tobias continued, "I apologize for not welcoming you, Lord Nox. I
"And now you kill my brothers just because you think I'm dead?" Nox's murderous aura reached a peak, stifling everyone, including Tobias. Tobias' clansmen, the Legend Realms, and Grandmasters couldn't breathe.Nox continued, "I've promised that I would slaughter the family of those who kill my brothers, and now it's your turn!"Tobias' eyes were red. "Lord Nox, if you slaughter us, Faeast's clans will be up in arms. Think it through."Tobias was right. The Mullers, the Heffersons, and the Geoffreys were the top three clans in Faeast. If Nox were to slaughter them, what would the other clans think? They might think Nox would go after them all."Hmph! You think you can use them to scare me off? I beat all of you into submission six years ago, and today, I will do it again, starting with your clan's slaughter!" Nox roared thunderously.Tobias crumpled to the ground. His eyes were still red, and he looked at the murderous Nox. Smiling bitterly, he said, "Very well. You wish to slaught
'He wants to destroy this clan himself? Is that possible? They have a powerful Legend Realm like Tobias, after all. They also have seven Legend Realms and dozens of Grandmasters.'Nox stood in the darkness, lurking like a shadow of death. None could feel his power. All they could sense was his murderous aura covering the manor."Very well. If you have said so, then we shall take on that challenge!" Tobias roared, "Men, fight for your lives!""Fight!" hundreds of people chorused.Though Tobias knew Nox was invincible and powerful, he didn't think Nox had enough power to take out the Mullers in a single blow. He had to take that chance. If he came out alive, he could survive. Thus, Tobias attacked first.He was the patriarch and someone who'd lived for more than a century, and his power was nearly unrivaled. He clapped his hands together, and a sea of flames undulated around him. Pillars of fire shot up all around him. This was the strongest technique in the Greatfire manual—Eight A
The rune hung in the air, and Nox pointed at it, writing something on the rune. It read, 'Destroy.'A wave of destructive power appeared within the rune, and then it ballooned in size. The rune started to grow. Three feet, then seven, then sixteen. Then thirty-three, sixty-six, and then ninety-nine.In the end, the rune turned into a ninety-nine-foot behemoth in the sky. The indescribable rune had covered the whole manor, painting the skies in a sheen of gold. Nox stood underneath the rune, regal as a god.Bear stared at the golden rune, stunned. "The Crowning Eight Techniques! That's the seventh technique! They say Talisman can kill even gods! And now it's right before me!" He stared at Nox with worship."The lord is one of a kind. He's more impressive than anyone," Bard commented, raising his head.Augustus was shivering with excitement, and his will-of-the-sword reverberated.As Nox cast his technique, he looked at the land beneath him like a god subjecting the earth to his wh
All the Mullers were dead. No one expected Nox to take them all out with a single move. Just like that, the Muller clan was nothing but dust. Even their patriarch was forced to take their own lives. With all his clansmen dead, he couldn't live by himself.Nox promised a massacre, and he delivered. The golden rune was still shining in the sky, and destructive force still lingered within. Nox remained in the air, proud as a peacock. Like a god, he slaughtered this clan to tell all the factions in Imperia that he had returned.…While Nox was destroying the Mullers, a black, foggy silhouette stood on an imposing building ten miles away. When it saw the golden rune burning the sky above the Mullers' abode, it sighed. "The Talisman has appeared. The Eight Techniques shall appear once more.""He has destroyed the Mullers!" a woman's voice came from behind. She wore a crown and robes. This woman was none other than Aphrodite. She looked at the skies that oversaw the Mullers' domain, but 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