"I'm here to tell you that no matter what you do, the clan will always have your back. Even if you're going to fight the most powerful thing around, we'll help you out." Claude looked into the darkness. "Come out."Redsleeve, Steely, and Oldsmoke appeared like phantoms. "Greetings, Mr. Claude." They bowed to Claude."You have seen Nox, I presume?"The trio nodded. Claude continued, "Then you know what you must do?""Yes. From this moment onward, our lives are Master Nox's. If he wants us to live, then we shall. If he wants us to give our lives, then we shall do that as well."Claude nodded with satisfaction and turned to Nox. "Nox, these people are trained by Daniel, and their job is to protect you. You will manage them from now on."Nox then said, "Uncle Claude, I don't want them.""Why?" Claude asked."Because I don't want anything from him." He was talking about Daniel.Claude quickly said, "I know you hate Daniel, but these people are loyal to you. Plus, we spent a fortune
'Live for now?' Redsleeve was stunned.Claude then said, "You fools. Kneel before Nox!"The trio snapped out of it and promptly went to their knees. "Thank you for taking us in, Master Nox. Thank you!"Nox didn't say anything to them. "Uncle Claude, I can keep them around, but that doesn't mean I've forgiven him. Tell him that the ties between us were severed the second he kicked me out of the clan. I will never have anything to do with him. Not now, not ever."He then left coldly. The trio watched him leave in awkward silence. Claude shook his head, a bitter smile hanging on his lips."He's just like Daniel.""What should we do, Mr. Claude?" Oldsmoke asked with surprise."You three will stay with Nox. If anything happens to him, you will pay with your lives as well."The trio nodded, and Claude left. As he walked in the darkness, another figure appeared by his side. He was Winston, and Claude smiled at him. "Did you see him?"Winston was in the distance. There was a look of p
However, Keith was locked up in the Darkwater Penitentiary. As of now, his situation was unknown. That greatly worried Nox. Darkwater Penitentiary was built on orders of Aphrodite, and it took place after Nox's 'death.'Most generals didn't even know the location. As a result, Nox was waiting for the informant's news. Once he was sure where the prison was, Nox would charge into its gates and bust his friend out.Time went by slowly and steadily. After the trio became part of Nox's team, they were tasked with the outer perimeter's security. Then, a silhouette skulked around the courtyard one afternoon. When they tried to get close to Nox, a red silhouette appeared out of nowhere."Who dares skulk around this place? Die!" Redsleeve leaped toward the intruder.The silhouette quickly dodged. He said, "I am Sage Lilac, a military guy! I'm here to see the commander!""Commander Colton, you mean?" Redsleeve looked at the man coldly."Yes! I am the Shadow Division's informant! Commander
The Imperial Tomb was imposing and solemn at night. This was where emperors were laid to rest and where geniuses were born. The moment Nox stepped into its domain, the air around him constricted, and a suffocating magical aura radiated from the tomb.It was a terrifying aura, and everyone started hyperventilating. A powerful resistance stopped everyone in their tracks.Oldsmoke gasped, "This pressure…" Since he was a sorcerer, he knew something was off about the tomb. Thus, he quickly activated his magick and stepped forth with a grim look in his eye, but every step he took was harder than the last. It was as if heavy weights were strapped to his legs. Sure enough, he could no longer walk a few seconds later."Dammit, what is this place? Why can't I move a muscle?" Beads of perspiration trickled down Redsleeve's face. Her legs seemed to have been petrified. She had barely begun to walk when she had to stop and catch her breath.Among the three, only Steely became a Legend Realm wit
Oldsmoke wore a look of astonishment on his face as he questioned Nox. "Well, it's because I was the one who designed this formation!" Nox replied with a smirk on his face.The old man's jaw nearly fell onto the floor. Redsleeve and Steely were equally as shocked. With his hands behind his back, Nox simply gazed at the formation surrounding the Imperial Tomb. "Just follow my footsteps, and you'll be able to surpass this formation!" he uttered without any further explanation. Oldsmoke, Redsleeve, and the rest lowered their gazes. There were deep imprints on the ground where Nox had stepped on. It turned out Nox was already aware of the fact that Oldsmoke and the rest wouldn't be able to surpass the formation, so he had already left his footprints on the ground earlier on. However, Oldsmoke and the rest only realized it after hearing what Nox said. After taking a deep breath, the rest of them began to circulate the strength in their beings as they forcefully lifted their legs to s
Keith, who was covered in blood, had his four limbs chained by metal cuffs. Four black nails had been hammered into his back as well. The dried blood around his wounds had turned into a dark red color. Despite his injuries, the gritty man didn't let out a single cry. Four masked men in black outfits stood guard outside the cell. All four of them emitted the aura of Grandmasters. When Cardinale made his way to the cell, the four Grandmasters bowed in unison. Without even glancing in their direction, Cardinale gave his orders in an icy tone. "Open the door!""Yes!" One of the men unlatched the cell door immediately. Cardinale shifted his gaze onto Keith the moment he stepped in. Keith's eyes were closed, and his bloodied body was completely still. He looked like a statue. "Most people claim that Supreme Tiger from the Shadow Division is an invincible, undefeated warrior and a merciless killer. Well, I must say that I am impressed with what I've seen today!" Cardinale said with a hin
"Top Legend Realms? Are you saying that these gramps here are top Legend Realms?" Bear's expression darkened when he sensed the powerful aura coming from the two men. What made one a top Legend Realm? It meant that one was at the peak of the Legend Realm, and one could single-handedly kill an army! However, that day, none of them had expected a tiny prison like Darkwater Penitentiary to house two top Legend Realms! Nox kept his hands behind his back as he stared at the two men, his gaze chilly and hard. "Do you know who I am?" "You're the Supreme Lord of Faeast. I don't think there's anyone who doesn't know who you are," Phoenix, who was dressed in a dark green coat, was the first to respond."Well, if you know my name, you must have heard of the Mystia Ban," Nox said. Phoenix's face twitched with fear upon the mention of the Mystia Ban. "I… I have!" The Mystia Ban stated that the top Legend Realms weren't allowed to unleash their powers unless it was a national calamity. Anyo
The red shadow headed in Eagle's direction with the speed of lightning, and Eagle let out a scoff. "Are you trying to show off your skills? You're just a regular Legend Realm!" As he spoke, Eagle lifted his hand, and the air around it rippled to form the shape of a huge hand. With a loud whizz, Eagle reached directly for Redsleeve!Redsleeve could tell that he was in danger, and he leaped up into the air. The terrifying handprint came to a halt before Redsleeve's eyes, and it created vibrations in the air that pushed Redsleeve all the way back. Redsleeve took nearly ten steps backward before he managed to stop himself. Crimson blood began to trickle from the corner of his mouth. Eagle was really powerful despite being a False Legend Realm! He had managed to hurt Redsleeve with just a single move. Even after his injury, the boiling rage in Redsleeve's eyes didn't seem to die down—in fact, Redsleeve seemed more determined to kill than before! "Give me all you've got, you old git!" R
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