On the other side of the village, Nox finished assisting the group fighting the Lesser Blaze Salamander and began walking towards the southern gate. He wanted to let Sylvie gain more experience, so he took his time. She might get lightly injured, but he trusted Nyx wouldn’t let anything dire happen.

Unbeknownst to Nox, as he didn’t bother constantly keeping a large sensory range, a white-haired woman with black eyes was observing the entire battle from a separate space high in the sky.

“Hmm, I'm surprised I didn't see how they appeared. Nevertheless, quite impressive rune magic for a lowly human mortal. “ the woman praised Nox down below, but still looked at him with disdain.

“As for that demon and… possible dragon? The arrogant dragon appears above average, yet such a newborn demon is routing those slaves? “

“Worthless scum can’t even slaughter through one tiny village. I suppose I must enter this filthy area soon… That abominable thing can’t be left alive. “ the woman looked at the ground below in disgust and irritation.

“As for those three, to cause me such trouble, I’ll finish them when I’m done. Should I start with the human, or the women? “ the white-haired woman gazed below at Nox, Nyx, and Sylvie with a sadistic smile.

As Nox walked around the village, smoke and the smell of burned wood filled the air. The salamanders fire was very destructive, but his own rune magic contained the fire.

Arriving near the southern gate after about 10 minutes due to slowing his pace and ambling about, Nox began to feel an unusual sensation. As if something was tugging at his heart.

Continuing forward, Nox noticed the teenager in black armor and the little girl he spotted from the ship near the wall. Both were anxiously watching the battle outside the village.

Ignoring the teenager, Nox couldn’t help but look at the little girl and feeling even more unusual than before, especially compared to when he first saw her from the ship. Oddly feeling that someone was watching her, the little girl turned her head to look at him with curiosity, causing her to pause and stare blankly at him.

As their gazes met for the first time, a jolt ran throughout Nox. Through his mind and soul.

‘How… is this possible?’ Nox stared into the little girl’s eyes, beginning to tremble uncontrollably as a long forgotten memory from his youth began to resurface.

–Tian Universe, Mortal Plane, Over 7,500 years ago–

“Nox, it’s time to take a break, you’ve been practicing since dawn. “ a woman’s crisp, soothing voice resounded throughout a small stone courtyard, awakening a youth constantly swinging a steel sword in repetition. On a training dummy a distance away, a large slash that split the material went across its chest.

Short brown hair and brown eyes, he looked to be about 16 years old. This youth was a teenage Nox.

In that small courtyard, the only thing within was young Nox holding a steel longsword, and a training dummy. Drenched in sweat, his hands had calluses on them from intense practice.

Grabbing a sheath placed on the ground to his side, Nox deftly put the sword away in one motion, hanging the sheath on his waist.

Letting out a long breath from fatigue and turning around, an incredibly elegant woman in her mid-20s with pitch-black hair and deep, grey eyes was smiling at Nox.

“Sorry, mom, I lost track of time. “ Nox smiled wryly due to his lack of awareness.

“I know you love training, but you still need to eat! “ the woman, Nox’s mother, scolded, albeit with a smile. Glancing at the dummy to the side and noticing its chest, a surprised look flashed across her eyes.

“I know, I know. “ Nox nodded quickly.

“MOM, IS BIG BROTHER DONE YET? I WANT TO EAT! “ a loud high-pitched voice assaulted the courtyard from within the house connected to it.

Hearing pitter patter, Nox looked behind his mom, noticing a small girl about 9 years old running up to them. Long black hair and grey eyes, the little girl looked identical to their mother.

“Ugh… Sorry, Astra. I didn’t realize what time it was.“ Nox looked at his little sister Astra, apologetically.

“It’s okay big brother. Come on, let’s eat! “ Astra smiled cutely, unbothered by Nox’s tardiness.

“Heh, alright.” Nox laughed lightly, walking towards the two.

Gazing at her children, the woman’s smile lingered, happy that the two siblings had a good relationship. She hoped that it would continue that way.

“Come, your father should be home soon. I roasted boar for lunch. “ their mother commented.

“A boar? Isn’t that too large for lunch? “ Nox asked in surprise. It was a pretty big meal for only four people.

“Yes, but I thought it would be a nice change of pace. “ their mother lightly chuckled at his expression.

“Let’s go, let’s go, it smells so good! “ Astra shook her arms in excitement and ran towards the inside of their modest villa.

Gazing at his sister’s back, Nox had a faint smile. Her liveliness brightened up their lonely home. Unlike most families with a fairly large home, theirs had no servants or other residents. In the surrounding area, there were no other humans in sight. It was only the three of them and his father. It was something his mother insisted for some unknown reason.

“Oh, just in time! “ a deep voice resounded throughout the house as a door opening was heard.

“Dad! “ Astra looked towards the door that opened, noticing a well-built man with dark brown hair and brown eyes.

“Haha, my little girl, I missed you already. “ the man laughed loudly whilst she ran towards him. Picking Astra up, their father ruffled her hair.

“Good timing indeed, Feng. “ the sibling's mother smiled at her husband.

“Boar today, Rhea? A pleasant surprise. “ Feng smiled lovingly then moved his vision towards Nox.

“Look at you, training until noon again, huh? “ Feng eyed Nox inquisitively. He could tell he just finished.

“Yeah… I lost track of time. “ Nox lowered his head in embarrassment.

“Hahaha, well that’s my son for you. I used to do the same back when I was your age. How is your training going? Go on, it’s been a few weeks, show your mother. “ Feng laughed proudly.

“Alright “ Nox nodded and looked towards his mother, Rhea, who had already returned his gaze in anticipation. She had been feeling this way ever since she saw the damaged training dummy.

Moving his feet and facing Rhea with his right side, Nox placed his hand on his steel swords' hilt, causing a change in his entire demeanor. A very sharp light surfacing in his eyes, Nox drew the sword in a flash, swinging it diagonally upwards. A translucent and sharp arc of energy suddenly releasing from the sword, it sped directly towards Rhea.

Surprise surfacing on both Rhea and Feng's faces, they looked at Nox in disbelief. Waving her hand at the energy arriving in front of her, Nox’s attack shattered upon contact.

Without surprise at his mother’s prowess, Nox sheathed his sword once more, then noticing both his parent’s expressions.

“What’s wrong? “ Nox looked at them, puzzled.

“Nox, do you know what that energy was? “ Feng put Astra down and asked with excitement.

“How should I know? You made me train on my own and barely told me anything… “ Nox shrugged.

“Three days ago, I began to feel an unusual connection with my sword. Like we were naturally one. Then earlier today, I began to feel something around me. Something other than Qi. When I continued swinging my sword, it felt as if I could cut through anything. After that, one of my swings carried that unusual energy when I focused. Just now was the second time I did it. “ Nox answered in detail, understanding that he might as well explain what happened.

“One with the sword and sword intent, both within the last few days? Hahahahaha, now that’s my son! A genius amongst geniuses! I knew leaving you alone was the best course of action!“ Feng laughed boisterously in glee.

Feng and Rhea had decided to leave Nox to his own devices because when he was a small child, he had naturally picked up concepts of sword use with only the occasional observations. That’s when they discovered his abnormal affinity for the sword and decided to take the risk and let Nox learn and comprehend on his own. Not knowing what to do or knowing the different levels of mastery might give Nox infinite potential. He would develop his own style and wouldn’t think there was a ceiling to strength and sword comprehension, thus would continue progressing based on his instincts.

“Nox, you should understand how incredible that is! It's almost unbelievable! “ Rhea beamed proudly. She had never heard of someone reaching any kind of Intent at such a young age. Normal people began training at 12 years old, which meant Nox reached it in only four years!

“Really? I didn’t know... “ Nox expressed, embarrassed by his own ignorance. But, it was understandable, as he was never really taught anything specific, only the knowledge needed to start off.

“Is big brother really that amazing? “ Astra asked curiously, unable to understand their words.

“Of course, sweetie. Your brother accomplished something that most people couldn’t do in their entire lives. “ Rhea smiled at Astra's question.

“Wow, really? Hey, hey, I want to do it too! Teach me when I get older, big brother. “ Astra looked at Nox excitedly with shining eyes.

“Haha, I will. Just watch, you’ll learn even faster than me. “ Nox was a bit embarrassed due to the praise and chuckled at Astra’s enthusiasm, but seriousness was hidden within. He needed to make sure that she could protect herself in the future. The world was a dangerous place, after all.

“Alright you kids, Feng, the food’s going to get cold. “ Rhea looked at the three sternly. Her cooking would lose its splendor if they didn’t eat soon.

--Later that day--

“I’m surprised you’re still here. You rarely watch me.“ Nox looked to his side, exchanging gazes with Astra.

“Um, that move big brother used at lunch was amazing! I want to learn really bad… but I’m not old enough yet. “ Astra pouted.

“Heh, don’t worry, I can teach you in a few years. If you really want to learn a little now, watch me every day, like today. It will help when it’s time. Maybe you’ll be better than me one day. “ Nox walked over to Astra and pat her head with a smile. He could leave her alone like his parents did with him, but he didn’t think that was the right path. Their parents thought the same.

Nox would never look down on his own sister, but he now knew how exceptional his sword comprehension was. He felt that Astra would be well attuned to the sword, but not to the same extent as himself. Training her for a while should be better.

“Hehe, okay. I’ll beat you for sure! “ Astra giggled.

“Where’s dad, big brother? It’s going to be dinner time soon. “ Astra asked curiously, wondering where their father was.

Hearing Astra’s question, Nox looked at the slowly setting sun in the sky, wondering the same thing.

“I don’t know, either. Let’s go and ask mom. “ Nox grabbed Astra’s hand and walked towards the villa.

“Hahahaha, Rhea! It’s been a while. “ Nox and Astra suddenly heard a loud voice coming from inside their home. It was male, and his voice gave Nox chills.

“Zale! How are you here!? “ Nox heard his mother’s shout. She was clearly angered.

‘I don’t like this…’ Nox muttered to himself as his heartbeat quickened.

‘Run to the city. Don’t question me. Dad’s good friend, Kang, is the city leader. Stay with him. I’ll go inside. ‘ Nox whispered severely to Astra.

Before even getting the chance to do more, a man with long white hair tied into a ponytail and black eyes appeared like a ghost in front of Nox and Astra.

“Ah, really now? Two Nephilim? “ the man looked at Nox and Astra eerily.

“ZALE! “ Rhea’s voice came from behind him, as an elegant silver sword was placed against his neck.

“These must be the half-breeds you created, Rhea! But why does your son have brown hair and eyes? His bloodline is actually so thin? Less than a puny human's? Haha, incredible! “ the man, Zale, smirked as he glanced at Nox and Astra. Rhea's bloodline was incredibly powerful and ancient, so for only one child to have her features, even if the bloodline thinned over generations, was laughable.

"Shut your mouth, Zale! Where is Feng!? If your answer doesn’t satisfy me, I’ll kill you right here! “ Rhea said coldly but was inwardly anxious. This shouldn’t be a coincidence.

“Ho, Feng? I actually met him a short while ago…” Zale looked at Rhea with a wide smile.

Stretching out his arm, a bloodied head with a furious expression appeared in his hand.

“Haha, here you go! “ Zale laughed loudly.

“FENG! “ Rhea shouted in anguish. Her eyes red with grey energy gathering on her sword, Rhea made a swift horizontal motion, removing Zale’s head from his body as the slash travelled a long distance through the air, cutting through some of their house.

“Dad! “ Nox and Astra shouted simultaneously, their eyes also turning red as tears gathered.

“Hahahaha, Rhea, you don’t honestly believe that’s enough to kill me, right? “ a new head formed on Zale’s body almost instantly whilst laughing maniacally.

“You! “ Rhea became agitated, swinging her sword once more.

Catching Rhea’s sword between his fingers, Zale smirked. He allowed that injury just now.

“Rhea, you betrayed the clan. “ Zale slowly spoke.

“BETRAYED ME! WE WERE BETROTHED, YET YOU LEFT ME FOR SOME LOWLY HUMAN SCUM! A GOD, A PERFECT BEING, LEAVING HER CLAN AND FIANCE FOR SOME MORTAL HUMAN! DO YOU KNOW THE HUMILIATION I WENT THROUGH? THE MOCKING, THE SCORN! “ Zale bellowed with an insane look in his eyes.

“You even birthed these abominations! There is no redemption for you and these things. Betraying the clan means death! “ Zale roared, swinging his arm and knocking Rhea backwards through one of the walls.

“Understand your powerlessness, Rhea. Know despair! Watch as these two filthy things die before your eyes. Ah, what a good show this will be. “ Zale’s expression instantly flipped, looking at Nox and Astra joyously.

“ZAAAAAAALE! “ an arc of energy flew from the broken wall, heading straight towards Zale.

“Ha, you’re still so, so weak, Rhea. If you were going to betray us, you should have at least waited until you came of age to obtain your inheritance. Alas, it’s too late. Now, how about you settle down and enjoy the show! “ Zale laughed and swung down with a side palm towards Rhea.

“Ugh” Rhea groaned in pain as a plopping sound was heard.

“MOTHER! “ Nox shouted, gazing at Rhea with red eyes. Breathing very heavily, blood was pouring constantly from her right side as her arm was severed and on the ground.

“BASTARD! “ Nox yelled, about to draw his sword.

“Hmm, maybe I’ll start with you. “ Zale said, leisurely extending his arm and gripping Nox by the neck, not giving him the chance to draw. He grabbed him in a blink.

His throat slowly being crushed, Nox tried pulling out his sword, but he was struggling to breathe, close to losing consciousness. Managing to pull it out from its sheath, it was for naught as Nox’s grip weakened considerably, dropping it on the ground.

“Quite the brave one, Rhea.“ Zale looked at her with a smirk as he toyed with Nox.

“Let go of big brother! “ a high-pitched shout resounded throughout the courtyard.

*Tink*

The noise of metal hitting metal was heard.

“Oh, not just your son? How surprising for a little whelp.“

“Yes, this is how it should be. It will be more enjoyable this way. “ Zale looked below him. It was Astra, who had picked up Nox’s sword and swung it at him. Sadly, his body was much stronger than steel.

Tossing Nox to the side like a ragdoll, he slammed directly into a wall with his right arm.

*Ugh* *Cough* *Cough*

Nox groaned in pain and coughed uncontrollably, finally able to breathe once more.

“Astra… “ Nox staggered on his feet, with his right arm now completely limp.

*Cough*

“WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING!? “ Nox coughed, shouting frantically.

“Run away, big brother! “ Astra’s little face was covered in tears, but her eyes were fearless while defending Nox.

“STOP, ASTRA! YOU'RE THE RUN WHO SHOULD RUN! “ Nox mustered his strength and shouted frantically, struggling to move forward. What could a small child do? Why wouldn’t she run instead!? It was ridiculous!

Smirking at their little exchange, Zale silently elected to point his finger at Astra’s chest.

Glancing at Rhea on the side, Zale smiled widely in anticipation. The play was all for this.

Qi gathering on his finger, a piercing energy shot forward.

“STO-…. “ Nox yelled but was halted midway.

Blankly staring ahead, Rhea was now between Zale and Astra. The flat of her sword attempting to block, a hole pierced through it and Rhea, as well as Astra’s chest. Both now bleeding profusely, Rhea was still standing, but Astra’s teary but fearless eyes quickly lost their light as she collapsed to the ground, motionless.

His smirk gone, Zale looked at his chest in surprise, which also had a hole “So that’s what you were planning; reflecting a portion of my attack. How cunning, I never knew you learned that. “

“Alas, your final attempt proved fruitless. You couldn’t kill me or save that half-breed daughter yours. Such idiocy. What happened to your brain over these years? Muddled by these mortals? If you used the poison when you cut off my head, then there might have been a miniscule chance for survival. “ Zale shook his head in disappointment, yet glee was in his voice. His chest wasn’t healing due to a poison she slipped into his wound, but such a scene was far too enjoyable.

A grieved look in her eyes, Rhea struggled to turn behind her. The attack managed to pierce her heart from an angle, but she wasn’t dead yet.

Looking at Astra, an immense amount of grief, guilt, and regret filled her.

Turning towards the young Nox, Rhea looked at him lovingly.

“Nox…. I’m sorry… So, so sorry… Your mother caused this. But, know that your father and I believe in you… in your future. Astra… Astra did as well. You are the greatest genius I’ve ever seen, even amongst gods… You’re ancestor’s true successor. This is only a small setback. A small- “ *cough* Rhea spat a large amount of blood before continuing as her face paled and body visibly weakened.

“part of your life and limitless future… The man who will rise above all… our guardian… Live well, honey… You know that we love… you. “ Rhea lightly smiled at Nox with an enlightened gaze and absolute confidence before the light slowly faded from her grey eyes, collapsing on the ground next to Astra.

Blood slowly flowing from his chest, Zale didn’t seem fazed at all, instead smiling brightly.

“Nox? Hilarious! Such touching words. “ he clapped passionately.

“Although it’s a bit irritating that she named you that and made it seem as if life was still in sight. Well, you’ll die soon enough. Here, look hahaha! “ Zale laughed sadistically, waving his arm as a fire suddenly enveloped Feng’s head and Rhea and Astra’s bodies.

Holding out a small flask, an energy seemed to be drawn into it from Rhea and Astra's bodies.

Listening to his mother’s final words and seeing his family engulfed in flames, slowly disappearing and turning to ash, the liveliness in Nox’s brown eyes completely disappeared.

“Mother… father… Astra… no…” Nox fell to his knees, muttering over and over in a daze, as tears continually streamed down his face.

“Ugh… “ Nox’s countenance abruptly twisted as he gripped his chest, feeling a deep and continuous pounding, as if his heart was about to burst.

“Hahahaha, good, that’s what I like to see! Rhea’s words were worthless! Greatest? Ancestor's successor? What a joke! Know how powerless and meaningless your existence is. How much of an ant you are! Despair you filthy half-breed, you’ll be joining your worthless family soon. I’ll take good care of you all afterwards, don’t worry!“ Zale chuckled in delight as he watched Nox.

He knew Rhea would use her lifeforce to manage enough speed and stand in front her daughter. It was all according to plan. She would see her dead husband, then her daughter die before her, and then die knowing her remaining child would soon follow.

Although he had no idea why Rhea clung to some hopeful miracle instead of sinking into despair knowing her only son would soon follow her, as he was older and more aware, she would enjoy Nox's reaction. No power. No hope. Pure despair. It was a perfect end for such a lowly and tainted being.

Watching Nox in joy for a bit, Zale’s expression began to slowly change.

Staring at the ground, Nox gripped his chest even harder, even tearing into his shirt and skin as his heartbeat become so loud and powerful, it caused vibrations in the area around his body.

With every concurrent beat, blood was pushed out from Nox’s entire body, soaking his clothes, skin and hair, whilst a blood pool began forming underneath him.

Realizing what was happening, Zale immediately materialized a magnificent golden spear and lunged forward with all his power, seeking to run Nox through.

“Ahh-“ The pain from his chest suddenly spreading throughout his entire body, Nox began convulsing uncontrollably as his voice choked, unable to let out another sound.

Zale’s spear heading towards Nox, the vibrations became stronger and were infused with an unusual energy as it pushed back, constantly resisting his strike.

“DAMN IT! “ Zale shouted in anger as he put even more energy into his strike, but it was to no avail. He couldn’t budge the energy.

Nox’s blood which was seeping out concurrently with his heartbeat, suddenly flowed like a blockage was just cleared. The amount made it seems as if his entire body would be emptied. Nearly an instant later, all the blood, even the red pool below him, transformed into a massive and potent grey energy, exploding outwards in a shockwave that destroyed the entire courtyard and house, knocking Zale away in the process as well as the ashes of his family.

“UGHH” Zale groaned as he was sent flying backwards.

Correcting his posture midair, he was shaken and coughed up a large amount of blood while looking at Nox in anger.

“FUCKING BRAT! HOW COULD A HALF-BREED AWAKEN THAT BLOODLINE!? “ Zale roared, but Nox was unable to hear him.

‘Can I survive long enough for it to become manageable? No, it’s over! I can’t feel the connection to space anymore. Why!? YOU BITCH, TO BIRTH SUCH A CHILD! I can’t even send a message. SHIT, his body even transformed. I should have immediately killed both the children!’ Zale thought as he gazed at Nox, noticing that his appearance was clean again, but his brown hair had now turned pitch back. His right arm was also healed.

Observing closely, Zale watched as Nox quieted down and lowered his head to stare at him. The energy Nox was releasing was powerful yet had already begun to visibly decrease in strength.

‘His eyes as well! That fucking bloodline, no one has ever awoken its purest form, not even the Ancestor's sons! And he’s a fucking half-breed! This brat’s growth is going to be heaven defying now! Shit! GAH, at least the clan will be alerted of my death. They’ll be able to kill him off before he matures.’ Unable to hide his mixed emotions, Zale looked into Nox’s eyes which changed like his hair, from brown to a deep grey. A grey that was intrinsically different from Rhea and Astra’s.

Other than the energy Nox released which signified the full awakening of a bloodline, his hair turning black and the difference in his eyes compared to Rhea and Astra further solidified it. Nox’s changed appearance reminded Zale of an ancient portrait he saw of the ancestor. They were almost identical, except Nox was seemingly a younger version.

He knew that Nox’s current power was only temporary, as it already began to decline after transforming his body and nearly destroying his human bloodline, but that was still enough.

‘Mother, father, Astra…’ Nox sorrowfully muttered as he moved his gaze towards the sky.

Silently raising his healed right arm, Nox extended his index and middle finger.

A murderous look filling his eyes when moving his vision onto Zale, all the energy released from his changed blood naturally gathered around his two fingers. Nox’s body moved almost on instinct.

Swinging downwards without another word, a massive, mountain sized grey energy in the shape of a sword slash barreled straight towards Zale. Seemingly unstoppable and shattering all space in its path like glass, it was as if it could cut through anything in this world.

‘Sword intent as well! This little fucking monster!’ Zale shouted internally whilst lifting his spear to block.

“YOU UNWORTHY LITTLE BRAT, THAT POWER IS USED UP NOW. EVEN IF YOU AWOKE ANCESTOR’S BLOODLINE, DON’T THINK THAT YOU’LL SURVIVE THE COMING DAYS! “ Zale cried out in anger right before the mountain sized slash arrived in front of him.

Unable to dodge due to the speed and size, along with space being sealed, Zale could only release all his Qi and forcefully burn his life force, yet it was to no avail as the sword intent infused energy engulfed his entire body and slicing it into nonexistence. That small flask he carried was also destroyed.

The remnant energy still traveling forward, that seemingly unstoppable slash inexplicably shattered and dispersed, as if an egg thrown against a wall.

Surprised at the shattered energy for but a moment, Nox didn’t question it as immense grief overpowered him, whilst also some relief. Relief that he killed their murderer, and that the energy had stopped before travelling far enough to kill someone else.

Looking at the area where his home and family used to be, Nox’s body grew limp, as his vision blurred and lost focus, collapsing to the ground and losing consciousness.

Far above the clouds, an old man with a large twirling white mustache was peering downwards, observing Nox.

‘Hmm… He looks exactly like him… If that bastard Nox was still alive, I’m sure he’d be elated that a good descendent was finally born. However, awakening a bloodline, no matter the extent, only happens once. If another god comes here, this kid will die.’ Coincidentally being in a ‘nearby’ space, he dropped his business and appeared instantly after sensing the energy from Nox’s god bloodline awakening. Witnessing Nox’s state and circumstances, he surreptitiously sealed space and allowed Nox’s attack to kill the man before blocking the blow, preventing further destruction.

What the old man didn’t know, is Nox’s name. Rhea had named him after her ancestor, who was also known as Nox.

‘I will help you a bit more.’ The old man pointed his finger towards the far away Nox, as an invisible energy imperceptibly coated his body and sank within. Almost instantly afterwards, an unconscious Nox disappeared from the area.

Shortly afterwards, the entire destroyed area was restored and cleared of all debris, as if nothing was ever there.

‘You won’t be discovered now, kid. A cultivator’s path is to go against the heavens, and such events abound. Turn this tragedy into strength and defeat the tribulations. Maybe one day this karma will give me a successor... One that can surpass all realms.’ The old man muttered before disappearing without a trace like Nox.