5. Grades

Chapter 5: Grades

Chu Milan's lips twitched with irritation as the boy brushed past her without so much as a glance. It wasn't just the blatant rudeness that stoked her indignation—it was the enigma of his presence. His aura, or rather the absence of one, was an anomaly in itself. Spiritual energy was a constant among practitioners, as natural as breathing. Yet this boy radiated nothing, as if he were a void in a world brimming with power.

Her mind raced as she scrutinized him. Who was he? A commoner with no cultivation? Impossible—his bearing spoke of pride and confidence, even arrogance. Was he masking his power? If so, then his abilities far surpassed her own.

Snapping out of her thoughts, she waved her staff toward her attendants. "See to it that the newcomers are settled properly," she ordered, her voice as sharp as the edges of her rising curiosity.

In the sanctuary of his room, Damon dropped onto the bed in a lotus position, his body instinctively aligning itself to absorb the energy permeating the air. He exhaled slowly, letting the world around him fade into silence as he turned his focus inward.

Inside him, his demon core stirred like a sleeping beast awakened by the promise of a feast. Streams of energy flowed toward it, drawn in as effortlessly as water filling a vessel. Damon watched the process intently, marveling at how the core refined and redirected the energy into his spirit core. It was a harmonious cycle—two distinct powers, one demonic and one spiritual, working in perfect tandem.

A grin broke across his face. This… this is new. In my past life, nothing came close to this.

He began circulating the demonic energy through his meridians, following pathways etched into his memory from years of training. At first, the process was smooth, but as the energy grew denser, his body tensed. Pain surged through him like fire. His muscles locked, his veins bulged, and a low groan escaped his lips.

"What in the…" He trailed off, staring in disbelief as thick, black liquid seeped from his pores. The substance clung to his skin, its acrid stench nearly overwhelming. "What is this?"

Rising with difficulty, Damon stumbled to the bathroom, his legs shaky but determined. He plunged into the waiting barrel of water, sighing in relief as the cool liquid soothed his aching body. But his comfort was short-lived. The water darkened almost immediately, turning into an inky black soup.

He grimaced, staring at his reflection in the surface. "This body… still has a long way to go," he muttered, his voice tinged with both frustration and determination.

The next morning, Damon stepped out of his room, his steps light despite the ordeal of the night before. The inn bustled with activity, yet every pair of eyes seemed to follow him. Whispers trailed in his wake, speculation rippling through the crowd.

"Who is he?"

"No aura at all… could he be—"

"He's too handsome for his own good!"

Damon ignored them, his focus sharp as he approached his sister's room. "Emily," he called, rapping his knuckles against the door, "we need to leave. We'll be late for the awakening ceremony."

Emily emerged moments later, her hair tied neatly, her expression bright with excitement. They descended the steps together, their presence commanding attention.

Among the onlookers was Chu Milan, her sharp eyes narrowing as she took in Damon's confident stride. "He's just a boy," she murmured to herself. Then, as realization struck, her brows shot up. "No… it can't be. He's ten?!"

Her astonishment spread through the crowd like wildfire. Whispers turned into murmurs, and murmurs into excited chatter. "Could he be here to recruit geniuses? No, he's too young…"

Damon, unbothered by the commotion, led Emily to their mounts. They rode swiftly, the wind tugging at their hair as their lightning-attribute horses galloped across the land.

The awakening grounds were a spectacle of grandeur. Ornate carriages lined the pathways, each bearing the insignia of prestigious families. The air buzzed with anticipation as crowds gathered to witness the event.

Damon and Emily dismounted, their rare beasts drawing immediate attention. People clamored to inquire about the mounts, offering exorbitant sums, but the siblings dismissed them with curt nods.

They stowed their horses in their beast pouch and approached the central stage. Two towering pillars dominated the scene, their surfaces etched with ancient runes that pulsed faintly with energy.

As they navigated the crowd, Damon felt the weight of several gazes. Among them was the seventh prince of Gale Wood, his expression unreadable but his presence oppressive. Near him stood the daughters of Snow Valley, their icy auras palpable even from a distance.

Damon's eyes briefly met theirs before he turned away, uninterested in their scrutiny. But his path was soon blocked by a rotund boy with a mischievous grin.

"Hello, friend!" the boy greeted, his tone disarmingly cheerful. "I am Pyo from the Ruthless Buddha Clan."

Damon raised an eyebrow, studying the boy. Despite his friendly demeanor, there was a sharpness in his gaze—a viper lying in wait.

"Round boy," Damon chuckled, his lips curving into a smile. "I didn't expect someone like you here."

The crowd watched in silence as Damon extended a hand. Pyo hesitated, his instincts screaming a warning. The moment their hands met, a chill coursed through Pyo, his composure shattering as he stumbled backward, landing unceremoniously on the ground.

Gasps rippled through the audience.

"Strange…" murmured Pyo's father, his eyes narrowing. "I can't sense a trace of energy from that boy."

Damon inclined his head politely. "Damon Rim of the Void Dragon Clan," he introduced himself, his voice calm yet commanding.

The elder overseeing the event descended from the sky, his robes billowing as he landed gracefully on the stage. His presence silenced the crowd instantly.

"Welcome, everyone," he began, his voice carrying easily over the gathered masses. "Today marks the annual Bloodline Awakening Ceremony. May the heavens bless this day and reveal new geniuses among us."

One by one, participants showcased their skills, each display more impressive than the last. The seventh prince executed the Gale Steps, walking on air with effortless grace. Li Wei of the Flood Sect followed, her lightning speed earning awed gasps.

But it was the final trio that truly stole the show. Ogun, a boy shrouded in mystery, descended like a meteor, his strength palpable. Xing Long of the Azura Dragon Sect performed the Azura Steps, each movement charged with raw power. Finally, Tain Ming, the son of Martlock's king, emerged wreathed in flames, his mere presence radiating dominance.

Damon and Emily observed in silence, their expressions unreadable. The crowd's attention flitted between the geniuses and the siblings, speculation running wild.

"Void Clan?" one of the Snow Valley princesses murmured, her cheeks flushed. "That boy… he's my type."

Her sister snorted. "Didn't you say the same about the last three boys?"

"Shut up!"

As the ceremony continued, Damon felt the weight of expectation and disdain in equal measure. He remained calm, his gaze unwavering. Though the world saw him as a void, an anomaly, he knew the truth.

And soon, so would they.