SWNOVELXO Chapter 5: **Chapter 5**
**Chapter 5: Grades**
Chu Milan burned with indignation at the audacity of the boy standing before her, who had chosen to ignore her presence entirely. Yet, she wielded her irritation with a careful hand, fully aware of the precarious balance between confrontation and poise. What troubled her most was the inexplicable absence of spiritual energy radiating from this young man—a rarity that even the most skilled practitioners could scarcely achieve. "Who is this anomaly?" she pondered silently, her curiosity ignited.
With a decisive flick of her wrist, she commanded her staff to ensure that the newcomers received accommodations befitting their status, an order executed with remarkable efficiency. As the group dispersed to their respective rooms, Damon wasted no time upon entering his sanctuary. He settled onto his bed, adopting a lotus position with intention, immersing himself in the vibrant energy that enveloped him.
With a keen eye, he observed the activity of his cores, marveling at how rapidly his demon core absorbed energy. Streams of vitality flowed into his spirit core, igniting a smile upon his face. In his previous life, he had never experienced such phenomena; thus, he embraced this new venture with an open heart. He began to circulate the demonic energy he had amassed, channeling it through the intricate pathways of his meridians.
As the energy coursed through him, Damon felt his body stiffen, the sensation akin to the relentless grip of pain. "What is this dark substance escaping from my body?" he exclaimed, bewildered, as he noticed a viscous black residue seeping from his pores, accompanied by an overwhelming stench that threatened to churn his stomach. "This body! It is still acclimating to so many unfamiliar sensations," he gritted his teeth in determination, forcing himself to rise.
Navigating through the discomfort, he made his way to the bathroom, plunging into the awaiting barrel of water. The moment he submerged himself, the pristine liquid transformed into a murky black, a testament to the tumultuous changes occurring within him.
The next morning, as Damon stepped out of his room, he felt the stares of both men and women in the inn were upon him, yet he paid them no mind as he strode toward his sister's room. "Emily, we must leave now! We will be late for the awakening ceremony!" he called out, his voice drawing the attention of the crowd, including Chu Milan. "What? Don't tell me that handsome boy is just ten!" Chu Milan gasped in disbelief, recalling that the awakening ceremonies typically welcomed ten-year-olds. "It can't be! Perhaps he hails from one of the sects and is here to recruit geniuses. Yes, that must be it!" The onlookers murmured as Chu Milan scrutinized Damon carefully, noting his carefree demeanor and the arrogance in his stride as he and his sister walked away.
They mounted their horses, already en route to the ceremony. Emily reveled in the speed of their new mount, which boasted the attribute of lightning. As they approached the ceremony grounds, they passed various prestigious carriages and families of different calibers, yet they drew the gaze of onlookers—people had never seen such rare mounts on this continent before.
They were soon approached by curious individuals eager to purchase the magnificent steeds, but Damon and Emily swiftly denied the offers before they could even inquire further. They made their way past the crowd toward the ceremony grounds. Upon arrival, they quickly stowed their mounts in their beast pouch and surveyed their surroundings, admiring the lavish nature of the ceremony. The most striking feature was the two enormous pillars standing tall at the center of the battle stage.
As Damon walked beside his sister, they moved with unwavering confidence, catching the eye of numerous influential figures: the seventh prince from Gale Wood in the land of Lymhurst, one of the children of the most powerful merchant and warrior in the king's realm, and the two princesses of Snow Valley in Forsterling. Damon sensed their gazes filled with malice, yet he walked in silence, attempting to navigate his way to a seat, only to be obstructed by a fat young boy.
"Hello, friend! I am Pyo from the Ruthless Buddha Clan," Pyo greeted, a broad smile illuminating his face, the innocence of a child gleaming in his eyes. Yet Damon sensed the sharpness of a viper lurking within him. The audience watched with bated breath, curious about the encounter. Damon chuckled, "Hah, such a round boy!" He laughed, refusing to underestimate Pyo. He extended his hand, ready to shake, but as Pyo's hand neared his, a chill of deep fear coursed down Pyo's spine, prompting him to dash back and land on his backside, drawing the attention of his father.
Pyo's father, recognizing his son's exceptional talent, was taken aback. "That's strange; I can't sense a single drop of spiritual energy from this child," he murmured, waiting as Damon simply introduced himself, "Oh, where are my manners? I am Damon Rim of the Void Dragon Clan." His inviting smile did little to ease Pyo's apprehension. Pyo, however, now calm, grasped Damon's hand as he stood, sensing an unsettling aura emanating from the young lad before him. With thoughts swirling in his mind, he made his way to his seat.
As Damon walked away, Pyo's thoughts were consumed with confusion. "He feels exactly like a devil," he mused, but he shook the notion away, convincing himself he had made a new friend.
"That boy claims to be from the Void Clan," one of the Snow Valley princesses remarked, a blush creeping onto her cheeks. "Sister, this is the fourth boy you've fallen for this month!"
"No, no! I'm not lying! He is so my type!" The two sisters exchanged playful barbs, maintaining their composure even as they playfully insulted each other. Meanwhile, the other prince and spectators held little regard for Damon, unable to sense any spiritual energy from him, which led many to look down upon him.
Damon and Emily settled into their seats as an elder from the king's realm descended from the skies. "Welcome, everyone, to the annual Bloodline Awakening Ceremony. Your presence is greatly appreciated." The stage fell silent, and the elder, a well-known force in the realm, commanded respect. "All children participating in this awakening ceremony, please make your way to the stage."
As Fendrick Louis concluded his speech, the geniuses of various families showcased their skills. The seventh prince of Gale Wood executed the Gale Steps, allowing him to tread upon the air. Suddenly, a girl from the Flood Sect dashed past him like lightning, landing with grace on the stage, her performance eliciting gasps from the crowd. "Did you see the speed she displayed? She has always been recognized for her potential—Li Wei!"
Before anyone could comment further, three more geniuses descended, exhibiting extraordinary arts and skills. One child performed the Azura Steps while another landed, enveloped in flames. The third child made a striking entrance, leaving the audience in stunned silence. "Who are these children? Why are they showcasing such strength at such a young age?"
"What! You don't know who these three geniuses are? The child who descended like a meteorite is Ogun, a boy of unknown origins who appeared with his guardian, possessing terrifying strength. The other child executing the Azura Steps is the offspring of the Azura Dragon Sect—Xing Long, a child born drunk in spiritual energy. And the third child, Tain Ming, is the third son of Tain Wei, the king of Martlock—the man whose name echoes with power."
The speaker, lost in his own fervor, failed to notice the crowd that had gathered around him. Suddenly, two girls rose from their seats, trailing ice shards in their wake, each step emanating a chill that sent shivers through those nearby. These geniuses arrived with their protectors or parents, to keep there own safe.