Clap, clap, clap!
Arriving at the Clan estate of the Infernos, Vahn was instantly showered with warm applause. Not just Damien’s parents, but many of his cousins and elders were present to greet him. The news of his dominance in the Berserker Arena had already spread through the city.
"Son, you have made your mother proud!" Rianne hugged him tightly.
Vahn felt uncomfortable under the display of affection and grumbled, "Mom, I’m not a kid anymore."
"No. No matter how much you grow up, you will always stay my precious Son, Damien." Rianne’s eyes were moist with pride.
Dalian smiled heartily. "Haha... Leave our son some face, dear. Everyone is watching." His cousins and aunts and uncles revealed awkward smiles, witnessing the rare display of intimacy.
Finally, Rianne let go of Vahn, and he let out a spiritual sigh of relief.
"Mommy, I saw big brother’s every fight with my own eyes..." Delilah said cheerfully. "He was so cool and powerful! Those baddies couldn’t even last for a few breaths."
At this, both parents smiled proudly, their faith in their son wholly restored.
"At first we didn’t believe that you defeated Cedric one-on-one, cousin. But since the whole city is talking about it, we have no choice. At least, now I feel the position of Heir truly belongs to you."
The younger members came forward to shake hands, trying to get into Vahn’s good books with their signature flattering style. Even Boros came to shake hands, looking very happy and carefree, pretending as though there wasn’t any enmity between them at all.
Vahn accepted their hands with a fake smile. These shrewd politicians really knew how to butter up to people, but Vahn wasn’t so easily fooled. He knew all of their attitudes were fake and would last only as long as he continued to show promise to the world. And who knows, some might already be planning to kill him.
Nevertheless, he wasn’t too worried. He had bigger, bloodier plans in motion.
Vahn quickly excused himself, feigning exhaustion from the battles, and entered his room. He had already condensed 3,500 droplets of Qi in his Dantian. Tonight, he was determined to push that count to 10,000, achieving a major breakthrough.
Crossimg his legs, he entered deep cultivation.
The gaseous energy entered through the Vortex of Void Refining Manual and condensed into Liquid energy.
He forced his foundation to expand, pushing past the limitations of an ordinary cultivator.
By the next day, Vahn had successfully broken through, becoming a Foundation Establishment Stage 5 Cultivator.
His power had increased, granting him access to an even larger reserve of spiritual energy and greater elemental control.
Afterward, just like the previous day, Vahn went to the Challenger Arena once again. He faced veteran challengers one after another until dusk. The process was grueling, but his growth was explosive.
His new Stage 5 power, combined with the continuous application of his four elements in real combat, refined his control to near perfection.
This routine continued for the next 3 days straight. Each night was spent cultivating and condensing more Qi, and each day was spent brutally dominating the arena. The Infernal Clan’s Heir became an unstoppable phenomenon.
His fame reached its peak just as the Seven Saintesses Competition approached.
That same day, Vahn announced something earth-shattering to the gathered Infernal Clan members: He was going for the entrance test at the White Lotus Sanctuary once again. This was a direct, public statement that solidified his ’reborn’ warrior persona and his vow.
"Damien, isn’t this too early? I mean, you could train for a few more weeks then try again," one of his cautious uncles suggested.
Vahn immediately denied this, channeling the confidence of a man guided by an unseen, powerful force. "No. My master said I must head to the Holy Land at once and face my fear that once shattered my confidence. Only then can I become the strongest. Or else, I will forever stay in the dust."
His parents and elders nodded approvingly. "Well, since that esteemed Master said so, we shouldn’t stop you. Go ahead, Damien. Make the Infernal Clan’s name shine once again."
Vahn nodded and went over to Lilith’s room to begin his journey.
But once inside, he found her nowhere in sight.
"Lilith! Where are you? I’m ready to depart."
He called lowly, but he got no reply. That would mean she had gone somewhere urgent.
"Strange, why would she leave at this time before departure? Just now she was saying I should head to White Lotus immediately since the Seven Saintesses Competition will be held in two days," Vahn muttered in confusion.
"Master Damien! Master Damien!"
"Where are you?"
He heard his maid Maria’s voice from the hallways. He sneakily went outside, facing Maria with a jump scare.
The maid, though startled, quickly recovered and said in a hurried voice: "Master Damien, thank God you’re here. Come quick! There is someone important to see you."
Vahn was slightly alert. "Who is it? Do you know that person?"
"No, Master. But he is waiting in the Guest Hall alongside other elders and the Patriarch. It seems he is very important and powerful. Maybe someone finally took notice of your potential. You should meet them quick!" Maria urged, excitement sparkling in her eyes.
Vahn said nothing more, his mind racing. Who could arrive now, just before his planned departure? A new political ally? Or an early agent of the Holy Lands?
He followed Maria to the spacious Guest Hall with quiet steps.
And very soon, he saw the person’s face. And his face momentarily panicked upon seeing that party.
The Guest Hall was unusually subdued. Patriarch Dalian and several key elders were seated, their expressions a mix of deference and anticipation.
Standing before them was a man whose presence commanded immediate attention.
The man was clad in robes of deep blue and silver, marked with the unmistakable sigil of White Lotus Sanctuary.
"You’re the new prodigy that everyone is talking about?" the man inquired in an authoritative voice, his sharp eyes locked onto Vahn.
I am Holy Son Veerion. I’ve come to judge your worth myself."