**Chapter 5: Celebration**
The Void Clan:
"Hang this right there! I want everything to be perfect for my son's celebration," Dora exclaimed, her heart swelling with joy. She envisioned a grand affair, especially as relatives from the Panda Sect and other branches of the Void Clan began to arrive.
"Welcome, everyone! Today is a special day, so please make yourselves at home," she announced, embracing her father and guiding him and his companions to their seats. Shortly after, the head of the Void Clan, Gerald, entered with his father, Thomas. They greeted the guests with respect, noting the evident increase in their strength.
"Thomas, congratulations on your blessed family," Lucas, Thomas's second brother, said cheerfully as he approached. Alvine, the third brother, followed closely behind. The last time the brothers had gathered was during the clan's destruction.
"And where is the young genius we're meant to see?" Alvine asked, curiosity lighting his eyes, while the children from the branches listened intently.
"Don't worry; he will be back soon," Thomas replied with a gentle smile, knowing his pride would make an entrance shortly. He had sensed him the moment they crossed the clan's barrier and settled into their seats.
Suddenly, an ancient presence made its way toward them, sending shivers through their bones. Those unfamiliar with Damon feared it was an attack.
"Calm your hearts; that's my son," Gerald said proudly.
As Damon and Emily stepped into the hall, Damon unleashed his bloodline, radiating the grace of a king. The members of the Void Clan gazed in awe at the crimson light that washed over the sky, bowing down to welcome their ancestor. Damon stood, momentarily shocked but secretly thrilled by the reverence. He then revealed two more bloodlines, sending a jolt of fear through the crowd.
"What is this?!" Alvine gasped, turning to Thomas.
"Hahaha! The heavens have not forgotten our Void Clan!" Lucas exclaimed joyfully, tears streaming down his cheeks. His cousins looked on with envy, wishing they too could bask in such glory.
Meanwhile, Emily rushed to her mother's side, hugging her tightly as she placed the sleeping cub into her arms. The sight of the fourth-rank beast captured everyone's attention, their minds racing at the realization that they were casually holding such a powerful creature, even in cub form it was still a formidible creature.
As Damon entered the mansion with his parents and grandparents, they were eager to hear about his journey. He quickened his pace, trying to evade their questions, but they matched his stride. "Ah, leave me alone!" he exclaimed, darting away as if they were chasing him. "Don't worry, I'll tell you what happened," Emily added, shouting form behind.
Then he noticed Emily, a sly grin on her face, ready to seize her moment to get back at her younger brother. She recounted the entire story, emphasizing how close she had come to losing her head. The family turned their gazes to Damon, their expressions sharp and predatory. He felt a chill; he was cornered.
In a desperate attempt to escape, Damon realized he was rooted to the spot as his father, Gerald, approached him slowly, brandishing a wooden sword and pointing it at his head. Panic surged through him, and he called out for his mother, Doras. She averted her gaze, knowing he needed discipline but unwilling to let it go too far, especially on this significant day for their family.
Suddenly, a void opened before them, and Damon instinctively stepped back, they were all astonished to discover he could harness the ancient abilities of his ancestors, known as Void Walker. There were two forms of this power: one could either make the void their home or infuse their movements with void energy, rendering them invisible to the human eye.
"That was a close call," Damon sighed, clutching his chest as he readied himself for the celebration. He felt new strengths awakening within him; he could transform parts of his skin to resemble that of a void dragon and possessed the rejuvenation abilities of a treant. Even a severed limb wouldn't deter him.
He opened the void and stepped inside, where time seemed to stretch and linger. A voice echoed in his mind — the Tree of Imagination, instructing him to extract the cloan seed, drip blood on it, and place it at the void's center.
"And how do I find the center, you rascal?" Damon shouted in frustration. A soft voice responded, "Master, just stretch out your hand and feel the void."
Following the guidance, Damon dripped his blood onto the seed, feeling it pulsate with energy. He then placed it in the void, and an explosion of light erupted, compressing into the seed until it transformed into a miniature world. Enormous arenas, training quarters, and the majestic Willow Tree of Imagination emerged.
Overjoyed, Damon realized he had everything he needed for his hideout and training sanctuary. As he approached the tree, he spotted a child with purple hair sitting upon its branches, giggling and waving at him. Knowing he had to finish his business, Damon quickly wrapped up his tasks and exited the void space.