**CHAPTER 6: Alliance**
Deep within the Avalonian forest, a group approached the Void Clan.
"Father, when will we arrive?"
A sixteen-year-old girl, strikingly beautiful with long black hair, turned to her father, embodying grace and charm.
"Alice, when we step outside, address me as Sect Master," the Heavenly Demon replied, his expression serious. Yet, unfazed, Alice continued to pester him. Their bond was strong, especially after the loss of her mother. Suddenly, a red pillar of light pierced the sky, followed by streaks of black and gold. The Heavenly Demon was taken aback by the display of Bloodlines; he realized he was already late for the gathering.as he hurried his mount and his sect people to hestine there pace.
Damon felt a surge of happiness that day. In his previous life, he had been consumed by madness, knowing only the path of slaughter to gain a bit of sanity. But now, in this new existence, he was granted the chance to embrace sanity. All he desired from the ceremony was to enjoy himself and connect with his people. As he approached his grandfather from the Panda sect, he enveloped him in a warm embrace. "Grandfather, you're radiating youth!" he teased, laughter dancing in his voice as he playfully stroked the old man's beard.
"Hohoho, it's only natural for me to age like honey," his grandfather chuckled, fully aware that Damon knew just how to brighten his spirits. Surrounded by family, he felt at ease.
A fat senior from the Panda sect approached Damon, beaming with joy. "You've grown so big!" he exclaimed, delighting in the sight of his young friend.
"Ah, Senior Brother James, you still look as round as ever!" Damon laughed back, his humor infectious.
"Oh, you mean my muscles!" James responded, a hint of pride swelling within him. In his mind, he envisioned himself as a formidable figure. Damon chuckled, reveling in the jovial company of his rotund mentor.
As Damon's uncles from the branch family arrived with their children, eager to forge connections with him, he welcomed them with open arms. He knew that for his future ambitions, he would need a strong network—an army, if you will—and expanding his ties was essential.
"Thank you all for joining me on this grand occasion," he began, his voice steady and inviting. "But there is another special guest I wish to introduce: my friend, Heavenly Demon Blaire."
Blaire entered with his daughter at his side, flanked by three true disciples from his sect. The respect he received filled him with pride as he made his way to his seat. On his journey, he caught a glimpse of Damon, and his heart raced with admiration. "Such a heavenly genius," he murmured to himself, intrigued by the young boy's potential.
"Father, who is that?" Velma asked, her curiosity piqued. "You'll find out soon," he replied, focusing on the unfolding events.
"Attention, everyone! A small competition will be held among the young ones," Gerald announced, prompting the children of the Void Clan to step forward and head toward the arena.
"Damon!" called his mother, Dora, as she presented him with a gift: an axe named the Avalonian Axe and a pair of gauntlets. The excitement in the air was palpable as the ceremony continued, promising a day filled with camaraderie and competition.In the heart of the arena, the atmosphere buzzed with excitement, thickening with anticipation as the ceremony unfolded, heralding a day brimming with camaraderie and fierce competition. Among the participants, two figures emerged: Kai and Rowan, both scions of the illustrious Lucas and Alvine families, each bearing the prestigious Gold Grade bloodlines and standing as middle rookie realm experts.
"The rules are simple," Gerald announced with a commanding presence. "No lives shall be taken; any lethal moves will be dealt with severely." As the young warriors squared off, they vanished from sight, revealing the astonishing speed characteristic of the Void Clan. Their swords clashed, a dance of skill and power. Kai, eager to dominate the spotlight, executed a technique known as Void Flow, his blade slicing through Rowan's defenses, narrowly missing his chest as a void shield sprang into place.
"That was close," murmured an onlooker, but Kai was relentless. He unleashed a series of Void Flow slashes, shattering Rowan's shield in a display of flawless technique. "We've got some impressive juniors in the Void Clan," the Heavenly Demon remarked to Gerald, admiration evident in his voice. The battle concluded with Kai's victory after a fierce exchange.
Next, it was Damon's turn. Bursting with energy, he leaped onto the stage, embodying the strength of a middle peak realm warrior. Spectators exchanged glances, questioning whether this young man truly belonged to their clan or had descended from the heavens themselves. Recognizing Damon's prowess, the Heavenly Demon Blaire summoned one of his top disciples to challenge him. Without hesitation, the disciple approached, displaying the strength of a beginner soldier realm.
Damon's eyes sparkled with enthusiasm. "Just what I like," he thought, the gauntlets on his hands gleaming with promise. Wasting no time, he employed Crazed Step, leaving behind afterimages as he closed in on his opponent. With a swift motion, he launched into Void Fury, throwing a flurry of punches. Yet, his opponent was no slouch; with a deft slash, he met Damon's attack, halting it in its tracks.
Feeling the surge of battle, Damon stretched out his hand, summoning the Avalonian Axe with a flick of his wrist. It soared into his grasp, and without a moment's hesitation, he hurled it towards his adversary's head, infusing it with void energy. The Heavenly Demon disciple, taken aback, attempted to counter with his sword, but the axe was unyielding. Suddenly, he sensed Damon's presence behind him, a punch aimed squarely at his head.
A wave of danger washed over the disciple as he instinctively repositioned himself, narrowly avoiding the incoming axe. The thrill of battle coursed through Damon; he seized the axe with ease, channeling his energy into a powerful throw. The audience gasped as the weapon, charged with shimmering purple void energy, hurtled through the air as if guided by an unseen force, locking onto its target.
"That's enough!" Gerald's voice rang out, his figure stepping onto the stage just in time to intercept the axe. Cold sweat trickled down the Heavenly Demon disciple's brow; for a fleeting moment, he had felt the chilling grip of fear.