**Chapter 4: Arrival at Martlock**
A day had swiftly passed, and Damon and Emily approached the imposing gates of Martlock, one of the five proud nations of the Aoki continent. This continent, rich in diversity, comprised Lymhrst, Martlock, Forsterling, the Demon Country, and Aoki Central. This year, Martlock took center stage as it prepared to host the prestigious bloodline awakening ceremony, an event reserved for the most gifted practitioners of the righteous path. The atmosphere buzzed with anticipation, as only the finest geniuses would be in attendance.
As they neared the gates, Damon turned to Emily, a playful challenge dancing in his eyes. "Sister, why do you fly down? Don't I qualify as a strong man?" he teased. Emily chuckled, but her laughter held a note of urgency. "You mustn't joke! We might lose our heads! The powerhouses here are formidable. And look at you—your demonic energy is leaking; it's too pure. You better conceal it," she instructed, her voice firm.
Damon scoffed slightly, sealing his energy with a deftness that left Emily momentarily stunned. "Do my eyes deceive me?" she thought, bewildered by his ability to mask his aura to such a degree. He appeared almost like a regular human. As she descended, she tucked her raven into her beast pouch, and they completed their journey to Martlock.
Upon reaching the gates, they encountered a requirement to sign a contract promising to adhere to the laws of the land. They swiftly complied, and soon after, they made their way to a nearby stable to rent two fourth-rank horses, eager to expedite their journey. However, when Emily inquired about the price, a young man emerged to greet her.
"You would need 500 low-grade spirit stones," he stated flatly.
Emily gasped, "Ehhh, why is it so expensive? Please, sir, sell them to us for just 100 spirit stones!" she implored, her voice laced with desperation. The stable worker's irritation flared, and he scratched his head in frustration. "Why are women always so unreasonable with their pricing?" he grumbled, calling for two guards to escort them out.
Before the guards could intervene, Damon stepped forward, dropping 100 mid-grade spirit stones onto the counter. "Is this enough for your best quality horse?" he asked, a confident smile gracing his lips. The stable worker's demeanor transformed instantly, his eyes lighting up with recognition. "Young lord!, forgive my rudeness! I didn't realize someone so gracious stood before me," he exclaimed, his tone dripping with eagerness.
Without hesitation, he continued, "I have two exotic horses that recently arrived, both of the fourth rank. One possesses a lightning attribute and has remained calm since capture, while the other as black as night with fire attribute has shown no signs of being tamed." The stable worker's eyes glinted with salesmanship as he rubbed his fingers together.
Damon approached with an air of authority. "Take me to the horses," he commanded. The stable worker led them deeper into the stable, showcasing various breeds and exotic mounts. As they neared the horses he had mentioned, Damon's eyes gleamed with excitement.
"Young sir, you must be cautious; that is no ordinary horse. It has killed two middle-stage commanders and one king's realm expert," the stable worker warned, leaving Emily in shock. "Brother, please step back! You wouldn't want to get hurt before the ceremony!" she urged, but Damon remained undeterred, his focus locked onto the agitated horse, which stomped its hooves in defiance.
"Ah, I know you're strong, but it's time for you to behave,." Damon spoke calmly, releasing his aura gently. The horse, sensing the deep demonic energy emanating from him, instinctively retreated to the corner of its stable. Undaunted, Damon extended his hand, and to the astonishment of the stable worker, the horse gradually calmed, eager to please the boy before it, fearing for its own safety.
The stable worker blinked in disbelief. "This horse has resisted taming for three months, oppressed by commanders and kings alike. Yet, this child of merely fifteen has accomplished what seasoned experts could not," he mused, admiration creeping into his voice. "Young lord, for the spirit of Lord Buddha that guided you here, I shall grant you a discount. Just give me..." he began, raising five fingers.
Emily interjected, "Ah, do you mean five mid-grade spirit stones?" The salesman shot her a glare, his irritation evident. "Young sir, it's actually 400 mid-grade spirit stones," he clarified, dismissing her completely.
Damon raised an eyebrow, questioning the earlier offer of 100 mid-grade spirit stones. "Young sir, don't let this unscrupulous swine cloud your judgment. I only have your best interests at heart—100 mid-grade stones for the information, and 200 mid-grade stones for each horse. No scams here, young sir," he insisted, feigning innocence.
Damon chuckled at the salesman's antics, appreciating his humor. He dropped a pouch into the man's hands, which the salesman weighed without a second glance before hastily tossing it into his storage pouch. Overjoyed, the stable worker produced two high-level beast pouches and escorted the siblings through a discreet back exit, pointing them toward an inn for the night.
As they departed, the stable worker dashed back to his office, removing the pouch from his storage with trembling hands. He tore it open, revealing a treasure trove of 500 mid-grade spirit stones and three high-grade spirit stones. The stingy man nearly fainted at the sight of his newfound wealth. "What is a strong man without money? My young friend, thank you! I, Isaac, will never forget you," he vowed, his heart swelling with gratitude and ambition.
Damon and his sister Emily arrived at the inn, drawing considerable attention as Emily radiated an ethereal beauty, her veil only heightening the allure that captivated all who beheld her. Without delay, Damon approached the front desk to secure two separate rooms, eagerly awaiting the keys. Suddenly, a towering man approached them, exuding an air of arrogance, his eyes glinting with unsavory desire. He made a brazen move toward Emily, extending his hand with the intention of groping her. Little did he know, his recklessness would soon meet its match.
In a swift and decisive motion, Emily unsheathed her blade, severing his hand before he could make contact. The man stood there, his now detached limb hanging limply as he screamed in shock and agony. Gasps of horror rippled through the inn as patrons turned to witness the unfolding drama. "Ahhhhh!! Ahhhh!!" he cried, while a guard shouted, "Young lord!!" But before anyone could intervene, a striking woman named Chu Milan emerged from the shadows, her voluptuous figure commanding immediate respect and silence.
"My doors are not open to hooligans," she declared, her voice resonating with authority as she unleashed a chilling wave of ice-spiritual energy that froze the room. Most of the inn's occupants fled in panic, yet Damon and Emily remained unfazed, their composure unshaken by the frigid atmosphere.
Chu Milan's gaze fell upon Damon, as an unsettling intuition urged her to maintain her distance from him. Yet, as their eyes locked, she felt an inexplicable chill run down her spine—a blend of intrigue and caution. "I apologize for my earlier rudeness," she stammered, her tone softening. "May I inquire about your esteemed family?" However, Damon offered no response, igniting a fire of indignation within her.
"Have I not been respectful enough for such a brat to dismiss me?" she seethed internally, her frustration simmering just beneath the surface.