Ascension King

**Chapter 18: con't The Arrival of the Mad Prodigy**

Damon strode purposefully toward Velma, his voice firm as he instructed her to summon her horse so that they might depart. His gaze swept across the dense forest, where an unsettling sensation stirred deep within its shadows. It was as if something—no, someone—was awakening, and the very essence of fear pulsed through the air, urging him to confront it. Yet Damon was acutely aware of the lurking menace, and with a swift motion, he grasped Velma's wrist, calling upon Anon from the depths of his shadows. They fled, but the creature was relentless, conjuring tentacles of earth that sought to ensnare them. One tentacle lunged at Damon, intent on crushing them, but he met the threat with fierce determination, his fist clenched as he delivered a powerful blow that shattered the earthen appendage. He understood the nature of battles, and now was not the time for confrontation; they had to escape.

"Why is it so angry?" Velma asked, her voice tinged with fear as they raced to safety. Damon could feel the energy within him surging, wild and untamed, as he activated the "Void Palm Series." His palms moved with a fluid grace, striking every tentacle that dared to approach. He commanded Anon to unleash his skills, and Anon responded, stepping into the fray and invoking "Shadow Gust," which tore through the tentacles in their path. With the Heavenly Wheel Eyes activated, Damon perceived every movement of the creature, sensing the dark energy that resided within it. They needed to make haste.

Damon tightened his grip on his weapon, an axe of formidable design, intercepting five tentacles that surged toward them. With measured precision, he hacked at the tentacles, obliterating them with his Avalonia. "Anon, I advise we take this more seriously," he chastised, urgency lacing his tone. Anon quickly engaged his battle form, muscles taut with power, yet before he could fully harness his strength, they found themselves ensnared once more by the tentacles. In that moment of despair, an extraordinary surge of strength erupted from within Anon, shattering the grip of the creature as he burst forth with astounding speed. Damon felt a wave of relief wash over him as he clapped Anon on the back, and together they swiftly made their way toward the Heavenly Demon Sect.

Meanwhile, within the grand halls of the Heavenly Demon Palace, a man paced anxiously in his throne room, his worry palpable. It had been three long years since he had seen his first daughter.

"Do not fret, Father; she will return," Tracy whispered soothingly, her words a balm to his troubled heart. "She always does." As she left her father to his thoughts, Tracy, the second daughter of the Heavenly Demon, harbored a quiet resentment toward Velma, who had always drawn their father's attention due to her exceptional abilities. This simmering jealousy had festered within her since childhood, and as she exited her father's chambers, a surge of emotion compelled her to slam her hand against the wall, leaving a deep crack in its wake as tears streamed down her face.

Suddenly, the Heavenly Demon Blaire sensed the energy of his first daughter, Velma, approaching the clan. When one surpasses the Emperor realm, they become attuned to all energies in their vicinity, regardless of distance. Accompanying Velma was another presence—one he recognized with a rush of joy. He summoned all the elders and supreme elders, instructing them to prepare the stage for a momentous occasion. "I have gathered you here because a heavenly genius approaches our sect," he declared, excitement infusing his voice. He informed them about the inner disciple test he had long awaited for Damon to participate in. The elders, taken aback by Blaire's uncharacteristic joy, hastened to prepare for the test, eager to welcome the young prodigy.

As Damon and Velma neared the Heavenly Demon Sect, he marveled at its imposing grandeur, sensing the presence of celestial treasures within. "Impressive, isn't it?" Velma remarked, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear, her eyes sparkling with admiration. As they landed in the bustling vicinity of the sect, they drew the attention of many curious onlookers. Whispers filled the air: "Who is that striking man beside the poison witch? And is that a seventh-rank beast following them?" They referred to Velma, who remained unfazed by their comments as she seized Damon's arm, pulling him toward the clan registration hall, with Anon trailing quietly behind.

Navigating through the throng, Damon caught fleeting glances of curiosity from the ladies, but Velma pulled him more, intent on avoiding further scrutiny. They approached the Heavenly Demon chambers to announce her return, but before they could even reach the door, it swung open. Blaire stood there, his expression a mix of relief and reprimand. "You wicked child! Have you forgotten your father?" he scolded, but Velma remained silent, her gaze averted. Damon stifled a laugh at the old man's plight, but his amusement was short-lived.

"Devil child of Avalonia," Blaire said, turning his attention to Damon, "you have matured into a striking young man, brimming with strength." He sensed the energy radiating from Damon, recognizing him as a mid-commander realm cultivator. Astonishment flickered across Blaire's face—what remarkable speed in cultivation! Quickly regaining his composure, he explained the inner disciple test he had prepared for Damon. As one elder entered the room, tasked with guiding Damon through the orientation, he couldn't quite comprehend the special treatment bestowed upon him, yet he adhered to the Heavenly Demon's rules, mindful of the consequences of any misstep. The guide led Damon out of Blaire's chambers, and together they made their way to the inner disciple test stage, anticipation thick in the air as there was a bustling crowd of audience,One could not help but wonder what qualities lay beneath the surface of this striking young man. As Damon strode gracefully across the stage, he cast a casual glance around the audience. Each spectator present felt an undeniable aura of pride emanating from him, as if it were etched deep within his very bones. This palpable confidence ignited a simmering frustration among many of the geniuses in attendance .