1 1.1 - Prologue
Severance City.
Seren Clan Manor. Burial ground.
Look at him. Not even a tear, besides that vague sad expression. This kid is not normal.
The patriarch of the Seren clan was frowning. His expression was somber while looking at a youth 14 years of age. His brother just passed away having failed to withstand the third heavenly tribulation. His brother's wife had left after giving birth to the wretched kid at his side.
As it should be clear by now, he hated his nephew. Naturally part of the reason was the frightening calm he exhibited at such young age. The other part was because he had a horrendous cultivation talent.
In the Sky Reaching Continent, power was the only truth. As such everything was decided by it, one status, one wealth, one life. Being unable to cultivate was the most severe sin. As the patriarch of the number one clan in this city, having such trash for family was an affront.
The burial ceremony ended one hour later, and the rest of the clan dispersed leaving the patriarch and the youth.
"Uncle, I will take my leave." The youth, Calum stated plainly.
"Who's your uncle, I don't have a worthless nephew like you. Go, do you need to inform me of each move you make?" Now that they were alone, he spoke harshly and venomously to his nephew.
"I wasn't clear, I am leaving the clan," Calum explained.
Stumped, Patriarch Phenol looked at him. Of course, it was what he always hoped but he couldn't just chase his nephew out of the clan. He would seem unbelievably cruel to the clansmen as they used to worship his brother. But now as if providence was shining on him, the kid himself decided to leave.
"At least you know your place, my brother is dead, no one care for you here. You have at last decided to contribute to the clan by taking yourself out." He smiled viciously and vanished in the next second leaving the youth alone before his father's grave.
A cold wind blew Calum's long black hair backward. His expression was unchanging regardless of the comments of his uncle.
He killed you, afraid that once you broke through the third tribulation you would usurp his place as the patriarch. How could I not know? With your talent, it was impossible for you to fail the tribulation.
These thoughts surged through his head as he looked at the epitaph.
Here lay, Merkin Seren, Elder of the Seren clan and Father of one son.
The words oppressed his mind and woke the killing intent that was born the night he discovered the charred body of his father. The calming spiritual tea he took before the tribulation was still warm. The room was left undisturbed by the tribulation.
But don't worry, I will become strong, so strong that only I, will be able to decide my fate. Trash? I will show them that I am anything but that!
A demonic glow brightened his dark pupils as he made this vow. The blowing wind calmed down eerily as if an omen of fate. Resolutely, Calum turned and left the clan. The simple black robe he was wearing, and the sword of his father were the only things he took with him.
Severance city streets were full of people going to and from. Calum walked in this sea of people, avoiding contact, and slipping through them gracefully. He arrived at an inn having for name, Drunken Passion.
He went inside. The atmosphere was festive and joyful. People were drinking heavily and scantily dressed women served food and drinks while getting groped from time to time. There was also a musician adding to the ambiance.
He swept the place with a gaze and casually went to the bar, he sat on a stool and looked at the bartender.
"Boss, give me the strongest beverage you own."
"The strongest, lad? Well, if you insist. The strongest is in this bottle. It's called Hell Tongue." The bartender, a middle-aged man with grey hair and an ordinary face raised his brows before agreeing amiably.
Before long, a cup of clear liquid, not any different from water if not the fragrant scent it had, was placed before him. He looked at his reflection in the cup. Delicate handsome face, vivid features, and dark gaze. Then he downed the cup in a single movement.
A cold feeling surged in his mouth, before turning into a burning sensation in his stomach. He flushed instantly, and a pleasurable feeling spread in his body.
"Good alcohol!"
"Thanks, lad, Is your father really dead?" The middle-aged man suddenly asked his face filled with grief.
"Yes." A brief answer.
"I told him to beware of his weasel of a brother. That naive kid didn't listen." He sighed.
"What are you going to do now?"
"I heard from my father, your sect recruit disciples this year regardless of their natural aptitude," Calum stated the true motive of his visit.
This uncle was a friend of his father. They had gone through thick and thin. This uncle's actual status was incredibly noble. He was an outer sect Elder of the Demonic Saint sect. One of the most powerful sects in the Solan Empire.
"He told you. It's true we are recruiting and your talent, as poor as it is, isn't an issue. But you must understand, we are a demonic sect, not tolerated by the orthodox ones. Also, even though talent doesn't matter, there is still a test for admittance." He said seriously.
"I am resolute. No matter if it's the heretic path, if I can obtain the power to take revenge and control my own fate, I could care less."
"Well spoken, indeed a man should take revenge for the slightest offense. Not to mention the death of his father."
The middle-aged man was satisfied with Calum's answer.
"Go to sleep tonight, you must be exhausted. Tomorrow we journey toward the sect."
Nodding, Calum rose from the stool and headed toward a room upstairs. He sat heavily on the bed, swiped a hand over his face feeling weary, and laid down. He fell asleep almost immediately, he hadn't slept in three days.
. . . . . . . . . . . .
The morning sun rays woke him up, He cleaned himself and went downstairs. He found the middle-aged man sitting in silence. The inn was deserted of its patrons. He was sipping tea quietly.
"You've woken up. Well, have a cup of tea."
"Thanks." Calum took him up on his offer and sat before him. The fragrance of the tea had a calming effect on the body. He sighed in comfort.
"Great tea, uncle." He praised.
He smiled and spoke. "Since we will spend some time together, it's time for you to know my name. I am Vain Heris, Elder of the Demonic saint sect." He introduced himself solemnly.
"Well met, Elder Heris." Calum answered.
"Now, let's go. It's been a while since I returned to the sect." They made their way out of the city.
They arrived on a hill a few kilometers away from the city. Elder Heris waved his hand and a black wind surrounded both. They were swept into the sky.
Calum looked at the cloud sea in wonder.
So, this is the power of a cultivator.
Having lived in the Seren clan all his life he wasn't allowed to see the practice ground of cultivators. Naturally, he rarely saw cultivators demonstrating might. Except maybe his father but they were only tricks to amuse a kid.
On the ground, villages, towns, cities, mountains, and rivers appeared as their journey progressed. They passed them all and after one full day of travel, they reached an incomparably tall mountain. It was black and the top was hidden by dark clouds. A Flash of lightning sometimes brightened the surroundings.
Looking at the ominous mountain, Elder Heris announced that they had arrived.
"At the top of the mountain lay our sect. Let's go I will leave you at the gate where you will pass the entrance test."
"Ok." Calum nodded.
A few seconds later Calum was left before an imposing gate. Dragons and Phoenixes carvings decorated the gate. Two men were in front of the gate. They were wearing purple robes and had the air of immortals.
Calum walked toward them and greeted them politely.
"Senior brothers, I am here for the sect entrance trial." He stated plainly.
The first one was tall, with his hair bound by a silver crown. His face was stern. The second one was frail and looked like a scholar. They both emitted imposing auras, giving one the feeling that one was facing natural disasters.
"I see. The last one of this batch. Those stairs lead to the sect. You must walk them to the end before being accepted. Good luck." The stern one answered and pointed behind him.
Calum could now see stairs behind them. They were like a giant snake lying on the mountain.
He breathed out and stepped forward.
