Back in the Infernal Clan estate, Vahn opened his eyes. The surge of the Fire Affinity settled deep in his core.

​Lilith stood near the wall, looking outside at the serene sky, acting as though she hadn't heard Vahn and Flama's entire bizarre conversation. Once she noticed Vahn's return, she turned back and dismissed the black mirror with a nonchalant wave of her hand.

​Only then did she ask, "Did you get the Fire Seed from her?"

​"Yes, kind of," Vahn replied with a mysterious smile. Lilith hadn't observed the full conversation, so she couldn't detect any hidden meaning in his twisted reply.

​"That's good. But why didn't you try to bring her to our side while the iron was hot?"

​"That won't work," Vahn replied calmly. "Anyone would choose their family over a stranger she barely knows."

​Just then, he noticed Lilith clench her fist, a reaction he had learned to recognize as a deep, painful memory. Realizing his mistake, he clicked his tongue.

​"Don't get me wrong. I'm not saying you're unfilial or anything. Your condition is entirely different; I understand that."

​Lilith snorted softly, though her expression eased a lot. "Whatever..."

​She looked him directly in the eyes, adding, "Now then, since you have acquired the Fire Seed, go absorb it. Once you're done, I will take you to a place where you can fight humans. And within two days, you will be ready for the Seven Saintesses Competition."

​"Wait... You want me to join the Seven Saintesses Competition? But why?" Vahn asked, finding the plan entirely new and incredibly bold.

​Lilith sat down and explained patiently, "Because, if you can reach the top, and are chosen by one of the Saintesses, you can gain access to the Secret Realm. You can find many cultivation resources there. Since I cannot openly join, you'll have to be the one to gather resources for me."

​"I see..." Vahn nodded, his curiosity piqued. The idea of competing was exciting, but the adventure was even more thrilling. "What is this Secret Realm, actually?"

​

​Lilith's crossed her legs elegantly, then explained,

​"The Secret Realm, or the Heavenly Treasury of the Holy Lands, is a remnant world left behind by the founders of the Seven Great Holy Lands. It's not just a collection of resources; it's a stable pocket dimension that opens once every few decades, tied to the spiritual cycle of the Saintesses."

​She continued, emphasizing its importance:

​"It's filled with Heaven and Earth treasures, ancient cultivation methods, rare spirit materials, and energy dense enough to propel a cultivator multiple stages forward. The Holy Lands use it to rapidly advance their chosen disciples and maintain their dominance."

​"Access is highly restricted. Only the top competitors chosen by the Saintesses during the competition are allowed inside. They are then tasked with gathering resources for their respective Saintess."

​A dangerous ambition flashed in her eyes.

"Since the Seven Saintesses Competition is only open to the disciples from Seven Holy Lands, you will need to join one of them again. But this time as Damien Infernos. It will be the perfect cover. You will be fighting legitimately, rise in rank, and access a treasury the Holy Lands believe is solely theirs. The resources you gather will fund our ultimate plan against them."

Hearing her, Vahn felt a heavy sense of responsibility. But as a man how could he disappoint his woman.

"Don't worry, I steal everything belonging to them."

---

That afternoon, Vahn took the lavish carriage and headed toward the battle arena Lilith had instructed. The journey, however, was not the solo, stealthy trip he'd planned.

​The place was called the Challenger Arena. Here, many rogue cultivators and members of influential families participated to hone their battle arts and refine their combat skills. It was a perfect, contained environment to rapidly gain combat experience.

​Vahn had wanted to come alone, but instead, an unexpected leash was handed to his hand.

​Inside the carriage, Damien's little sister, Delilah Infernos, sat beside him on the back seat, clinging to his arm with an excited face. And before them, his two personal maids, Lily and Maria, tagged along to watch over Delilah while he fought. The entourage solidified his identity as the privileged, high-status Young Master.

​"Big Brother, I can't believe you've become so strong," Delilah chirped, excitement radiating from her. "You will fight in the Arena today. I am really excited!"

​Vahn kept his expression stern, maintaining the Damien persona. "Hold your horses, Delilah. I am going for enriching my battle experience. Not on a picnic tour. So you must behave and stay with Lily and Maria. Don't wander off alone," he strictly reminded her.

​Delilah grinned, unfazed by his severity. "Hehe... Brother is so different today. He is actually worried about me. Did you see that, Lily and Maria?" She childishly looked toward the two young maids, who simply nodded and smiled submissively.

"Young mistress is correct. Young Master Damien changed a lot. But it's a good change," Maria said warmly.

"Shut Up. I haven't changed. I just want to be stronger. After my failure at the White Lotus Sanctuary, I have been continuously mocked and humiliated. Even my lackeys talked filth behind my bacs. How can I endure this?

Since then, I have vowed to change. I vowed to join the very Holy Land that rejected me. I will have to stay focused to that goal.

​"Young Master, you are absolutely correct to be focused," Lily said, her voice soft. "But your strength, it is undeniable. We feel it even now."

​"Indeed, Young Master Damien," Maria added with shining eyes. "I have a hunch that the Infernal Clan is going to rise above all, with you leading the way. You have nothing to worry about."

​Their praise came from their hearts. Vahn hadn't mistreated them once ever since he took disguise.

If it were the original Damien, he would have abused them Verbally and Sexually by now.

Vahn knew behaving the same as Damien was right choice, but he couldn't betray his conscious and character. He wasn't Damien. He was Vahn Necrotis with a broken Soul inside.

​Vahn simply nodded, accepting their servitude and the safety it provided.

"No need to flatter me. Just stay vigilant and ensure Delilah causes no trouble."

"As you wish, young master."

​The carriage soon pulled up, and Vahn stepped out, instantly drawing many eyes. He and his entourage walked toward the entrance, leading them into a large, circular arena packed with spectators from Fire Cloud City and neighboring regions. The crowd was a mix of wealthy merchants, rogue cultivators, and family members of fighters, all buzzing with aggressive energy.

The atmosphere was a chaotic blend of bloodlust and excitement.

​Vahn, already accustomed to the constant scrutiny, led Delilah and the maids toward the luxury viewing boxes.

​"Lily, Maria, take her up. I will register now,"

Vahn commanded, earning a firm "Yes" from the maids.

​He then strode toward the registration booth. The official, a burly, scarred man, recognized the Infernal Clan's symbol immediately.

​"Young Master Damien. Its an honor to have you here. Are you here to spectate, or..."

​"I'm here to fight," Vahn stated, imitating Damien's arrogance. "I want the opponents coming as long as I am not defeated."

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