OiM - Chapter 13: Banquet and Marked

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"Have you come into conflict with the people of Demon Peak?" Thomas asked, frowning.

"An arrogant people, they disturbed my tea time!" - Said Kai carefree.

Thomas rubbed his temple, feeling a headache, as the Demon Peak Sect is not one that one can clash with, not with their current strength.

"Your luck is that Souzones is not one of the main disciples, he is talented, but he doesn't come close to the sect leader's 1st and 3rd disciples, but don't think about killing him!" - Said Galiam with his arms crossed.

"Wow, kill him? Since when do you see me as a barbarian? At most I will show that the sky is bigger than he thinks." Kai said laughing.

"I see it was my mistake not to inform you about the forces, I left you a lot in your research..." - Thomas sighed and looked at Galiam.

Galiam rolled his eyes at this, Kai watched curiously, getting an idea of what those looks meant.

And as expected, Kai proceeded to lecture on what forces to expect in this tournament, talking about several important Martial Arts Sects, Clans or Families that one should not mess with.

It was also said that it is of interest to the two Patriarchs, it would be good for Kai to bond with his descendants.

Kai wasn't that interested, thinking it was silly, but thinking about the influence of these forces and the usefulness of being able to bring him unique items, even the possibility of trading for some treasures and techniques...

When Thomas saw his son brooding, he understood that either he was thinking of new poisons, or he was formulating a plan that could be of great benefit to the Clan.

Last time, it was a huge improvement in the clan's medical capabilities, where he supported the building of a medical school, to study something called Surgery, where previously "incurable" illnesses and injuries could be treated.

Because of this, many doctors and alchemists personally came to take a look, Kai didn't meet with any of them, but left Doctor Bellami, who was the most taught by Kai.

And Kai strangely knew how the human body worked, this even served to attract even more people, many forces that deal with medicine and poison, bought the notebooks on human anatomy and the functions of each organ in the body.

Thomas and others worry about how Kai knows so much, but in the end, Thomas believes it to be the Paranormal, the Knowledge Element or something.

...

Time passed and the City of Pillars of Heaven was becoming more and more crowded, with several tents being set up outside the city gates.

Kai visited a lot as a lot of exotic items cropped up, he also ended up bumping into a lot of intriguing people to say the least.

When 1 month had passed since his arrival in the city, the 10 forces known as the Black Dragons, the most powerful Sects, Families and Clans of the Black Faction, had arrived!

A grand feast took place at the City Lord's mansion, welcoming the members of the 10 Black Dragons, the lesser forces were not allowed to enter.

But Thomas received an invitation for being a Master of the Unrestricted Realm.

Kai refused to go, he doesn't like these festivities.

...

Classical music played, several servants carrying trays with drinks and snacks for all the guests.

Thomas was in a fancy and expensive suit, a glass of wine in hand, as he walks calmly, just like his son, he is not interested in these festivities, but he needs to show his respect.

"Hello Patriarch Thomas, long time no see!" - An excited voice sounded and looking, Thomas smiled as he greeted.

"Patriarch Cesius, indeed, I think it has been 15 years since we last met."

"Yes, a long time, how has the family been?" - Asked Cesio Fritz curious.

"She is doing very well and how about yours?" - Thomas asked smiling.

"Same as always, but I retired from the post of Patriarch, left it to my eldest." - Said Cesium smiling.

"Seriously, but from what I see, you're still in your prime!" - Thomas said, knowing that Cesium is not even 70 years old yet and he, like himself, is a Master of the Unrestricted Realm.

"I'm old enough and my son is very talented, I'm very proud, but what about you, when will you hand over the reins to your eldest?" - Asked Cesio smiling.

"Fábio is unfortunately immature and relaxed, just as he is very attached to his mother, even though he is already 40 years old." - Thomas said bitterly.

"And even? I heard you came to bring your youngest to the competition, how old is he, 20?" - Asked curious Cesium.

"Kai is 16 this year, one of my greatest prides!" Thomas said smiling.

"Seriously, 16 and already a Master? How lucky you are, my friend." - Said Cesium laughing.

"I never expected that when I stopped wanting children, heaven would bless me with one so talented."

"The heavens work in mysterious ways, but are you confident in your son? The forces here tend to destroy that which is too talented!" - Cesium said seriously.

Thomas also got serious, then smiling he said. - "I have confidence in my son, he is a little monster."

Cesium smile hearing this and said. - "How nice to hear that, did you bring him to the feast?"

"Unfortunately Kai is a stubborn young man and doesn't like these festivities, he preferred to cultivate a little." - Thomas said calmly.

"And even? Such a pity, I wanted to meet such a young man who can take so many compliments from you, I also wanted to introduce you to my granddaughter, maybe they can get along." - Césio said smiling and soon a young woman around her 20s approached.

Thomas looked at the beautiful young woman in surprise, sensing that she was familiar.

"It is a pleasure to meet you Patriarch Thomas, my name is Larissa Fritz!" - Said the young blonde with tied hair, slightly brown skin and some scars on her arms and one on her cheek.

[Image] →

She is a very beautiful young woman and has a sharp look, by her muscles and aura, Thomas has already noticed that she is in the Exalted Realm.

"You have a good granddaughter, I believe it is Isabela's daughter?" - Thomas asked curiously.

"Indeed, I was very surprised when this little one beat her brothers with such ease, indeed the greatest pride of Clan Fritz!" - Said Césio smiling proudly and caressing Larissa's head.

Larissa smiled with her grandfather's gentle touch.

Thomas smiled at that, then said. - "Well, she will participate in the tournament, I assume?"

"In fact, this one is also quite stubborn, so in order for her to get married, her parents and I decided to make her participate in the tournament and find a good husband." - Said Cesium, which made Larissa blush, but a flame burned in her beautiful eyes.

"Intriguing, be careful not to run into my son, or he will steal your granddaughter!" - Thomas said laughing.

Cesium narrowed his eyes, then smiled and asked. - "Interesting, are you so confident in your son? Now I'm even more curious about the boy, why weren't you more insistent about bringing him?"

Thomas smiled and said nothing about it.

Soon the two continued exchanging more words, only it turned to Clan business, where Cesium expressed curiosity about the [Surgery] discovered by his Clan, talking about sending some of his doctors to study there.

But knowing the exorbitant prices, Thomas said he would give him a discount and took the opportunity to brag to his son.

In the midst of this, some Clans and Families who were looking for conversations to join, listening to "Surgery", reached out and started to interact more with Thomas.

More and more people gathered to talk about the "Surgery", many interested in meeting Kai, which made Thomas regret not having brought him along.

…

The feast was proceeding well, many forces relating and forming their circles, many taunts arising and small skirmishes.

Thomas eventually came to the attention of a powerful Sect, their representative mingled with the people, listening and finding interesting the concepts of opening someone up to root out illness and problems, to allow the body to heal.

Knowing that a child in his 14 years gave such an idea, intrigued him a lot, but he didn't join the conversation, he just listened and sneaked out.

…

"Master, where did you go?" - Asked a young man to an old man who slowly sat down in a chair.

"Just curious about some gossip." - Said the old man smiling.

"Find anything interesting?" - Asked a man around his 40s smiling.

"Yes, you know that 'Surgery' thing that has become famous in recent months? The Clan that created it is present here, but the person in question is not, unfortunately, but I hope to meet him later." - Said the old man smiling.

"Surgery? Ah, this barbaric but very effective procedure? I understand that the Royal Doctors will be coming to research it, as it is something very innovative!" - Said the man scratching his chin.

"Are you talking about surgery? I heard it was created by a 14 year old so it wasn't taken too seriously until lives started to be saved." - Said an older and very beautiful woman.

"Hello to you too Madam Sharya." - Said the man smiling bitterly at the woman.

"How is Patriarch Kalel?" - Said Sharya smiling and sitting down.

"I'm doing great, thanks for asking!" Kalel said smiling.

"I see you've already started to come together!" - Said a man with long black hair and an intense aura.

As soon as this man appeared, the other 3 became serious and tense, this man is Haul Galileo, even though he is the youngest here, he is one of the strongest present.

Haul Galileo is the 1st disciple of the Crimson Flame Sect, the force that ranks 1st out of the 10 Black Dragons!

And Haul is known by the title of Evil Dragon.

"Gee, sorry if I scared them." - Said Haul smiling and sitting down, then asked. - "But what is this Surgery thing? I'm listening to it so much that I'm already getting annoyed."

The 3 looked at each other, then the old man, his name being Charles Smith, a Great Elder of the Golden Sand Sect, which is ranked 8th out of the 10 Black Dragons, spoke.

…

"I see, curious that a kid might have thought of something like that, I'll have a word with my Master about it, he might be interested." Haul said smiling.

At that moment, a sweet scent emerged, which made everyone pay attention, then high-heeled footsteps sounded, as a stunning woman in a green and purple dress approached.

A servant placed a beautiful chair for her to sit on, blinking slightly, she glanced at the others, before losing interest and closing her eyes.

The 4 looked at Julia Kratas, the Black Widow!

She belongs to the Heavenly Poison Sect, being the adopted daughter of the Sect Leader, having been born with a unique physique that gave her resistance and immunity to many poisons.

Julia is not the type of woman who likes to talk, she probably wouldn't even want to be here, but still, here she is.

Everyone looked at her, until Haul spoke. - "Mrs. Julia, long time no see!"

Julia looked at him and said. - "I'm sleepy, continue your conversation, I'm just here for appearances."

When she finished her words, Julia closed her eyes, which made Haul very angry, but someone touched her shoulder and looking, she saw that it was Charles.

"Better not start a fight now, you know how that girl acts." - Charles said calmly.

Haul looked at Julia and snorted.

…

Over time more and more forces of the Black Dragons showed themselves, the 3rd place, the Portiole Clan, known for their Spear Martial Arts.

The 4th ranked Heavenly Sword Clan, who were once a Sanctified Faction Clan, but that was centuries ago, the important thing is that their Sword Art is among the best in the world!

The 5th ranked, Ocean Gate Sect, which started as a small family living among the many islands near the Continent, then upon arriving on the Continent, they immediately demonstrated great martial power and ended up developing a powerful Sect, which is also known as use the Water and Ice Element a lot in your attacks.

The 6th place, the Issis Family, a Matriarchal Family, full of powerful and beautiful Amazon Warriors, the history of this family goes back millennia, a small Tribe of women, which today is one of the main forces in the world!

The 7th ranked Anurah Family, a family that less than 100 years ago broke out of isolation and demonstrated great martial power by exterminating 2 of the 10 Black Dragons, having shaken the world, but since then they have not made any major appearances, except for the the fact that their offspring are always among the top 3 in this tournament.

The 8th ranked Golden Sand Sect, hailing from the extreme east, a more arid part of the continent, a force known for its Fire Element Martial Arts, as well as techniques that give its practitioners great stamina and stamina!

The 9th place, Clan Celestine, a Clan that once belonged to the White Faction, known for their Sealing and Sealing Arts, having great connections with all the other Black Dragons, practically the most neutral force present.

The 10th place, the Golden Hand Clan, a Clan that does not participate in the tournament with its members, but manages it, since it is a Merchant Clan, if it were 100 years ago, they would not be among the 10 Black Dragons, but after the feats of the Anurah Family, had such an opportunity.

Now moving on to the 2 most powerful forces of the Dark Faction, we have the Sky Poison Sect, a Sect with nearly 1,000 years of history, known for its Poison Arts and Assassination Techniques.

Its founder was a woman known as the Lady of the Purple Sky, who was said to be so beautiful and majestic, but also so cold and deadly, the people killed by her poisons and plagues are said to have surpassed the 100,000 mark.

She was almost considered a Martial Artist of the Demonic Faction, but she refused to match that uncivilized monsters, whoever dared to match her or her Sect to them would be brutally murdered.

So it took more than 100,000 deaths for them to understand that indeed, the Purple Sky Lady was not joking or just being stubborn.

And finally the 1st place, the Crimson Flame Sect, the oldest Black Faction Sect, with almost 2 millennia of history.

The Sect of the Crimson Flame has been ranked 1st in the Black Faction for over 500 years, and its greatest fame and pride is due to the famous Breath of the Crimson Flame, which if mastered, will bring incredible power to the Martial Artist and incredible mastery over the fire!

Representatives of these 10 forces were present, many looking down on them, not daring to speak to them unless they chose to speak to them.

When all 10 were there, with their young men who were going to participate in the tournament, the people at the banquet below lowered the tone in which they spoke, not wanting to disturb them.

And at some point, Julia who was ignoring everyone present, suddenly opened her eyes, raising an eyebrow and looking around curiously.

Her actions indeed attracted a lot of attention and confusion, tried to ask what was going on with her.

"I have something to do, don't wait for my return!" - Said Julia who soon disappeared from the scene.

This left everyone confused, but there was nothing they could do.

🇧🇷

At the same time, Kai was cultivating, while assimilating some new poisons he got his hands on, it was a bit painful, but in return, he gained resistance and immunity to them, not to mention his strength and Internal Energy were improving.

The sigils of the 4 Paranormal Elements surrounded him, shining in different intensities, Kai felt great agony, much more than in the past.

The agony had only increased since he became an Exalted Realm Martial Artist.

This was due to the Breath of Suffering undergoing major changes, which it later found out are called Stages.

Breathing Techniques, some of the best, have something called Stage, where if achieved, you can get great benefits depending on the characteristics of the technique.

Most notable in Breath of Suffering, would be its abnormal speed of refining Raw Energy, but after its breakthrough, it got even better.

Kai knowing what it was about, decided to name the 1st Stage [Pain], while the 2nd Stage was called [Agony].

As more pain was caused to him, the greater the effectiveness and stability of his Internal Energy.

Kai doesn't know if he will have a 3rd or 4th Stage, as he never had the opportunity to get his hands on a High Quality Breathing Technique, to understand how it works.

But for now it didn't matter, as Kai sensed a powerful presence, instincts of his putting him on high alert.

When he opened his eyes, he noticed a beautiful figure in front of him, looking at him full of curiosity, while the paranormal sigils disappeared.

"What are you?" - Asked Julia full of curiosity and thirst for knowledge.

But looking at her, Kai felt frustrated, until he was shocked to discover something.

"Are you… a Marked?" - This fact shocked Kai, which only left Julia confused with what a "Marked" is.