A breakthrough

****3rd POV***

The mid-day sun was as ruthless as always, but it no longer bothered Surrdon. He had even started using it to practice a low-level fire skill. The results were disappointing, but he didn't lose heart. After all, the duels were only a day away.

He was seated on one of the hay stacks spread out to dry on the open space, facing the large field of spiritual herbs of all colors. It was a far better place to gather natural energy compared to any other location in the sect. Unbeknownst to anyone else, the roots of the herbs could gather spiritual energy from deep in the ground. And if a practitioner concentrated his absorption around such a place, the benefits would be endless.

Surrdon had been cultivating at this same spot for two nights and a day in the pretense of taking care of the sect's beasts. In truth, Azron and Long had been feeding and grooming them on his behalf.

What had started as his punishment now turned out to be a blessing in disguise.

White mana whirled around his body violently, his life sigil spinning beneath his butt like a wheel. Only two chains remained, and they were slowly growing weak. He was sure they would break either during or after the duel. For whenever the Demon Lord engaged in a fight, his mana would increase as compared to others. Or so he hoped.

The game and the reality could prove to be different. It would be a hard risk. One that was necessary in order not to lose the little mana he had accumulated.

From a fair distance, Azron and Long sat under a tree, guarding their master from any possible danger. The sight of his power sent shudders through their bodies. His mana was pure and violent at the same time. It was one of the reasons beings feared him.

"How long do you think Master can keep practicing?" Asked Azron, her eyes chained on the young man whose long white hair was being blown around aimlessly by the surge of his mana.

"As long as he wants... I still can't believe that I've met His Majesty. This is the honor of my entire life."

Long was just a rankless demon who had left Drolis in search of power and adventure. Ozath was the closest continent to the demons, making it a perfect stop. He had been in the sect for over ten years, cultivated hard enough from level eight up to the early stage of the Gold realm. He never slacked off nor entertained any distraction. His focus had shaped his destiny.

"Master is amazing. He feels a little different."

"How so?"

Azron giggled

"He feels less cold. The look in his eyes is so...so..." The rising heat stroking her cheeks cherry red made it difficult for her to finish her sentence.

Long snorted displeased.

"Do you like-"

Azron slapped his mouth shut, her heart pounding loudly in her chest. She shook her head frantically. "I don't. And...his heart belongs to only one woman."

Long pushed down her frail-looking hand and looked over at Surrdon. There had been rumors back in Drolis. Rumors about their ruler taking a liking to their Holy Saintess. Other than that light gossip, Long did not have any other information regarding their Lord's love interest.

"The Holy Saintess?" He asked curiously.

Azron let out a sad sigh. She could only admire Surrdon from afar, just like the countless women who liked him. He had only shown interest in one woman. A powerful woman who was a step away from ascending to being a demi-god or an immortal.

She was the only woman the demons could bow to. As expected of the Holy Saintess.

The two continued watching Surrdon when a powerful blast of energy exploded from his body. It flattened half of the tall herbs on the field before him and managed to travel far enough to nudge them back a little.

Azron gasped slapping her mouth with both her palms. "Master just...he has broken through."

Long did not react, he simply rose to his feet and vanished, to appear before Surrdon.

He quickly saluted, "Your Highness."

Surrdon's eyes opened as the energy around him settled into his sigil. "Long? Is there any problem?"

With his head still bowed, he opened his mouth, summoning all the courage in his demon soul. "Forgive me for asking but...but why do I feel like you're below Gold realm?"

Surrdon inhaled and exhaled exaggeratedly.

'That is because I was a useless human with no powerful bone in my body,' he wanted to yell at the world but instead calmly answered Long.

"I'm starting from the basics. I miss the thrill of advancing through the power ranks."

'As expected of the mighty Demon Lord. He can just abandon hundreds of years of practice and start over for fun. I adore you, I'll work hard to impress you.'

Long bowed his head even further.

"My apologies for asking."

"You'd be an idiot if you didn't question the things around you, Long."

"Your Highness, I have arranged everything as you asked. The cave is ready for you, and so are the pills."

Surrdon heart sank. He had just finished practicing a minute ago, and now Long was informing him that he could go to the cave to continue practicing! He was missing the little joys of being lazy and eating snacks on his bed while playing video games.

All he had been doing for the past month was practice and more practice. Whether day or night. What a ruthless world. He hadn't even had the chance to explore outside the sect.

No.

He would have to visit the market as his form of a break before moving to the cave. With Long by his side, getting a pass would be easier unlike before.

The only good thing about this new life was that he wouldn't need to do the trivial things himself. He now had servants, subjects who were bound to obey his every word. It felt really good.