While the disciples were shocked by the display of power itself, the Sect Master's shock came from elsewhere. From Damien's casual attack, he clearly sensed the power of Laws.
'This boy is a 4th class?! He doesn't look older than 30!' The Sect Master exclaimed inwardly. Reaching 4th class before the age of 30 was an insane achievement. It was something only those peak geniuses of the universe could achieve.
Even the princess, with her amazing status in the Eclipse Sect, was still only in the middle ranges of 3rd class. It was estimated that she could reach 4th class by 30, but reality was often different.
After all, Universe Baptisms were unpredictable. There were even select cases of individuals who met every requirement to be baptized yet didn't receive a Baptism at all.
And even then, reaching a sufficient level of elemental comprehension to trigger a Baptism wasn't an easy task. It was something many people spent their entire lives trying to do.
The significance of a 4th class genius under the age of 30 was immense. Not just due to talent but also…
The Sect Master shook his head. In the end, Damien didn't belong to his sect. Regardless of the outcome here, it wouldn't affect him.
Still, he no longer had the courage to denounce Damien. A genius like him would surpass the heavens, becoming an untouchable existence in the future. Offending this type of person was something he absolutely wouldn't do.
In addition, there was no way Damien didn't have status if he was able to reach his level at such a young age. He was surely the Holy Son of some major influence. But then, why did he appear in the Eclipse Sect?
The Eclipse Sect Master diverted his attention to the princess. It seemed they'd need to have a talk on the way to the Mystic Realm. But until then…
"Fine, I understand. You have sufficient power and the princess approves of you as well. You may take two spots for the coming expedition."
The Sect Master immediately gave him two spots without Zara's strength being proven at all. He had no desire to see another one of his disciples get crippled.
18 disciples were more than enough for the Eclipse Sect to receive adequate results. The main focus of this expedition was the princess, anyway, so losing two weaker disciples was irrelevant.
Damien nodded in thanks. He waved his hand again, causing a greenish-white mana light to enter the crippled disciple's body. A few minutes later, a new arm grew in place of the severed one.
"Let's go then," Damien said without giving anyone time to process his actions, "I don't want to waste any time."
The party headed to the Storm Heavens Mystic Realm boarded a nearby spirit ship soon after. Yet, the ambiance around them wasn't normal.
Even after the spirit ship took off, the disciples within were quiet, speaking in hushed whispers. Every once in a while, their gazes would turn to Damien and Zara curiously.
These were powerhouses in their age group. More than that, they were likely scions of some large influence. How could these young disciples not be curious? Sadly, none of them had the courage to strike up a conversation with the two.
None except a certain princess. Of those who witnessed Damien's show of strength, she was the most shocked. After all, she was certain that he and Zara were weaker than her when she first found them!
She never would've imagined that Damien was so powerful. Thinking back to how she pestered him like a fangirl the past week, she was utterly embarrassed.
But at the same time, she was incredibly excited! If Damien was truly a prime genius from some powerful holy land, it meant that the stories he told her might've been personal experiences!
"Big brother Damien, how come you didn't tell me something so exciting? You're too mean!" She pouted while shaking his arm.
Damien smiled slightly. "And what would've happened if I told you? Wouldn't you have chased me away in fear?"
"How could I?!" The princess jumped. "I know you have more interesting stories from around the universe. Please tell me!"
Damien shook his head wryly while Zara giggled. The princess was truly the most curious little girl either of them had ever met.
Her personality made it hard to refuse her, though, and Damien ended up digging his own grave. With this little girl's curiosity, he quickly ran out of stories to tell! In the end, he was forced to resort to old Earthen myths and even modern entertainment to satiate her appetite.
But conveniently enough, this routine was able to make the week-long trip to the Storm Heavens Mystic Realm far more enjoyable. By the time Damien looked out a nearby window, they'd already arrived!
Mystic Realms were the most versatile form of challenge that the Dimensional Leaderboard offered, as well as the most accessible. Unlike Challenge Gates or other isolated challenges, Mystic Realms weren't limited to a single location.
When it was time for a Mystic Realm to open, multiple portals would appear around the various sectors. Anyone near these portals was free to enter, however, the ones that appeared in more populated areas were usually sectioned off and reserved for only top geniuses from powerful sects.
Such was the case for the Storm Heavens Mystic Realm gate in the Dawn World. Currently, many spirit ships surrounded the gate's location. However, due to the Mystic Realm's rules, they couldn't enter until it officially opened.
These spirit ships contained the many sects and sect geniuses participating in the Mystic Realm expedition, but they weren't the only ones present.
A massive crowd had gathered. Rogue practitioners, uninvolved experts, and even common mortals arrived to witness the grand event.
Mystic realms were stages for supreme geniuses to rise. And perhaps their world would produce one of these geniuses! No matter how unlikely such a situation was, nobody was willing to risk missing out if it truly did happen!
Therefore, any Mystic Realm portal location would always be crowded with people.
The Eclipse Sect's spirit ship guided over the masses and arrived in line with the others present. When the ship finally came to a halt, the Sect Master and Vice Sect Master exited its halls, moving to greet their fellow sect masters.
Meanwhile, the disciples exited the ship's interior and stood on the hull. Now that they'd finally arrived, their anticipation reached its peak!
Damien and Zara casually stood among them without drawing attention to themselves. They took in the sights and listened to the surrounding conversations to get a better understanding of their competition.
Unfortunately, calling them competition was a bit of a stretch. Even the Dawn World's top sect, the Heavenly Jewel Palace, only had a peak 3rd class genius leading their group.
Damien frowned when he looked at the man basking in his own limelight. 'The Dawn World is too weak. Perhaps, the Storm Heavens Mystic Realm isn't enough to attract those peak geniuses in the top 10 or even the top 10,000.' He sighed to himself.
He was being impatient. He wanted to rapidly increase his strength before returning to the Human Domain, and he wanted to do so before the war against the Nox became too chaotic.
To push himself to the absolute limit of his potential, he needed proper stepping stones. But if he wanted to come in contact with said stepping stones…
'I guess I need to cause a blowout.'
