"…The orchestrator behind this calamity—Salan—has now been officially declared dead by the authorities."
A blurred video played on the television. A man with silver wings hovered in the air, holding a burning body in his grasp.
"Damon Morningstar—a dual-element Super Mage and senior hunter, Chairman of Morningstar Group—has been identified as the executioner of Salan, the Red Cardinal of the Black Vatican."
"This marks the first time in history that a Red Cardinal has been captured and executed. Salan, the wicked mastermind behind the Calamity of Xi'an and the recent Bo City disaster—"
The television screen went dark as Damon switched it off and set the remote aside.
"You've become even more famous now," Mu Nujiao said with a smile, looking up at Damon. He responded with a helpless grin.
"It's already been two weeks. Don't they have better news to broadcast? They just keep repeating the same thing over and over," Damon complained. The two of them were cuddled together on the sofa in the living room, watching the news and enjoying a rare moment of peace. "I should just launch my own news channel—one that actually reports real news instead of recycling drama."
He joked as he tightened his embrace around Mu Nujiao.
It had been two busy weeks since the fall of Xi'an. Damon and the other authorities had been summoned repeatedly for inquiries, documentation, and detailed reconstructions of the calamity.
The video and photographic evidence of Salan—wearing Ling Xi's face as she killed Zuo Feng—became the decisive proof that confirmed her identity and justified Damon's execution of her.
With the death of a Red Cardinal of the Black Vatican, Damon's name spread far and wide. Footage from the Ancient Capital circulated rapidly across the internet—clips of Damon fighting on the front lines, and most notably, claiming the head of the Mountain Zombie. Overnight, he was counted among the legendary mages of the world.
"The Hunter Union, along with the China and Asia Magic Associations, nominated you for the Grand Magus Award. Is that true?" Mu Nujiao asked, her eyes shining with excitement.
"Uh… yeah. I guess they did," Damon replied with a wry smile. Even he still found it hard to believe.
The Grand Magus Award was an international honor—the most prestigious recognition bestowed upon individuals with extraordinary achievements. Killing Salan and his pivotal role in the Battle of Xi'an had placed Damon squarely among the nominees.
The Hunter Union stepped forward largely because Salan had been operating under the identity of one of their own elders, forcing them to acknowledge and address the matter publicly.
In another timeline, perhaps even Mo Fan would have qualified for the award. However, the revelation of his Demon Element and his volatile temperament made him unsuitable for an international stage.
"…By the way," Mu Nujiao said suddenly, hesitating before continuing. "My family called me back."
"The World Tournament team selection has started," she explained. "They've arranged a special training program for me—to help me grow stronger and secure a spot."
Damon listened calmly. Smiling, he encouraged her to go. He himself needed to enter another period of retreat.
The night passed quickly. The next morning, Mu Nujiao left, leaving behind Damon and Fira.
Fira cried, unwilling to part from Mu Nujiao, but in the end, she left as well. Soon, Damon found himself alone once more—returning to his familiar solitude, focused solely on devouring and cultivation.
"So, let's get this straight…"
Forbidden Curse: Undead Element
Super Tier: Fire Element, Light Element
Intermediate: Earth Element, Space Element
Primary: Summon Element
Damon listed his elements carefully as he planned his next advancement.
"One more element."
Having reached Forbidden Curse, Damon could now awaken an additional element. He already had a plan in mind.
However, he did not want the world to know about his Forbidden Curse cultivation just yet. Awakening a new element publicly was out of the question.
Fortunately, Damon was on good terms with Han Ji. Through discreet means, Han Ji arranged for a Chaos Guiding Stone to be delivered directly to Damon's residence.
Using the guiding stone, Damon awakened a translucent stardust—Chaos Element.
Overjoyed, he immediately entered retreat.
He began with the corpse of the Mountain Zombie, which he had taken away after ordering the undead to withdraw from Xi'an.
The massive corpse contained Supreme Monarch–level mana muscles and an enormous reservoir of magical energy—enough to push multiple elements close to the threshold of Forbidden Curse.
Damon absorbed the Supreme Monarch mana muscles, his physical strength surging once again.
With the Emperor of Qin's power, the Totem Bones, and the Supreme Monarch mana muscles reinforcing his body, Damon could now physically contend with half-Emperor–level creatures if he so desired.
What remained was the vast elemental energy from the Mountain Zombie and the battle robe.
The Ancient Emperor had possessed five elements at Forbidden Curse level:
Undead
Earth
Chaos
Space
Psychic
Damon had already absorbed the Undead cultivation. Now, far from the city, he began assimilating the remaining elemental energies.
He started with Space—the element he was most familiar with—followed by Earth and Chaos. One by one, Damon absorbed the energies, pushing all three to Forbidden Curse.
After stabilizing the common elements, Damon turned his attention to Fire and Light—his major and secondary elements.
Using the remaining energy from the Mountain Zombie, he raised both to half Forbidden Curse. The conversion was inefficient due to elemental incompatibility, but he persevered.
Finally, using the Psychic energy of the Ancient King, Damon shattered the final barrier—advancing both Fire and Light to Forbidden Curse.
Six elements at Forbidden Curse.
A state that surpassed the limits of humanity.
Even after breaking through, some Psychic energy remained. Damon directed it into his Summoning Element, advancing it to Super Tier Level 2.
Only then did he end his retreat.
Name: Damon Morningstar
Age: 20
Cultivation:
Fire: Forbidden Curse
Light: Forbidden Curse
Earth (Royal Earth): Forbidden Curse
Space: Forbidden Curse
Undead (Origin): Forbidden Curse
Chaos: Forbidden Curse
Summon: Super Mage Level 2
Combat Power: Low Emperor
God's Gift: ???
Transcendent Power: ???
Talents:
One With Elements
Origin of Poison
Mist Authority
Super Regeneration
Eye of Terror
Emperor of Qin
Contracts: Flame Belle
Elemental Spirit: Imperial Flames (Soul Grade)