In the tent, silence weighed heavy. Pei Xuan eyed the group, speaking.
"Gentlemen, can you identify this wood fragment as any herb?"
… Silence…
Hong Chen Sage sighed.
"This wood is hard, its scent stirring desire in martial cultivators… Could it be an herb that strengthens the physical body?
General Pei, this fragment is surely a rare herb, but forgive me—I don't know its name…"
Though prepared, Pei Xuan felt a pang of shock. As expected, I underestimated that day…
He produced a flint, igniting the wood. Smoke wafted through the room. From surprise to urgency, the group grew restless, hearts echoing one thought: "A supreme-grade herb boosting comprehension clarity, even enhancing us!"
Seeing enough, Pei Xuan doused the flame.
"Gentlemen, I wish to trade this wood for all materials on constitutions and martial cultivation resources—at least for the first two major realms."
Pei Tien, hearing his nephew trade this priceless item for trifles, inwardly cursed his recklessness.
"Xuan, you're teasing us, aren't you? You have knowledge and resources for all constitutions—why ask us?"
Hong Chen Sage stepped forward, interrupting.
"General Pei, you've come to the right place. I have everything.
Each of you, offer a share. This wood… General Pei, what's its name?"
Pei Xuan shook his head, indicating ignorance.
"I don't know, but here's how it works: it turns to qi in fire, dissolves in water, rots in earth, but remains unchanged otherwise. Rest assured, my word is true."
Soon, all materials and resources were gathered.
Hong Chen Sage, with a meaningful tone, said.
"General Pei, next time you wish to trade, come to us. I guarantee you'll leave satisfied."
Pei Xuan nodded.
"Gentlemen, I'll seek you out next time. For now, I have other matters. Uncle Pei, I need to speak with you."
Pei Tien, without delay, followed him out.
In Pei Xuan's private tent, he pulled five wood fragments, identical to the earlier one, from his pack, placing them in his uncle's hands.
"Uncle, take these to nurture the kids at home.
Don't worry, this is my share—no issue."
Suddenly, Pei Xuan drew a jade flask from his pack. He sipped, confirming its effect, then handed it to his uncle.
"Uncle, this is sacred water for healing. Drink it—your old wounds might recover."
Years ago, Pei Tien shielded him, taking blows that left hidden injuries. The guilt lingered. If this sacred water healed him, it could help his uncle.
Pei Tien, seeing his nephew's earnestness, didn't overthink. He took a gulp.
Cool, fizzy water tingled his tongue, slightly sweet, delightful.
Then, a refreshing chill coursed through, nourishing every inch of flesh. His body felt light, at ease, like soaking in a cool spring. Pure bliss…
…
Pei Xuan, seeing his uncle's eyes half-closed, mouth moving soundlessly, grew anxious.
"Uncle, are you alright?"
Pei Tien snapped awake, scanning around, then Pei Xuan, before introspecting.
Body vibrant, brimming with vitality—hidden wounds, weakness, gone.
The flask, still half-full, rested in his hand.
"Xuan, this is truly divine water… This too is…"
Pei Xuan, relieved by its effect, exhaled.
"Uncle, your health is enough. Keep this safe—these items can't enter spatial bags."
Pei Tien nodded, meeting his nephew's resolute gaze, understanding.
"Xuan, what's happened outside these two days?"
Carefully stowing the items, Pei Tien spoke.
"Xuan, tensions are high. Foreign forces keep probing. We're waiting, posturing, acting on new developments. But rest assured, a warrior's oath holds. I won't let anyone trouble you."
"Uncle, I suspect a storm's brewing outside… I'm here to handle it before it's too late."
Pei Tien's brows furrowed. Too late? Glancing at these heavenly treasures, that axe…
"Xuan, what should we do?"
Pei Xuan didn't mince words.
"Befriend the kin of Lalatina Celeste, Luna Hart, and Aurelius Liora—especially Luna Hart. If needed, withdraw to our homeland and fortify. Staying here is futile—can't advance, can't retreat.
One more thing: something's off with those two Sages. Don't fight for their sake."
Pei Tien, stiffened. But he understood the weight of those words.
"The battle of ideals between two Saints carries immense interests and long-term plans. But if compared to the unknown forces lurking in the mountains.."
After a moment of contemplation, he nodded. Just as he was about to speak, a soldier rushed in: "Great General, Hong Chen Sage and the generals request to meet you and General Pei Xuan."
Pei Tien frowned, glancing at Pei Xuan's puzzled eyes.
"Invite them to the command tent. General Pei Xuan and I will be there."
In the command tent, silence reigned. As Pei Xuan and Pei Tien entered, it deepened. Hong Chen Sage, holding the herb fragment, chuckled, rubbing his head.
"My apologies—we've tried everything but can't cut it. So, we shamelessly ask General Pei's help."
Pei Xuan saw faint scratches on the wood… No way…
"Gentlemen, you really can't split this wood?"
Hong Chen Sage, flushing, said.
"I'm a scholar, weak-limbed—don't blame me."
Others chimed in.
"My blade carries fire qi—what if it burns to ash?"
"My water-affinity sword can't unleash a grand move…"
"I wield a hammer, rock-affinity, unskilled with blades, so that's all I managed…"
…
"I observed—only the axe at your waist can do it."
Pei Xuan, hearing these excuses, was speechless. Especially that last one.
"Gentlemen, my oversight. I'll split it into six now. The tent's cramped—let's do it outside."
Outside, clear skies, sparse clouds, air crisp.
Pei Xuan drew the axe, closing his eyes, entering peak focus. He recalled the Manor Lord's words.
Raising the axe, he swung decisively. The blade sliced straight, embedding a third into the wood, then stopped.
The onlookers' hearts surged like stormy seas, unable to calm. The moment the axe struck, terror gripped them, as if heaven and cosmos were splitting. The blade felt unstoppable, unyielding.
Yet, Pei Xuan, deeply focused, ignored them.
After several swings, the wood split in two.
…
Soon, it was divided into six uneven pieces. Eyeing his work, Pei Xuan thought: Still far from the Manor Lord's skill.
"Someone bring a scale."
"Gentlemen, my skill's lacking, so the cuts aren't equal. I propose we divide by weight."
No response. Pei Xuan glanced up—jaws dropped, eyes wide, speechless.
…
Hong Chen Sage, first to recover, gazed at Pei Xuan's bare torso, muscles rippling, and sighed in awe.
"General Pei, congratulations on grasping Axe Intent, one of the Three Ancient Armaments. At your realm, you're invincible, unmatched across the heavens."
He eyed the rough, uneven cuts, unlike the pristine, smooth initial slice… Fresh cuts. Who made them?
Pei Xuan stepped forward, bowing.
"Hong Chen Sage, Axe Intent, Three Ancient Armaments? Could you enlighten this junior?"
Hong Chen Sage frowned but answered.
"No fault of yours. Some things are taboo, unspeakable, unteachable—like the Three Ancient Armaments or comprehension clarity enhancers.
Weapons abound, but trace their roots: axe, staff, bow.
Blades, spears, swords, hammers, crossbows… mere derivatives.
You've seen blade intent, sword intent, spear intent… But have you seen bow intent, axe intent, staff intent?
These are ancient armaments. Mastering their intent realm lets you see through any blade, sword, hammer, or mace user, no matter their skill. You crush them outright. Look at these people—blade, sword, hammer users, or those below your realm—all enthralled by your intent, unable to resist.
Such dominance led this path to vanish long ago. Your fated mastery is truly admirable."
…
"General Pei, should we withdraw our forces?"