A month had passed since Lu Kai had descended from his divine dwelling atop the Platinum Sect. He returned to the base of the mountain, where he had left Tian Zhu with a task: chop firewood. The young disciple was still there, his face etched with exertion and frustration, the formidable axe lying beside him. Despite his earnest efforts, not a single log had been cleanly severed.
Lu Kai approached, a flicker of concern mixed with understanding in his eyes. He had crafted many things of "Origin" level, but perhaps hadn't considered the raw power disparity for a Mortal cultivator. He looked at the axe, a magnificent, imposing weapon. "System," he thought, "analyze this axe."
A holographic display shimmered into existence:
**NAME:** Mountain Splitting Divine Axe
**GRADE:** Origin
**DETAILS:** This weapon can only be wielded by those with sufficient potential. It chooses its own owner by assessing their diligence. If a suitable and hardworking wielder is found, the axe's immense weight becomes normal for them. The weapon possesses a Weapon Spirit.
Lu Kai finally understood. His creations, imbued with his Origin power, were inherently potent. The axe wasn't just heavy; it was an Origin-grade weapon that required a bond forged through effort and potential. It had been waiting for a true wielder.
"Tian Zhu," Lu Kai said gently, his voice resonating with newfound clarity. "It seems I may have underestimated the tools I create." He reached into a spatial pouch (presumably one of his own Origin creations or a system-provided one) and produced a pouch of currency – enough for supplies in Hanli City. "Take this. Go to the city and purchase wood for chopping, as well as items for the kitchen. We need to furnish our sect properly."
Tian Zhu looked bewildered. "But Master, the axe…"
"Don't worry about the axe for now," Lu Kai replied with a knowing smile. "Focus on the supplies. And when you return, continue your practice. The weapon spirit will recognize your effort." He then revealed a bit more. "I created this axe, and the Platinum Sect itself, with my Origin power. My own creations were far beyond your current level, and I didn't fully consider the difference. But the axe has a spirit. If it sees your unwavering dedication, it will accept you."
Tian Zhu's eyes widened, not just at the revelation of Lu Kai's creation power, but at the idea that the axe itself might be sentient. "Master," he declared, his voice firming with renewed resolve, "if this weapon has a spirit, then I will make it proud of me! I will be its first true wielder!"
Lu Kai nodded, pleased with the boy's determination. "Good. While I am away searching for more disciples, you will manage the sect's chores and continue your training. Focus on the axe, and also," he gestured towards the distant peak where he had resided, "I have placed a Martial Book Pavilion there. It contains countless techniques. You may learn from it, but focus on the basics first. You have five months."
With that, Lu Kai departed, leaving Tian Zhu with the immense task and the newly imbued motivation. The young disciple, understanding the weight of his master's expectations and the potential of the Divine Axe, dedicated himself entirely to his training.
Lu Kai, meanwhile, began his search for more disciples, traveling to various cities, his Divine Eyesight now a constant companion, allowing him to perceive the cultivation levels and spiritual roots of those he encountered.
Five months passed. Back on the mountain, Tian Zhu, driven by his master's words and the silent challenge of the Divine Axe, had not only managed to chop a substantial pile of wood but had also achieved a significant breakthrough. The axe, sensing his unyielding effort and the presence of his spirit, had finally recognized him. Its immense weight normalized, allowing him to wield it with newfound ease. Furthermore, by diligently studying the techniques within the Martial Book Pavilion, Tian Zhu had successfully reached the **Qi Refinement Realm**. He had learned many axe-related moves, his bond with the Divine Axe growing stronger with each passing day.
**To be continued...**