While Lu Kai journeyed through various cities, his Divine Eyesight scanning countless individuals for potential, a quiet revolution was taking place within the nascent Platinum Sect. Five months had passed since his departure, a period Tian Zhu had used not just for basic cultivation and axe practice, but for something far more profound.
Recognizing the need for secrecy and to fully comprehend the peculiar energies within the sect, Tian Zhu had taken initiative. He had sealed off the divine tree garden and farming area, creating a barrier that only he could bypass. Within this hidden sanctuary, he discovered that the very materials used in the sect's creation – the platinum structures, the divine tree wood – pulsed with an unknown, potent aura. Driven by instinct and a desire to protect these resources, he meticulously gathered and stored them in a locked room, keeping the key close. He then purchased ordinary kitchen items – a chopping board, knives, bowls – to maintain the illusion of mundane activities.
The true extent of Tian Zhu's growth, however, was revealed when he decided to test his mastery. After reaching the Qi Refinement Realm, he infused a sliver of his newfound Qi into the "Mountain Splitting Divine Axe." He had learned many axe-related moves from the Martial Book Pavilion, but he wanted to test his own application of power. Chanting a technique he had developed, he called it "Divine Axe Slasher." With a mighty swing, he directed his Qi-infused axe towards a distant mountain visible from the sect's cliff.
The result was astonishing. The entire mountain, miles away, cleaved in half with a single, clean strike, mirroring the impossible precision Lu Kai had displayed with a mere leaf. Tian Zhu, comprehending the raw power he now wielded, instinctively hid the Divine Axe in the storage pouch Lu Kai had given him. He then purchased a new, ordinary axe from the city, infused it with his earthy divine essence, and began chopping the divine tree logs, as instructed. He also crafted a wooden dummy from the divine tree wood for future disciples' practice with normal weapons.
It was in this atmosphere of quiet development that Lu Kai finally returned, his journey yielding results: four new disciples, their potential diverse, ready to be brought into the fold. As Lu Kai approached the sect, he instructed his new recruits to climb the platinum stairs to the main gate, while he would meet them there.
Lu Kai met Tian Zhu at the sect's entrance. Tian Zhu, with a newfound confidence that belied his humble beginnings, respectfully reported the events of the past five months. He spoke of his discoveries, his storage of the potent materials, and his own surprising breakthrough with the Divine Axe.
Lu Kai listened intently, his Divine Eyesight now fully active. As Tian Zhu spoke, Lu Kai saw not just a disciple, but a complex tapestry of information shimmering around him. He saw **Tian Zhu's** status clearly:
**NAME:** Tian Zhu
**SPIRITUAL ROOT:** Earthly (Mid-level)
**CULTIVATION:** Qi Refinement Realm
**WEAPON MASTERY:** Mountain Splitting Divine Axe (Origin Grade) - Recognized Master
**SKILLS:** Divine Axe Slasher, Basic Axe Techniques, Martial Book Pavilion Techniques (Axe Focus)
Lu Kai noted the Qi Refinement Realm, a significant leap from Mortal. He also saw Tian Zhu's mastery of the Divine Axe and his developing skills. This confirmed Tian Zhu's potential and hard work. Lu Kai understood. His initial creations were far more profound than he had initially realized. His own power, amplified by the System and his Origin skills, had inadvertently laid the groundwork for understanding and advancing those very materials. He saw that his crafting skills could indeed be refined further, moving from raw creation to deeper manipulation.
"You have done well, Tian Zhu," Lu Kai said, a genuine smile gracing his lips. "You have shown initiative and dedication. Now, for your next lesson, and for the training of our new disciples, we will delve deeper into the art of creation."
As Lu Kai spoke, the Authy System chimed, presenting him with a new reward for completing the recruitment task: **Origin of Water**. A gentle, flowing energy began to emanate from Lu Kai, a stark contrast to the sharp, cosmic might he now commanded. He immediately felt its power integrate with his own.
Focusing his divine will and the essence of the Origin of Water, Lu Kai forged three new, incredibly potent skills:
1. **Absolute Water Control:**
* *Description:* The user can control water at its absolute states, freezing it solid or boiling it to steam at will. This also grants enhanced control over all water-based phenomena.
2. **Water Weapons Crafting:**
* *Description:* The user can transform water into any desired shape, creating weapons of unimaginable sharpness capable of piercing mountains. These creations possess an absolute burst effect upon impact.
3. **Forging Water:**
* *Description:* This skill allows the user to use water as a medium for forging. They can create weapons and items of any level, from the lowest grade (Bronze) to the highest (Divine), with unknown ultimate potential.
Lu Kai marveled at the versatility of his new Origin. It complemented his Platinum Crafting, offering a new dimension for creating powerful artifacts and weapons. He knew his crafting abilities, previously focused on raw creation and cosmic manipulation, could now evolve significantly.
"Let us see what this new Origin can teach us," Lu Kai mused, his mind already whirring with possibilities.
**To be continued...**