The afternoon sun spilled its golden light across the Embercloud Sect, scattering shadows that danced softly on the ground. After hours of meditation and quiet reflection, Li Yao finally stood and stretched, feeling the subtle strength surging through his limbs. His recent comprehension of axe intent had left him not only exhilarated but also physically exhausted. Now, after a period of rest and gentle breathing exercises, he felt replenished.
Curious to see how much he had progressed, he called upon the Heavenly Observation System to open his status panel.
[Host Status
Name: Li Yao
Age: 15 years
Spiritual Roots: High-grade Fire Spirit Root
Constitution: Human Mortal Body
Cultivation: Foundation Establishment Realm – Early Stage (1st Stage)
Body Refinement: Eighth Level – First Body Refinement Stage
Cultivation Sutra: Blazing Heart Flame Scripture
Battle Art: Nature Severance
Axe Intent: Grade One
Observation Points: 15]
Li Yao gazed at the numbers for a long while, a faint smile tugging at his lips. The observation points were few, but he had enough sect merit points from his recent mission to exchange for spirit stones. With those, he could accumulate additional observation points.
His thoughts sharpened. "I'll visit the sect's resource hall later and convert my merit points into spirit stones."
Noticing that the sun still hung high in the sky, he decided to seize the remaining daylight to visit his master. Master Bai Renshu always welcomed his visits, and Li Yao had much to share: his progress in cultivation, his comprehension of axe intent, and reflections on the mission.
As he made his way through the herbal gardens, his steps unconsciously slowed when he approached the Qiheart Fruit Tree, the massive tree that stood at the heart of the garden. Its vast roots spread out like ancient veins, and its canopy of deep green leaves seemed to shimmer faintly with spiritual light.
Li Yao's breath caught, as it always did, at the sheer majesty of the tree. Even after years in the sect, the sight of the Qiheart Tree never failed to awe him. Today, however, curiosity flickered in his heart. Recalling the Observation Function, he decided to activate it.
[Insight Function Activated
Item: Qiheart Fruit Tree
Grade: Three – High Quality
Effects: Consumption of Qiheart Fruit allows Core Formation cultivators to temporarily increase sensitivity to the rules of the Dao, enhancing their comprehension of their Dao.
Recommendation: Host should consume the Qiheart Fruit in the Core Formation Realm to maximize its effect]
Li Yao's eyes widened. He had always known the Qiheart Tree was precious, but this confirmed its extraordinary nature. The fruit it bore wasn't merely a rare resource—it was a catalyst that could propel a Core Formation cultivator's understanding of the Dao itself.
He glanced around and, for the first time, noticed the complex web of formation arrays woven subtly around the tree. Some shimmered faintly with concealed runes, while others were so masterfully hidden that only with the help of the observation function of the system could he know of their presence.
The lowest among them were Grade Three formations, each potent enough to dissuade even skilled Core formation cultivators from approaching recklessly. Interspersed were Grade Four formations, powerful barriers designed to protect the tree from potential threats, whether mundane or malicious.
Li Yao's thoughts drifted to something Master Bai had mentioned long ago: the Embercloud Sect's hidden secret realm, where cultivators could glimpse fragments of the Dao rules, accelerating their path toward Core Formation. Could it be that the Qiheart Fruit Tree was connected to that realm?
He bowed lightly toward the tree, a gesture of silent respect, and resumed his journey toward Master Bai's residence.
As he approached the familiar garden, he found his master, as always, seated beneath the shade of a flowering peach tree. Bai Renshu, with his ever-calm expression and a faint smile playing on his lips, sipped tea as though he had been expecting Li Yao's arrival all along.
Li Yao bowed deeply. "Disciple greets Master," he said, his voice filled with sincere respect.
P.O.V. Bai Renshu
I gazed at the young man before me, a quiet pride swelling in my chest. His aura was sharper, his spirit steadier than before. The ripple of axe intent in his presence was undeniable—a natural manifestation of his will. He had done it. Not only had he overcome his inner regrets and doubts regarding his mission, but he had surpassed even my own expectations.
"Your spirit looks sharper, Li Yao," I said, setting my teacup aside.
Li Yao, with a quiet but firm voice admitted, "Master, I have comprehended the axe intent."
I allowed myself a rare chuckle. "Anyone with eyes can see that. The will of your spirit leaks out, making your intent clear to even those who cannot sense it directly."
Li Yao's brows furrowed. "Leaking?" he echoed in puzzlement.
I nodded. "Comprehension of intent is a monumental step, but it is not yet mastery. You must learn to contain your intent, to prevent it from affecting those around you. It is why, no doubt, disciples on your way here instinctively stepped aside for you, feeling the unspoken force emanating from your presence."
Li Yao's eyes widened in realization. "So that's why they gave way to me."
I watched him, my heart swelling with pride. A disciple with such innate talent and determination was rare. He had achieved what few managed in their entire cultivation journey, and he had done it at the early Foundation Establishment stage. Still, there was much work ahead of him. Intent, once comprehended, was like a blade—it needed to be sharpened and tempered lest it cut indiscriminately.
P.O.V. Li Yao
After receiving Master Bai's gentle yet firm guidance, I felt a renewed sense of purpose. We sat in the garden for a while longer, sharing tea and quiet conversation. Master offered subtle hints about how to refine my control over intent, how to fold it inward until it became an unshakable core of strength.
The sky had begun to deepen into shades of indigo and gold by the time I bid my master farewell. Bowing once more, I turned and made my way back through the sect's winding paths.
As I walked beneath the lengthening shadows of towering trees, I felt a deep contentment settle within me. The path ahead was clearer now, illuminated by my comprehension of axe intent.
Tomorrow, I will visit the sect's resource hall to exchange my merit points for spirit stones. I would continue refining my control over intent, and I would push forward on both the qi and body cultivation paths. There was much to be done.
But tonight, beneath the gentle hush of twilight and the stars blinking into existence above the Embercloud Sect, I allowed myself a rare moment of peace.
I was not yet strong. Not yet.