A rare herb.

Inside the tent, the atmosphere was heavy.

Bui Tuyên swept his gaze over everyone before speaking:

"Gentlemen, does anyone recognize what kind of herb this piece of wood is?"

… Silence. Everyone stared at the wooden fragment.

With a sigh, the Red Dust Sage finally spoke:

"This wood is incredibly tough, and its scent stirs a strong craving in warriors. Perhaps... it's an herb that enhances the physical body?"

Another person chimed in:

"Young General Bui, this is undoubtedly a rare herb, but forgive me—I can't identify what it is either..."

Although Bui Tuyên had anticipated this, he still couldn't help but feel shaken. He sighed inwardly:

"Even a sage cannot see it. As expected, I underestimated everything."

He took out a flint stone and ignited the piece of wood. Smoke drifted through the air, filling the tent. At first, the others only looked on in curiosity, but soon, a ripple of agitation swept through them. None of them could remain calm.

In their hearts, a single thought surfaced:

"This medicinal ingredient... it enhances comprehension! And not just any comprehension—this is top-tier! Even we, who have walked this path to near completion, can benefit from it..."

See enough, Bui Tuyên extinguished the fire.

"Gentlemen, I want to trade this piece of wood for all available knowledge on martial constitutions and training resources, at least for the first two major realms."

Upon hearing this, Bui Hung couldn't help but curse his nephew in his heart:

"Tuyên, are you joking? You already have knowledge and resources on all types of constitutions—why ask us?"

But before Bui Hung could voice his thoughts, Red Dust Sage stepped forward, his voice firm:

"Young General Bui, you've come to the right place. I have everything you need!"

He turned to the others:

"Everyone, contribute a portion of your materials... Oh, and by the way, Young General Bui, what is this thing called?"

Bui Tuyên shook his head, signaling that he had no idea either.

"I don't know, but here's how it works: When exposed to fire, it turns to gas. When submerged in water, it dissolves. When buried in soil, it rots. But with anything else, it remains unchanged. Rest assured—this deal, I stand by it!"

Not long after, all the requested materials were gathered. Red Dust Sage looked at Bui Tuyên with a deep, knowing gaze:

"Young General Bui, if those from the mountain wish to trade again in the future, come find us. I assure you, everyone will leave satisfied."

Bui Tuyên nodded:

"I will definitely seek you all out again. 

But for now, I have matters to attend to, so I must take my leave. Uncle Bui, I have something to discuss with you in private."

" Yes, that's right. we won't bother you two anymore." Red Dust Sage happily replied. 

Hearing this, Bui Hung said no more and quickly left with him.

Inside Bui Tuyên's Private Tent

From his bag, Bui Tuyên retrieved five identical wooden pieces and placed them before Bui Hung.

"Uncle, take these home and use them to nurture the young ones. This is my share—don't worry, it'll be fine."

Then, he took out a jade bottle, uncorked it, and took a small sip. Sensing its potency, he handed it to Bui Hung.

"Uncle, this is Holy Water for healing. If you drink it, your internal injuries might recover."

Years ago, Bui Hung had suffered hidden injuries while protecting Bui Tuyên, injuries that had never fully healed. This guilt had weighed on Bui Tuyên's heart ever since. If this Holy Water was truly effective, then perhaps... his uncle could finally be cured.

Seeing his nephew's earnest expression, Bui Hung didn't hesitate. He took a sip.

The liquid slid down his throat—icy cold, with tiny, effervescent bubbles. A faint, pleasant sweetness lingered on his tongue. Then, a refreshing current spread through his body, seeping into every muscle and bone, making him feel as though he were soaking in a rejuvenating spring.

...

Bui Tuyên watched as his uncle closed his eyes, his mouth moving as if he wanted to say something but couldn't. Alarmed, he asked:

"Uncle, are you alright?"

Bui Hung suddenly jolted awake. He immediately examined himself—his body was brimming with vitality. The hidden injuries, the lingering weakness... they were all gone!

Holding the jade bottle, still half-full, he couldn't hide his astonishment:

"Tuyên, this really is divine water! Just what exactly is this...?"

Seeing the water's effectiveness, Bui Tuyên let out a breath of relief.

"Uncle, as long as you're healed, that's all that matters. Keep this safe—it can't be stored in a spatial bag, so you'll need to handle it carefully."

Bui Hung nodded, looking at his nephew with a newfound resolve, as if he had just come to an understanding...

"Uncle, what's the situation outside these days?"

Carefully wrapping up the jade bottle, Bui Hung's expression turned serious.

"Tuyên, the situation is tense. Foreign forces are constantly trying to infiltrate. Right now, everyone is watching and testing each other—no clear moves have been made yet. But rest assured, once a warrior swears an oath, they will uphold it. I won't let anyone interfere with your mission."

Bui Tuyên frowned slightly.

"Uncle, I suspect something big is about to happen. That's why I came—to handle it before it's too late."

Bui Hung's brows furrowed.

"Too late? What do you mean?"

His gaze instinctively drifted toward the precious treasures scattered around the tent...

"Tuyên, what should we do?"

Bui Tuyên's voice was low and steady:

"Uncle, you must establish ties with those close to Lalatina Celeste, Luna Hart, and Aurelius Liora—especially Luna Hart. If necessary, retreat back to the homeland and fortify our defenses. Staying here is a losing game—we can neither advance nor withdraw freely. Also..."

He paused for a moment before continuing:

"Something about the two Sage seems... off. Do not involve yourself in their war."

Bui Hung 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:

"General! Red Dust Sage and several commanders have arrived. They seek an audience with you and General Bui Tuyên!"

Bui Hung frowned, exchanging a glance with Bui Tuyên, who also looked puzzled.

With a steady voice, Bui Hung ordered:

"Escort them to the command tent. We will be there shortly."

Inside the general's tent, silence filled the air—no one spoke a word. The moment Bui Tuyên and Bui Hung stepped inside, the atmosphere shifted.

Red Dust Sage happily replied picked up the wooden block, rubbed his head with a chuckle, and said,

"My apologies, we've tried everything but couldn't split it. So we had no choice but to shamelessly ask Young General Bui for help."

Bui Tuyên looked at the block and noticed only a few shallow scratches on its surface. He was momentarily stunned… Could it be…?

"You all truly couldn't split this log?"

Red Dust Sage's face turned red, and he quickly replied,

"I'm a Sage, a scholar with frail limbs—surely you can't blame me."

The others joined in one by one:

"My blade carries fire. What if I accidentally burn it to charcoal?"

"I use a water-element sword, but if I unleash a powerful strike, the whole log might shatter to bits."

"I wield a hammer with earth affinity. I'm not skilled with blades, so this is the best I could do…"

…

Finally, someone sighed and looked at Bui Tuyên.

"I've been observing carefully, and it seems that only the axe at your waist can split it."

Hearing this, Bui Tuyên didn't know whether to laugh or cry, especially at that last reasoning. He sighed,

"Everyone, it was my oversight. Alright, I'll split it into six pieces for you. It's inconvenient to do it inside the tent, so let's head outside."

Outside, the sky was clear, with sparse clouds drifting lazily. The air was crisp and refreshing.

Bui Tuyên drew his axe and closed his eyes, adjusting himself to the optimal state. He recalled the teachings of the Manor Lord.

Lifting his axe high, he swung down in a decisive strike.

The blade cut through the wind, descending upon the log. As it struck, the axe embedded itself a third of the way in before stopping.

Everyone watching was shaken. Inside their hearts, it felt like a massive wave had been stirred—impossible to remain calm. In that moment, as the axe fell, they even sensed an indescribable fear, as if something in this world was about to be cleaved apart, never to be mended again.

That axe… it was unstoppable, irresistible.

Yet, Bui Tuyên remained focused, seemingly unaware of their reactions.

After a few more swings, the log split cleanly in two.

…

Some time later, the log was divided into six uneven pieces. Looking at his work, Bui Tuyên thought to himself, "As expected, I'm still far from the Manor Lord's level."

"Someone, bring a scale."

Turning to the group, he spoke slowly,

"Since my skills are still lacking, I couldn't split them evenly. So I propose this—we divide them based on weight to ensure fairness."

No one responded.

Bui Tuyên looked around, only to see everyone standing there, mouths agape, staring at him in sheer disbelief.

…

Red Dust Sage was the first to snap out of it. He looked at Bui Tuyên, seeing his half-bare upper body, muscles rippling, and couldn't help but sigh,

"General Bui, congratulations. You have comprehended the 'Axe Intent'—one of the Three Ancient Intents of the world. At your current level, within your realm, you are invincible. You can roam the world without meeting an equal."

As he spoke, his gaze fell upon the rough, forcefully-cut marks on the log. In stark contrast, the very first cut had been perfectly clean and smooth.

"That cut was fresh…

Just who had been capable of making such a strike?"

Bui Tuyên stepped forward, lowering his head to ask,

"Red Dust Sage, 'Axe Intent'… The Three Ancient Intent… Could you explain further to this junior?"

Red Dust Sage frowned at the question but eventually answered slowly,

"This is not your fault, General. Some things cannot be spoken of, cannot be passed down—because they have long been deemed forbidden. The Three Ancient Intents and certain objects that enhance enlightenment are among them."

"There are countless weapons in the world, but if you trace their origins, they all stem from three: Axe, Staff, and Bow."

"Weapons such as swords, spears, sabers, hammers, and crossbows… are merely variations of these three."

Red Dust Sage looked Bui Tuyên in the eye and asked,

"You must have heard of Saber Intent, Sword Intent, and Spear Intent… but have you ever heard of Bow Intent, Axe Intent, or Staff Intent?"

"That is because these are the Ancient Intent. Anyone who comprehends their intent can effortlessly suppress any opponent wielding swords, spears, axes, or hammers—no matter how skilled they are."

"That is why this path was severed long ago. And now, you have managed to grasp it. Truly remarkable."

…

Suddenly, Red Dust Sage paused for a moment, as if coming to terms with something. Then, in a solemn tone, he asked,

"General Bui Tuyên, tell me… should we withdraw our troops?"