Yang Jian's heart jolted. This old man had seen through so much of his background at a glance; his strength was unfathomable. He was likely a reclusive Great Witch of the Witch Clan, perhaps even an existence at the level of an Ancestral Witch.
He did not dare be careless. Respectfully, he gave a concise account of how his mother, Yao Ji, had been suppressed beneath Mount Tao for violating the Heavenly Code, and how a divine weapon was needed to sever the chains of laws binding her. His tone was earnest, filled with grief, indignation, and anxiety.
The old man listened quietly, and a trace of reminiscence and emotion flashed through his clouded eyes. "Yao Ji... Hao Tian's little girl's daughter... Sigh, the Heavenly Code is merciless." He sighed. "The Sky-Opening Axe represents the ultimate power, capable of destroying all techniques.
The divine weapons formed from its fragments may indeed be able to cut through the shackles created by the laws of heaven and earth. Our clan does possess one. Long ago, a Great Witch fused an axe-blade fragment with countless precious materials, tempered it in the earth's core fire, and condensed boundless baleful aura and battle intent into it. It is called—'Sky-Shattering'!"
He raised a hand and pointed toward the deepest part of the valley. "It is there, dormant for countless years. But young man, I must warn you: this weapon's baleful aura is exceedingly heavy. Those without great perseverance, great Magic Power, and great Merit cannot wield it. Try to take it by force, and you will instead be devoured by it. If you can earn its recognition through your own ability, then take it. Consider it... the completion of a Karma with Fellow Daoist Qing Huan."
"Thank you, Senior!" Yang Jian was overjoyed. He gave a