At Barbarian Hammer King's recommendation, Flame Blade Marquis quickly approved Gulanxiu's application and became his mentor. Just three days later, he arrived at Gulanxiu's estate planet in the Axe Secret Realm.
Flame Blade Marquis was a powerful dragonkin, eight meters tall and covered in scales. He was decisive and efficient. The moment he laid eyes on Gulanxiu, he said, "Show me your strongest move!"
Gulanxiu was naturally eager to receive guidance from a Marquis Immortal. Without another word, he took out the Great Axe and swung it at Flame Blade Marquis. It was the very strike he had only recently comprehended—the one that had allowed him to pass the Tenth Floor of the Sky Bridge!
As the strike, powerful enough to cleave apart a world, came at him, a hint of admiration flashed in Flame Blade Marquis's eyes. With a casual wave, he blocked it, then mocked Gulanxiu without mercy. "Your Law comprehension is decent, but your Axe Art is stiff and utterly lacking in spiritual finesse. You follow the steps by rote. This strike belongs to the great Giant Axe Founder, not to you!"
Gulanxiu wasn't angered by Flame Blade Marquis's assessment. He wanted to hear what else his mentor had to say, so he quickly replied with respect, "Please guide me, Teacher!"
Flame Blade Marquis casually tossed him a long saber. "Now use this weapon to perform the strike you just showed me."
Gulanxiu fell silent. He truly couldn't perform that strike with a saber. If he forced it, its power would be greatly diminished.
Seeing that Gulanxiu had stopped, Flame Blade Marquis smiled. "See? This is what happens when you neglect secret techniques. Your Law comprehension is decent, and you've learned the Giant Axe Founder's Axe Art, so you've become quite powerful. But that isn't your own