Linley had stood quietly like that in the clearing on the mountain behind them for a full day and night.
Reynolds was a little worried. "Third Bro hasn't eaten or drunk anything for a whole day and night. What about his health?"
George reassured him, "Don't worry. Third Bro is a Level Six Mage and a warrior, too. He's physically very strong. He'll be fine even if he goes several days and nights without food or water. Let's just watch for now. We have to trust him."
Loa said nothing, simply watching Linley quietly.
Suddenly, Linley moved, raising the Flat Blade.
On the first day, stone chips flew from the boulder as it gradually took shape. Starting on the second day, the sounds became more continuous, acquiring a rhythm and cadence. By the third day, they sounded like some musical instrument playing, every stroke landing just right.
Loa, Bebe, Wangcai, and Wuzhui sat nearby, watching Linley immerse himself in sculpting.
"Boss." Wangcai crouched at the doorway. "I can feel the surrounding elements constantly flowing into Bebe's boss's body."
"Yes," Loa said. "He's completely in harmony with nature now. He's reached a state of selflessness."
Wangcai did not understand.
Loa did not explain.
Loa extended his spiritual perception, sensing the aura of oneness with nature around Linley and the sculpture. Earth and wind elements constantly poured into Linley's body, replenishing the energy he expended.
Where no one else could see him, Doehring Cowart floated above Linley, his eyes shining as he watched Linley work.
He murmured to himself, "The state of selflessness... Linley has finally reached this point."
The fourth day.
The fifth day.
The sixth day.
The wind grew stronger, and the earth elements grew denser. A vortex formed above the entire sculpture, devouring the surrounding Heaven and Earth