From Ordinary Axe to Godly Artifact – Dominating the World

As dawn approached, the Blood Shadow Sect buzzed with anticipation. The Outer Disciple Tournament was set to begin, an event that would determine the fate of many disciples. It was the ultimate opportunity for those at the bottom to rise, to prove their worth, and perhaps, even earn the favor of the elders.

Yun Hao, now wielding the sentient black axe, could feel the weight of the moment. His body surged with new power, a stark contrast to the frail figure he had been mere days ago. The energy he had absorbed from his previous kills still coursed through him, refining his cultivation base, strengthening his mind, and sharpening his instincts.

The Blood Shadow Sect was one of the more feared sects in the continent, known for its brutal training and its doctrine of strength through bloodshed. Unlike righteous sects that emphasized harmony and enlightenment, the Blood Shadow Sect thrived on cunning, power, and ambition. Betrayals, internal conflicts, and deadly rivalries were not uncommon.

The sect was structured with multiple layers:

Sect Master Xuan Jiulong – A domineering figure, his presence alone was enough to make even the most seasoned cultivators tremble. He was said to have mastered the forbidden Blood Devouring Art, making him nearly invincible.

The Grand Elders – Three enigmatic figures who rarely made public appearances but were rumored to be just as terrifying as the Sect Master.

The Inner Elders – Tasked with managing disciples, enforcing discipline, and selecting potential talents. Elder Rong, a sinister man with a penchant for cruelty, was one of the most notorious among them.

The Core Disciples – The true elites of the sect. Each one of them had the potential to surpass the inner elders given time and opportunity.

The Outer and Inner Disciples – The lowest ranks in the sect, filled with those who either struggled to rise or were stepping stones for the strong.

This year's tournament was more dangerous than ever, as several prodigies had emerged among the outer disciples:

1. Lei Feng – A brute of a man, built like an ox. He wielded a colossal iron club and was rumored to have an incomplete version of the Demonic Titan Physique. His raw strength alone was enough to shatter bones with a single strike.

2. Mu Qing – A cold, calculating genius who specialized in Shadow Phantom Steps and assassination techniques. He had already killed several disciples in previous encounters and was expected to be one of the top contenders.

3. Zhao Min – A woman whose beauty was only matched by her venomous nature. She practiced the Seductive Phantom Art, allowing her to mesmerize her opponents before delivering a deadly strike. Many underestimated her, only to fall prey to her deadly charm.

4. Bai Zhen

   – A mysterious figure who rarely spoke. He was rumored to be from a fallen noble clan and possessed an exceptional grasp of swordsmanship, wielding a razor-thin blade with unnatural precision.

5. Xu Tian – A mad cultivator whose erratic fighting style made him unpredictable. He practiced the Crimson Howl Technique, which enhanced his combat strength the more pain he endured.

6. Jiang Tao – A strategist who relied on formations and traps. His talent for Mystic Rune Arrays allowed him to manipulate the battlefield to his advantage.

Yun Hao took in their names, committing them to memory. These were the ones to watch out for. But he had no intention of merely surviving this tournament. He had something none of them did—an artifact that grew stronger with every kill.

As the first rays of light broke through the horizon, the outer disciples gathered in the massive arena at the heart of the sect. Thousands of seats encircled the large stone platform where battles would be fought. Elders sat on raised thrones above, their gazes cold and indifferent, waiting to witness bloodshed.

The arena itself was a battleground of stone and dust, covered in old scars from previous battles. The sect master, Xuan Jiulong, sat in the highest seat, his crimson robes flowing like a river of blood. His piercing gaze swept over the crowd, his very presence suffocating.

"Let the Outer Disciple Tournament begin!" Elder Rong’s voice echoed through the arena.

A large stone tablet beside the stage shone with bright runes, displaying the first matchups. Yun Hao’s name appeared—his opponent, a disciple named Gao Ren, a low-level Qi cultivator known for his arrogance but lacking real strength.

Yun Hao stepped forward, his axe humming in anticipation. The moment the match started, Gao Ren rushed in with a sword strike. Too slow. Yun Hao sidestepped and swung the axe. A sharp arc of darkness cut through the air—before Gao Ren could react, his arm was severed cleanly from his body.

Screams erupted from the crowd, but Yun Hao remained calm. The axe pulsed, drinking deeply. The energy flowed into Yun Hao’s core, pushing him closer to the next cultivation realm. He felt it—an almost euphoric surge of power.

The match was over in an instant. Yun Hao won.

But he didn’t stop there. He lifted his axe again, and before the elders could intervene, he struck down Gao Ren completely, absorbing the last of his Qi.

The audience fell silent. Some were horrified. Others… intrigued.

Sect Master Xuan Jiulong watched with an amused expression. "Interesting... very interesting."

The tournament had only just begun, and already, Yun Hao had set himself apart. But as he glanced at the other prodigies, he knew the real battles were yet to come.