One Piece: The Strongest Asura

While Zallor had once been capable of feats like this, it was clear that his current body was far from ready. Even splitting a log seemed like an impossible task, let alone replicating the powerful sword energy displayed by the Zhuo family patriarch.

"This is sword energy," the patriarch explained. "It's always present but relies heavily on the weapon. However, everyone has an internal reservoir of energy, or 'qi.' The strength of this qi directly impacts the power of your strikes. While qi has no upper limit and can grow indefinitely, having qi alone isn't enough—but lacking it entirely is a dealbreaker."

To demonstrate, the patriarch picked up a standard sword and released another burst of sword energy without drawing upon his qi. The energy cleaved through the remaining stone, but the sword snapped in half.

"With a regular sword, it's still possible to unleash powerful sword energy, but it requires exceptional technique. The strain often breaks the weapon, as you saw. This is likely why your weapon shattered during your earlier attempt. Such power is difficult to control and requires rigorous training. I only dared attempt it after reaching the fourth stage of cultivation," the patriarch added.

He then elaborated on the ancient and modern cultivation methods. The ancient ways focused on the unity of essence, energy, and spirit, while the modern system prioritized qi alone. The newer approach, though simpler, lacked the potency of the old ways—a trade-off that explained the decline in their continent's strength.

For Zallor, most of this was incomprehensible. He didn't know who these people were, nor why they seemed to hold him in such high regard. If the Zhuo patriarch knew this, he might have been tempted to disown—or worse—this clueless descendant.

Zallor's attention shifted when the patriarch handed him a sword, signaling that it was his turn to demonstrate his strength.

"So, they want to see what I can do, huh? Fine. If they want a show, I'll give them one!" Zallor smirked, a spark of his former confidence returning.

Despite his bravado, he didn't take the sword. He was a swordsman, yes, but his weapon of choice was a blade—a katana—not a straight sword. The very idea of using a sword felt wrong to him. After scanning the area, he realized there wasn't a single blade in sight. This place seemed to have abandoned the weapon altogether.

"Do they not use blades here?" Zallor wondered. "What kind of place is this?"

After some searching, he settled on an axe. It wasn't ideal, but its functionality was closest to a blade. Both relied on slashing techniques, though the axe lacked the flexibility and finesse of a sword.

The Zhuo family members watched in confusion. "Why does he refuse the sword? Does he want to use an axe instead?" Zhuo Yuan whispered, puzzled.

"Perhaps he wants to wield a blade," the patriarch mused. "If so, it's a dangerous choice. Blades are forbidden here, and anyone caught using one faces severe consequences. Yet... I can't deny this boy seems different. Perhaps there's a reason he disappeared for a month."

Zallor, unaware of their internal deliberations, was focused on the axe in his hand. It wasn't what he wanted, but it would do for now. He resolved to find someone who could forge him a proper blade later.

"Time to show them what I've got!" Zallor grinned mischievously.

He shifted into a stance that exuded raw power, resembling a predator about to strike. His energy surged, and even the bystanders felt the oppressive aura emanating from him.

"Let's see if I can still pull this off... Thirty-Six Pound Phoenix!"

In an instant, Zallor unleashed a flying slash. The axe's handle couldn't withstand the force and snapped, but the strike had already taken shape. A phantom phoenix materialized, roaring forward with an overwhelming presence.

The slash tore through the air, radiating immense power, before dissipating into nothingness. The display left Zhuo Yuan and the patriarch frozen in shock.

"That... that was incredible!" Zhuo Yuan stammered.

The patriarch, too, was awestruck. "A phoenix... from an axe. What kind of monster is this boy?"

Though Zallor's technique wasn't perfect, the sheer power behind it was undeniable. This demonstration proved that, even in his weakened state, his potential was limitless. For the Zhuo family, this was nothing short of extraordinary. For Zallor, it was just the beginning.

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