Longing flickered in Liu Ruyan's eyes, yet it intertwined with helplessness, making her expression rather complex.
Lin Xuan's gaze fell upon that face capable of toppling all under heaven, and he narrowed his eyes slightly.
"An Ascension Realm method? Manifested true intent is really that formidable?"
"Of course!"
Liu Ruyan's voice was clear and ethereal. Looking at Lin Xuan, she revealed a rare, detached smile, seemingly gratified that she had finally given some guidance to this disciple of hers.
"Do you know why, after reaching the pinnacle of the sword path for so many years, your master has yet to manifest true intent?"
"Do you find it strange?"
Lin Xuan immediately nodded, staring at Liu Ruyan with eyes full of eagerness to learn.
The smile on Liu Ruyan's face deepened, and the frost melted away completely.
"By all reason, it should have manifested true intent long ago, yet it has never succeeded."
"To put it plainly, it is constrained."
Lin Xuan froze. Combining this with Liu Ruyan's earlier words, he immediately understood. "It is limited by cultivation? Manifesting true intent is an Ascension Realm method?"
"Correct!"
Liu Ruyan nodded, then looked at Lin Xuan. "Perhaps in the future, you may be able to manifest true intent while still in the Imperishable Realm, but we cannot!"
Liu Ruyan's words were utterly absolute. This was not groundless talk, but genuine experience accumulated over countless years.
"If that is the case, manifesting true intent may already have reached the level of profound meaning."
Lin Xuan stroked his chin as he guessed.
"So, if one wishes to manifest true intent, the first requirement is the characteristics of one's Dharma body."
"But who knows? Perhaps other conditions are needed as well?"
Nothing was certain. Perhaps only when Lin Xuan reached that step would he be