Discussing swordsmanship was a process of mutual improvement. As I explained, I was also digesting the experience I had gained, while Sun Daoji's swordsmanship was quite ingenious in certain areas and gave me plenty of inspiration. Of course, whenever swordsmanship approached the same level, differences of opinion were inevitable. The awe-inspiring killing intent of the Yellow Springs Sword Dao I had used to defeat Sun Daoji was naturally something he could not fully accept.
Likewise, excessive emphasis on sword etiquette would weaken one's aggressiveness, making one's swordsmanship resemble that of a benevolent man. If that happened, there would be no hope of advancing to an even higher realm. Thus, with each side holding to its own principles, those listening to our discussion gradually split into two factions. The faction that valued sword etiquette naturally clung to its convictions, while those who stood with me placed mastery of a higher realm first.
By the end, I had completely divided them into two groups. Without a doubt, Ye Yunqiu and the others had all stood on my side, showing that the pursuit of advancement was also what they had sought all their lives. As for Sun Daoji's side, its numbers were noticeably smaller, with some even there simply out of friendship.
The reason I divided them into groups was naturally not to express any particular opinion. Instead, I selected several of the best and had them debate with the disciples chosen by Sun Daoji. We then picked out points from their exchanges to explain, allowing everyone to gain even more theoretical knowledge.
This process of discussing nothing but swordsmanship, without concerning ourselves with worldly affairs, lasted three days and three nights. During those three days, I drank cup after cup of tea brewed with Immortal Lotus Jade Spring water, and my cultivation