The image sneered, refusing to trade barbs with him. His gaze swept over Qiangu Dieting's bedraggled figure, the water soaking him, and the blood staining his wounds, his face full of disdain.
"The ninth form of the Unyielding Staff Technique, World-Splitting Achieved Godhood, requires a heart as still as water and ten thousand thoughts surging like the tide."
"Now, you are steeped in hostility, your heart filled with the will to fight. How could you possibly unleash it?"
"How could you become a god through it?!"
The image hurled one question after another, his voice exploding like thunder beside Qiangu Dieting's ears.
After hearing him out, Qiangu Dieting only laughed harder.
He shook his head, his aged face filled with resolve.
The Coiling Dragon Staff in his palm slowly rose, its tip pointing straight at the image.
"No, you clumsy imitator."
"I have done it."
"Just as you said, my heart is already as still as water."
"The pool within my heart has long been untroubled by waves."
"Standing above it and looking down, I can see my clear reflection on its mirrorlike surface!"
His voice was quiet, yet every word struck the ground with ringing force.
The mockery on the image's face froze, replaced by utter shock.
"What did you say?"
"Impossible! This is your inner world! Your heart is clearly filled with fighting spirit!"
The image cried out, unable to comprehend it.
"You have reached the end of your road, Heart Demon!"
Qiangu Dieting's gaze sharpened. "Take my staff!"
Before his words had faded, his entire aura abruptly changed.
The fighting spirit that had been boiling a moment earlier instantly settled.
His presence became like a still abyss and a towering mountain, unfathomably deep.
The Coiling Dragon Staff in his hands slowly rose above his head.
Patterns along