Countless flashes of inspiration burst through Jiang Ding's mind, taking the shape of a single sword strike.
"Sword Heir,"
"you should advance to Spirit Transformation. Right here."
Moon suddenly said, "You need no assistance to advance to Spirit Transformation. You need no favorable timing, terrain, or allies. You can do it now."
"Advance to Spirit Transformation now?"
Jiang Ding paused.
Then he sighed, set aside the tide of inspiration surging through his mind, and rose to fly out of the Great Sun Celestial Pool.
As Jiang Ding stepped through the void, he immediately sensed something different.
There were now many more places in the void where he could find purchase, and more forces he could draw upon. With little effort, he nearly doubled his speed, flickering through space several times as he flew outward.
"Sword Heir."
Moon followed, looking rather dejected.
"Senior Divine Mechanism!"
Outside the Great Sun Celestial Pool, Jiang Ding spotted the Divine Mechanism Heavenly Lord and greeted him heartily. "It's been so long, yet you're still as radiant as ever. I'm envious."
"Your aura seems to hint at a breakthrough to Void Refining. Congratulations."
"Haha!"
"You're looking pretty good yourself, kid!"
The Divine Mechanism Heavenly Lord smiled and relaxed completely. Teasingly, he said, "Eleven hundred years, and you haven't changed a bit. Still such a little runt. Back when you were at university... Hold on. What's with that look?!"
His laughter cut off mid-sentence, and he abruptly took a great step back.
He regarded the youth in azure with wary eyes.
A moment ago, the boy had looked like a handsome youngster from next door.
Then a trace of scarlet had appeared in the depths of his eyes. It held nothing but killing intent, without the slightest hint of anything else.
That killing intent was the deep