Jiang Ding and the Radiant Sword Lord discussed the Dao for so long that they lost track of the years.
During that time, they studied the Great Sun Sword Dao and the Solar Sword Dao in detail. Both gained insights, and the auras around them faintly surged. Each had made considerable progress.
In the process, both of their foundations in the sword Dao grew stronger.
This was how two sword cultivators walking paths from the same source spurred each other onward. It was why sects had arisen in the first place: a Dao companion's Dao companion. That was how such bonds were forged.
A companion on the Great Dao was one of the four pillars of cultivation: wealth, companions, land, and methods.
Before they knew it, decades had passed.
Time flowed on. Even the finest discussion of the Dao had to end someday.
"Let's leave it at that."
Jiang Ding glanced sadly at the Netherbright Sword Grotto-Heaven world cluster, now so close, and bowed deeply. "Fellow Daoist Radiant Sword Lord, this is where we part."
"When we meet again, it will be to decide which of us lives and which dies."
"I wish you a smooth journey, fellow Daoist."
His final words abruptly turned chilling, brimming with killing intent.
Yet they held a trace of grief, as though an old friend were about to depart forever and Jiang Ding had come to see him off.
"Fellow Daoist Great Sun,"
"I wish you a smooth journey too. I'll take good care of your family. You needn't worry."
The Radiant Sword Lord smiled as he spoke.
The two looked at each other.
Everything suddenly fell still.
In each other's eyes, they saw the same blazing killing intent and the same boundless longing to climb higher on the sword path.
Then, suddenly—
"Hahaha..."