As he spoke, the Blind Swordsman raised a hand and gently stroked his empty eye sockets.
"These eyes were the price I paid to become a Demon."
"I gouged them out myself in exchange for sharper perception."
"Eyes for power."
"Worth it."
He smiled.
"The facts proved I made the right choice."
"I'm stronger now than I used to be."
"As the resurgence of spiritual power intensifies, Demons gain greater boosts. Surpassing Xiao Tiance is only a matter of time."
The old man's expression grew even grimmer.
"Was it really worth turning yourself into this just to pursue power...?"
"You're still as mad as ever..."
The Blind Swordsman shook his head.
"I'm not mad."
"I just-"
"Want to see what lies at the very pinnacle of strength!"
He turned his head and "looked" at Qi Wu again.
"Young man."
He spoke softly.
"You're strong."
"Stronger than any young person I've ever met."
"Even stronger than Xiao Tiance was back then."
"I'm very interested-"
He took a step forward.
"Would you be willing to become like me?"
"To become a Demon and pursue true power?"
Facing Qi Wu, the Blind Swordsman didn't swagger and spout boasts like some brainless villain.
Instead, he had recognized Qi Wu's strength.
He had even extended an olive branch to Qi Wu.
Qi Wu met the Blind Swordsman's invitation with an arrogant expression.
"Become a Demon?"
He spoke loudly.
"Sorry-"
"I have no interest in becoming a monster."
The Blind Swordsman sighed.
"What a shame."
He spoke softly.
"Then-"
He raised his hand.
He gripped the sword at his waist.
The sword had no sheath.
Its blade was pitch-black, like a black hole.
It had been there all along.
But only now did anyone notice it.
Until then, its aura had blended completely with the Blind