The Red-Haired Blade Ghost was somewhat unusual tonight, too.
Unlike last time, he did not attack Xu Taiping immediately, but instead scrutinized him closely.
Finally, his gaze settled on Water-Cutting at Xu Taiping's waist.
"Is that what you spent this past month preparing for tonight?"
The Red-Haired Blade Ghost glanced at Water-Cutting before sneering at Xu Taiping.
Clearly, the Red-Haired Blade Ghost seemed to have misunderstood, believing Xu Taiping intended to use Duan Tianya's Water-Cutting to counter him, little knowing that Xu Taiping could not even draw it.
Xu Taiping neither confirmed nor denied it.
There was no need to expose his own shortcomings. Even if he could not draw the Water-Cutting Blade, using it as a deterrent was still worthwhile.
"The one who suppressed This Old Man's blade intent a few days ago was the owner of this blade, wasn't he?"
At the mention of the Water-Cutting Blade, the Red-Haired Blade Ghost, contrary to his usual manner, did not flare up. Instead, he questioned Xu Taiping with considerable patience.
"Yes. His name was Duan Tianya. He was a blade cultivator." Xu Taiping nodded.
"Duan Tianya. Never heard of him. Or perhaps This Old Man no longer remembers." The Red-Haired Blade Ghost shook his head.
"Still, those two strands of blade intent of his had quite some spirit to them. If you can bring him here to cross blades with This Old Man, This Old Man might consider letting you live a little longer."
He looked at Xu Taiping again as he continued.
As he spoke, the Red-Haired Blade Ghost's clouded eyes brightened a little, an exceedingly rare sight.
"Elder Duan Tianya is no longer with us." Xu Taiping shook his head.
"No longer with us, is he?"
At this, the Red-Haired Blade Ghost looked forlorn.
"Yes, he's gone."
Xu