Blade Ghost did not answer Xu Taiping's question directly, but asked instead:
"Taiping, what did Ding Mou show you?"
Xu Taiping drew a deep breath and calmed down a little before answering:
"A single, unfinished punch."
A glimmer of understanding flashed through Blade Ghost's eyes, and Blade Ghost nodded.
"As I thought."
Although the images in the Spirit Mirror were nowhere near as vivid as what Xu Taiping had sensed, an expert of Blade Ghost's caliber could still discern a few clues.
Then Blade Ghost's expression turned solemn.
"Since you accepted this gift from him, you should naturally throw that unfinished punch in his stead."
"But you must not rush to reach the half-step half-immortal realm."
Xu Taiping asked in confusion:
"Is it too difficult?"
As far as Xu Taiping knew, once he had fully consolidated his cultivation in the dao-integration heavenly communion realm, the next step would be the half-step half-immortal realm.
Blade Ghost looked at Xu Taiping gravely.
"The reason that step is called the half-step half-immortal realm is that, once you reach it, although your cultivation realm remains the heaven-connecting realm, you can briefly wield combat power equal to that of the true half-immortal realm."
"That is also why cultivators like the Heaven-Hunting Great Sage can challenge half-immortal experts while still in the heaven-connecting realm."
"So, while reaching that stage may seem only a single step away, it is exceedingly difficult."
This was the first time Xu Taiping had heard such an explanation.
Blade Ghost continued:
"As for how difficult it is, you will understand if you keep listening."
With that, Blade Ghost lifted the wine cup on the table and took a sip.
Xu Taiping's heart immediately tightened, and he nodded slightly.
"Please enlighten me, Senior Blade Ghost."
After a brief moment of contemplation, Blade Ghost