Of course, the two of them could have joined hands to stage a deception and fool everyone under heaven! But both were mighty figures of the Sword Dao, with characters that would sooner break than bend. They also knew that such an act would stain their Sword Dao and soil their hearts; thereafter, their Sword Dao would never see further progress. Rather than that, they might as well fight a true duel! That was why True Person Mingjian and Li Xiubai had made that promise to the world.
Yet after half a year of sparring, True Person Mingjian and Li Xiubai both understood that the flying swords of sword cultivators and those of the Dao Sect each had their own strengths. Under ordinary circumstances, even if victory or defeat could be decided, it would only be a contest of magical power, magical artifacts, or sword artifacts. It could not determine whose Sword Dao was truly superior. Only by casting aside all such factors could they truly compare the heights of their Sword Dao.
Thus, True Person Mingjian chose a place like the Mo Ran Black Forest, where divine sense and magical power were restricted.
At the same time, the two had considered each other's interests. They only agreed to let the Changbai Sect and Yanzhu Sword Sect hold the match, but they would absolutely not reveal its outcome to the world!
The result of the duel was largely as True Person Mingjian and Li Xiubai had expected. Their cultivation levels were simply too close, and the only possible ending was mutual destruction. When they struck that mutually fatal blow, neither hesitated; both thrust at the same time, showing not the slightest mercy. They had truly sacrificed themselves for the Sword Dao!
That was also why Xiao Hua had bowed nine