Gu Yunfu cupped his hands and smiled.
Sui Zaihua smiled too. "That is why he told me last night that if he could not execute this sword today, he would never again mention entering the Sword Cultivation Academy."
"..." Gu Yunfu stared blankly. "He said... he would master it today?"
"Indeed," Sui Zaihua said. "Young Master Gu, you speak fairly. In your opinion, how difficult would that be?"
How difficult would it be?
Difficult enough that he could not do it.
The man's swordplay in the previous match had already offered a glimpse: though his sword intent was abundant, it was blocked and difficult to release. Clearly, he had yet to reach that summit of unobstructed flow. Gu Yunfu did not need to see many details to know how high and unyielding this threshold was. Even with the path already grasped, even with extensive planning and preparation, crossing it would never be easy.
After all, it was an incomplete sword art.
"...If this sword art truly is missing something at a crucial juncture, and he can penetrate it through his own efforts... though it has taken more than ten years, he has, after all, been studying it as he learned. At Heavenly Mountain, he might qualify as..." Gu Yunfu hesitated, but still finished, "a candidate for the [Eight Steeds]."
Sui Zaihua nodded and said gently, "Therefore, with a bright pearl before us, we cannot cover our eyes and deceive ourselves. I know your sect has its preferences, and the Sword Cultivation Academy's affairs have always depended upon your sect's support. But the Dao Initiation Assembly has always selected the worthy and capable impartially. Please understand and convey this to your sect."
"..." Gu Yunfu could only cup his hands.
"Look, he has already begun." Sui Zaihua suddenly raised his brows