Godslayer paused for a moment. "You do know that he is the Sword God now, do you not?"
"I have heard," Godslayer said. "I do not understand who in their right mind would make a god out of someone who hasnāt even managed to become One with the Sword."
Bladedance said as much, but she still frowned as the answer was simple. Purplerain wasnāt the greatest swordsman, sure, but he was the current best.
The greatest sword cultivators of the past had all perished in the war, and the ones that were left were none stronger than Purplerain. They may have great cultivation and strength, but based on pure sword skills, they could not compare.
"Purplerain had some friends who helped him attack me," Bladedance said. "I wasnāt of the right mind then, so I do not recognize any of them, but Iām certain he had friends. Do you think those are the Slayers?"
"Maybe," Godslayer said. "I wouldnāt know for certain. Aside from Purplerain, the only other individual I even remember was a Death Sage. I do not remember killing him, but I have no way of telling if heās still alive."
Godslayer paused. "In fact, I do not know if I killed him before I died myself."
"A Death Sage?" Bladedance asked. "There are still a few of those around, I fear. Will you recognize them if you saw them? What are their features like?"
Godslayer tried to remember, but the most he could remember was a dark haze shading their face. "I donāt remember," he said. "I... I am struggling to remember if he was even a he at this point."
"Thatās alright," Bladedance said. "Whether heās dead or alive, or what friends he has, I will find everything once I find Purplerain myself."
"That is perhaps the fastest way," Godslayer said. "If you kill him, make sure to keep his head. I wish to see his corpse for myself if I can."
Bladedance couldnāt help but nod.
She scanned through Godslayerās body once again, making sure for one last time that he was dying. The cracked body, the diffusing energy, and the weakened spirit were all signs of a dying Godslayer for her. And the conversation he had with her was reason enough to let him live for as long as he could.
There was no little surprise in her mind that Godslayer had changed so much. The one she remembered would spend his days shouting obscenities at her, cursing every god he could name, vowing every other moment to kill each and every one of them.
Compared to that, talking to the one right now, she could almost imagine the kind Artifact God sitting before her.
"I think Iām done," Bladedance said. "I shall leave now."
"Take care, Bladedance," Godslayer said. "This may be the last time I, the Artifact God, will talk with an outsider such as yourself."
Bladedance froze a little and nodded. Godslayerās upcoming death had finally become a truth in her heart.
"Goodbye, Artifact God," she said and left.
Alex stayed for a moment. "Iām sorry for having to wake you," he said. "But she wanted to confirm that you had changed."
"Thatās alright," Godslayer said. "I am relieved to know that she has returned to a sound mind. Are you two still working together?"
"Weāre creating openings to the Void in order for me to learn from it," Alex said. "At some point, weāre hoping that Iāll be able to navigate it."
"Navigate the Void?" he asked. "That... is going to be difficult."
"Certainly, but I must still try, since I have no other ways out of Hell."
Godslayer nodded. "Good luck."
"Thanks. Now rest well. The next time I awaken you, it will be because I have your body prepared for you."
Godslayer chuckled. "I shall wait for that day. Maybe then I can shed away this name as well."
Alex nodded and flew back out.
Bladedance waited for him on the outside, looking down at him.
Alex looked up at her, trying to discern her thoughts from her expression. Her eye held the sharpness of a blade, and she gave away nothing more.
"You wish to become my disciple?" she asked.
Alex nodded. "Yes, senior."
Bladedance brought the black sword out and tossed it at Alex. Alex caught it quickly and saw afterward that Bladedance had her own sword out.
"Fight me."
"I beg your pardon," Alex said with a confused look.
"If you want to be my disciple, youāll have to show you deserve it. Now, fight me."
Alex stood there stunned for a few seconds before taking in a deep breath. If that was how she wanted to test him, then so be it.
Alex raised his sword and attacked.
He dashed straight into a melee battle, using nothing but pure Sword Intent to strike at her. He was fast, but Bladedance was faster. Wherever his sword went, hers would arrive a step before to stop his slashes.
"Not a bad Sword Intent," Bladedance said. "But do more. Donāt hold back."
Alex nodded. His Sword Intent turned to Sword Qi, and he began slashing at her. With their closeness, the power of the slashes did not weaken at all. At this moment, Alex could fight Immortal Spirit realm cultivators with little trouble.
Bladedance held him off for a bit. "Now Sword Aura," she said.
Alex switched, using his Sword Aura to attack her. She blocked it all effortlessly.
"Hmm," she noted. "Do more."
Alex took it a step further, and activated his Sword Domain. Sword Qi burst out from around him, striking at Bladedance.
To his surprise, however, she activated her own Sword Domain, using her Sword Qi to block his. She precisely targeted each Sword Qi, not allowing a single one to hit her.
It was an unfathomable display of her sword skill.
"Alright, stop."
Alex obeyed.
Bladedance looked at him for a few long seconds. "You certainly have what I would look for in a disciple," she said, patting her sword on her shoulder. "Alright, why the hell not? Let it be then. From today onward, you are a disciple to me, Bladedance."