It was at this moment that Li Fan once again realized the intention behind Xuantian's mandate to diligently practice the Ruyi Sword Sutra for a hundred years. Whether it be controlling the flying sword, the sword light, or the rainbow arc of the sword, the principles of how to fly, encircle, slash, and stab are interconnected. If you intend to use a sword to kill, then making the sword an extension of your arm, acting upon your will, is the very least that's expected, right?
No matter what weapon, prop, or cultivation technique one uses, one must master it thoroughly. That's the least respect you can show to a sword. It's not enough to possess the Heavenly Sword or Dragon-slaying Saber and expect to be invincible. Isn't there a saying that if you practice to perfection, even branches and twigs can become your swords?
Thus, equipment and technique complement each other and are both indispensable in the cultivator's world—that's a common understanding.
