"How is this possible? How could his [Heartsword] art have advanced to the eleventh stance? That means he'll reach the twelfth stance soon!"
The 'first stage' of the [Heartsword] art consisted of the eighth to tenth stances, while the second stage consisted of the eleventh and twelfth stances.
Ning had made consecutive breakthroughs in the 'first stage' back when he was in Crimsonwave Temple. Breaking through between stances within the same stage was quite fast, while breaking through from one stage to another was far more difficult. Since Ning had already reached the eleventh stance, the twelfth stance wouldn't be too far behind.
"Daolord Darknorth's sword-arts are extremely well-rounded and extremely durable. If he can master the twelfth stance… he'll be on par with even me." Archon Silksnow's killing intent began to grow stronger.