Chapter 1330: Limited Talent

Afternoon.

It should have been time for the children to leave school and eat, but none of them had left. They gathered quietly outside the courtyard gate, eagerly awaiting the outcome inside.

Even the usually mischievous ones dared not peek through the door crack.

After all.

The courtyard was graced by the presence of the old clan leader.

This legendary Martial Spirit expert was like a deity in Qinghe Town. The children regarded him with immense reverence, and even their usual curiosity was subdued.

Thinking that today's success or failure concerned their teacher, they became even more nervous and well-behaved, waiting outside the schoolhouse, praying that Mr. Yi could become a disciple of the old clan leader.

While the scene outside was tense and quiet, the atmosphere inside the courtyard was peaceful.

The white-haired old man, still vigorous, sat quietly by a wooden table, stroking his beard and observing.

His sharp eyes scrutinized for a few moments, and after a long, thoughtful pause, he still couldn't see anything special about the young man sitting across from him. He seemed to be just an ordinary mortal with mediocre potential.

To put it bluntly, such talent was considered inferior even in Qinghe Town.

Even so.

The old man showed no sign of disappointment, his face still wearing a gentle smile.

He nodded and spoke kindly.

"Hmm, not bad."

"Mr. Yi, you are handsome and elegant. I have heard a bit about your recent deeds. Seeing you today, you truly live up to your reputation as a well-read scholar."

His opening words were full of praise, devoid of any condescension or the airs of a Martial Spirit expert. Instead, he seemed like a kind elder, his eyes filled with warmth, as if he held Mr. Yi, the town's only teacher, in high regard.

Then, he revealed the truth.

"However..."

"You seem to be past the age of twenty, and your bone structure is set, with limited spiritual potential. Unless you use a top-grade Body Tempering Pill to defy fate, there might be a slight chance."

"Unfortunately, a few bottles of Body Tempering Pills are far too precious. Only certain great clans and noble families might possess them. Even I am powerless in this matter."

"If you were to embark on the path of cultivation, it would be difficult to achieve great success. It would not be a wise decision."

The "truth" spoken by the old man was a bit harsh, but after the initial praise, it sounded more palatable. His high emotional intelligence was evident, undoubtedly honed through years of experience.

In both sentiment and logic, his words were impeccable.

Yi Feng listened calmly, not responding immediately. Wei Xiaowei, sitting beside the table, grew anxious and quietly leaned forward, bowing nervously.

"Old Clan Leader, this..."

Before she could finish, the old man noticed her expression and waved his hand with a smile.

"No rush, no rush."

"Although he is not suited for the path of cultivation, with my guidance, he can still learn some self-defense techniques. In the future, even if he encounters a demon beast by accident, he will be able to protect himself."

"As long as he remains in Qinghe Town, the entire town will ensure his safety."

Hearing this promise, Wei Xiaowei let out a slight sigh of relief.

Seeing that Yi Feng had not responded for a while, she leaned closer and whispered words of comfort.

"Mr. Yi, the path of cultivation cannot be forced. There's no need to be disheartened..."

"The old clan leader has already said that you are a well-read scholar. Your literary talent is the rarest of all, surpassing most people in Qinghe Town."

"In the future, when you learn self-defense techniques from the old clan leader, you will be both scholarly and martial, truly outstanding in Qinghe Town!"

"No matter what dangers arise, we will protect you. My cultivation is also quite strong, and my home is not far from the schoolhouse. I will ensure your safety at all times..."

As she spoke, her voice grew softer, and her slightly flushed face lowered, adding a touch of delicate beauty to her already charming appearance.

The old man's rare kindness and Miss Wei's genuine concern warmed Yi Feng's heart. To him, everything else was irrelevant. Life, death, honor, disgrace, and even the so-called levels of cultivation had long since faded like a passing breeze.

Facing their expectant gazes, Yi Feng smiled and bowed in accordance with the atmosphere.

"In that case, I thank the old clan leader."

Wei Xiaowei finally relaxed, her eyes lighting up with a smile. The old clan leader also nodded, stroking his beard with a kind expression.

As he praised Yi Feng, he took out a scroll from his sleeve.

"Good, good."

"Mr. Yi, your calm demeanor is truly rare. With such a mindset, you are sure to achieve something in your cultivation. Mastering self-defense techniques is just around the corner."

"This is a body-refining technique passed down through generations in our clan. Take it and study it carefully. Once you've read through it, I will personally guide you."

Yi Feng accepted the scroll, deeply moved by the kindness.

Wei Xiaowei was even more delighted, looking at Yi Feng with admiration, as if she were seeing a determined and steady young man about to rise to greatness.

The courtyard suddenly felt filled with an indescribable vitality and joy, and even the old man's eyes showed increasing satisfaction.

Noticing Yi Feng's composed demeanor, he couldn't help but feel more appreciative.

Seizing the opportunity, he offered a few more words of advice.

"Mr. Yi, since you are about to begin your cultivation journey, there are some things you should know. The path of cultivation is vast, and even the slightest difference can be like the gap between heaven and earth. Do you know how the levels of cultivators are determined?"

Before Yi Feng could respond.

The old man smiled, exuding the aura of a profound and experienced master.

"To be honest..."

"Although I am a Martial Spirit expert, terrifying in the eyes of ordinary people, I am nothing compared to the true cultivators of the world!"

Wei Xiaowei was stunned, as if hearing a celestial secret.

The old man's expression turned solemn, and a hint of awe appeared in his eyes.

"Above me, there are Martial King experts, who can split mountains and rocks with a wave of their hand, and traverse heaven and earth with ease! Beyond Martial Kings are Martial Emperors, the true powerhouses who dominate the world!"

"Back in the day, during my travels, I was fortunate enough to witness the grandeur of Spear Emperor Zhao Juedong at the Sword Discussion Peak. With a single spear, he defeated countless talents, truly invincible!"

"The might of a Martial Emperor is truly terrifying. Compared to Spear Emperor, I am but an ant! Figures like him are the true cultivators, unparalleled geniuses whose names will be remembered for generations!"

Hearing this, Yi Feng showed no reaction, as if he were stunned.

Wei Xiaowei, however, was visibly shaken, standing up in shock.

"How is this possible..."

"Old Clan Leader, even you are far inferior to Spear Emperor? Has he reached the pinnacle of the Dao?"

The old man did not respond immediately, only offering a bitter smile.

He slowly stood up, gazing at the endless sky for a few moments, his wrinkled face filled with longing, before sighing softly.

"The pinnacle of the Dao..."

"The path of cultivation is vast, far beyond our reach."

"Even a peerless genius like Spear Emperor has not come close to the end of the Dao. As for the realms beyond Martial Emperor, I have only heard rumors. The legendary Immortal Realm is even more unreachable..."

"Such beings are beyond our comprehension. If I could catch a glimpse of an immortal in this lifetime, I could die with a smile."

As his shocking words faded, Wei Xiaowei was left speechless.

Had it not been for the old clan leader's explanation, she would never have known that such terrifyingly powerful figures like Spear Emperor existed.

At this moment.

She realized just how vast the world truly was!

A profound sense of awe spread through the courtyard, leaving both the old man and the young girl in deep contemplation.

After a few moments.

The old clan leader snapped out of his reverie and changed the subject with a laugh.

"Haha..."

"I've gone a bit off track. Mr. Yi, you need not worry too much. Those legendary figures are beyond our reach. As long as you diligently cultivate, you will surely achieve something, at least enough to secure your place in this chaotic world."

"My earlier words were just to make you understand that this vast world is filled with talented individuals. We must not belittle ourselves, nor must we remain ignorant like frogs at the bottom of a well."

Listening to his earnest words, Yi Feng nodded slightly.

Seeing his composed demeanor, Wei Xiaowei grew even more admiring, and the old clan leader felt increasingly satisfied, thinking to himself that this young man was truly teachable, a true scholar.

With the matter settled, the old clan leader stood up contentedly and prepared to leave.

The three of them opened the courtyard gate and bid him farewell.

The waiting children, tense with anticipation, immediately crowded around the gate.

Seeing the pure, anxious eyes of the children, the old clan leader took the opportunity to encourage these young sprouts of Qinghe Town, while also ensuring that Yi Feng's dignity was preserved.

"From today onward, Mr. Yi Feng will be under my guidance."

"The path of cultivation is vast, and one must tread it step by step. Mr. Yi Feng deeply understands this principle, making him a rare talent. I am very pleased. In the future, he will surely achieve great things. You must all take him as your role model, study diligently, and cultivate with focus, striving to become like him—both scholarly and martial, the pride of Qinghe Town!"

His powerful voice echoed far and wide, not only stirring excitement among the children at the gate but also bringing smiles of hope to the townsfolk and parents.

The lively town seemed to glow with new vitality, and as news of this event spread, the streets buzzed with hopeful discussions.