Li Chuping was somewhat speechless, but he also understood that the more outstanding someone was, the more confidence they had in themselves, and the less readily they would change their ideas and goals. Take the fellow before him: when choosing cultivation arts for the upper realm, he had clearly been a fresh-faced newcomer, yet he had dared disregard the insights of Jincheng's three leading figures-and had actually managed to cultivate them on his own.
Such a cultivation journey only strengthened his confidence. Tempered like this and honed by time, it would eventually become an unshakable Dao heart.
Reason alone would not work on someone like this. Other methods were needed too.
"Why did I take Lingqing? Because I was damn strong, had powerful backing, deep roots, and connections everywhere! Who among the disciples of my generation could compare? So it was only natural for me to take Lingqing. Who dared say no?
"What about you? Apart from being handy at fighting and killing, what other resources do you have? Do you have a lineage? A master's legacy? Connections or powerful patrons?
"You have nothing. Who can you represent? If you alone attain the Dao someday, who will ascend to heaven with you?
"If no one can hitch a ride on your road to heaven, why should anyone help you now?
"This isn't something you can resolve by declaring your determination, saying nice things, or swearing dire oaths. You need to endure the tests of those above over a long period, until those patriarchs acknowledge you, appreciate you, and believe you can represent their interests.
"You aren't even qualified to meet the patriarchs. What gives you the right to compete for a true disciple position?"
Hou Niao took quite a blow, but he had never been someone who gave up easily.