'Well, if I need to build up my reputation either way, why not start from here.'
He stepped ahead from the pagoda and came in front of the disciples, sweeping his gaze among them with a serious expression.
"Everyone," he began, his voice calm yet filled with seriousness, "I can see some of you looking down on yourself, or becoming uncertain about your abilities after seeing my performance."
The murmurs among the crowd died down as they focused their gazes on him.
"But let me tell you this," Shen Yuan continued after gathering the disciple's attention, "Talent, strength, and natural ability are just one part of the path we walk on as cultivators. What truly defines us is our determination, our perseverance, and the effort we put into overcoming our own limitations."
He paused, letting his words sink in.
"When I first started my journey, I faced challenges that seemed insurmountable, There were times when I doubted myself, whether I was worthy of my gifts, or if I would ever measure up to the expectations that my family set on me. But I didn't let those feelings stop me. Instead, I used those feelings as motivation to fuel my will towards improving myself."
Some of the disciples exchanged glances, their expressions softening as they listened intently.
"Each of you has your own strengths and weaknesses," Shen Yuan went on. "Comparing yourself to others can be disheartening, but remember that everyone's path is unique. What matters most is not how to measure up against someone else, but rather to surpass your current self and never stop improving."
He gestured towards the pagoda behind him. "This trial is a tool for growth, a way to test your limits and learn from them. Use it to better yourself, not to chase away some empty fame at rankings that won't even matter much in the future. The fact that you have been accepted by the Radiant Lotus Sacred Sect speaks volumes of your own potential.
Any single one of you can dominate the normal cultivators of the outside world at the same level."
He paused as the weight of his words settled in, "But does that mean they all should stop cultivating when they can never reach the height of sect disciples? No. They should strive to work even harder to catch up with those who have more resources than they will ever lay their eyes on."
Wan Ling watched him with admiration, her eyes shining like jewels. The surrounding disciples seemed to stand a little taller, their expressions shifting from discouragement to thoughtful determination for improvement.
Wan Ling smiled brightly. "You're right."
Just then, a group of disciples approached them. The disciple in the front of the group had a unique air about her.
"Shen Yuan, correct?" She called out, her expression a mix of curiosity and respect.
"Yes, that is indeed me." Shen Yuan answered as he turned toward her, and followed with a question, "And who might you be?"
Wan Ling gently nudged him from behind and whispered, "She is senior sister Mei Xin, Senior Brother Shen Yuan."
She softly smiled hearing Wan Ling's whispering, acknowledging her words as she nodded her head, "Let me introduce myself. I am Mei Xin, one of the outer sect disciples of Radiant Lotus Sacred Sect." She was one of the top-ranked disciples who had previously held the third position on the ranking board.
Shen Yuan nodded her head, "I am Shen Yuan." he introduced himself and continued, "How may I be of help to you?"
"Shen Yuan," Mei Xin began, "Your strength is commendable to be able to complete the trial in under 8 minutes. But even more so, your words were...inspiring. Even I got motivated to work harder after hearing them. I was really feeling down after seeing you surpass my record by so much, so I really appreciate your words."
He smiled lightly and nodded, "Thank you for your high praise, Mei Xin."
"Have you already reached the Origin Core Creation Realm?" She asked curiously as she thought his cultivation must have been far higher if he was able to clear the pagoda in such little time.
Shen Yuan smiled in amusement, "No, I have yet to break through to the Inner Sea Realm. I'm at the peak of Foundation Establishment Realm currently."
Mei Xin, Wan Ling, and the other disciple's eyes widened in shock when they heard his cultivation base.
All this time, everyone thought his cultivation base must be high since he was able to clear the Ancestral Pagoda, but the reality was the opposite as he had cleared the pagoda at merely Foundation Establishment Realm.
They started wondering how high his battle powers will rise when he reach a higher level of cultivation base, which only made them shudder in horror as he would reach an incomprehensible level.