"Elder, can you teach us some combat techniques? Or perhaps a Secret Technique that would let us significantly boost our combat power in a short amount of time?" Tian Xing spoke up.
The other geniuses quickly chimed in, "Yes, Elder, we really need something like that!"
The Ninth Elder shook his head. "Such methods exist, but I will not teach them to you. They are not the proper path. They are shortcuts." He continued, "Take too many shortcuts, and you will forget the proper path. Your Cultivation Realm will stagnate, and you will never be able to break through again. You should focus on comprehending your Martial Arts. Improving your Martial Arts realm is the proper path. When your Martial Arts realm improves, your strength will naturally follow, and the benefits will last a lifetime."
Alas, Tian Xing and the others sighed upon hearing this. It seemed their hopes were dashed.
