Among these, the most critical point was that Wang Xufeng was only at the peak of the Opening Spirit Realm, without breaking through to the Spirit Yuan Realm.
The Spirit Yuan Realm should be the highest level within the entire Flowing Cloud Sect, with a limited number of practitioners—not so few as to be just one or two, but certainly no more than a handful. From the attribute panel, Lin Xuan could see that Wang Xufeng's overall talent was even superior to that of the true disciple Xu Anlan. Xu Anlan, in terms of talent alone, was said to be second only to the current senior true disciple Liu Qianyu among all sect disciples. As one of the top talents among the sect's disciples, Xu Anlan's potential to reach the Spirit Yuan Realm was theoretically assured. If Wang Xufeng's overall talent surpassed Xu Anlan's, how could he have languished for decades at the peak of the Opening Spirit Realm without breaking through? There had to be a reason.
That reason was most likely the *Golden Scale Elephant Might Art*. From Wang Xufeng's comprehension of the art, he could only reach the initial stage, with no further progress, no matter how many cultivation resources he consumed. Yet he still spent a massive amount of resources on it every year. That said it all.
Lin Xuan's eyes glimmered as he pondered. Soon, he reached several conclusions. If his guess was correct, the *Golden Scale Elephant Might Art* had a significant origin and immense power, far beyond what a martial artist of Wang Xufeng's level could obtain. When Wang Xufeng first stumbled upon it, he eagerly began cultivating it. But the art had a major flaw: it could restrict a martial artist's cultivation progress. If the art didn't reach a certain level of mastery, it would trap the cultivator at a specific realm, making further breakthroughs impossible. This explained why Wang Xufeng, despite his talent being among the best in the Flowing Cloud Sect, had been unable to break through to the Spirit Yuan Realm for decades. It also explained why, even though the art was stuck at the initial stage with no further use, he still poured substantial resources into it each year.
A glint of insight flashed in Lin Xuan's eyes as he nodded slightly. This also made sense of why the other had sought him out. Since joining the sect, Lin Xuan had shown remarkable performance and displayed considerable talent. Wang Xufeng likely wanted him to cultivate the art as a test subject, to observe and analyze how to break through the mastery level of the *Golden Scale Elephant Might Art*.
"So, should I cultivate this *Golden Scale Elephant Might Art* or not?" Lin Xuan murmured to himself. He didn't dismiss it outright, nor was he intimidated. Given the talent he had shown, even if he refused and offended Wang Xufeng, the latter probably wouldn't dare to harm him. After all, Lin Xuan was now seen as the top genius of the Flowing Cloud Sect, with potential reaching at least the Spirit Yuan Realm. Wang Xufeng, on the other hand, was likely trapped at the peak of the Opening Spirit Realm for life due to the art. In comparison, who was more valuable was obvious. If Wang Xufeng tried anything, the sect's higher-ups wouldn't allow it. But Lin Xuan's concern wasn't Wang Xufeng—it was the *Golden Scale Elephant Might Art* itself.
He needed to use every means possible to boost his strength quickly. This art was perfect; once he mastered the basics, it would greatly enhance his power. Moreover, its various extraordinary signs indicated its uniqueness. It was possible that no martial art in the entire Flowing Cloud Sect—or even the entire Red Sun Domain—could match it, and might even fall far short. Such a technique could serve him for a long time and might become a powerful trump card. Lin Xuan was reluctant to give it up. However, its major flaw made him wary. If he got stuck, unable to advance in mastery, wouldn't he also be blocked at some realm, unable to break through? That would be a huge loss. So, he couldn't decide rashly; he needed to weigh the options carefully.
Lin Xuan then recalled Wang Xufeng's insights into the *Golden Scale Elephant Might Art*. As for the manual itself, it was Wang Xufeng's handwritten copy; the original had been worn out from years of use, its contents etched into his memory. There was no need to open it again. Soon, Lin Xuan opened his eyes again, a hint of joy flickering in them. He had gained some insight. From Wang Xufeng's understanding, he had never slacked off on the art, investing vast time, effort, and resources each year. But it wasn't without results; Wang Xufeng could clearly sense progress every year. That was why he hadn't given up in despair—there was still hope. Yet no matter what he did, he kept improving but couldn't break through to the minor mastery level. It was as if an insurmountable chasm lay between them, visible but unreachable.
Lin Xuan's expression shifted slightly. This suggested that the barrier wasn't due to external hard conditions, like rare pills or herbs, or special auxiliary techniques. In theory, a breakthrough was possible. The reason Wang Xufeng struggled was likely his insufficient talent, inadequate resources, or both. Lin Xuan nodded. So, Wang Xufeng had sought out someone with good talent like him as a test subject, probably guessing this and wanting to verify it. The coldness on Lin Xuan's face gradually faded. In that case, the *Golden Scale Elephant Might Art* was worth cultivating. He wasn't concerned about either reason. As for talent, with the replication system at his disposal, given time and travel, he had the potential to surpass everyone. As for resources, if his talent improved, his strength would naturally follow, and resources wouldn't be lacking. There were plenty of ways to get them, even the simplest method of plundering wouldn't be hard.
After further deliberation, Lin Xuan made his decision. He would cultivate the *Golden Scale Elephant Might Art*. This time, he would play along and act as Wang Xufeng's test subject. Additionally, this matter likely wouldn't escape the notice of the sect's higher-ups. Since they allowed Wang Xufeng to do this, there was an element of gambling involved. If they chose to sacrifice a top genius like him, the higher-ups should have some compensation in store, right? Lin Xuan speculated. Then, he set these thoughts aside and prepared to go into seclusion. Before cultivating the *Golden Scale Elephant Might Art*, he would first use the replicated treasures he had obtained to boost his talent. Whether for faster cultivation progress or mastering the art, higher talent was always better.
With a thought, he chose to use them. A surging, warm current flowed through Lin Xuan's body and mind, and his aura slowly began to rise.