Yang Mi continued, her voice carrying a hint of nostalgia, "You were once regarded as one of the sect's brightest talents."
"Three years ago, despite only being at the Qi-Solidification Realm, you could fight Peak-Stage Foundation Establishment cultivators without even using techniques."
"Your prowess sparked envy in every genius within the sect."
Reon's thoughts came to a screeching halt.
'…What?'
'Xue Taiyang… was that much of a genius three years ago?!'
'The novel never mentioned any of this!'
Yang Mi didn't notice his inner turmoil and carried on.
"But then, suddenly, your cultivation stagnated. You were unable to break through, and at some point, your cultivation even began to regress. That's what I found out from my research."
She narrowed her eyes slightly. "And after witnessing your strength today… I think those rumors about you were true."
Reon's mind reeled.
'No, no, no. You sawmy strength today. Not Xue Taiyang's.'
His grip on the chair tightened slightly.