He Zhenghao was no longer the arrogant, hot-blooded youth he once had been. 

Decades of harsh experience in the Congyun Sea had taught him the realities of life.

He sighed deeply and shook his head. "You jest, Fellow Daoist. Ruoshui's talent for cultivation far surpasses my own. 

“Even if I somehow manage to reach the Nascent Soul realm in this lifetime, she will likely have already achieved Spirit Transformation by then. 

“A Spirit Transformation technique weaver master... the gap between our statuses would only grow wider.

"I'm too old to entertain such hopes now. I'll be content enough if Xinxin visits me occasionally." He Zhenghao spoke with heartfelt emotion.

Li Fan said nothing, merely patting his shoulder before taking his leave.

Returning to the Tianxuan...