Having stronger Martial Arts Talent or a higher Realm doesn't necessarily mean you have greater combat prowess.
Many with superior Martial Arts Talent and higher Realms lack combat skill, so their rankings often fall below others.
Take the disciple competitions on the Five Elements Peak of the Great Dao Sect, for example. One cultivating the Five Elements Li Fire Realm is naturally at a disadvantage in terms of their Realm when facing someone cultivating the Five Elements Gui Water Realm.
Logically, someone cultivating the Li Fire Realm should never be able to defeat someone cultivating the Gui Water Realm.
But the outcome of a real battle is often not the case."
At this, Xia Lingfeng straightened up, a proud look on his face. "When I was promoted to Steward back in the day, I defeated many cultivators of the Gui Water Realm who were at my same level. That's how I ultimately distinguished myself."
