[ Jin Ling tsk'd loudly, turning his eyes away. Third best! He didn't believe it. His uncle was just trying to make him feel better.

The defiance in his face faltered, though, turning into something closer to shame and annoyance at the last. ]

Yeah, well. I wouldn't let them if they didn't keep trying to fight me in groups. [ Grumbled. ] One on one, I could beat any of them!

[ His heart thumped, his face falling. He'd had this conversation. He'd just had this conversation, with Senior M-- No. Wei Wuxian.

He couldn't help the flicker of emotion across his face as he tried to stabilize himself. ]

Doesn't matter. None of them are here anyway. I'll just keep getting stronger.