[He smiled faintly at the compliment that he and his sister were the best part. It made him happy to hear that she liked being around them so much. He enjoyed spending time with her as well]

So? That's still a thousand more than someone else would have been able to do. Just because I don't use talismans doesn't make me any less of a cultivator than one who does. Most likely, I am a better swordsman than they are.