If Duanyu actually spent more time refining his martial arts and internal energy, which was handed to him on a silver platter, he would have very likely avoided this situation. His naiveness of how the world works is quite frustrating, as he is quite intelligent. But often chooses non sensical arguments on why he shouldn't cultivate martial arts. How about one day it may save your life and all the love ones around you. Is that a good enough reason?