"What should I tell Master about this situation?"
While Ryujin contemplated an explanation to settle the situation involving the disciples, his master, Xiao Mihwa, and Elder Suwon arrived.
"Master, you're here."
"Yes."
"..." A sillent hung in the air
"Ryujin, you're amazing. How did you do that?" Said Elder Suwon to him
"..." "So, Master and Elder Xiao have seen me fight against them. Should I continue pretending to be ignorant?" Ryujin initially thought. Although he fought with the disciples, many witnesses were present during the battle. As long as he fought while under the observation of the Elders, he could pretend to be an ordinary mortal without cultivation, and any accusations would be directed at him alone. However, now both Master Xiao Mihwa and Elder Suwon had seen him fight.
"What do you mean, Elder? I am a mortal and a blind man. How could I possibly fight those strong disciples?" Ryujin feigned ignorance, pretending not to understand what Elder Suwon was saying.
Elder Suwon burst into laughter. "Hahahah, we were here watching all of your fighting."
"..." Ryujin fell silent and turned to look at Xiao Mihwa.
Master Xiao Mihwa spoke, "The reason for what you did is correct, but a bit..."
Before he could finish, two Grand Elders arrived, accompanied by several other Elders. They inquired about the cause of the commotion among the disciples, although they were already aware of the reason, having watched the events unfold from the beginning. but before the grand elder talking the sect master is talking in the middle of Disciple to Ryujin.
"Who caused this commotion?" said Sect Master Liang Xian.
All of the disciples looked at Ryujin in silence, refraining from making any sound. The situation grew tenser as the Elders examined Ryujin's demeanor and the disciples' reactions.
"So, you are the one who caused it?" Sect Master Liang Xian inquired.
"No, it wasn't me. How could a blind man fight against a Core Disciple and an Inner Disciple? Besides, I am just a lowly mortal servant! It doesn't make sense, right?" Ryujin replied.
"YOU DID!" the disciples thought inwardly, accusing Ryujin in their minds.
"Hmm, that's true. You are a mortal. So, the culprit is likely someone else who fled after causing this commotion," Sect Master Liang Xian continued before proceeding.
"If it's true that you were involved, isn't it quite embarrassing for a Core Disciple to be defeated by a blind mortal?" he added.
"NO, SECT MASTER, HE IS THE ONE WHO DID IT, AND THERE IS NO CULPRIT," the disciples thought within themselves.
Ryujin felt perplexed and thought, "Who is this old man? Is he a Grand Elder or an Elder?" Just as he pondered this, Master Xiao Mihwa and Elder Suwon greeted the Sect Master.
"Greetings to Sect Master Liang Xian!" they said, cupping their hands respectfully.
Ryujin was taken aback to see that the person who arrived was the Sect Master of the Frost Dragon Sect. He appeared like an ordinary elderly man with a long white beard and hair.
The Sect Master nodded, then turned around and said, "Disciples, go find the culprit and bring them all to the Healing Pavilion." The disciples swiftly left, taking Liu Chen and his followers to the healing pavilion.
"NO, SIR, THE CULPRIT IS RIGHT IN FRONT OF YOU," the disciples thought but dared not utter a word.
Even the Grand Elder and other Elders present headed towards the healing pavilion. One of the Elders seemed reluctant as his disciple had been beaten, but he also made his way there.
Sect Master Liang Xian spoke to Ryujin, "How you fought was incredible."
"Thank you, Sect Master," Ryujin replied, bowing respectfully.
"Hmm, Elder Xiao, is it true that he is your servant?" Sect Master Liang Xian asked.
"Yes, Sect Master. He is our new servant and my youngest apprentice," Elder Xiao Mihwa confirmed.
"I see. Elder Xiao, you can report to me later about him. Ryujin, tell me about the fighting," Sect Master Liang Xian requested. Although he had observed the battle, he wanted to hear it directly from Ryujin.
Upon hearing this, Ryujin looked at Master Xiao Mihwa.
Master Xiao Mihwa cleared his throat, breaking the silence. "Alright, Sect Master. And Ryujin, explain to the Sect Master the reason behind the altercation."
Ryujin nodded respectfully. "Of course, Master." He recounted the events that had transpired, highlighting the disrespectful behavior of the Core Disciple and his followers towards him, a supposed servant. He emphasized that he had acted in self-defense and hadn't initiated the conflict.
Sect Master Liang Xian raised an eyebrow, his gaze sharp. "So, you're saying they attacked you first?"
Ryujin maintained his composed demeanor. "Yes, Sect Master. They initiated the confrontation by mocking and assaulting me."
Elder Suwon and Master Xiao Mihwa exchanged glances, conveying their unspoken thoughts. It was evident that they were taking Ryujin's words seriously. Sect Master Liang Xian's stern expression softened slightly.
"Young one, even if they attacked you first, your response was quite forceful," Sect Master Liang Xian commented.
Ryujin lowered his head respectfully. "I apologize if my actions were inappropriate, Sect Master. I acted with the intent to defend myself and not to cause unnecessary harm."
The atmosphere in the room seemed to ease a bit, as the Elders understood Ryujin's perspective. Elder Suwon leaned in, a sly grin forming. "Well, it's true that these Core Disciples needed a lesson in humility."
Master Xiao Mihwa chuckled softly. "Elder Suwon, your sense of justice is quite unique."
The Elders deliberated for a moment before Grand Elder Qin Shu spoke again. "Ryujin, your actions were indeed warranted given the circumstances. However, in the future, try to find ways to defuse conflicts peacefully."
Ryujin nodded appreciatively. "Thank you, Sect Master Liang Xian. I will remember your guidance."
While Ryujin was conversing with the Sect Master regarding the cause of the battle, the Sect Master began to scrutinize Ryujin. He ensured that Ryujin was indeed a mortal who hadn't undergone any cultivation, and even the sword Ryujin carried was just an ordinary blade that had been enhanced. However, the Sect Master remained perplexed about how Ryujin had managed to contend with Liuchen. Not only did he shatter Liuchen's sword of light with his bare hands, but he also exhibited skills far surpassing those of a cultivator as a mortal.
"I will inquire with Elder Xiao for more details later," Sect Master Liang Xian pondered.
The Sect Master nodded his head and turned towards the elder, then said, "This issue ends here."
"Thank you, Sect Master," Elder Xiao and Elder Suwon expressed in unison.
With the situation resolved, the tension in the room eased further. Sect Master Liang Xian left Ryujin, Master Xiao Mihwa, and Elder Suwon behind.
"Well done, Ryujin," Master Xiao Mihwa praised. "You handled the situation well."
Elder Suwon chimed in. "Indeed, you've proven yourself capable."
Ryujin bowed respectfully. "Thank you, Master Xiao Mihwa, Elder Suwon. I am grateful for your guidance and understanding."