For Li Zhirui, the entire Tongtian Sect is just a tool to repay karma.
Moreover, why does he rarely interact with the disciples? It's to reduce interactions and avoid developing attachments with them.
If ties were formed, he wouldn't be able to treat Tongtian Sect and these disciples so coldly; it would instead bind and constrain him.
Of course, Li Zhirui wouldn't suppress someone out of shame because a disciple spoke the truth; his mind isn't that narrow.
Besides, he doesn't care about Tongtian Sect or its disciples.
He remains unaffected and continues to walk through the Sect's grounds, examining its progress.
Only after visiting all critical locations does he return to Ascension Mountain.
The first thing Li Zhirui does is head to the Sect Hall to prepare Li Qiankun for promotion as the proxy Sect Leader.
The reason it is proxy, rather than a true Sect Leader, is mainly because his cultivation is insufficient, remaining at Human Immortal.
