"A martial artist… with a scholar's precision," Elder Zhou added, arms folded, tone now respectful. "And all without drawing his weapon. What's his background again?"
Mu Qinxue set her teacup down silently.
"He's someone who was betrayed by his previous sect. His lover was abused and killed. He only survived because he ran away and encountered Grand Elder Haiyun on the way. The Grand Elder saw something in him—took him in, swore an oath never to harm him, and even personally brought him into our sect. He gave him his own oath token, without explanation."
"…What? He swore an oath?" one of the elders asked in disbelief.
Qinxue nodded. "Yes. He did. Though the oath only prevents him from harming the boy out of greed or intent to steal his secrets. It doesn't stop him from… well, protecting himself if one day Tian Lei decides to attack him."
