Thud!
Yang Huai immediately kneeled on the ground, kowtowing and begging for mercy.
"Elder Yang, please show mercy and consider that this is my first offense and let me off with a lighter punishment." The status of an Elder is extremely high, holding immense authority within the sect.
If the offender were a True Disciple, perhaps not even Elder Yang alone could decide the punishment. It would have to be discussed by all the Elders and then reported to the Sect Master for a final decision.
As for a protector, their status is far less than that of a True Disciple.
Under the circumstance of a clear violation of the sect rules by Yang Huai, Elder Yang indeed has the power to cripple his cultivation and expel him from the sect. Even if the matter is brought to the Law Enforcement Hall, they would support Elder Yang's decision.
Of course, if Yang Huai had a significant background, like being a relative or disciple of an Elder or the Sect Master, the result would be different.
