Victor's eyes were cold. "Then I'll leave. I don't need your punishments or your so-called hospitality. I'll leave your sect. And your city."
There was a stunned pause and then a few gasps.
But then Elder Mo raised a hand once more.
"Wait. I have a proposal."
All eyes turned.
Elder Mo looked across the room. "If the issue is the sect's face, then let us resolve it internally. Victor can become an official disciple of the Violet Spring Sect."
A wave of murmurs broke out. Zhan Kui snarled.
"He doesn't deserve that title!"
Elder Mo raised his voice. "He will, if he passes the same trials every core disciple must undergo."
The murmurs hushed again.
"If he succeeds," Mo continued, "he will have earned the perks he already enjoys, and this conflict becomes an internal matter—disciples squabbling among themselves. It will not damage the reputation of our sect."
The elders were silent.
