In the Elder Hall, High Heaven Pavilion's Grand Elder Wei Xi Tong, Second Elder Su Xuan Wu, Third Elder He Bei Shui, Fourth Elder Zhou Fei, and Fifth Elder You Zi Zai had all gathered.
The five major Elders sat in two opposing groups. One group was led by Grand Elder Wei Xi Tong, flanked by Fourth Elder Zhou Fei and Fifth Elder You Zi Zai seated behind him. Opposite them sat Second Elder Su Xuan Wu and Third Elder He Bei Shui.
This seating arrangement clearly represented the current division of Elder factions within High Heaven Pavilion.
Kneeling on the ground were the previously clashing Wei Zhuan and Su Mu, each on their respective side, recounting the events that had transpired earlier in the day.
Su Mu was the first to speak. His account was straightforward and honest. He spoke of how he was initially blocked, provoked, and humiliated during their sparring session. He presented the facts without adding any personal opinions, regardless of how slight or important they might be.
When Su Mu finished, the five Elders sat in silence, not offering a single word in response. All attention turned to Wei Zhuan as it was now his turn to speak.
However, his version of events differed significantly. While the beginning of his tale aligned with Su Mu's, it quickly diverged once he spoke of Yang Kai's arrival. With a tongue as smooth as silver, tears streaming, and mucus running down his face, he painted himself as the victim. He tearfully cried out about how Yang Kai had gone overboard, wielding a Treasure Weapon to destroy his Embroidered Cloud Locking Mail, and how Yang Kai had attempted to take his life.
His melodramatic performance was enough to rival any theatrical production, complete with exaggerated body language and a heart-wrenching tone. Every word he uttered distorted the truth a hundredfold.
"You are lying!" Su Mu couldn't contain himself and cried out indignantly.
"The truth is exactly so!" Wei Zhuan immediately seized the moment to reinforce his narrative, exploiting the fact that Su Mu had lost consciousness during the incident.
At that moment, a calm yet powerful voice echoed through the Elder Hall, "Fellow Elders have such power."
A thin, elderly man with wispy white hair slowly stepped into the hall, carrying the unconscious disciple who had just left moments ago. His very presence suppressed even the Elders, and none dared to speak.
He approached the kneeling pair, glanced briefly at Wei Zhuan, and casually lifted one foot before kicking him aside. "Go, go, go. Don't block the way!"
Wei Zhuan flew across the hall with a miserable wail.
The atmosphere in the Elder Hall turned grave. Each of the five Elders' expressions shifted continuously, eyes narrowing in response to the man's appearance.
"Treasurer Meng?" Wei Xi Tong's voice was low and cautious.
The man who had just entered was indeed the Contribution Hall's Meng Wu Ya.
At the mention of his name, confusion and unease clouded the faces of all five Elders.
Speaking of this person, all five Elders were confused. Ten or so years back, this person had suddenly appeared in High Heaven Pavilion. They didn't know what relationship he had with the Head, but due to that connection, he had started residing in High Heaven Pavilion and was placed in charge of the Contribution Hall.
However, all five Elders knew one thing—this person was a true expert.
Fortunately, Meng Wu Ya had no ambitions, spending his days inside the Contribution Hall, content with knowing his place.
But today, he had come uninvited to the Elder Hall.
Wearing a faint smile, Wei Xi Tong finally spoke, "May I ask why Treasurer Meng has come to my Elder Hall?"
Meng Wu Ya did not respond. He simply smiled and turned to look at Su Xuan Wu. The Second Elder was bewildered, wondering whether there was something on his face, or if flowers had begun blooming on it.
"You think that your decision is correct?" Meng Wu Ya suddenly asked.
"What?" Su Xuan Wu stared blankly.
"Sacrificing Yang Kai in order to save Su Yan—do you think that choice is correct?" Meng Wu Ya questioned, a faint chuckle escaping his lips.
Su Xuan Wu was greatly embarrassed.
Meng Wu Ya continued, "If you truly do this and Su Yan is saved from her predicament, what will she think once she learns the truth behind her rescue?"
"If you go through with this, all you'll do is create inner demons and guilt in her heart. She trains in the Ice Heart Secret Art—you, more than anyone, should know the consequences if her heart is disturbed."
He whispered those final words into Su Xuan Wu's ear.
The elder had only considered the short-term benefits, failing to grasp the disastrous long-term consequences his actions would cause for Su Yan.
"Many thanks to Treasurer Meng!" Su Xuan Wu replied respectfully.
"Haha," Meng Wu Ya chuckled lightly.
The Grand Elder stood to the side, his expression unreadable. After so long, he had finally seized the upper hand over his second brother. Yet just as everything was turning in his favor, Treasurer Meng appeared.
Realizing this, Wei Xi Tong's expression darkened. "Treasurer Meng, this is the Elder Hall of High Heaven Pavilion. Not even Elders may enter without permission. I suggest you return from whence you came."
Meng Wu Ya merely glanced at him, then backed away quietly. In the next instant, his figure flashed and reappeared atop the highest seat in the Elder Hall.
"Audacious!" Wei Xi Tong roared as the other Elders' expressions hardened with anger.
That seat was reserved for the Head of High Heaven Pavilion. No one else held the qualifications to occupy it. For a mere treasurer of unknown origins to seat himself there was a blatant insult.
"Hehe, everyone, please don't be angry," Meng Wu Ya said with a carefree smile. "I am here representing your Head and am only passing on a message."
"Representing the Head?" the five Elders exclaimed in unison.
"You should recognize this, yes?" Meng Wu Ya held out a purple-colored jade pendant.
"The pendant of the Head!"
This token was the symbol of High Heaven Pavilion's leadership—impossible to counterfeit.
"Since you understand, that's good." Meng Wu Ya smiled calmly.
Even though it had been ten years since the Head had involved himself in Pavilion affairs, his authority remained absolute.
Meng Wu Ya said, "Your Head says you have made small matters into major issues, and it's all because of the names involved. As the older generation, are you not ashamed to meddle in the disputes of the young? Shameless, truly."
Wei Xi Tong was stunned and took a long pause before responding, "The Head... said that?"
The five Elders were so angry they nearly spat blood. The scolding had been merciless.
"Also, Yang Kai has already entered the Initial Element Stage. He should be promoted to Ordinary Disciple. Continuing to keep him as a Trial Disciple is no longer appropriate."
"This… this is also his will?" Wei Xi Tong asked, full of doubt.
"These are the Head's words," Meng Wu Ya laughed lightly. "Since I've delivered the message, I shall take my leave."
With that, he stepped down from the high seat.
The five Elders exchanged glances. With the Head's orders clearly given, what more could be said? This conflict had only blown out of proportion due to personal motives. Dropping the matter now was the wise choice.
Su Xuan Wu let out a cold laugh and waved dismissively before departing. With the Head's command, there was no longer any need for further argument. He carried Su Mu and left the hall swiftly.
Not long after, Third Elder He Bei Shui also excused himself, leaving only the Grand Elder's faction remaining in the Elder Hall.