With this reason emerging, Elder Si Zhi already knew the intent of the other elders.
Just now, when he spoke on behalf of Shen Han, not a single person came to support him.
He didn’t need to hear the subsequent reasons; Elder Si Zhi understood everything.
"In Five Immortals City, so many direct disciples would indeed face life-threatening danger if they provoke Tiger Peak Manor."
"To ensure the safety of one person and abandon the masses might be inappropriate..."
As one person opened the discussion, others followed suit.
In their speech, they all mentioned the disadvantages of protecting Shen Han.
"Unless we, like Tiger Peak Manor, are willing to go mad regardless of the consequences.
Otherwise, we simply don’t have the strength to protect Shen Han..."
During the conversation, the intentions of the other elders became clear.
They didn’t directly state they wouldn’t protect Shen Han.
They only spoke of the disadvantages and troubles that would come from protecting Shen Han...
This world is like this; seasoned figures in the martial arts never speak plainly in public.
Elder Si Zhi watched his colleagues one by one rise to express their thoughts.
They spoke extensively about the disadvantages of protecting Shen Han.
Yet in the end, they added that Shen Han introduced the two Song sisters to the sect, which was also meritorious...
By no means would they play the villain.
They spoke both good and bad words to exhaustion.
What should have been resolved quickly dragged on until 5:00 PM.
The Vice Sect Leader was beginning to grow irritated from listening.
If no conclusion was reached, the day would pass by again.
"Enough, no more skirting around; I have understood your intentions."
His gaze slightly shifted to Elder Si Zhi as he spoke.
"Si Zhi, out of so many elders, only you are relatively close to Shen Han.
I’ll say some things to you alone.
The root of this matter lies with Shen Han himself.
The Tiger Peak Manor has always been protective; even injuring one of their guards could draw significant trouble.
Moreover, he has killed a core disciple of theirs.
Such a feud, even if the Sect Leader went to plead, would likely yield no good."
Elder Si Zhi furrowed his brow.
What the Vice Sect Leader said, Elder Si Zhi understood perfectly.
"The other elders also have a point. If we protect Shen Han, then Tiger Peak Manor’s grudge would extend beyond just him.
The whole of Five Immortals City would suffer.
It could even affect the other direct disciples of the sect.
I thought about it; perhaps abandoning Shen Han is truly the best option..."
As he spoke, the surrounding elders nodded in agreement.
Naturally, they endorsed the Vice Sect Leader’s words.
They had been waiting for the Vice Sect Leader to voice his opinion.
Once he spoke, everyone began to echo his thoughts.
By now, Elder Si Zhi knew that among those present, only he and perhaps his sister wanted to protect Shen Han.
The others probably just wished to push Shen Han out...
"Si Zhi, if we protect Shen Han, just think about it.
You still have Song Xiaodie and Song Xiaobing under you.
Consider them, if not yourself or the sect.
Tiger Peak Manor is skilled with poison; can you guarantee being by their side at all times?"
The Vice Sect Leader addressed him in front of everyone, making it clear that he had made up his mind.
Shen Han was to be abandoned.
On the way back to his courtyard, Elder Si Zhi had his brow furrowed tightly.
There was a bitter sense on his face.
In his heart, he felt some resentment towards Shen Han.