The scarred instructor standing beside Elder Liang stepped forward and pointed an accusing finger at Solomon. He demanded immediate disciplinary action to set an example for the rest of the first-year disciples.
Nods of agreement rose from the other blue-robed cultivators crowding the ruined doorway. They insisted the boy was mocking the sect's authority and treating the rules like a joke.
Pavilion Leader Jin raised a hand to silence the complaining teachers. He looked away from Solomon and turned his attention to his subordinates.
"You are focusing on the wrong issue," Jin stated. "If a first-year student was genuinely dragged out of his bed and smuggled down the mountain against his will, we have a fatal security flaw. Someone breached the Sword Pavilion."
Elder Liang lowered his wooden staff and narrowed his eyes at the pavilion leader. He opened his mouth to argue, perhaps wanting to point out the obvious fabrication.
