"He was in the Upper Realm, where people cursed him as a notorious rogue. His favorite thing to do was sneak into the Upper Realm's topmost orthodox sects and steal their teachings. He'd practically snuck a look at every sect-protecting secret art passed down for several eras."
At those words, a wave of whispers immediately swept through the hall.
A Clear Sky Sect elder furrowed his brows and couldn't help rising to his feet, his voice full of undisguised disdain. "Steal their teachings? Mr. Su, in our Soul Master World, secretly learning another sect's secret arts is a grave taboo. It's the most despicable and underhanded conduct imaginable."
Another sect master from an affiliated branch of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect chimed in. "Exactly, sir. An old man who disregards his own principles and made his start through petty theft must have a serious character flaw, no matter how much he dotes on his disciples. If Shi Hao studies under someone like that, won't he be led astray?"
Many Spirit Masters in the hall who considered themselves members of respectable, orthodox sects nodded, their eyes full of contempt. In their view, a sect's inheritance was its lifeblood, and a thief who stole teachings didn't deserve to be called an elder.
Su Chen sat in his grand armchair, watching the indignant Spirit Masters below.
A cold, mocking smile curled his lips.
"Underhanded? A serious character flaw?"
Su Chen set down his teacup. His voice suddenly turned cold, carrying an oppressive force that pierced straight into their hearts.
"You only saw that he stole teachings and was reviled by the world."
"But you don't know why he shouldered an age-old infamy to steal the strengths of a hundred schools."
The murmuring in the hall fell silent at once. Even the Clear