Uchiha Shin smiled and followed his senior brothers up the mountain.
Upon arriving at Slanting Moon Three Stars Cave, Patriarch Bodhi chose to see Uchiha Shin.
Inside the room, Uchiha Shin and Patriarch Bodhi sat facing each other.
The two simply watched one another in silence, neither speaking for a time.
The other senior brothers waited outside, and no one came out.
"Do you blame your master for what happened this time?" Patriarch Bodhi spoke first.
Uchiha Shin said, "I have never blamed Master. I understand why you acted as you did this time."
Patriarch Bodhi nodded. "It is good that you understand."
Then the two fell silent again.
After a pause, Patriarch Bodhi said, "The reason you find yourself in this situation now is, in truth, because of the path you chose back then. At the time, I told you that cultivators must be cold and detached, not bound by worldly love and desire.
"Yet you did not heed your master's advice. You only acted according to your own thoughts. Since you chose this path, I certainly would not interfere."
Uchiha Shin nodded. "This disciple understands."
Patriarch Bodhi said, "Had you chosen that heartless path of cultivation back then, you would not have so many troubles today. Even if those people wished to kill you, they would have many reservations and would never find it so easy.
"You must resolve everything yourself now. In all other matters, neither your master nor your senior sisters and brothers can help you. You must understand this."
Uchiha Shin said, "This disciple understands all of this."
Patriarch Bodhi said nothing further and simply sat there, quietly watching Uchiha Shin.
Uchiha Shin also remained silent, but he did not look at Patriarch Bodhi. Staring directly at one's master like that would be highly disrespectful.