After giving it some thought, however, he decided to voice his true feelings. "Besides, even if we went, would we really be able to help them?"
"We all have injuries to some degree. If we encounter more magic beasts like those, we'll only add to their burden."
The old man's words stunned both the gray-robed and white-robed elders, who had been itching to act.
Their faces then began to redden visibly. Sword cultivators hated nothing more than losing in a contest of strength. They believed in winning back their defeat on the very ground where they had lost.
Yet they had forgotten that, in their present circumstances, they would only become burdens to others.
In the end, Xia Jue broke the awkward silence. "All of you seniors are injured. If you join the coming battles, you won't be able to bring your full strength to bear even if you fight, and you might even give those magic beasts an opening.
"In that case, why not wait until your injuries heal before seeking them out for another battle? Since this forest is teeming with signs of magic beasts, they can hardly all migrate away in such a short time. Whether you wish to avenge yourselves or investigate, seniors, need you fear a lack of opportunities?
"In my opinion, this isn't something we can rush."
After hearing this, the gray-robed elder found that it did make some sense. The white-robed elder, meanwhile, gave Xia Jue a long look, a trace of satisfaction showing on his face. To him, Xia Jue truly had a way with words: he had eased the awkward atmosphere between them while also giving them an excellent reason to return and recuperate in peace.
It was a splendid way to let them step down gracefully.
After they exchanged pleasantries