Lin Dashan tugged at the corner of his mouth. "Afraid? If you so much as looked the slightest bit afraid, I'd believe you. But your face says you have nothing to fear, as if you're sure I wouldn't trouble you at all?"
"Zhenren, please quell your anger. My status is something gained in the moment, not my original intent. But the favors bestowed upon me by Gui Mountain Cultivation Institute, I have never forgotten. And Deacon Nie Yun has always treated me as a friend, which I am fortunate for in my heart.
However, my aptitude is dull, my talent far from impressive, and my disposition is mediocre, hardly worthy. If I continue to bear the title of your Institute's Named Disciple, I'm afraid it might tarnish your reputation. I've always wanted to explain this face-to-face, and if possible, to handle this misunderstanding by 'expulsion' or 'removal'—that would seem most proper to me."
