The old man with the heart of humility and an indigo complexion immediately showed an unhappy expression on his face, only to see him frowning as he said, "Elder Eighteen, why have you brought a stranger here, and a mortal at that!"
Elder Eighteen smiled and said, "I met this young friend who got lost on the way and thought that our discussion of the Dao should have a witness, so I brought him here."
"Since he is a witness, it's not a problem. We've discussed the Dao many times, and having an extra witness is good to prevent any future disputes," said the elder with green whiskers swirling.
"Master Skyward, don't talk nonsense. When have we ever reneged on our word?"
Elder Eighteen then pointed to the three people and introduced them to the Scholar, saying, "The one known as Shuang Zi is Gu Zhigong, the one with green whiskers is called Ling Kongzi, and the one with a heart of humility is known as Master Skyward, all of them famed cultivators of Thorn Ridge."
