"May I know the honorable friend's name?" Yi Sword Venerable diverted the conversation, starting with a simple inquiry about the name.
Lin Fan replied, "Surname Lin, given name Fan. Lin Fan."
"Good, a fine name." Yi Sword Venerable praised him, gritting his teeth as he contemplated for a moment before speaking frankly, "In that case, I shall be direct: I hope Brother Lin can release Zhang Zhixian."
"He has committed such disgraceful acts that tarnish the reputation of his sect and cannot be easily forgiven. What you have done as a friend is reasonable, but no matter what, he is still an elder of the Thief Sword Pavilion. I hope Brother Lin can be magnanimous and let him off this once."
After much maneuvering, all due to Lin Fan's apparent lack of understanding of social etiquette, Yi Sword Venerable had no choice but to spell it out. If Lin Fan still feigned ignorance, then he was clearly pretending on purpose.
