I also feel like, if YQY ONLY cared about his guilt complex, to the point he was indifferent to SJ's well-being, he wouldn't have gotten so close to confessing in the cave scene after rescuing SJ from a qi deviation. Which isn't to say his guilt complex isn't juicy to explore or anything.

I guess I factor in the involvement of the three other major sects, courtesy of LBH's scheming, as a constraint that made rescue improbable from the outset. Starting a war with the rest of the cultivation world would be its own extreme, and comes with extra risks for a traumatized risk-averse YQY.

That's why I see it as less about maximizing pain/guilt and more just him making poor choices based on his specific life experiences.

I guess also, when he enabled SJ, he'd just cover for him after SJ had already done something, instead of wielding his authority as Sect Leader...personally, I think he'd be afraid to wield his authority like that because he'd be afraid of acting like their former masters when they were slaves.

I think analysis might depend on whether or not you think YQY could have rescued SJ at the end. Imo, he was too afraid of making things worse, because his experience taught him that reckless rescues only hurts SJ. LBH sending SJ's legs then pushes him over the edge into reckless (and doomed) action.

the vet bill is close to $1K, which isn't something I can personally afford but also didn't hesitate at all to pay.

still if anyone is willing to help pitch in for Bocchama, my ko-fi is here

ko-fi.com/artofchira

[Chapter 9] Epilogue!