I can tell you, you know when you're kicked out of a sect. The whole cultivation world knows, because it's not a subtle thing. If you failed to determine you wanted to formally separate your disciple from your standing as his master, then he's still your disciple, no matter what his standing is.

( Trust him, he actually was kicked out of his sect (albeit he did give his former sect leader the idea as an out for the position they were all in), he knows. Which is why he gives Shen Qingqiu a companionable clasp of the shoulder! )

He'll think so. I know I would, no matter what you had or hadn't done in the meantime.

( His hand just as quickly falls away. )

Though ah, I suppose he could have made the same announcement. Did he?