Chapter 71: The Mountain Shakes
Before Paike stood Elder Chu. For the first time, he got a good look at her long black hair that was now free from her ubiquitous straw hat.
Without thinking, he reached down and snatched the hat as it rolled past. The same shockwave that had staggered him must have knocked it off.
Elder Chu stood there with Elder Ji's fist in her palm. Their eyes were locked. Elder Chu appeared calm on the outside, but Paike thought he saw some tightness in her kind eyes. It might have been the strain of holding the other elder's fist, or maybe it was concern. For her fellow elder, or the disciples standing behind her.
Elder Ji's own eyes were wild and angry. But there was enough surprise there that he didn't react right away.
"I think that is enough," Elder Chu said gently.
"You dare to tell me how to teach my students!" Elder Ji roared, the fury only stoked from seeing his fellow elder.
"Let us take this discussion someplace away from prying ears."
It was a good ploy. Paike thought. Try to get the disciples away from the danger, play on Elder Ji's pride so that their argument wouldn't reflect poorly on him, as his authority was questioned.
However, Elder Ji was too far gone.