As Yip Chor's hand made contact with the elder's cheek, a stunned silence fell over the amphitheater. Gasps of astonishment and disbelief rippled through the crowd, their eyes widening in shock at the audacity of such an act. The air crackled with a mix of tension and anticipation, as everyone eagerly awaited the outcome of this brazen display.
The elder staggered backward, more from the fear of invoking an Ancestors ire, than the pain of the slap itself. His face contorted with a mix of surprise, indignation, and confusion, searching for an explanation or justification for the unexpected assault. His hand instinctively went to his cheek, the memory of Yip Chor's slap stinging his ego.
The disciples surrounding them exchanged bewildered glances, their expressions caught between disbelief and amusement. Whispers erupted like a tempestuous storm, speculating on the reasons behind Yip Chor's daring act.
"Did you see that? Ancestral Hu actually slapped Elder Zhang!"
"I can't believe my eyes. This is unprecedented!"
"An Ancestor slapping a Senior Elder over a question?... surely there is a hidden feud!"
"Is this some kind of test or hidden lesson?"
The tumultuous whispers quickly spread throughout the amphitheater, filling the air with a buzzing energy. Cultivators shifted nervously, unsure of how to respond to this unexpected turn of events. Some were secretly amused by the decisiveness and impropriety shown by Ancestral Hu, while others held their breath, fearing an Ancestor's ire.
In an instant, the venerated Senior Elder crumbled onto his knees, his body shuddering in a cocktail of deference and regret. His forehead kissed the earth in the ceremonial kowtow, a profound display of self-abasement and surrender.
"Ancestor, please bestow your forgiveness on this humble one for his audacity!" the Senior Elder implored, his voice brimming with heartfelt contrition. "This undeserving one was too short-sighted to acknowledge the towering mountain of your wisdom and might. I plead for your mercy and comprehension!"
In the grand amphitheater, the disciples watched in bewilderment, their eyes bulging at the surprising show of humility from the Senior Elder. Murmurs of awe and disbelief fluttered across the crowd like a frenzied flock of sparrows, commanding the attention of all in proximity.
"Did you see? The Senior Elder is prostrating to Ancestor Hu!"
"Never before have I seen such a spectacle of respect and repentance. Ancestor Hu's dominance remains unsurpassed!"
"Indeed, Ancestor Hu's wisdom and power have stirred even the highest echelons of our elders!"
All the while, a young woman, previously expounding the deep mysteries of the Dao, was petrified in surprise. Her eyes, wide open, absorbed every detail of the unfolding spectacle. She took a moment to process the daring display of Yip Chor, before a smile crept onto her face as she saw her opportunity to be recognised. Advancing, she made a deep bow to Yip Chor, her eyes shimmering with intrigue.
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"Ancestor Hu, your wisdom is as boundless as the heavens," she said, her voice laced with admiration. "Even in tranquility, your actions resonate louder than the most eloquent speech. I am privileged to bear witness to such an insightful exhibition. The Ancestor didn't wish to castigate the Senior Elder. His intention was to teach us that the path of destiny isn't straight nor unchangeable. It can be deflected, redirected, reshaped, through assertive actions, even through what may seem like conflict. This is the hidden depth of the Dao!"
Her unanticipated response caused a conversion from tentative amusement to awe among the disciples, struck by the veiled lesson within the slap.
Yip Chor was left flabbergasted. His intention hadn't been to strike the elder, merely to brush him off! His clumsy hands were longer in this new form! How had they read such deep meaning in such a shallow slap?!!
Hastily, in line with tradition, he hoisted up the Senior Elder, patting his head awkwardly in an attempt to right the grave transgression. The Elder performed two more kowtows, then rose. "Ah, indeed the Ancestor's wisdom is limitless! It is indeed so! The cord of destiny cannot be severed, only reformed and redirected through confrontation!"
His words resonated deeply with the disciples, confirming Disciple Li Mei's revelation of the sequence of events, their eyes glowing with increased reverence. As the echoes of his words faded, a profound silence descended upon the amphitheater, everyone contemplating the boundless wisdom of the Dao and the unexpected lesson they had learned.
And all the while, Yip Chor felt a desperate need to escape. His heart pounded against his ribs, and he scanned the amphitheater for the nearest exit. But there was no escape, and as his eyes landed on the enthralled disciples, he realised he was stuck – at least for now – in the role of the wise Ancestor Hu.
Seizing the opportunity presented by the contemplative silence, Yip Chor offered the assembly a solemn bow. With exaggerated calm, he began his retreat backwards, hoping to blend into the backdrop of the vast amphitheater. However, fate, it seemed, had other plans for him.
In his nervous haste, his broad sleeve snagged a nearby incense burner. The unexpected clatter echoed through the silence like a misstruck bell, drawing the startled attention of everyone present. Yip Chor stood frozen in the spotlight, his face hidden beneath the bandages but his discomfort palpable in his rigid posture.
The initial uncomfortable shock and nervous giggles which burst forth from the disciples were quickly hushed by an insightful exclamation from Li Mei. "Behold!" she exclaimed her manic eyes wide, her voice ringing with admiration. "Ancestor Hu imparts yet another lesson. Even in our journey towards destiny, unexpected events will shock us, so Ancestor advises us to cultivate awareness!"
As her words echoed through the amphitheater, the disciples' tentative laughter transitioned into reverential nods of understanding. The stumble, they realised, was yet another veiled lesson in the boundless wisdom of the Dao.
Meanwhile, Yip Chor felt a surge of panic. His heart pounded like a frantic drum in his chest, and he had to muster all his willpower to maintain his composure. He quickly disentangled the burner from his sleeve, his actions reminiscent of a clumsy crane stumbling in the underbrush. His frantic attempts to untangle himself only seemed to further convince the disciples of his silent teachings, and their admiration for him grew.
He tried to slink away back onto some isolated path in the garden, his every instinct screaming for escape. However, no matter where he turned, there they were: Li Mei and her fellow disciples, trailing at a respectful distance but with a persistence that rivalled the midday sun.
Yip Chor's heart sank. Trapped in the role of a revered ancestor, he could see no escape from the reverential gazes that followed him wherever he went. The awe in their eyes, the respect in their bows, and the unwavering belief they had in his wisdom — it all made his desire for escape seem even more elusive.
But the Dao had a sense of humour, it seemed. And Yip Chor, despite his desperation, was its chosen teacher for the day.
“Oh Ancestor, your wisdom is so deep, you are so great!”