Yun Huang raised an eyebrow, just once.
Yet the entire space within the Perching Phoenix Hall seemed to freeze in an instant. Boundless, invisible imperial might silently enveloped every corner of the hall.
As though struck by tribulation lightning, the Second Elder abruptly released Yun Qing's ear, moving so fast that he even stirred up a small gust of wind.
The anger on his face receded like the tide, swiftly giving way to a complicated mixture of reverence and apprehension. He straightened his old back, which had been bent forward to tug at the younger man's ear, then tidied his somewhat disheveled sleeves and goatee, attempting to restore his image as an elder of immortal grace and bearing.
At almost the same moment, Yun Qing straightened as though jolted by electricity. He quickly and discreetly rubbed his bright-red ear, tidied his rumpled collar at top speed, then lowered his gaze and held his breath, instantly switching into the perfect subordinate mode of I'm well-behaved, I'm sensible, I was working diligently just now, and nothing happened. Only his faintly reddened ear tip betrayed what he had just endured.
Both men bowed formally toward Yun Huang at the same time:
"Greetings, Young Lord!"
"Greetings, Huang... Young Lord!"
Their voices were synchronized and their postures impeccable, utterly unlike the chaotic scene of all-out brawling three seconds earlier.
Yun Huang did not respond immediately. He merely strolled over to the seat of honor, swept his robes aside, and sat down.
Propping his chin on one hand, he let his golden eyes roam between the two for a moment, lingering briefly on Yun Qing's faintly red ear before speaking coolly:
"What is this commotion?"
The words struck coldly against the silent hall.
"Reporting to the Young Lord," the Second Elder swallowed and stepped forward first.