Disciples knelt all across the mountain, crying out in unison, “We respectfully send off the Patriarch on his ascension!”
But what I saw was a silvery-white hook piercing Master’s throat, dragging him up into the clouds.
His feet had left the ground. He couldn’t make a sound.
Like a fish.
I lunged forward and wrapped my arms around Master’s legs. “Let him go!”
Eldest Senior Brother struck me with his palm and sent me flying. “You madwoman! Can you bear the consequences of ruining the Patriarch’s ascension ceremony?”
Blood spilled from the corner of my mouth.
I laughed.
“Ascension? Are you all blind? That’s fishing!”