"Elder!" a few of the Daoists called out hesitantly, their reluctance clear.
Lu Yuan patted the dust from his pants without looking up. "What? Is there a problem?"
"Of course, of course not!" the leading Eldest Senior Brother said with a laugh.
"Alright then," Lu Yuan said sarcastically, "we'll be taking these four chestnut horses. You don't all need to guide us. The rest of you can go get busy. Go on, go grab your loot."
The three Daoists laughed awkwardly. They felt wronged but had no way to vent their frustration. With forced smiles, they said, "Elder, we won't dare do it again."
Lu Yuan, Su Liyan's mother, and two trusted retainers swung themselves onto their horses.
Three Daoists on horseback led the way.
The Eldest Senior Brother shouted, "The rest of you, run back and prepare for a lecture."
"Yes, Eldest Senior Brother!" the four remaining Daoists replied, cupping their hands in a salute.
The group shouted, "Hiyah!"
