Even though the First Elder was formidable, he had no authority to do anything to Zhou Hanshuang, at most preventing Jiang Dongchen from meddling in the matter.
The First Elder clearly saw this. Just as he refused to back down while he was ahead, Lin Dongfang appeared.
Furthermore, while Lin Dongfang seemed to be getting Zhou Hanshuang out of a tight spot, he subtly pointed out that she had lost the support of the people due to the battle at the Dragon King Temple, and even brought up the fact that he was arguing on her behalf and did not want to see her step down.
Chapter 321