By the time Zhang Yao and the other two returned to the mountain, it was already sunset.
Daoist Qingliang first led the two back to the Dharma Propagation Hall, taking off their brand-new Precepts Robe and Cloud Shoes, and changing back into gray short jackets.
After bidding farewell to Daoist Qingliang, Zhang Yao and Daoist Qingyu made their way toward the Pill Furnace Hall.
"Senior Brother Qingxu."
Daoist Qingyu looked longingly at the Dharma Propagation Hall, his face full of envy:
"If only we had been chosen to serve at the Dharma Propagation Hall, life would be so much better."
"If there were a way to transfer from the Pill Furnace Hall to the Dharma Propagation Hall, that would be great..."
Zhang Yao glanced at him and shook his head, saying:
"Everyone envies a position at the Dharma Propagation Hall, but it's one position for one person."
"Unless the Palace Master speaks, who else has that authority?"
Upon hearing this, Daoist Qingyu sighed deeply.
The two returned to the Pill Furnace Hall, but Lord Guanlu was not reading as usual. Instead, he had a frown on his face, as if he was troubled by something.
"Back again?"
Lord Guanlu heard the noise, looked up, and glanced at the two.
"Greetings, Master."
Zhang Yao was the first to salute, taking out the Money Bag and respectfully offering it:
"While at the foot of the mountain, accompanying Senior Brother Qingliang on a ritual, I received some gifts from the Huang Family in Sishui Town, and I present them to you, Master."
"Without Master's goodwill, I wouldn't have had this unexpected gain, and I hope you will kindly accept it."
Seeing this, Daoist Qingyu was startled, hurriedly pulling out his own Money Bag, but his movements were hesitant, clearly reluctant.
"Hmm?"
Lord Guanlu glanced at Zhang Yao, a smile appearing as he nodded:
"It's good that you have this filial piety, but I've received your sentiment, and I won't accept this offering."
"You've got to grow up, and you will need money in the future anyway, so keep this money yourself."
"Yes, Master."
Upon hearing this, Zhang Yao promptly and respectfully obeyed, putting the Money Bag away.
He knew very well that Lord Guanlu, who presides over the Pill Furnace Hall and is one of the top figures in the palace, didn't lack the little money he could offer.
But he also understood that while money wasn't important, the attitude was very crucial; since he would serve at the Pill Furnace Hall in the future, he must seize every opportunity to improve his impression score in Lord Guanlu's eyes.
Hearing this, Daoist Qingyu also breathed a sigh of relief, happily putting the Money Bag away.
"I expect you've had meals at the Huang Family, so go rest early."
Lord Guanlu spoke again, his attitude noticeably gentler.
"Yes, Master."
Zhang Yao once again bowed and exited the Pill Furnace Hall.
......
The next day.
Zhang Yao took advantage of the chance to gather herbs around the mountain, surveying the terrain of Cuiping Mountain and the surrounding peaks, planning escape routes.
"The Qingping Palace is very safe right now, but it won't be forever."
"There's only one built path down the mountain, but if turmoil arises, escaping directly via the path will be too dangerous."
With this thought in mind, Zhang Yao wandered through the nearby mountain forests for several days.
Within a few days, he discovered several hidden paths leading directly down the mountain, but he soon had more in-depth considerations:
These paths weren't secure enough; what if someone is lying in ambush down the mountain?
After all, Cuiping Mountain isn't large, and if there were numerous enemies, they could simply catch him in a trap.
Thus, he shifted his thinking, looking for a way to change direction to other peaks mid-route, finding an escape route not through Cuiping Mountain.
Eventually, after spending half a month considering all possible blockades, he constructed several routes he deemed relatively safe.
After personally reviewing them again and confirming the feasibility, Zhang Yao finally felt relieved, his mind more at ease.
He prepared more than one escape route, each different, ensuring there would be possibilities in various situations; if he still got caught and killed, he accepted his fate.
And after half a month—
The commotion within the palace of Lord Guan Yuan renouncing secular life, as well as the contest for the new Lord Dugu, finally concluded.
On this day, all the major Lords within Qingping Palace and the Daoists and Daoist Children from each hall gathered together; even the Palace Master, who was meditating at the Shangqing Pavilion, attended.
Lord Guan Yuan, a Daoist over fifty years old, dressed in a common, wealthy resident's brocade robe, left Qingping Palace with his luggage amid everyone's farewell.
"Seems that the palace rumors are not unsubstantiated..."
Zhang Yao, mingling among many Daoist Children, stood beside Lord Guanlu, watching Lord Guan Yuan's departing back with some reflection.
He found that after Lord Guan Yuan renounced secular life, he didn't look like a solitary old man returning home; instead, he appeared delighted and relaxed.
This matched the palace rumors that several top figures secretly married and had children, establishing families down the mountain, and renouncing secular life essentially meant returning home with wealth to enjoy old age.
This news was inadvertently leaked during a casual talk by a senior brother who often went down the mountain to visit brothels, which was how he learned about it.
"It's a common human nature, nothing extraordinary."
With a smile in his heart, Zhang Yao didn't mind.
After learning the news, he realized why his appearance, though very decent, hadn't earned him a place at the Dharma Propagation Hall.
Apparently, among the batch of "orphans" recruited to the mountain back then, many people's identities had problems; this was an unspoken secret among adults.
Most of the Daoist Children were still clueless and some even lamented their poor luck.
"Hmm?"
Retracting his gaze, Zhang Yao looked at Lord Guanlu beside him, finding his face gloomy, barely maintaining a smile.
He understood that Lord Guanlu had also competed for the position of Lord Dugu but failed.
Not only him, but the faces of the Lords and Daoists among the crowd were also somewhat displeased, except for the Dharma Propagation Hall members who were all smiles and exultant.
"Seems like the final winner is the Lord Hall Master of the Dharma Propagation Hall."
Seeing this scene, Zhang Yao made a judgment.
Lord Hall Master of the Dharma Propagation Hall prevailed, ascending to Lord Dugu, which also implied a vacancy at a high-level position.
The current situation was unclear, naturally bringing delight to everyone, but it was expected that a new round of overt and covert conflict would soon begin until a result emerged.
However, all this had little relevance to him, a Little Daoist Child, so he would just enjoy the spectacle.
......
After Lord Guan Yuan renounced secular life:
The next day, the Lord Hall Master of the Dharma Propagation Hall was formally promoted to oversee Zangzhen Pavilion, one of the three pavilions.
After several more days, Qingping Palace held a grand ceremony, and the Palace Master conferred the title of a new Lord, who presided over the Dharma Propagation Hall.
Thus, this turmoil finally calmed, and Zhang Yao's life returned to its peaceful rhythm.