Steward Yang was taken aback for a moment, then immediately understood and said with a smile: “Don’t be fooled by the fact that the outer sect disciples have profound martial arts and appear much more respectable than us, but in the eyes of the inner disciples, they are not much different from us. You also don’t need to care too much about the identity of an outer disciple. Sooner or later, there will come a day when you become an outer disciple.”

Then he added: “Moreover, those disciples you mentioned who are doing labor are not outer disciples of Wuming Hall. They are disciples of Qiankun Hall.”

“Qiankun Hall?”

“Hehe, although the name Qiankun(Heaven and Earth) Hall sounds quite intimidating, in fact it is just a hall responsible for the miscellaneous affairs of our Incense Spreading Sect. Because they handle too many things and almost cover all kinds of matters, they were given a resounding name—Qiankun Hall.”

“Oh, so that’s how it is. Then which mountain peak are they on?”

Steward Yang raised his hand and pointed to the left, saying: “About several dozen li ahead in that direction—mm, that somewhat low peak over there—that’s theirs. It’s called Qionglong Peak.”

Afterward, Steward Yang spoke a little more about matters within the Incense Spreading Sect that one should pay attention to. Several times, Zhang Xiaohua wanted to open his mouth to ask which mountain peak Piaomiao Hall was located on, but each time the words reached his lips, he swallowed them back.

He feared that asking so eagerly would arouse Steward Yang’s suspicion. In any case, he had already entered the Incense Spreading Sect. If nothing unexpected happened, the earliest opportunity he would have to leave would be two years later. There was still plenty of time to inquire about such things, so there was no need to rush at this moment.

That flat land was located halfway up Baiyue Peak, at the place where it connected with another mountain range. On the flat ground was another continuous expanse of buildings. Those buildings were not only constructed on the level ground; even on Baiyue Peak and the neighboring mountain range there were many of them.

Looking at everything before him, Zhang Xiaohua was almost dumbfounded.

This… this was far too many houses.

These flowers and plants were far too brilliant.

These pavilions and towers were far too magnificent…

And just as Zhang Xiaohua was gazing around, several clear cries of cranes suddenly sounded. From somewhere along the mountain ridge, more than a dozen immortal cranes burst forth, circling in the air a few times before soaring straight upward toward the dense mist around the mountain peak.

Seeing Zhang Xiaohua with the expression of a country bumpkin entering the city, Steward Yang smiled and said: “Not just you—every medicine boy is stunned the first time they see such grandeur. But think about it, our Tuodan Hall has been operating here for several thousand years. How could we not rack our brains over it? You haven’t even seen the imposing presence of Yixiang Peak yet. Compared to that place, this here is practically the countryside!”

Thinking about Steward Yang’s words, they were indeed correct. Outside the Incense Spreading Sect there was Dianchi Lake acting as a gateway, and ordinary people of the jianghu could not casually enter. The people of the Incense Spreading Sect developed single-mindedly within their own territory. A ten-thousand-year inheritance of the Immortal Dao—such a thing was certainly no joke. If it were still like an ordinary sect, that would truly be hard to justify.

Of course, Zhang Xiaohua naturally thought again of the Piaomiao Sect. Both were great sects inheriting the Immortal Dao, so why was the Piaomiao Sect so shabby? Of course, this question should be asked of Ou Peng; perhaps only he could know the reason behind it.

At this moment, the carriages had all stopped. The disciples of Tuodan Hall all dismounted from their carriages and horses, and Steward Yang also called for the medicine boys from Spring Rebirth Valley to get down. Those boys were just like Zhang Xiaohua, standing there foolishly and staring blankly.

Fortunately, these buildings were only halfway up the mountain and not yet within the thick mist at the summit. If there were also white clouds drifting about here, it might truly look like an immortal realm.

Seeing that they had arrived at Tuodan Hall, the orderly convoy immediately dispersed. The other carriages that had traveled together also headed toward Tuodan Hall under the guidance of their respective Stewards.

The main gate of Tuodan Hall was an extremely imposing archway, even taller and grander than that of the Piaomiao Sect. However, the two characters “Tuodan” written upon it were far inferior to the characters “Piaomiao.” This was something Zhang Xiaohua could already discern.

Passing through the archway, there was a row of exceptionally tall gate towers. Quite a number of disciples were going in and out. When they saw the carriages approaching, they all stopped, smiling as they pointed and whispered, as if they were watching something novel.

The boys following the convoy were still very young. Suddenly seeing so many people staring at them, they felt somewhat embarrassed and quietly leaned toward one another, whispering in low voices.

Of course, Zhang Xiaohua—who was walking at the very end, leading the Sibu Xiang and coming together with Steward Yang—was stared at even more times.

When they reached the front of one of the gate towers, the disciples of Tuodan Hall led their respective carriages inside with practiced familiarity. The other convoys also entered different gate towers. Just then, a disciple happened to hurry out from inside. When Steward Yang saw him, he immediately called out: “Zhu Qin, where are you going?”

When Zhu Qin saw Steward Yang, he also said happily: “Brother Yang, you’re back? You were gone for several months. How was it outside?”

Steward Yang smiled and said: “Whether the outside is good or bad, won’t you know once you go yourself? Once this old brother of yours hands in this assignment, won’t it be your turn?”

Zhu Qin gave a bitter smile and said: “Brother Yang must be joking. I would indeed like to go, but the Hall Master may not necessarily allow it…”

Then he looked around and said in a low voice: “You weren’t here these past few months, so you don’t know. The Hall Master and Vice Hall Master Xu have become increasingly at odds. Even if I request the assignment from the Hall Master, Vice Hall Master Xu might not let it pass.”

At this moment, Zhu Qin also noticed Zhang Xiaohua and said in surprise: “Brother Yang, this little brother looks quite unfamiliar. Which hall is he from?”

Steward Yang glanced at Zhang Xiaohua—whose height did not resemble that of a medicine boy at all—and said in a low voice: “This little brother is not a disciple of our Incense Spreading Sect…”

“Eh?” Zhu Qin said curiously: “Could he be from Spring Rebirth Valley…”

Before Zhu Qin could finish, Steward Yang cut him off and said: “I’ll explain it to Brother Zhu later. In any case, you’ll eventually go to Spring Rebirth Valley on official business, so you’ll have to know about these things sooner or later.”

Then he turned back to Zhang Xiaohua and said: “Ren Xiaoyao, come over and pay your respects to Steward Zhu. He might be the Steward who goes to Spring Rebirth Valley the year after next. If you remember Valley Master Nie’s kindness, you should build a good relationship with Steward Zhu.”

When Zhang Xiaohua heard this, he muttered inwardly: I may not necessarily go to Spring Rebirth Valley in the future. Is there any use in building a good relationship with him?

However, thinking about Nie Qianyu, he nodded inwardly. Mm, better leave a good impression first.

Zhang Xiaohua immediately stepped forward, bowed, and said: “Greetings, Steward Zhu.”

“This…” Steward Zhu did not know Zhang Xiaohua’s exact identity, so he could only return the courtesy and say: “Don’t listen to Brother Yang joking. This matter hasn’t been decided yet. In any case, it won’t be until the year after next.”

Steward Yang then laughed again and said: “Brother Zhu should go attend to his own business. This time when I returned, I brought some Hundred Flowers Brew from Spring Rebirth Valley. Tonight you must come over to my place so we can gather. Oh, right—Hall Master should be in the Hundred Herbs Hall, correct?”

Zhu Qin quickly said: “Yes, yes. It’s been several months since I last saw you, brother. I will certainly come tonight.”

Then, with a wry smile, he added: “The Hall Master went to Yixiang Peak early this morning. It’s said there is an important matter to discuss. At the moment, Vice Hall Master Xu is in charge.”

“Ah? Why would the Hall Master go to Yixiang Peak at this time? Isn’t he usually always on Baiyue Peak?”

Zhu Qin smiled and said: “Who knows? Perhaps something suddenly happened within the sect. Alright, Brother Yang, I’ll take my leave for now. Tonight you must have everything prepared.”

Steward Yang cupped his hands and said: “No problem. Go on ahead.”

After the two parted, Steward Yang saw that the others had already gone quite far and urged Zhang Xiaohua: “Hurry up. This Vice Hall Master Xu is not someone easy to deal with. Don’t delay.”

They caught up with the others and passed through several very spacious courtyards before arriving at a huge compound. Everyone stood in the middle of the courtyard. Steward Yang tidied his appearance and quickly walked inside. Above the hall entrance were three large characters: “Hundred Herbs Hall.”

Inside the hall, an elderly man with a tall, thin figure, bright spirit, and a short beard was leisurely drinking tea. When he saw Steward Yang hurry in, a trace of sharpness flashed in his eyes, yet he still held the teacup and slowly drank.

Steward Yang walked to the front of the hall and bowed deeply, saying: “Disciple Yang Yao pays respects to Vice Hall Master Xu.”

Vice Hall Master Xu seemed not to hear him and continued drinking tea, glancing toward Yang Yao from the corners of his eyes

Yang Yao remained bent over, not daring to slacken in the slightest. After quite a while, Vice Hall Master Xu finally put down the teacup and snorted. “Rise. This trip took several months again. It must have been hard outside.”

Yang Yao straightened his back and said cautiously: “I would not dare. It was all service for the hall. I would not dare to call it hardship.”

“Mm, that’s good. In any case, you won’t be going anymore in the future. You can enjoy yourself within the hall from now on.”

“I would not dare. I am willing to devote myself entirely to Tuodan Hall, to serve until death.”

Vice Hall Master Xu waved his hand. “I am not the Hall Master. Why show loyalty in front of me? By the way, if you are no longer going to Spring Rebirth Valley, who do you plan to have take over?”

Yang Yao broke into a sweat and said: “This humble one would not dare speak recklessly. Such matters are decisions for the Hall Masters.”

“Hmph.” Vice Hall Master Xu snorted again. Then he looked outside and said: “In previous years, the Hall Master personally inspected these medicine boys. Today, the Hall Master is not here and has gone to Yixiang Peak. Who knows when he will return? We cannot delay this matter. I will help him take a look. In any case, it’s merely going through the motions.”

Seeing Vice Hall Master Xu stand up, sweat appeared on Yang Yao’s face. He hurried forward and said: “Vice Hall Master Xu, I have some internal circumstances to report.”

Vice Hall Master Xu waved his hand. “What internal circumstances? We’ll talk after inspecting the medicine boys.”

After speaking, he walked out first.

Yang Yao hurried after him and ran outside.

Zhang Xiaohua, Qiang Shi, and the others were standing in a line before the hall. Without even looking closely, Zhang Xiaohua—who was more than a head taller than the others—immediately caught Vice Hall Master Xu’s eye.

Vice Hall Master Xu was taken aback. He counted the number of boys again, and a smile appeared on his face. Turning his head, he asked: “Yang Yao, these are the medicine boys you selected?”

He stressed the last two words “medicine boys” particularly heavily.

Yang Yao inwardly cursed his bad luck and said carefully: “That is correct. However, this humble one…”

“This must be the internal circumstance you wished to report, correct?” Vice Hall Master Xu asked.

“Exactly. I ask Vice Hall Master Xu to please listen.”

Vice Hall Master Xu suddenly flew into a rage. “Yang Yao, you have quite the audacity!”