Elder Zhang's residence was some distance from the pill room where Zhang Xiaohua lived, though both were on the left side of the inner valley. Simple bamboo rooms stood in front, with the pill room behind them.
Looking at his tightly shut door, Elder Zhang smiled. "I haven't come back to this house for several months."
He then looked around and asked, "Where are your senior brothers? Are they all home?"
Valley Master Nie gave a bitter smile. "Don't mention them. Even the other elders are like idle clouds and wild cranes, and no one knows where they've flown off to."
Elder Zhang said, "We haven't served as elders for many years already. Shouldn't we properly study our own things and do what we enjoy?"
Valley Master Nie said solemnly, "Elder Zhang is right. You all made many contributions to Hui Chun Valley back then. Now, leave it to us."
Then he said mysteriously, "Please wait a moment, Elder Zhang. I'll be back shortly."
Elder Zhang seemed to know what he intended to do. He nodded. "Mm. Go and return quickly. I'd like to see whether this kid is truly a green onion or not."
Zhang Xiaohua rolled his eyes inwardly. Is that any way to talk? If I'm not a green onion, then what am I? Bah! How could I be a green onion?
Valley Master Nie hurried away with two subordinates, leaving several disciples behind to open Elder Zhang's door and help tidy the place.
The bamboo room was extremely simple: a bamboo couch, a bamboo chair, and a bamboo desk. Before long, it had been cleaned spotless.
After the disciples left, Elder Zhang entered the room and carefully placed the small bundle in his hand on the couch. Turning to Zhang Xiaohua, he said, "Young man, sit."