Seeing Zhang Xiaohua turn pale as clay, Steward Yang was exceedingly pleased with himself. He laughed. "Young Hero Ren, don't be afraid. This uncle of yours is merely saying it. So long as you work properly in the Incense-Passing Cult and conduct yourself with integrity, your future path has already been mapped out by your future father-in-law and me. You need only follow it. The broad, shining road lies right before your eyes. From now on, this uncle of yours will look after everything for you in the cult. Wouldn't that be a hundred times better than those with no roots and no support?"
"Fine." Looking at Steward Yang's expression, as though asking whether he knew what was good for him, Zhang Xiaohua inwardly grumbled. He had just raised a big stick to give him a thorough warning, and now he wanted to offer him a carrot. Did he really think he was a fifteen-year-old child? Still, Zhang Xiaohua remained respectful and merely listened.
Seeing Zhang Xiaohua's respectful manner, Steward Yang grew even happier and thumped his chest. "Though very few medicine boys ever make something of themselves, don't you have your Uncle Yang? I will certainly put in a good word for you before the Hall Master and create the best possible conditions for you, so that you can quickly reach the threshold for outer sect disciples. Then, this old man will find some disciples I know well to properly instruct you, so you can pass the trials and descend the mountain sooner!"
Hearing this, Zhang Xiaohua was about to ask what passing the trials meant when Steward Yang abruptly changed the subject. "But all this must be under the care of the Pill-Refining Hall. Even if she is an inner sect disciple... ahem, if she has any business