The disciple bowed. "Well, the young master did not tell this lowly one. But in my humble opinion, this 'You Lan Mu Lian' takes place once every five years and has long been customary. The young master may not necessarily have any ideas of his own."
Deputy Hall Master Xu snorted. "Since he has no ideas of his own, he can simply wait for the Hall Master's arrangements. Though I draft the list, does the Hall Master not still need to review it? Wherever the people of our Pill-Refining Hall go, they merely gather herbs. What achievements could there possibly be?"
The disciple smiled ingratiatingly. "This list had always been personally drawn up by the Hall Master in the past, but fifteen years ago, he entrusted this matter to Hall Master Xu. Moreover, Hall Master is now advanced in years, and many affairs within the hall must be entrusted to Hall Master Xu. The young master thought that perhaps this year, too, you would preside over the matter?"
Deputy Hall Master Xu tilted his head. "Wu Zhouxu told you that?"
"Not exactly. But from what the young master usually says and what this lowly one usually sees, that is more or less how it is."
"Hmph. You are quite clever. But such matters must not be discussed too freely. Just do your work well. This hall will naturally keep it in mind."
"Many thanks for Hall Master's support." The disciple was overjoyed and bowed in thanks.
"Enough. Rest early. Return first thing tomorrow morning, and have Wu Zhouxu keep a close eye on this Ren Xiaoyao..."
"Yes, this disciple will obey Hall Master's command."
Far away in the small courtyard on Tianmu Peak, Zhang Xiaohua sat with his eyes closed, cultivating the Carefree Heart Sutra. He had no idea that