Early morning, the next day.
Zhang Yao and Daoist Qingyu arrived at the Dharma Propagation Hall early.
"Qingxu, Qingyu."
In the vast Dharma Propagation Hall, only one registered Daoist, "Qingliang," was left. He spoke solemnly:
"We are short-handed at the Dharma Propagation Hall, and this time Lord Guanlu has graciously offered to help us."
"Time is tight, you two will follow me for a short-term ritual training, and by noon we will officially descend the mountain."
"Remember, you must learn diligently; once we descend the mountain, do not tarnish the reputation of our Qingping Palace!"
"Yes, Brother Qingliang."
Zhang Yao and Daoist Qingyu immediately bowed and assented.
New Daoists at the Dharma Propagation Hall are required to learn various rituals and temple duties, totaling more than a dozen different ceremonial techniques, which typically take several years to master.
They have been recruited temporarily, so complex techniques like ritual steps, talisman drawings, and written declarations are naturally beyond their grasp; they can only learn simpler methods like incantations, sutra chanting, and altar preparations.
Fortunately, Daoist Qingliang did not have high expectations for them; as long as they could get by, the ritual was primarily dependent on him.
"Come, I'll begin by teaching you how to prepare the altar..."
Daoist Qingliang led the two in instruction within the Dharma Propagation Hall.
Thanks to the Taiyi Pile Skill, Zhang Yao's memory was quite good. With his well-coordinated limbs, he learned quickly.
Daoist Qingyu was a bit clumsy, but managed to learn roughly seventy to eighty percent before noon, which should suffice for appearances.
"Not bad."
Daoist Qingliang showed a satisfied expression and praised:
"Brother Qingxu has extraordinary talent; he is quite suited for duties at our Dharma Propagation Hall."
"Brother Qingliang, you flatter me."
Zhang Yao displayed humility, feeling slightly regretful.
This senior brother Qingliang was just a regular registered Daoist, not the master of the Dharma Propagation Hall; otherwise, he might have been able to bring him over.
"Alright, time is just about up."
Daoist Qingliang waved his hand, indicating:
"Follow me, and first get changed."
Quickly, the two followed Qingliang to the rear hall of the Dharma Propagation Hall, where they donned new bright yellow Precepts Robes, with Cloud Shoes, their hair tied and crowned, transforming their appearance entirely.
The saying goes "Clothes make the man, and gold adorns the Buddha"; a presentable appearance is quite important for the Dharma Propagation Hall's rituals outside the mountain.
"These clothes are really beautiful."
Daoist Qingyu admired his new Precepts Robe, feeling joyful yet envying the Daoists at the Dharma Propagation Hall.
"Let's go."
Daoist Qingliang changed into a cloud-patterned Magic Robe, a Lotus Crown on his head, Cloud Socks and Blue Shoes on his feet, wielding a plain Duster. He indeed projected a celestial aura.
The two carried Yellow Talismans, Imperial Decrees, Magical Swords, ornamental pillars, and other items, following Daoist Qingliang as they left Qingping Palace and descended the mountain.
"Brother Qingliang..."
On the way, Daoist Qingyu seemed very excited, incessantly asking questions.
Daoist Qingliang initially answered patiently, but soon grew impatient, reprimanding him to close his mouth.
The trio descended Cuiping Mountain along the mountain path, heading north along the dirt road, walking seven or eight miles before finally arriving at Sishui Town.
Upon arriving at Sishui Town, Zhang Yao finally understood why Lord Guanlu had said this was a good mission.
Master Huang of Sishui Town heard and eagerly welcomed them, offering a banquet with roast chicken, roast duck, braised pork shank... allowing Zhang Yao to feast delightedly.
After months of adversity, finally he had a good meal; it was not easy!
During the feast, the steward of the Huang Mansion presented each of them with a gift: Daoist Qingliang received a bar of Patterned Silver, Zhang Yao and Qingyu each received a weighty Money Bag.
"Such treatment!"
Zhang Yao watched as Daoist Qingliang unflinchingly slipped the silver into his sleeve, and then he too accepted with peace of mind.
This was not a payment for the ritual but a private gift, one of the perks of being with the Dharma Propagation Hall, and no one would scrutinize these minor details.
"No wonder the Dharma Propagation Hall is the most prestigious; everyone is breaking their heads trying to squeeze in..."
Zhang Yao sighed inwardly, beginning to envy the benefits of the Dharma Propagation Hall.
After the banquet, Master Huang and Daoist Qingliang went to the study to discuss the ritual's details, while the steward led Zhang Yao and Qingyu to a side hall for tea.
"If either young master needs anything, just call upon us."
The steward ordered the servants to serve some pastries, apologized, and hurried off to manage other affairs.
Zhang Yao took advantage of going to the toilet to secretly open his Money Bag and found it contained several hundred good-quality copper coins, mixed with some Broken Silver, totaling roughly more than one tael in value.
"Not bad."
Zhang Yao happily jiggled it, tucked the Money Bag away, and left the toilet to return.
But on the way back, his ears twitched slightly, as if he vaguely heard some faint sounds nearby:
"...rest assured, I've arranged everything, there won't be any flaws."
"Alright, then I'm relieved; let's stick to the old rule, a fifty-fifty split."
"No problem, it's thanks to everyone at the palace that we can continue this business..."
This was the sound from the study, a conversation between Master Huang and Daoist Qingliang; it would be inaudible to regular people, but Zhang Yao's hearing, sharper than usual, managed to pick up some bits.
Zhang Yao listened for a while, initially confused, but quickly pieced things together. His expression changed slightly.
"Good heavens! So this is what's behind the hauntings..."
He finally understood:
Several villages and towns nearby had been experiencing ghost disturbances without reason; it was actually a ploy between Qingping Palace and the local gentry.
Organizing funds for the rituals was led by various gentry, but essentially every household contributed some money, and those without money compensated in other forms.
The saying goes "Drips make a sea," and with so many people, the accumulated funds were no small amount.
"After the ritual, the gentry's money is returned in full, while the commoners' money is split fifty-fifty."
"I've always heard about folks like Huang Silang, but today is the first time seeing it."
At this moment, Zhang Yao felt a myriad of emotions.
This vibrant world, the vast worldly dust, is there really a distinction between on and off the mountain?
He had always thought that Qingping Palace on the mountain was somewhat of a tranquil place, but in reality? It was not much different from the secular world below.
"I should have realized it sooner."
In Zhang Yao's mind, thoughts churned quietly:
"For a position as Lord Dugu, the palace has been surging with undercurrents; over two months have passed, and it hasn't settled completely."
"No wonder Lord Guanlu was dismissive of the hauntings, he clearly knew the insider story long ago..."
He composed his feelings, pretending nonchalance as he returned to the side hall.
Moments later:
Daoist Qingliang returned gleefully, with a flourish of the Duster, he declared solemnly:
"Let's go, set up the altar, suppress the evil spirits, and seek blessings and eliminate calamities for the local people!"