Immortal Cage - Chapter 23: A Dilemma
Yu Lie looked at the elderly man standing in front of him, feeling completely trapped. This old fellow wasn't testing him or interviewing him; he was simply trying to deceive him!
The man didn't want Yu Lie to enter the Medicine Hall!
Yu Lie suddenly realized why the position had been vacant for months after the previous Dao Disciple's death. The old man had probably already chosen a candidate or sold the position in secret.
Now, as Yu Lie entered the room with his token, there was only one vacant top position left, disrupting the old man's plans.
What was even more despicable was that the old man wanted to use words to manipulate Yu Lie into accepting a lower position, giving up voluntarily, and not holding a grudge.
Once he accepted a lower position and occupied a spot, how easy would it be for Yu Lie to break free as the old man suggested?
The old man stood in front of Yu Lie, stroking his beard, and said softly, "Young one, have you made up your mind?" His appearance seemed even more benevolent.
At this moment, the other Dao Disciples and attendants beside him kept their heads down, silent, observing their surroundings.
While the rest of the hall masters in the chamber continued their discussions, no one stepped forward to speak up for Yu Lie.
Yu Lie, enduring the old man's gentle gaze, gritted his teeth and said, "Thank you for your concern, but I do not wish to take a lower position!"
Yu Lie spoke firmly, not giving the old man any room for misinterpretation.
In the world of Dao Disciples, there was essentially only one chance for allocation in their entire life. Whether placed in a courtyard with flowers and trees or a dung pit with flies and insects, the outcome was crucial.
Even if Yu Lie ended up sitting on a cold bench in the Medicine Hall, it was better than shining in many lower positions, as he could access a vast amount of medicinal knowledge.
Even if there was a chance for change, it would take time, perhaps a lifetime. This was why Yu Lie had hesitated for so long before accepting the position.
Upon hearing Yu Lie's response, the old man was caught off guard. His expression froze, squinting at Yu Lie.
Laughter erupted in the chamber.
Some of the hall masters whispered among themselves, impressed by Yu Lie's boldness. They commented on his discernment and strong will.
Others teased the old man, suggesting he should yield to Yu Lie's determination.
Despite the mocking laughter from his colleagues, the hall masters showed no intention of intervening, merely enjoying the spectacle.
As Yu Lie listened to their remarks, he felt a chill in his heart. He realized that compared to the top Dao Disciples who had reached the Four Transformations realm, he still had a long way to go.
The hall masters in the chamber were all at a high level, having achieved the Four Transformations realm among the Ninth Grade Dao Disciples.
Yu Lie was at the same level as the old man, but he was still two transformations behind. Moreover, these hall masters held significant power and resources.
Yu Lie understood that pushing further would be risky and unwise.
With a sudden movement, Yu Lie's body trembled, and the token in his hand fell to the ground, surprising everyone.
His face turned pale, and he spoke, "I was ignorant and spoke out of turn."
Yu Lie's voice grew softer as he continued speaking.
The old man, hearing Yu Lie's words and observing his actions, raised his eyebrows, his face softening. He then said, "Young one, you need a lesson in respect."
The old man stroked his beard, squinting at the token in Yu Lie's hand, his eyes gleaming.
The old man pondered, "Those old fellows were right. It has been months, and the waste at home still can't pass the test at the Dao Scripture Institute. It might be best to borrow this young one's token now."
He decided that it was time to act, as his intentions were becoming clear. He didn't intend to wait any longer.
With a light cough, the old man said, "The young can be taught."
He then turned to Yu Lie and added, "However, your stubborn nature needs to be tempered."
These words left Yu Lie stunned.
Tempered? What did that mean?
Yu Lie glanced at the old man and noticed him examining the token in his hand, deep in thought.
A cold feeling crept over Yu Lie as he realized the old man might not only want to prevent him from entering the Medicine Hall but also had his eyes on Yu Lie's token, intending to take away his qualification.
Realizing the implications, Yu Lie felt a mix of anger and amusement, realizing he had misjudged the old man's intentions.
However, Yu Lie's mind grew calmer, understanding that the old man wouldn't give him time to refuse. Even if he resisted, the old man could come up with reasons to forcibly take his token.
Yu Lie pondered and, suppressing his anger, decided to take a bold step to test the old man.
He bowed and snatched the token from his hand, saying, "I am ignorant and will defer to your decision, Elder."
Yu Lie handed over the token, giving the old man the opportunity to accept it. However, he didn't explicitly offer it, wary of misinterpreting the situation or overstepping his boundaries.
Upon hearing Yu Lie's words and seeing his actions, the old man was momentarily surprised. He touched his beard, squinted his eyes, and focused on the token in Yu Lie's hand, his eyes lighting up.
The old man's expression softened, and he said, "Well done, young one."
He then paused, looking at the token, and continued, "Tempering is necessary, but my promise still stands. If you perform well in the chamber, there is a chance for advancement to the Medicine Hall. Even if you take a lower position now, there will be opportunities for you in the future. You can consider the lower positions at your own pace."
Yu Lie was overjoyed at the old man's words, his face showing signs of recovery. He quickly expressed his gratitude and respect, saying, "Thank you, Elder, thank you."
The old man nodded kindly and, almost casually, took the token from Yu Lie's hand, saying, "You are under my care now. I will keep this token for you."
With a pleased expression, the old man's demeanor transformed, appearing benevolent and kind. He then said, "Good, young one."
Afterward, the old man's face lit up with a smile, and he remarked, "The young one knows his place."
He chuckled at the idea of a mere Dao Disciple aspiring to learn the secrets of longevity, finding it amusing. The other hall masters joined in the laughter.
To be considered for longevity, one needed a lifespan of at least two to three hundred years, a level beyond Dao Officials and Dao Masters. The hall masters were not even at the level of Dao Disciples.
As Yu Lie's figure disappeared, the old man's laughter echoed in the chamber.
"The young ones know their place," he said. "But a mere Dao Disciple aspiring to learn the secrets of longevity? Ridiculous!"
The other hall masters laughed along, enjoying the spectacle.
As the scene unfolded, Yu Lie felt a sense of relief and gratitude for the unexpected turn of events.