Eternal Life: Talent Grows with Age-Chapter 237 - 160: The Might of Upper Grade C

Zhu Mei hadn’t finished speaking when Zhu Fang already cut her off with a shout.

She wasn’t completely foolish—having shaken off her anger, Zhu Mei became frightened after seeing the chief and other clan elders’ grim expressions, and quickly hid behind Zhu Fang.

Zhu Fang forced out a slight smile and explained, "I didn’t make things clear to Mei, that’s on me—" As he spoke, he looked at the somewhat flustered Niu Xi. "I hope you can be understanding about this, Niu Xi. I’ll make sure to properly discipline my daughter."

Facing the stares of Zhu Family’s top members, Niu Xi didn’t dare think further and nodded his head at once.

But inside, he was more confused than ever.

If before, giving him an easy job could be considered compensation, then now, they’d actually publicly rebuked Zhu Mei... all for his sake.

That was truly rare, almost the same as slapping an elder like Zhu Fang in the face.

Thinking of this, Niu Xi no longer felt any sense of delight—only a creeping fear.

"Clan Leader, whatever you need me for, just command me and I’ll do it," Niu Xi stammered nervously.

Zhu Zhen’s expression shifted, and the look he gave Zhu Fang was tinged with annoyance.

The original plan was for Niu Xi to owe Zhu Family several favors, only then would they bring up the matter of Lu Chang’sheng. That way, it wouldn’t raise his defenses.

But now, with this scene, Niu Xi had snapped back to his senses; the situation had changed entirely.

If he’d accepted favors before being asked, he’d be acting on behalf of Zhu Family.

If they made demands without showing him goodwill first—then that was just a transaction!

The current dynamic, in fact, could easily turn into outright ’coercion’!

"That damn woman!"

Zhu Zhen cursed inwardly, a conflicted look appearing on his face.

Right now, the best solution was to punish Zhu Mei and help Niu Xi resolve those leftover issues.

But seeing Zhu Fang nearby, Zhu Zhen could only sigh.

Zhu Mei was Zhu Fang’s weakness—if punished too harshly, Zhu Fang would undoubtedly become resentful. At this moment, the Zhu Family was already in a perilous situation; it wouldn’t be wise to stir up more trouble. 𝐟𝕣𝗲𝕖𝕨𝗲𝐛𝗻𝗼𝐯𝗲𝚕.𝗰𝚘𝐦

"Take her away. Lock her up for a month."

In the end, the punishment was decided.

Zhu Fang breathed a sigh of relief, subdued Mei’s struggles, and led her out.

No sooner had they stepped outside than Zhu Fang, feeling sorry for Zhu Mei, immediately let go of her. Seeing his daughter’s tear-streaked face, he tenderly said, "Don’t be upset, my girl. It’s just one month of confinement. When the time comes, go to Hundred Fragrance Garden. As long as you don’t leave, nobody will know what you’re doing inside!"

"I just think the clan leader is showing favoritism—and over an outsider, no less!" Zhu Mei’s face softened a little as she wiped her tears away.

Zhu Fang’s heart ached sharply; if she’d been someone else, he would have slapped her ages ago.

The chief is biased, but not toward Niu Xi—he’s biased toward us.

For a cultivator, a month of confinement is about as trivial as an ordinary person going to the bathroom.

And besides, she didn’t even have to go to the confinement chamber.

All at once, Zhu Fang wondered if he’d spoiled his daughter way too much.

"Enough now—this really isn’t the clan leader’s fault. Niu Xi isn’t what he used to be."

"Isn’t he just some newly certified alchemist? Is our Zhu Family supposed to care that much?"

"Sigh... I told you all along to pay more attention to these things, but you wouldn’t listen! A freshly evaluated alchemist isn’t worth all this fuss, but Lu Chang’sheng is different. He’s been rated ’Upper Grade C’ at White Cloud Pharmacy!"

Zhu Mei stopped crying instantly, her mouth open but speechless.

She might be inexperienced, but not completely ignorant.

There’s a world of difference between an Upper Grade C and an ordinary Grade D.

To put it in one sentence: that means qualifying as a Grade Two Alchemist.

And Grade Two... that fits the Foundation Establishment realm!