Eternal Life: Talent Grows with Age-Chapter 238 - 161: Taking the First Step

"How the hell did Niu Xi get so damn lucky?"

In the end, Zhu Mei stopped making a scene and just spat those words out with a scowl.

On the other side, Zhu Zhen shot Niu Xi a long, meaningful look, then broke into a smile. "Actually, there is something I need your help with. Didn’t you get pretty close to Alchemist Lu before? Lately, because of some things, Zhu Er’s relationship with Alchemist Lu has cooled off a bit, so I need you to help smooth things over."

Niu Xi was stunned for a moment, unable to figure out who this "Alchemist Lu" was.

He just didn’t think of Lu Chang’sheng at all.

Sure, Lu Chang’sheng knew his way around alchemy, but theory and hands-on skill were two different things. And even if he passed the test, the Zhu Family wouldn’t pay him this much attention.

Zhu Zhen noticed Niu Xi’s utterly shocked expression—the guy wasn’t faking it. His heart sank.

Could it be their relationship wasn’t as strong as he thought?

Either way, as long as there is some kind of connection, that’ll do.

Thinking this, he prompted, "Lu Chang’sheng—the Alchemist!"

"Wait—"

Niu Xi’s face instantly showed a look of utter disbelief. "He... he became an Alchemist?"

"That’s right! And he’s not just any disciple—he was ranked as Upper Grade C!"

The news sent Niu Xi’s mind reeling.

This hit him hard, leaving him cold inside.

So that’s it. No wonder the elders and the clan leader’s attitude toward me changed so fast.

Niu Xi finally understood. He kept his head down, not wanting the Zhu Family’s higher-ups to see the bitterness on his face.

"I’ll approve your position as overseer of Bai Ze Medicine Garden. As long as you get Alchemist Lu to refine pills for the Zhu Family, that post stays yours. And your two sons—if you manage this, we’ll let you live with them."

Niu Xi’s heart gave a jolt. He nodded. Suddenly, he saw Lu Chang’sheng in a whole new light, with a touch of respect mixed in.

"Who’d have thought—just days ago, he was struggling more than me, now he’s made it big with just one move."

Being ranked Upper Grade C at White Cloud Cave Mansion—a future with no ceiling.

Now that the cards were on the table, he’d need to get on Lu Chang’sheng’s good side as soon as possible.

Better act now, before that shared bond fades away.

Even though Niu Xi felt frozen inside, he knew he couldn’t leave the Zhu Family now.

Trying to bail would only make him an enemy—he’d end up dead in the gutter sooner or later.

So he could only pull himself together and set off overnight for Platinum Immortal City.

Several days later, Niu Xi stood in front of the inn where Lu Chang’sheng used to stay, checked with the innkeeper, and learned Lu Chang’sheng had checked out a few days ago. Disappointment washed over him.

With no other choice, he brought a gift and headed to White Cloud Pharmacy to hand in his visitation card.

"Looking for Alchemist Lu? Wait here," said a female cultivator from White Cloud Pharmacy. She wore simple, neat clothing, her long hair neatly tied, giving her a crisp and capable look.

Niu Xi felt a flare of resentment inside.

Like the saying goes, ’Even a Ninth Grade official has to bow before an Immortal’s gate.’

This girl might look pretty, but with just first level of Qi Cultivation, anywhere else, she wouldn’t dare talk to him like this. Still, you have to respect the house if not the host.

With White Cloud Cave Mansion as her backing, unless he wanted to end up on the run, he couldn’t afford to put on airs here.

Besides, he was here to ask for help anyway.

He stepped forward and slipped her a few Spirit Stones.

"Fellow Daoist, I hope you’ll be generous. I’m on friendly terms with Alchemist Lu—if you pass along the message, I’ll definitely remember your kindness before Alchemist Lu."

The woman smiled, smoothly pocketed the Spirit Stones, and said, "Not trying to put you down, but you’re not the only one looking for Alchemist Lu these days—and everyone says the same thing. Still, I like your vibe, so I’ll pass the message on for you."

"Thank you."

Niu Xi cupped his fists politely.

The woman clearly had nothing to fear. For one, the social web inside White Cloud Pharmacy was complex—especially women with looks like hers; who knew if some powerful alchemist wasn’t backing her up?

Just passing on a message was really no big deal.

Mostly, Niu Xi didn’t want to make a scene and put Lu Chang’sheng in a tough spot.

Unfortunately, not long after, the woman came out again shaking her head. "Sorry, Alchemist Lu isn’t here right now."

"Do you know where he went?" Niu Xi asked quickly.

The woman’s face immediately turned cold. "You trying to get me in trouble? Not only do I not know, but even if I did, I wouldn’t tell you."

Watching her stalk off in a huff, Niu Xi snapped back to himself, cursing his own carelessness.

Alchemists always have plenty of assets—that’s why they’re more protective of their whereabouts than most cultivators. Poking around like this, if the wrong people overheard and something happened to Alchemist Lu, he’d have made himself an enemy for life.

Left with no choice, Niu Xi just had to wait outside.

Meanwhile, after leaving White Cloud Pharmacy, Lu Chang’sheng headed to the Qu Family’s shop to find Lu Chang’an.

Seeing his father arrive, Lu Chang’an immediately looked a little nervous.

"Father, your test—?"

"I passed," Lu Chang’sheng said with a smile.

"That’s great! Now things won’t be so hard for us from now on." Lu Chang’an’s excitement made his hands tremble a bit.

He actually wasn’t so bad off—Lu Ziyou was the one really struggling.

These days, just to help Lu Chang’sheng practice alchemy, the two brothers were desperately earning every Spirit Stone they could.

Even though market stall rent wasn’t that much, every month they had to pay a few low-grade Spirit Stones, and living expenses just kept piling up.

Most of all, it was the cost of Lu Chang’sheng’s alchemy.