Eternal Life: Talent Grows with Age

Chapter 396 - 249: Trial by Burning Heaven

"The steward is quite the schemer. You’d better watch your back when you’re out and about," Lu Chang’sheng said.

The steward’s expression flickered; real panic flashed in his eyes. He couldn’t understand how Lu Chang’sheng had seen through his calculations.

"Alchemist Lu, spare me! I was truly left with no choice."

Even now, the steward tried to play dumb, but Lu Chang’sheng simply shook his head and said nothing.

As if sensing Lu Chang’sheng’s attitude, the steward just gave up pretending and kept quiet.

So what if Lu Chang’sheng saw through his scheme?

If he wasn’t willing to forgive him, there was no way he’d ever learn the whereabouts of those two Immortals.

As for the future, he would just have to be more careful when venturing outside.

With White Cloud Mountain Range backing him up, he steeled himself. Still, none of it showed on his face.

Didn’t want to burn all his bridges.

Lu Chang’sheng’s heart sank slightly; from the steward’s expression, he gleaned some clues. Maybe the timing of the meeting with the Immortals was extremely important.

"Should I really use my Spiritual Sense to investigate?"

His Spiritual Sense was strong enough to cover the whole White Cloud Pharmacy, but if those two Immortals were inside, this move would definitely offend them.

Normally, with their status, they’d most likely be staying at a Grade B wing. It wasn’t very big—spending some time searching could find them. But Lu Chang’sheng didn’t think it would be that simple.

Just as he was wrestling with this, a figure appeared at the hallway ahead.

"Alchemist Lu, you heading to see the two Immortals from Heaven-Burning Valley?"

The steward’s face changed slightly; he spun around, eyes filled with accusation and anger. But when he saw the newcomer’s identity, his puzzlement was clear.

Because the newcomer was also part of the White Cloud Pharmacy staff.

"Fellow Daoist Zhong!"

The newcomer was none other than Zhong Ming. He glanced at the steward, his gaze tinged with displeasure. "If you want to compete, don’t play dirty tricks like these."

The steward felt utterly bitter, torn on whether to speak his mind or not.

This whole thing was ordered by Alchemist Thunder Cauldron. Would Zhong Ming really dare meddle, unafraid of Thunder Cauldron’s wrath?

"Alchemist Zhong, may I have a word in private?" It wasn’t smart to say these things out loud, or Lu Chang’sheng could use it against him.

Didn’t he see the icy look on the cultivator behind Lu Chang’sheng?

Duan Ming was barely restraining himself. If this were outside, he might’ve already blasted the steward with his most powerful magic spell.

What makes you think you’re worthy to hassle Alchemist Lu?

"Get lost!" Zhong Ming didn’t give him the chance. He went right to the point, revealing where the Immortals were.

"The Immortals are resting in Qingshui Pavilion. They should be waking up soon. Fellow Daoist Lu, come with me—we cannot afford to miss the timing. Immortal Cao is particular about punctuality. If we’re late, it’ll be a big problem."

Lu Chang’sheng felt grateful. "Thank you, Fellow Daoist Zhong. I owe you one for this."

Zhong Ming waved it off, keeping his usual proud look. "No need for that. You’re a pretty talented Alchemist. If you got eliminated just like that, I’d lose a lot of fun."

Lu Chang’sheng seemed to sense Zhong Ming’s intentions.

This Alchemist, with his boyish heart for alchemy, clearly wanted to beat Lu Chang’sheng fair and square.

Lu Chang’sheng chuckled inside, knowing that his previous performance at White Cloud Pharmacy had sure left an impression on Zhong Ming.

"Were you waiting here for me, Fellow Daoist Zhong?"

Lu Chang’sheng asked.

"Just passing by."

Zhong Ming’s face looked a bit awkward for a moment, but he quickly hid it.

"Well, then it must be fate."

With Zhong Ming’s interruption, the steward had no dignity left to stay. Lu Chang’sheng and the other two headed straight for Qingshui Pavilion.

Lu Chang’sheng was very surprised that the two Immortals from Heaven-Burning Valley were staying at Qingshui Pavilion. In the White Cloud Pharmacy, it wasn’t considered a top-tier courtyard.

So chances were, it was simply the Immortals’ personal preference.

Halfway there, Zhong Ming tried several times to bring something up, but held back.

Lu Chang’sheng smiled inwardly and asked, "Fellow Daoist Zhong, do you have something to ask me?"

"I do have a small question for you." Zhong Ming hesitated, then said, "I’m wondering—have you made any progress in Alchemy Dao these last few years?"

Lu Chang’sheng was a little surprised, thinking: That’s just like you!

"A little, I suppose."

Zhong Ming nodded, dropping the subject.

Lu Chang’sheng was now a bit curious himself. What kind of family could raise someone so pure-hearted?

Not common in the Spirit Realm.

Soon, the two arrived at Qingshui Pavilion.

Qingshui Pavilion got its name because its layout centers around water. Even under the corridor, you could see many manmade waterways, and every courtyard had a water pavilion or something similar.

The morning sun bathed the earth. A crowd gathered gingerly in front of the door, listening to the sounds of running water inside, which were rather pleasant to the ear.

Among the crowd, a cultivator dressed in white, with eyes bright as stars, wore an exquisite Alchemy Tripod pendant around his neck—quite striking. The only flaw was his sparse hair, swaying with the gentle breeze, showing off his shiny scalp.

A few strands still clung on, making him stand out in the crowd, but unmistakably distinguished.

The surrounding cultivators glanced at his hair, admiration in their eyes.

Sparse hair was regarded as a mark of alchemists’ power, proof of their hard work. Clearly, as White Cloud Mountain Range’s prodigy, Zhou Lin’s hair situation matched his reputation perfectly.

"Nephew Zhou Lin’s talent in Alchemy Dao is rare, the best in a hundred years. He’s sure to take the top prize in this test."