Chapter 319

Chapter 319: The Son’s Talent in Alchemy

Wang Lang’s words were exceedingly direct, leaving Geng Feng momentarily stunned.

However, considering he could meet Zhou Luo, lending a hand seemed reasonable, so he inquired, "Unknown what Manager Wang specifically requests of me?"

"It’s been said a vacant plot east of the inner city has long been held by the Potion Alliance. Wondered if Pill Master Geng might facilitate its sale to me." Wang Lang watched him with a smiling gaze.

Since opening a shop was planned, the site selection naturally needed consideration.

Just yesterday, Wang Lang had taken notice of a favorable vacant plot.

Only after inquiries did he learn it belonged to the Potion Alliance and wasn’t for public sale.

His initial thought had been to devise alternative methods to attain it.

Now that Geng Feng had willingly appeared, naturally, he wouldn’t relinquish this opportunity.

Upon hearing this, Geng Feng’s brow subtly furrowed, withholding a response.

To his understanding, that vacant plot was reserved by the Potion Alliance to construct an alchemy tower.

The so-called alchemy tower actually served as the Potion Alliance’s hub for daily operations and gatherings—a matter already internally agreed upon.

He hadn’t expected the other party’s opening request to be so troublesome.

"Is Pill Master Geng troubled?" Wang Lang queried, puzzled.

Geng Feng’s eye twitched almost imperceptibly. He drew a deep breath and forced a smile. "I shall consult the Potion Alliance’s other leaders. For now, please help me secure an introduction to Pill Master Zhou."

Wang Lang eyed him, a glimmer of light flickering in his pupils.

This guy was being quite imaginative—no task done, yet already demanding to see the person.

He replied motionless and unperturbed, "Naturally. But that plot is exactly what Master Manager Zhou personally requires. If I fail to secure it, I truly wouldn’t have the face to meet him again."

These words were essentially laying all cards on the table.

Geng Feng’s expression shifted as he studied Wang Lang’s unyielding composure, realizing any discussion was futile.

"Very well. I shall exert my utmost effort," he conceded reluctantly.

Such a decision truly surpassed his individual authority; only his Master could settle it.

He resolved to first discuss the matter with his Master.

"Then I shall await good news, Pill Master Geng," Wang Lang replied smoothly.

Once Geng Feng departed, a faint edge of disdain curled his lips. "Hah. So-called elders of the Potion Alliance—an alliance of scheming Pill Masters, yet they dare boast that title? Such defiance against fate’s backlash."

For this Immortal City’s touted Potion Alliance, he felt nothing but contempt.

Even without Geng Feng’s involvement, he had already resolved to acquire that plot by any means necessary.

With Zhou Luo backing him, so long as it didn’t entangle an Immortal Sect consequence, all else was negligible.

…

Lin Family, Family Head’s Mansion.

Lin Jin Xuan guided the thirteen-year-old Zhou Chang Lun before Zhou Luo. "Husband, it seems this child has grown quite fascinated by alchemy."

"Oh?"

Zhou Luo noticed the somewhat awkward child, his eyes flashing.

Among his many children, up to now, none had mastered even one of the four major skills.

After all, these things depended on innate talent—without it, there really was no way.

Hearing that his son might possess talent in alchemy unexpectedly piqued his interest.

"Chang Lun, come to your father," Zhou Luo said gently.

Zhou Chang Lun timidly approached him, head bowed, small hands tightly clutching the hem of his clothes.

Since birth, this little one had hardly known paternal affection.

To him, his father was like a towering mountain—something to look up to, impossible to face as an equal.

Thus, even without Zhou Luo projecting any particular severity, the boy was inherently afraid of him.

Observing this, Zhou Luo felt little emotional stir within himself.

This was entirely normal. With an ever-growing number of wives and concubines and children, he couldn’t be everywhere at once.

Especially for those children born later; unless they showed exceptional promise, he generally paid them little attention.

It might sound cold, but it was only human nature.

Zhou Luo didn’t expect to profoundly influence every child; he only hoped they wouldn’t cause trouble for him or entangle him in unnecessary karma.

Lest he find himself embroiled in trouble through no action of his own.

Thankfully, his earlier spouses, both in character and bearing, were decent enough. Their care for the children saved him considerable worry.

Looking at his son, Zhou Luo inquired, "Chang Lun, do you wish to learn alchemy?"

Zhou Chang Lun nodded gently, responding in a tender voice, "I want to be someone like you, Father."

Beside them, Lin Jin Xuan watched with a gratified expression.

Zhou Luo then softly stroked the boy’s head. "Alchemy is arduous. You might not see your mother very often."

A slight tremor shook Zhou Chang Lun’s frame, seeming reluctant, yet his voice remained firm. "Mother said that those who achieve great things must endure hardship."

"She also told me that Father suffered greatly before reaching where he is today."

Though he rarely saw Zhou Luo, through Lin Jin Xuan’s descriptions, Zhou Chang Lun had formed a fairly clear image in his mind.

Hearing this, Zhou Luo felt a pang of embarrassment.

Because he truly hadn’t suffered much hardship; reaching this stage relied more on the system and his own choices.

Though the years walking on thin ice had been real enough.

"Good. If you truly possess talent in alchemy, you can accompany me to the Immortal City and study by my side," Zhou Luo stated, his tone grave and earnest.

Soon, once the residence in the Immortal City’s core sector was ready, he planned to live there permanently.

After all, the spiritual energy there was abundant, beneficial for cultivation.

Furthermore, Maple Leaf City wasn’t far from Qinyuan City; with his current strength, he could traverse the distance in half a day. There was no need to worry about anything happening to the family.

His plan was to bring Yao Wu, the concubines sent by the Wang and Li Families, and the purchased concubines. Regarding his children, he hadn’t yet decided.

But if Zhou Chang Lun truly had talent in alchemy, he wouldn’t mind bringing him along.

It just so happened that the boy possessed Third Grade spiritual roots and had received both the Qi of Innate Origins and the Five Elements physique long ago.

He could cultivate slowly under Zhou Luo’s guidance, then be sent to an Immortal Sect to train properly in a few years.

"Understood, Father," Zhou Chang Lun nodded.

Over the next few days, Zhou Luo tested Zhou Chang Lun’s aptitude for alchemy and also summoned several other children.

As Lin Jin Xuan had suggested, the boy did display some talent for alchemy; mastering the basics wouldn’t be a problem.

The others, however, still left something to be desired.

Alas, the four major skills of cultivation weren’t easily mastered and demanded significant talent.

Ultimately, Zhou Luo decided to bring both Zhou Chang Lun and another child, Zhou Changqing, to the Immortal City.

Though lacking talent in alchemy, Zhou Changqing possessed Second Grade Spiritual Roots, a Companion Spirit Beast, a special physique, and other traits.

With proper nurturing, his future accomplishments might even surpass those of his elder brother, Zhou Chang Le.

Half a month later, news arrived from the Immortal City: the residence in the core sector was now ready.

"Take good care of the other children. Should any issues arise, crush this message talisman immediately," Zhou Luo instructed, placing the message talisman in their hands.

Alongside the talisman, he also gave them a storage ring.

Inside were pills, spiritual symbols, and other items he had crafted recently—peak-tier First Grade items of extraordinary potency.

Since the death of his eldest son, Zhou Chang An, Zhou Luo had prepared numerous life-preserving means for all his children, including those like Zhou Chang Le and Zhou Shiling who had stayed in the Immortal Sect.

He never wished to see any child die by accident; he only hoped they could live peaceful lives.

"Husband, rest assured," Lin Xi responded with a firm nod.

Having given his instructions, Zhou Luo summoned the family flying boat. Together with Yao Wu and the others, he departed towards the Immortal City.