Chapter 11
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Chapter 11: The Family\’s Attitude
The market price of the Vitality Pill wasn’t high, especially for a flawed one, but Lin Zhi Shou was willing to pay the premium price.
This clearly showed his approval of what Zhou Luo had said.
It was precisely the effect Zhou Luo had aimed for.
Soon, the transaction succeeded, and Lin Zhi Shou advised earnestly, “Practice more when you return. Strive to advance further.”
“Rest assured, Uncle Shou. I won’t disappoint the family’s expectations,” Zhou Luo pledged, patting his chest.
“Go on,” Lin Zhi Shou waved his hand.
Zhou Luo nodded and left.
After he departed, Lin Nian, who had earlier stood dumfounded, exclaimed incredulously, “How strange! Grandpa Shou, how on earth did this guy do it?”
Lin Zhi Shou narrowed his eyes, his expression growing serious. “Xiao Nian, do remember: there will always be someone better.”
Lin Nian was one of his many descendants. Because he possessed talent in alchemy, Lin Zhi Shou had personally taken him under his wing for training.
Almost ten years had passed, yet Lin Nian could only concoct some beginner-level potions.
Compared to Zhou Luo, the gap was simply worlds apart.
Yet Lin Nian remained unconvinced. “But he’s just a marrying-in son-in-law, and only with a Ninth Grade spiritual root.”
In his eyes, a low-status figure like Zhou Luo was hardly any different from a servant.
Lin Zhi Shou saw further. He remarked meaningfully, “So what if he’s a son-in-law? If he benefits the family, even a servant would receive the Lin Family’s full support.”
“Grandpa Shou, are you saying the family intends to nurture him?” Lin Nian stared disbelievingly at the old man.
“That isn’t for me to decide,” Lin Zhi Shou said thoughtfully.
Even so, he resolved to visit the main house personally.
…
The buildings of the Lin Family were scattered like stars, with the core area reserved for the main house. Unauthorized individuals were strictly forbidden from entering.
However, given Lin Zhi Shou’s status, no one dared block him.
He strode briskly to a courtyard in the eastern part of the core area.
The courtyard was compact and squarely shaped, surrounded by a light shimmering spiritual glow. Several cultivators in guard uniforms stood watch nearby.
This was precisely the residence of the Lin Family head, Lin Tian Xiong.
Recognizing Lin Zhi Shou, the guards let him enter without hindrance.
“Zhi Shou, what brings you here today?”
An elderly man sat on a stone bench in the courtyard—tall, imposing, his face etched with the marks of time. His eyes radiated wisdom and depth.
Though his robes were simple, they couldn’t conceal his dignity and nobility.
This was Lin Tian Xiong, the current Lin Family head.
Beside him stood a woman with delicate features and a slender frame, radiating reverence.
Had Zhou Luo been present, he would’ve recognized her instantly.
The other person was the Third Young Lady of that day, Lin Xin.
Lin Zhi Shou bowed to her and directly placed that Vitality Pill on the stone table in front of him.
Lin Tian Xiong, holding a white jade cup, lightly glanced at it and said doubtfully, \"Could it be that the family has another member with a talent in alchemy?\"
Lin Zhi Shou said respectfully, \"Family Head, you guessed correctly. However, he is not a family member; he is a son-in-law?\"
\"Oh?\"
Lin Tian Xiong made a doubtful sound, put down the cup, and smoothly picked up that Vitality Pill, examining it carefully. \"A son-in-law has this talent?\"
Soon, Lin Zhi Shou told him the whole story.
After listening, an expression of surprise appeared on Lin Tian Xiong\’s aged face. \"I didn\’t expect such a small son-in-law could become self-taught.\"
\"Yes, Family Head. In my opinion, he is very worth nurturing,\" Lin Zhi Shou said seriously.
As a Pill Master himself, he clearly knew the talent Zhou Luo had shown.
But before Family Head Lin Tian Xiong could speak, Lin Xin by his side frowned and said, \"Grandpa Shou, it\’s just one Vitality Pill. It shouldn\’t be worth the family investing resources in a son-in-law.\"
In her eyes, being able to refine a Vitality Pill wasn\’t unusual at all, because she could also easily produce it.
\"Third Young Lady, this Zhou Luo he…\" Lin Zhi Shou wanted to say more.
But Lin Xin directly interrupted him. \"Grandpa Shou, you should know the family\’s situation in recent years. Spending resources to nurture a beginner Pill Master isn\’t cost-effective.\"
As she spoke, she especially added, \"Moreover, he is a son-in-law.\"
Lin Zhi Shou tactfully said no more.
Lin Tian Xiong nodded slightly. \"Xin\’er is right. This youth must still be observed for a while longer. At least we must see his loyalty to the family.\"
\"I understand,\" Lin Zhi Shou said, nodding, and then retreated.
Walking out of the courtyard, Lin Zhi Shou looked up at the azure sky.
He knew the family head\’s choice was not wrong.
But as soon as he thought of Zhou Luo\’s various behaviors, especially how he had willingly contributed a Vitality Pill to the family before, it made him feel this youth was worth nurturing.
\"Alright, I\’ll go see how skilled he really is in alchemy.\"
Lin Zhi Shou\’s face showed hesitation, but eventually, he made up his mind in his heart.
Meanwhile, back in his courtyard, Zhou Luo dived into the alchemy room once more.
And soon, Lin Zhi Shou arrived with his hands behind his back in front of this courtyard.
His appearance immediately caught the attention of Lin Fei Ying and the others.
Their faces showed fear, and they hastily came out to welcome this great figure.
As a true Pill Master, Lin Zhi Shou\’s status far exceeded others in the family, naturally making these women very respectful.
Even the usually aloof Lin Qing Han hurried out and led him to the main seat in the hall.
\"I\’m just here today to see Zhou Luo. Where is he?\" Lin Zhi Shou asked.
\"Grandpa Shou, he is practicing in the alchemy room. I\’ll go call him over,\" Lin Qing Han replied respectfully.
Hearing the words \"alchemy room,\" Lin Zhi Shou waved his hand immediately. \"No need, I\’ll go take a look.\"
Having said that, he walked out of the hall and, led by several women, went straight to the outside of the alchemy room.
Pushing the door open, he spotted Zhou Luo at once studying in front of the furnace.
Zhou Luo saw him too, his face brightening with pleasure. \"Uncle Shou, what brings you here?\"
It seemed the family valued him far more than he\’d imagined.
\"I came to see how exactly you practice alchemy day to day.\" Lin Zhi Shou swept a glance across the room before walking over to the furnace.
Behind him, the four women obediently stayed by the door, not daring to enter.
\"Uncle Shou, I\’m merely piddling around,\" Zhou Luo put on an embarrassed look.
Lin Zhi Shou slightly lifted his chin, signaling him to continue.
Without further word, Zhou Luo picked up the medicinal herbs beside him and began concocting the Vitality Pill.
Yet, to hide his clumsiness, he deliberately made his movements appear immature and awkward.
This greatly tested his acting skills.
Fortunately, anticipating such a scenario, Zhou Luo had already practiced extensively during this period.
So he exposed no cracks.
Soon, the first round of concoction concluded.
As expected, he failed.
Regarding this outcome, Lin Zhi Shou offered no comment, merely instructing him to proceed.
Zhou Luo embarked on the second round of concoction.
Then
he failed again.
Lin Zhi Shou remained expressionless, appearing to have foreseen this result all along.
Seeing the timing was about right, Zhou Luo finally succeeded in crafting one Vitality Pill during the third round of concoction.
His face beaming with pleasant surprise, he presented the potion to Lin Zhi Shou.
Lin Zhi Shou examined it and gave a slight nod. \"Not bad, there\’s progress.\"
This Vitality Pill was distinctly finer in quality than the previous one.
Improving this much in such a brief period further convinced Lin Zhi Shou his assessment was correct.
\"It\’s thanks to the family\’s help,\" Zhou Luo said humbly.
Lin Zhi Shou fixed his eyes upon Zhou Luo’s sincere face, inwardly moved. Uncharacteristically, he revealed a smile and encouraged, \"Having thoughts like this is excellent.\"
After speaking, he suddenly added, \"You have thoughts on becoming my apprentice?\"
