Chapter 38
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Chapter 38: Meeting the Great Elder
Zhou Luo had finally gained a rough understanding of the family’s infighting.
It seemed this conflict might have existed for a long time.
It could even be traced back to when he was arranged to marry Lin Qing Han.
He remembered Lin De mentioning it was a family arrangement at the time.
Likely, this was also the main family’s way of suppressing him.
Yet no one anticipated that this suppression would, by a twist of fate, foster a "time bomb."
"Now that I’ve rejected them, will the main family retaliate?" Zhou Luo asked the crucial question.
Lin De replied with conviction, "Rest assured, the family won’t permit any harm to befall you. Your talent in alchemy is undeniable. However, they might persist in suppressing you."
Zhou Luo stayed silent.
He knew the main family wouldn’t let matters rest.
Had his master not relented today, he might have been forced to accept their demands.
Thinking this, Zhou Luo felt a swell of gratitude toward Lin Zhi Shou.
"Father-in-law, what about the spiritual mine affair?" Zhou Luo inquired further.
Lin De shook his head. "Truthfully, that’s unknown to me. But you may ask the Great Elder soon."
"Ask the Great Elder?" Zhou Luo was surprised.
"Yes. The Great Elder will likely summon you within days," Lin De confirmed.
He himself had come only after receiving a letter from the Great Elder.
After their talk, Lin De departed.
Seeing him off, Zhou Luo sat alone in the hall, his expression serious as he pondered.
Neither the family head nor the Great Elder seemed someone he could afford to offend.
Refusing either would be perilous.
If granted a choice, he’d rather stay clear of this strife altogether.
But that option voided when Lin Zhi Shou declared him a disciple.
The sole comfort was that his life would remain secure if he proved sufficiently capable.
It appeared time to advance to a middle first-level Pill Master.
Midway through his thoughts, Lin Qing Han entered the hall, her belly rounded.
Her pregnancy had already passed its sixth month; birth loomed within months.
Zhou Luo rose to support her into a seat.
"What did Father discuss with you?" Lin Qing Han asked.
"Nothing critical—just daily concerns," Zhou Luo answered, choosing to withhold the truth.
Revealing it would only burden her needlessly.
However, Lin Qing Han suddenly reached out and placed her hand on the back of Zhou Luo’s left hand.
Her warm, fair little hand grasped his, making Zhou Luo turn his head to look.
He saw Lin Qing Han’s face full of seriousness as she said softly, “I am your wife. I wish to share your burdens.”
All of Zhou Luo’s efforts were visible to her.
Watching him cultivate and refine pills desperately to give them a better life, Lin Qing Han had long been deeply moved inside.
Now, she only wished to fulfill her responsibility as the main wife.
Zhou Luo gave a light smile. “Set your mind at ease. I know what to do.”
“Mm. We will always be with you,” Lin Qing Han whispered.
…
Three days later, a servant arrived at Zhou Garden, summoning Zhou Luo to see the Great Elder.
Having mentally prepared himself long ago, Zhou Luo changed into a dark blue robe and followed the servant to the Great Elder’s estate.
Remarkably, the Great Elder’s estate wasn’t far from Zhou Garden at all—just a few minutes’ walk away.
Unlike Zhou Garden, this estate brimmed with birdsong and floral scents. Lush flowers, plants, and trees filled the view, complementing the buildings to form a scenery reminiscent of a woodland garden.
Zhou Luo entered the main hall of the estate.
As soon as he stepped inside, he saw the Great Elder seated at the head position, his hair gray but his spirit energetic for his age.
Dressed in the white Daoist robe typical of a formation master, he held an ancient tome in his hand, carefully pondering its meaning.
“Greetings, Great Elder.” Zhou Luo clasped his hands in salute.
The Great Elder set down the ancient tome, looked up, and regarded him with kind eyes. “You’ve come. Please, sit.”
Obediently, Zhou Luo sat on a nearby chair.
A cup of spirit tea had already been prepared there. A light fragrance drifted from it, refreshing the spirit.
“This spirit tea eases mental strain. Have a taste,” the Great Elder indicated.
Zhou Luo picked up the teacup and took a small sip.
Instantly, a peculiar energy flowed into his body. His taut nerves began to relax, and inwardly, it felt as if washed by a clear mountain spring—now sensing an unprecedented lightness and clarity.
“Thank you, Great Elder, for the tea.” Zhou Luo stood to express his gratitude.
“No need for formalities. Do you have something to say?” The Great Elder smiled benignly.
He then added, “Here, you needn’t stand on ceremony. Speak your mind freely.”
Zhou Luo appeared conflicted. After a long pause, he spoke earnestly, “Great Elder, right now, I only wish to cultivate and refine pills. I haven’t considered anything else.”
His meaning was clear: he wished to avoid involvement in the factional struggles.
The Great Elder gave a faint smile. “You worry too much. You shouldn’t get overly worried over a few idle whispers, should you?”
Zhou Luo remained silent.
Though it’s only chatter for now, who could guarantee the main family wouldn’t take action later?
As if reading his thoughts, the Great Elder continued, “Currently, the Lin Family’s pill refinement abilities lag far behind those of the other four long-life families. Although the Sixth Elder has become a top-level first-level Pill Master, he is far too old.”
"And now you are the hope of the family. You should focus on practice, improving your Pill Master skills."
"As for conflicts, that’s not your concern. I assure you, no one will harm you."
"So, do not disappoint the family."
The Great Elder’s words thoroughly set Zhou Luo’s mind at ease. His previous worries and anxieties vanished completely.
He had originally thought such family infighting was no different from royal court struggles—ruthless and willing to sacrifice anyone to achieve their goals.
But now it seemed they still cared about family benefit and wouldn’t do anything to harm the clan.
That being the case, he truly had nothing left to worry about.
So, he asked, "Great Elder, what about the matter of the spiritual mine?"
"The development of the spiritual mine requires a Pill Master, but your master will handle it. No need to worry," the Great Elder replied.
Zhou Luo nodded.
Then, the Great Elder spoke again, "I heard your master wanted to introduce his granddaughter to you, but you refused?"
Zhou Luo awkwardly rubbed his nose. "Our personalities didn’t match."
"Really? As it happens, I also have a granddaughter of marrying age. You two should meet," the Great Elder said with a smile.
Zhou Luo was astonished.
It seemed the family was eager to present him with women.
But on second thought, it made sense.
Since they recognized his potential and talent, the family’s leaders naturally wanted to win him over.
Zhou Luo wasn’t opposed to this.
His only concern was whether she would be like Lin Si Qi—not only demanding the position of main wife but also forbidding him from ever marry[ing] wives and tak[ing] concubines in the future.
"Great Elder, may I have some time to consider this?" Zhou Luo asked.
"Of course. I believe you’ll make a wise decision," the Great Elder replied, not pressing the matter.
Afterward, the two discussed other matters.
During the conversation, the Great Elder stated he wasn’t necessarily trying to split the family. It was just that the main branch was too dominant, rejecting suggestions he felt were beneficial to the family.
He believed the main branch was stifling the family’s development, which was why he chose to win over Zhou Luo once he realized the young man could amplify his influence.
Zhou Luo was skeptical of these claims.
He only cared whether such matters would affect him personally. Since they wouldn’t, he saw no need to worry about the rest.
