Eternal Life: Talent Grows with Age-Chapter 243 - 163: Zhu Family’s Dissatisfaction

Fortunately, among everyone present, Master Lin Yan still commanded a certain amount of respect. Though some clearly disapproved, they didn’t dare reveal it too openly.

Lu Chang’sheng didn’t believe Lin Yan hadn’t noticed.

However, on the way back, Lin Yan explained, "Some level of competition between disciples isn’t a bad thing. As long as you can keep it under control, I won’t interfere. In fact, the more outstanding you are, the more support you’ll get from me."

Lu Chang’sheng was a little taken aback. He hadn’t expected Lin Yan’s attitude in this matter to be so different from his usual approach in alchemy.

"Understood, Master."

"Every alchemist has their own unique insights into alchemy. That’s why, when mentoring disciples, each has their own way—and I’m no different."

"Each disciple goes through the same process before formally becoming my apprentice. I’ll say this upfront: there’s a two-year observation period. If you can’t meet my standards by the end of that, I won’t continue recognizing you as my disciple."

"So, you still have one night to think over the apprenticeship."

Unexpectedly, Lu Chang’sheng replied seriously, "I’ve already made up my mind."

"Very well. Then tomorrow morning, wait here for me."

Lin Yan felt a surge of satisfaction in his aged heart.

Taking Lu Chang’sheng to meet his other disciples wasn’t without purpose; he wanted him to get a sense of just how strict Lin Yan was as an alchemist.

He’d guided more than a few dozen prospective disciples through this. But in the end, only four truly earned the right to call themselves his disciples.

The next morning, Lu Chang’sheng arrived early to wait outside Lin Yan’s courtyard. Before long, Lin Yan emerged and took him over to the adjacent Alchemy Institute.

Then he tossed him a book to read.

It outlined various precautions in alchemy.

Lu Chang’sheng spent a whole day memorizing these points, after which Lin Yan led him into one of the Alchemy Rooms.

"As my disciple, you won’t have to fight with those wandering alchemists for access to public Alchemy Rooms."

This was a compound covering several acres—exclusively set aside for Alchemist Lin. It adjoined Lin Yan’s own residence at Guilan Institute.

The place was partitioned into dozens of rooms, each of which could be used for alchemy.

Right now, in front of the main hall, Huo Ming, Ji Yuan, and several others were already waiting. 𝒇𝒓𝙚𝒆𝔀𝓮𝓫𝒏𝓸𝙫𝓮𝓵.𝓬𝙤𝙢

"Now, I’ll explain some fundamentals concerning alchemy."

Alchemist Lin sat down on a chair out front, and began explaining methodically.

Lu Chang’sheng listened quietly.

Alchemist Lin was an orthodox alchemist, coming from a proper lineage, so his knowledge system was extremely thorough—very different from what Lu Chang’sheng had figured out on his own.

Each time he spoke of something, it sparked new realizations inside Lu Chang’sheng.

This was Alchemist Lin’s morning lecture, lasting about half an hour.

At the end, Alchemist Lin glanced at Lu Chang’sheng, a bit surprised inside.

Throughout those thirty minutes, he’d kept a subtle eye on his disciples below.

Especially Lu Chang’sheng.

"Be it cultivation or the Alchemy Dao, insight is always crucial. By my judgment, Lu Chang’sheng’s comprehension shouldn’t be lacking."

Judging aptitude by observing expressions.

This was something Alchemist Lin often did when assessing people. To him, natural reactions revealed the truest things about someone.

Throughout that half hour, Lu Chang’sheng’s expressions were mostly limited to certain points.

Furrowing his brow, bewilderment, confusion, and sudden understanding.

The first three were what one saw most often in newcomers.

But it was rare for someone to show that last look—true realization.

Usually, only after several lectures, or while explaining things themselves, would disciples get to that point.

Of course, it wouldn’t be rigorous to judge from a single time.

So Lin Yan told himself.

He needed to observe more.

After class, everyone went about their own business.

Those with alchemy tasks could go refine pills; those without just managed their day as they liked.

Lin Yan didn’t put too many restrictions on his disciples. As long as they passed his periodic assessments, he was satisfied.

As for Lu Chang’sheng, Lin Yan called him into an Alchemy Room.

"This Alchemy Room is yours to use now. Don’t disappoint my good intentions," Lin Yan said.

Lu Chang’sheng nodded. Just then, he picked up a slight loneliness in Lin Yan’s tone, and quickly replied, "Rest assured, Master. I’ll do my very best."

"Good. As for what you asked me about yesterday, I’ll take a look. That Sound Transmission Shell isn’t all that high-grade, but the spirit array inside is rather complex. If you want to decode it, it could be risky—maybe even cause some damage. Are you sure you want to continue?"

This time, Lu Chang’sheng truly felt warmth in his heart.

The fact that Lin Yan brought it up again meant he’d really taken it to heart.

"Many thanks, Master. But let’s just leave it be." In the end, the Sound Transmission Shell was something given by someone from Fuyun Mountain—better to keep it, and return it when the time came.

Lin Yan waved a hand. "All right. Go get familiar with the alchemy implements here as soon as you can. I notice you use talisman fire for alchemy, so you probably haven’t learned any fire magic, right?"

You need to learn fire techniques to refine pills, or you’ll have a hard time controlling the pill fire.

Until now, because Lu Chang’sheng had devoted himself to alchemy, he didn’t have spare spirit stones to buy fire control techniques.

Lin Yan nodded and said, "The fire control techniques they sell outside are just public spells—not very refined. Here are some spirit stones, a little welcoming gift from me. When you get back, have Steward Mo send you a copy of the ’Cyan Wood Fire Technique.’"

Lu Chang’sheng nodded again.

As for the matters with Xu Zhuqing and Li Nangua, he didn’t mention them to Lin Yan.

Decoding the Sound Transmission Shell and rescuing Xu Zhuqing and Qin Wan were two separate things.

He’d only just formally apprenticed himself to Lin Yan—there was no way he was going to ask him to take such a risk, possibly offending a major Foundation Establishment cultivator, on his behalf.