I rely on learning to achieve immortality.

During his break, Zhang Yuan did indeed encounter people trying to poach him.

The visitor was introduced by an apprentice and was also a senior alchemist from Baicaotang. He had reached the intermediate-grade alchemy level earlier than Xu Zhou.

Upon meeting, the other party proposed that Zhang Yuan come to his alchemy room to assist him.

In exchange, in addition to offering a considerable amount of contribution points, they also promised to wholeheartedly teach Zhang Yuan and lend him their alchemy room after five years so that he could become an alchemist.

This offer was quite attractive, and the other party was quite confident that Zhang Yuan would definitely agree.

Zhang Yuan was genuinely tempted.

Contributing points is fine; his family doesn't lack them.

But the temptation of becoming an alchemist in five years is simply too great.

If it were half a year ago, he probably would have already agreed.

After some thought, Zhang Yuan rejected the other party's suggestion.

As a junior member of the Hundred Herbs Hall, he knew that the path of alchemy was not about rushing. Rather than being in a hurry to become an alchemist, it was better to take it one step at a time, build a solid foundation, and that was the only way to go further.

When it comes to a solid foundation, he has never seen anyone who has grasped it as thoroughly as Xu Zhou.

With Xu Zhou's guidance, his skills have improved by leaps and bounds in the past six months. If he misses this opportunity, he may never encounter such a good teacher again.

Once he understood this, his gaze immediately hardened.

Zhang Yuan took a deep breath and said, "Thank you for your kindness, senior, but I will not consider it for the time being."

These words were too blunt, and the alchemist opposite him immediately turned grim.

However, considering that Zhang Yuan had a steward relationship with him, the alchemist, though his face was frighteningly dark, ultimately didn't say anything more and took his leave.

The next day, when Zhang Yuan met Zhou Sijin, she cautiously asked, "Has anyone come looking for you?"

"I did look for it," Zhang Yuan said without hiding anything.

What are your thoughts?

"I think Master Xu's place is better."

Upon hearing this, Zhou Sijin breathed a sigh of relief, patted her chest, and smiled, "That's good. I was really worried you might have a moment of weakness and want to go to another alchemy room."

Zhang Yuan chuckled, then retorted, "Why aren't you going?"

"Am I crazy? My alchemy skills are improving perfectly, why would I go there?"

Zhou Sijin glanced at him and waved her hand, "I'm not talking anymore, I'm going to the library. Are you coming?"

...

About half a month later.

On this day, someone suddenly knocked on the door of Xu Zhou Cave.

Upon opening the door, they were surprised to find that the visitor was none other than Steward Zhang.

However, the usually composed old deacon looked rather solemn at this moment.

"Something's happened," he said directly.

Xu Zhou paused slightly, stepped aside to let him in, and then asked, "What is it?"

After Steward Zhang sat down, he slowly said, "In the past few days, several alchemists have jointly filed a complaint against you with the Stewards of Baicaotang."

They said that your training of apprentices was too aggressive, allowing them to come into contact with Huangya Dan prematurely, thus disrupting Baicaotang's consistent rules for training apprentices.

As Deacon Zhang spoke, he kept glancing at Xu Zhou's expression, trying to see how he would react.

Xu Zhou frowned slightly after hearing this, but did not speak immediately.

He had long anticipated that some alchemists might dislike him.

I just didn't expect these alchemists to be so radical, going directly to the steward.

He paused, then asked, "What did the deacons say?"

Steward Zhang continued, "Someone has suggested that you should be prohibited from training apprentices in this way. Your two apprentices, Zhang Yuan and Zhou Sijin, should also be redistributed, and you will only receive some contribution points as compensation."

Xu Zhou's face darkened.

"And what was the result?"

Deacon Zhang stared at him for a while, then suddenly smiled.

There was a hint of cunning in his smile.

"result?

The situation has been temporarily brought under control.

He picked up his teacup, took a slow sip, and then continued, "Several deacons opposed the idea. After the debate, Deacon Yuan personally spoke up, saying that the young people should be given some opportunities to try."

Therefore, no one will be concerned about your matter anytime soon.

A hint of surprise flashed in Xu Zhou's eyes.

"How could this happen?"

Other alchemists disliked him and filed a joint complaint, which didn't surprise him. But he was somewhat surprised that the matter was suppressed so easily.

Deacon Zhang kept smiling, and the wrinkles at the corners of his eyes even curled up.

"At first, I also thought this matter was troublesome. After all, there are a few mid-grade alchemists among those alchemists. If things escalate, it will be difficult to handle."

However, when the matter was actually discussed, quite a few of the deacons actually spoke up for you.

"Some people act this way because of their personality, while others simply can't stand those few individuals."

Deacon Zhang paused for a moment, then said, "There's one more person, you probably didn't expect."

Ge Liancheng.

Xu Zhou raised an eyebrow immediately.

He naturally remembered the name.

Several years ago, when Ke Yanfeng had just disappeared, this person coveted his alchemy room and jumped out to try to take it.

Later, with Song Rou's help, Ge Liancheng believed he had a connection with the Xiao family and ultimately sought peace and gave up. The two sides thus reached a cooperation agreement, managing to avoid a complete breakdown in relations.

So many years have passed, Xu Zhou had almost forgotten this person, but he never expected to hear this name again at this time.

Zhang, the steward, said, "Ge Liancheng has been thriving at Baicaotang in recent years. His status is no longer what it used to be, and his words carry more weight among the stewards."

I remember he had some old grudges against you, and I was worried he might take advantage of your misfortune. Unexpectedly, he said a few fair words, which silenced many of the deacons.

Deacon Zhang clicked his tongue in amazement: "Did you secretly reach some kind of cooperation with him? Why would he speak up for you?"

Xu Zhou was confused.

He pondered for a long time, then shook his head: "This disciple doesn't know much either."

I did have some collaborations with him, but those collaborations ended back then, and I don't know why he helped his disciple.

Deacon Zhang couldn't figure it out either, and could only sigh, "Times have changed. Perhaps he's come to his senses these past few years and is now willing to befriend you."

In short, it was Deacon Yuan who ultimately intervened and suppressed the matter for you, so you probably don't need to worry about it anymore.

Xu Zhou nodded.

He knew that Steward Yuan was a senior member of Baicaotang, whose exact age was unknown. It was said that he had taken a longevity pill, which was why he was still alive.

This senior was not only highly experienced, but also a dedicated ascetic in alchemy. Despite his Qi cultivation, he was a second-tier alchemist and had written many medical and alchemical texts. Several of the books Xu Zhou had read were written by him.

Although he doesn't usually get involved in the deacons' discussions, when he does speak up, the others still have to give him face.

Not long after Deacon Zhang left, another person came to visit.

Xu Zhou opened the door and saw a well-to-do steward.

After a closer look, he recognized the other person as Ge Liancheng.

"It's been many years. Junior Brother Xu, you're still as impressive as ever. Congratulations on becoming a mid-grade alchemist!"

Ge Liancheng smiled and cupped his hands, his face full of warmth: "I heard that you had returned, junior brother, and I wanted to come and congratulate you, but I was tied up with trivial matters and only found the opportunity today. I hope you won't mind."

His smile was gentle and his words were polite, but Xu Zhou remained vigilant.

He knew this person's temperament all too well back then.