38: Meeting with the Great Elder

Regarding the internal strife of the Family, Zhou Luo finally had a rough understanding.

It now seems that the conflict between the two parties may have existed for a long time.

It could even be traced back to when he was arranged to be with Lin Qinghan.

He remembered that Lin De had mentioned at the time that this was an arrangement by the Family.

It was likely also suppression from the Main Family against him.

Little did they expect that this suppression would, by some twist of fate, Cultivate a "ticking time bomb."

"If I refuse them this time, will the Main Family retaliate?" Zhou Luo asked the critical question.

Lin De said with a firm tone: "Rest assured, the Family will not allow anything to happen to you. After all, your talent in Alchemy is evident, but it is very likely they will continue to suppress you in the future."

Zhou Luo was silent.

He knew that the Main Family would not let this matter rest.

If his Master had not stood his ground today, he might very well have been forced to accept the other party.

Thinking of this, Zhou Luo couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude towards Lin Zhishou.

"By the way, Father-in-law, what is going on with the Spirit Mine?" Zhou Luo asked again.

Lin De shook his head: "Actually, I do not know about this either, but you can ask the Grand Elder when the time comes."

"Ask the Grand Elder?" Zhou Luo said in surprise.

"Yes, I estimate that the Grand Elder will meet you in a while." Lin De nodded.

He had actually come here this time because he received a letter from the Grand Elder.

After they finished talking, Lin De left.

After seeing him off, Zhou Luo sat alone in the main hall, his expression grave, lost in thought.

Whether it was the Family Head or the Grand Elder, it seemed neither was someone he could afford to provoke.

It was bad to refuse either of them.

If he could choose, he really did not want to participate in this struggle.

But these things had already lost their meaning when Lin Zhishou said he wanted to take him as his disciple.

The only good news was that if he performed well enough, his Life safety would not be a concern.

It seemed he needed to find a time to advance himself to a Medium Grade Alchemist.

While he was thinking, Lin Qinghan walked into the main hall, supporting her large belly.

She had been pregnant for more than half a year now and would give birth in a few months.

Zhou Luo stood up and helped her sit down.

"What did Father say to you?" Lin Qinghan asked.

"It's nothing, just some daily greetings." Zhou Luo chose not to tell her about these matters.

Because doing so would only add pressure to her without any other benefit.

However, Lin Qinghan suddenly reached out and placed her hand on the back of Zhou Luo's left hand.

Her warm, fair little hand grasped his, causing Zhou Luo to turn his head to look.

He saw that Lin Qinghan's face was full of solemnity, and she said softly: "I am your wife; I hope I can help share your burden."

She saw all of Zhou Luo's efforts in her eyes.

Seeing him desperately Cultivate and practice Alchemy just to provide them with a good Life, Lin Qinghan's heart had long been touched.

Now, she only hoped that she could fulfill her responsibilities as his principal wife.

Zhou Luo smiled indifferently: "Rest assured, I know what to do."

"Yes, we will always be with you." Lin Qinghan said softly.

...

Three days later, a servant came to Zhou Garden to notify Zhou Luo to meet the Grand Elder.

Having already prepared himself mentally, Zhou Luo changed into a cyan robe and followed the servant to the Grand Elder's estate.

Come to think of it, the Grand Elder's estate was not far from Zhou Garden, only a few minutes' journey.

Unlike Zhou Garden, this estate was filled with birdsong and fragrant flowers. Various flowers and trees came into view, reflecting off the buildings, creating a picturesque garden scene.

Zhou Luo arrived at the main hall of the estate's main building.

As soon as he entered, he saw the Grand Elder sitting in the seat of honor, with gray hair but looking spirited and vigorous.

He was wearing a white Dao robe commonly used by Formation Masters, holding an ancient book, carefully savoring its meaning.

"Greetings, Grand Elder." Zhou Luo bowed with his hands cupped.

The Grand Elder put down the ancient book, looked up, and gazed at him with a kind and benevolent expression, saying peacefully: "You are here, sit."

Zhou Luo obediently sat on the chair to the side.

Spirit tea had already been prepared there, and a faint fragrance drifted out, making one feel refreshed and relaxed.

"This Spirit tea can alleviate mental pressure; have a taste." The Grand Elder gestured.

Zhou Luo picked up the tea cup and took a light sip.

In an instant, an inexplicable power surged into his body. His originally tense nerves gradually relaxed, and his heart felt as if it had been washed by a clear mountain spring, leaving him feeling a sense of ease and clarity he had never experienced before.

"Many thanks to the Grand Elder for the tea." Zhou Luo stood up to express his thanks.

"No need for such formalities. Do you have anything you wish to say?" The Grand Elder smiled kindly.

After finishing, he did not forget to add: "There is no need for restraint here; if you have any thoughts, feel free to speak."

Zhou Luo looked conflicted. After a long while, he said seriously: "Grand Elder, right now I only want to Cultivate and practice Alchemy; I have not thought about anything else."

The meaning of this was that he did not want to participate in the struggle between the two parties.

The Grand Elder smiled slightly: "You think too much. Are you really so paranoid because of just a few idle rumors?"

Zhou Luo was silent.

Although it was just idle rumors for now, who could guarantee that the Main Family wouldn't do something later?

As if reading his mind, the Grand Elder continued: "Currently, the Lin Family is far weaker in Alchemy than the other four great Immortal Families. Although the Sixth Elder has become a First-Order Top-Grade Alchemist, he is too old."

"And you are now the hope of the Family, so what you should be thinking about is working hard to Cultivate and improve your Alchemy level."

"As for the struggle, this is not something you should concern yourself with. I can guarantee that no one will lay a hand on you."

"Therefore, do not let the Family down."

The Grand Elder's words completely put the previously worried Zhou Luo at ease, and his initial feelings of anxiety and worry were swept away.

He had originally thought that this kind of internal Family strife was no different from imperial court struggles, where people would use any unscrupulous means to achieve their goals and could sacrifice others at will.

But now it seemed they would still consider the Family's interests and would not do things that would harm the Family.

In this way, he really had nothing to worry about.

Thus, he asked again: "Then, Grand Elder, what is going on with the Spirit Mine?"

"The development of the Spirit Mine requires Alchemists, but I believe your Master will handle it well, so do not worry." The Grand Elder said.

Zhou Luo nodded.

At this moment, the Grand Elder spoke again: "I heard your Master wanted to introduce his granddaughter to you, but you refused?"

Zhou Luo awkwardly touched his nose: "Our personalities just didn't match."

"Is that so? It just so happens that I also have a granddaughter who has reached the age of marriage; you two could get to know each other." The Grand Elder smiled.

Zhou Luo was taken aback.

It seemed the Family was eager to send women to him.

But come to think of it, that made sense.

Since they had noticed his potential and talent, the big figures of the Family would certainly hope to recruit him.

Regarding this, Zhou Luo was not resistant.

He only cared about whether the other party would be like Lin Siqi, not only wanting the position of principal wife but also forbidding him from marrying other wives or taking concubines in the future.

"Grand Elder, may I consider this matter?" Zhou Luo asked.

"Of course, I believe you will make a wise decision." The Grand Elder did not force it.

Next, the two chatted about some other things.

In the conversation, the Grand Elder indicated that he did not necessarily want to split the Family; he just felt that the Main Family was too overbearing, and some of his opinions that were beneficial to the Family had all been rejected by the Main Family.

He believed that the Main Family was stifling the Family's development, so when he realized that Zhou Luo could increase his influence, he chose to recruit him.

Regarding these claims, Zhou Luo was half-believing and half-doubting.

He only cared about whether he would be affected. Since he wouldn't be, there was no need to worry about other things.