I rely on learning to achieve immortality.

Xu Zhou was, after all, just an apprentice.

Ke Yanfeng is different; he is an alchemist and a formal disciple of Baicaotang, managing the pharmacy is just a side job.

It was perfectly legitimate for the pharmacy to be handed over to Ke Yanfeng, and no one would criticize it. But if it were in Xu Zhou's hands, it would easily attract criticism.

Although managing a pharmacy carries significant responsibility and the consequences of mistakes can be far-reaching, that applies primarily to disciples aspiring to become alchemists. For those with no future prospects, the pharmacy, handling numerous medicinal herbs, offers a lucrative and potentially highly profitable position.

When Ke Yanfeng was in charge, no one said much. Now that Xu Zhou is in charge, even though he manages things just as well, some people are still envious.

A few days ago, things suddenly changed.

Xu Zhou noticed by chance that someone was always staring at him outside the pharmacy. If his senses weren't so sharp, he would hardly have noticed.

Although it was a small matter, he still had a vague feeling that something was wrong.

After making several inquiries, I finally learned what had happened.

It turned out that Ke Yanfeng had made a mistake during a pill-refining mission. Although he was rescued in time, he still lost a lot of medicinal materials, and half a month of preparation was in vain, so he had to start all over again.

This kind of mistake is not uncommon for alchemists; every alchemist will encounter it a few times in their lifetime.

But at least for several months after making the mistake, Ke Yanfeng's prestige will suffer a significant blow.

As a result, a flaw appeared in the pharmacy that was originally in his hands.

Ultimately, news spread that Steward Zhuang had suggested changing the person in charge of the pharmacy.

Upon hearing this news, Xu Zhou's face darkened.

He knew Senior Brother Ke quite well. Others might make mistakes, but it was extremely rare for Senior Brother Ke to make a mistake. There was probably another reason.

But he didn't know the specific details, and he had no time to care right now.

If nothing unexpected happens, his peaceful days living comfortably in the pharmacy are probably coming to an end.

The day after the news arrived, several disciples of Baicaotang strode into the pharmacy with unfriendly expressions.

The slightly shorter young cultivator at the head of the group looked at Xu Zhou and, seeing that he was still behind the counter flipping through books, couldn't help but sneer: "You dare to sit still when someone comes. You're living a very leisurely life, aren't you?"

Snapped.

Xu Zhou closed the book and slowly cupped his hands in greeting: "Senior brother, please don't be offended. Haste is not a good thing in the pharmacy. You came in too quickly, catching everyone off guard."

The short cultivator narrowed his eyes and couldn't help but let out a cold snort.

"Alright, I'm here to tell you that this pharmacy is not a place for an apprentice like you."

He pointed to the books on the counter: "Pack your things, finish the handover, and go wherever you need to go."

The tone of the words was quite aggressive, and Xu Zhou was not treated as an equal.

But Xu Zhou felt more confident.

He cupped his hands in greeting again and asked, "May I ask your esteemed name, senior brother, and by what capacity do you speak of me?"

Upon hearing this, the short cultivator raised an eyebrow: "I am Zhuang Siyan, a legitimate first-tier alchemist of the Hundred Herbs Hall. My father, Zhuang Yuan, is a steward of the hall. Doesn't he have the authority to decide your fate?"

Xu Zhou remained unperturbed, simply saying slowly, "Senior brother, please don't be offended. If Steward Zhuang comes in person, this disciple naturally wouldn't dare to refuse."

"But since he didn't come, this pharmacy is an important place for Baicaotang, and I have a duty to perform, so please forgive me for not being able to leave."

Zhuang Siyan did not reply immediately upon hearing this.

However, the aura surrounding him suddenly turned somber.

The aura of a third-level Qi Refining cultivator spread out, causing the surrounding energy to vibrate. Xu Zhou swayed slightly, as his first-level Qi Refining cultivation was insufficient to withstand it, and his breathing became slightly labored for a moment.

"interesting."

"At Baicaotang, I've hardly met anyone who dares to speak to me like that."

"You're just a mere apprentice, yet you're so arrogant. If everyone acted like you, wouldn't Baicaotang be in complete chaos?"

Xu Zhou was intimidated by his imposing manner, but he showed no intention of backing down and remained firm in his stance: "Senior brother, please don't be offended. These are the rules of Baicaotang. Senior brother Ke entrusted me with the management of the pharmacy, and I have been diligent and conscientious, never daring to be negligent in the slightest, and I have always acted in accordance with the rules."

He paused, then added, "If Deacon Zhuang speaks personally, I may hand over the pharmacy to you, Senior Brother. But I wonder if Deacon Zhuang's order has been given yet?"

Zhuang Siyan was speechless for a moment.

Deacon Zhuang, mindful of his position, could casually mention his ambitions regarding the pharmacy, but he couldn't easily order a change of personnel. Otherwise, making things too obvious would easily invite criticism.

Originally, he planned to proceed slowly, but Zhuang Siyan was afraid that others would covet the pharmacy position like him. Seeing that Xu Zhou was just an apprentice with no background, he decided to go to his door to put pressure on him personally.

Unexpectedly, Xu Zhou, despite his lowly status, refused to back down. It's hard to say whether he was clever or simply stubborn.

This put Zhuang Siyan in an awkward position.

However, his henchmen seized the opportunity to rebuke him.

"presumptuous!"

"How dare an apprentice from the outer sect be so disrespectful to his senior brother?"

"I must inform the steward about this matter later!"

Amidst the shouts and curses, Zhuang Siyan gradually regained his composure, and with a cold snort in his heart, he wanted to give Xu Zhou another warning.

Just then, he suddenly felt a slight stirring in his mind and looked out of the pharmacy.

Suddenly, a young monk appeared at the door.

"It's quite lively here."

Everyone paused in their tracks and turned to look at him.

The visitor remained calm, seemingly unaware of the unusual atmosphere around him. He strolled leisurely to the counter and handed over a slip of paper: "Looking for medicine? Please prepare the herbs listed on this paper for me. I need them immediately."

"Yes." Xu Zhou silently took the note and went to the medicine cabinet to start working.

Seeing this young cultivator interfere, Zhuang Siyan's expression changed repeatedly.

He naturally recognized Xiao Bing, who was still just an apprentice, but his uncle was a very famous figure in the inner sect, and even Steward Zhuang would not dare to offend him easily.

Finally, Zhuang Siyan forced a smile: "Junior Brother Xiao Bing, long time no see. What brings you here all of a sudden?"

Upon hearing the inquiry, Xiao Bing's expression remained unchanged, still bearing a friendly smile: "It was just a coincidence. I was just thinking of practicing my alchemy skills, so I came to get some auxiliary medicinal herbs. I didn't expect to disturb you, please forgive me."

"I see."

Zhuang Siyan's eyes darted around, and he asked with a smile, "I wonder if Junior Brother Xiao would be interested in guarding this pharmacy?"

Before he could finish speaking, Xiao Bing waved his hands repeatedly, "No, no, I only want to focus on studying alchemy and have no interest in anything else. If you are interested, senior brother, feel free to compete with me; there is no need to consider my feelings."

Zhuang Siyan felt a slight sense of relief.

But before he could catch his breath, Xiao Bing changed the subject again.

"However," Xiao Bing smiled and looked at him, "this pharmacy is an important position, and it's not so easy to manage. Since you're so dedicated to guarding the pharmacy, you'd better be careful in the future."

Zhuang Siyan's expression froze: "What do you mean?"

"I just said it offhand."

Xiao Bing shook his head and said, "Bai Cao Tang is very meticulous. Although the pharmacy is not the alchemy room, it is of utmost importance. If something goes wrong, it could ruin a batch of good pills."

"Senior Brother Zhuang is wealthy and generous, so he won't worry about compensation. But missing out on the pills is a small matter; it would be unpleasant if it displeased any of the senior brothers."

Zhuang Siyan narrowed his eyes slightly, his small eyes darting around as if he were deep in thought.

He quickly nodded: "Junior brother is quite right. It seems that managing the pharmacy requires careful consideration. I came in too much of a hurry today. I will go back and carefully reread the medicine classics and then discuss it further later."

He casually thanked them and then left with the rest of the group.

After they left, Xu Zhou slowly walked back to the counter.

"Thank you so much for your help, Senior Brother Xiao!"

He cupped his hands to Xiao Bing and said, "If it weren't for Senior Brother Xiao's righteous help this time, I'm afraid I wouldn't have been able to keep this position in the pharmacy."

Xiao Bing smiled slightly: "Junior brother, don't say that. We entered the hall in the same year and have a deep friendship. I heard that you were having some trouble, so I came to see if I could help. It was just a small favor."

Xu Zhou returned the smile, but inwardly he became even more vigilant.

Several years had passed, and Xiao Bing was no longer the impetuous young man he once was. Although he was smiling now, it was precisely because of this that Xu Zhou couldn't figure out what he was thinking.

Xiao Bing said, "However, my visit this time is only to temporarily make the man surnamed Zhuang wary. He will come again after he has discussed it with Steward Zhuang."

"Deacon Zhuang holds a prominent position in Baicaotang. Although I have my uncle's backing, I dare not confront him directly. I hope my junior brother will not take offense."

Xu Zhou said, "Senior Brother Xiao's willingness to lend a hand this time has already helped me out of a great predicament, and I dare not blame him."

Xiao Bing nodded and asked him a few more questions about his daily life, showing the same warmth and concern as if he were an old friend.

Just as Xu Zhou began to wonder about his purpose in coming, Xiao Bing asked casually, "By the way, Junior Brother, have you seen Senior Brother Ke recently? I heard that he has been in seclusion for a long time since he made a mistake in alchemy. I wonder how he has been doing lately."

Xu Zhou pondered for a while before replying, "It has been a while since I've seen Senior Brother Ke, and I don't know when he will emerge from seclusion."

"I see."

Xiao Bing gave him a meaningful look: "If he comes out of seclusion, please give him my regards. Tell him that I have long admired Senior Brother Ke's character and would like to ask him for some advice if I have the chance."

Xu Zhou's mind raced, and he finally guessed the purpose of Xiao Bing's trip.

It turns out that what he was after wasn't the pharmacy, but Ke Yanfeng.