I rely on learning to achieve immortality.

The icy fog slowly dissipated.

Xu Zhou stood in front of the ice fog, carefully observing the speed and time of its spread, as well as the differences within the fog.

Considering these current circumstances, and comparing them with the Yin-type spiritual water formula in my mind, I pondered which ingredient had played a role, which medicinal properties easily promoted the accumulation of Yin energy, and whether there was any possibility of it getting out of control...

To others, his actions would seem somewhat of a waste of time.

Instead of wasting time figuring out the variations of spells, wouldn't it be better to spend some time learning more powerful spells?

But Xu Zhou is different.

His own characteristics give him ample time to learn. When faced with these seemingly minor details, he is more inclined to get to the bottom of things and seek answers.

Although some time was wasted in the end, the result may not be worse than learning a high-level spell from scratch.

"The ice fog is more stable this time."

"However, the toxins added to the spiritual water didn't have any effect... It seems that the low temperature caused by the spell prevented the toxins from working."

"How can it be improved?"

While pondering these thoughts, Xu Zhou's face showed no distress at the predicament he was facing; instead, it displayed an excited eagerness to try.

Soon, an idea came to mind.

He was about to go back to his room to refine new Yin-type spiritual water when he suddenly sensed something was wrong.

The protective array outside the courtyard was activated, indicating that someone had been there.

Xu Zhou did some quick calculations and then chuckled after a while: "Unbeknownst to us, three months have already passed."

Originally, I wanted to master the magic and immediately go to the steward to inquire about the medical lineage, but I got so engrossed that I lost track of time. Thinking about it carefully, the next few days should be when the new alchemy missions are released.

Although it wasn't anything urgent, Xu Zhou never had the habit of putting off troublesome matters.

Right now, it's better to make up for this year's alchemy quota first, and then focus on my own affairs.

Xu Zhou arrived at the courtyard, found the letter left by the visitor, and took out the one sent by Baicaotang.

This is the list of pills needed for this year. As long as you refine them according to the requirements, there will be no other tasks this year.

Xu Zhou opened it and read it carefully.

A moment later, his face darkened.

This year's tasks are several times more demanding than last year's.

...

"Why are there so many more tasks this year than before?"

Xu Zhou originally wanted to ask Ke Yanfeng about it, but he didn't expect that the other party had not returned to the hall yet.

After thinking for a long time, he personally approached the deacon in charge of task allocation, intending to inquire about the reasons in detail.

The steward in charge of this matter was named Ge Liancheng, whom Xu Zhou had met a few times before. In Xu Zhou's memory, Ge Liancheng was a gentle and eloquent middle-aged cultivator, and they got along fairly well.

However, when I visited today, although the other party's attitude was still mild, they were not as easy to talk to as before.

"Junior Brother Xu, the fact that you have more tasks is a last resort."

Ge Liancheng spoke in a calm tone, revealing neither joy nor anger.

"You've been an alchemist for seven years now. The tasks you've completed over the years, while all within the rules, can only be considered mediocre at best."

He paused, as if considering his words:

"Training an alchemist requires a considerable amount of resources from the sect. The alchemy room, the alchemy furnace, and even the medicinal herbs you use every day—aren't all of these provided by the sect?"

If we simply maintain the status quo and fail to strive for progress, it will eventually become difficult to explain to our superiors.

Xu Zhou's expression darkened slightly: "Didn't we agree back then that the alchemy room would be handed over to me, as long as the contribution points were paid off within twenty years? It's only been seven years now, isn't that a bit too hasty?"

That's true.

Ge Liancheng nodded slightly, his tone still gentle.

"Rules are rigid, but people are flexible. You should understand that Baicaotang can't always judge people by the lowest standards, right?"

"With the sect facing a shortage of elixirs, the tasks naturally need some adjustments. Since you've taken over this excellent alchemy room, it's only right that you take on more responsibility."

As he said this, he slightly raised his gaze.

"Consider it a small amount of interest that Baicaotang is collecting in advance before the 20th anniversary arrives."

Upon hearing this, Xu Zhou already understood about 70-80% of what was going on.

He didn't argue further, got up, and took his leave.

This kind of thing can't be explained by reason.

After leaving, he went to Steward Zhang's residence immediately.

"Deacon Zhang," Xu Zhou said, his tone somewhat urgent but still maintaining basic respect, "I've come to inquire whether Senior Brother Ke has encountered any trouble?"

The only reason Ge Liancheng's attitude towards him has changed so drastically is that Ke Yanfeng has run into trouble and can no longer protect him.

Deacon Zhang was slightly taken aback by his question, then frowned and asked, "Where did you hear this news from?"

"I didn't hear it from you; I just sensed it."

Xu Zhou briefly recounted what had happened.

After hearing this, a hint of displeasure flashed across Deacon Zhang's face: "These people seem quite anxious."

After a pause, he looked at Xu Zhou and said, "Don't panic. This is just speculation. It may not have really reached the most troublesome point yet."

Xu Zhou frowned slightly: "Is Senior Brother Ke really in trouble?"

"It's not clear yet."

Deacon Zhang shook his head: "Currently, we don't know what happened to him. It's been almost a year since he left the sect, and we still haven't heard a single word from him."

Recently, things have been unsettled outside the sect, and with the others who went out with him also missing, some people have begun to think that he may have encountered a raiding party and never returned.

Xu Zhou's face immediately darkened.

Deacon Zhang comforted him, "However, this is just speculation. It seems that he may not actually be in trouble. He may just be temporarily unable to return."

However, some people inside the Hundred Herbs Hall couldn't wait any longer and started making some underhanded moves while he was away.

Xu Zhou frowned and asked, "It hasn't even been a year, and someone's already had enough?"

Deacon Zhang glanced at him: "You probably don't know Deacon Ke very well. Do you know how much power he wields within the hall?"

Xu Zhou fell silent for a moment.

He completely shuts himself off from the outside world whenever there's something to learn. My impression of Ke Yanfeng is still based on what happened several years ago.

Deacon Zhang said, "He has mastered alchemy skills quite well. He's just over forty and has already reached the threshold of a high-grade alchemist. He also has a Foundation Establishment cultivator as his backer. Even in the Hundred Herbs Hall, which is full of hidden talents, there aren't many people with the same background as him. You probably can't even imagine how many resources he controls."

He's only been gone for less than a year, so most people are still able to remain rational. Only a few are getting impatient and will start by seizing some of his less important assets.

For example, your alchemy room.

Xu Zhou understood.

Ge Liancheng increased his workload several times over, not because he really wanted him to complete those tasks, but to use them to coerce his alchemy room and the most important furnace in the room.

These items are considered scarce resources at Baicaotang, and even other low-grade alchemists don't all have one. Thanks to Ke Yanfeng's connections, he got an alchemy room early on, which has now become an advantage in the eyes of others.

The value of the alchemy room is neither insignificant nor particularly great. Even if Ke Yanfeng returns in the future, those who have occupied the alchemy room can simply return it and cover it up as a joke.

I myself have suffered an undeserved misfortune.

Xu Zhou remained silent for a long time, and the last glimmer of hope in his heart finally dissipated.

He bowed deeply to Deacon Zhang: "Thank you for clearing up my doubts, Deacon."

Steward Zhang sighed, "I know you are the kind of person who is persistent in the Dao of Alchemy, but this is just how Hundred Herbs Hall is, and there is nothing we can do to help you."

However, this might actually be an opportunity. You can give up your alchemy room and lay low for a while. Who knows, Deacon Ke might return any day now.”

Xu Zhou thanked him repeatedly and then got up to take his leave.

As he stepped out of Steward Zhang's cave, he felt a sense of unease.

It wasn't for his own sake; after all, he was still in the sect, and no matter what happened, it wouldn't threaten his life.

But Ke Yanfeng is now missing, and I don't know what happened to him. This senior brother has treated me well, and if something really happened to him, I will be very sad.

After thinking for a moment, Xu Zhou suppressed his frustration.

Worrying won't help, so it's better to think about what to do next.

Try to complete the alchemy task and force yourself to hold on until things turn around?

If Xu Zhou hadn't come to Deacon Zhang's place, he might have chosen this path.

But according to Deacon Zhang, there are quite a few people who are tempted by the benefits in Ke Yanfeng's hands. Ge Liancheng is just the first, but there may be a second.

Even if they withstand the pressure from Ge Liancheng, there's always the chance they'll cause trouble with other people.

After all, with his alchemy skills, he was indeed not worthy of the alchemy room he was in.

To truly protect the alchemy room, one needs to at least raise their cultivation to the mid-stage of Qi Refining, or obtain an alchemy inheritance, in order to significantly improve their alchemy skills and leave others speechless.

But neither option can be achieved in a short time.

It seems this alchemy room is beyond saving.

Just like the pharmacy of the past, others have become greedy, and if one wants to keep to oneself, one can only step back and give way.

Wait... a pharmacy?

Xu Zhou suddenly thought of someone.

A slight smile played on his lips as an idea suddenly formed in his mind.

"Since the alchemy room can't be defended, we might as well take this opportunity to get some appropriate compensation."