My low-key cultivation of immortality was discovered by the emperor in my diary.

Master Lu carefully stored the elixir in a porcelain bottle, feeling gratified.

Chu Lengyu then noticed Fu Wenshen and his apprentice lingering outside the door and turned to ask, "Master Alchemist, I heard today that there is also a ranking system on Misty Mountain. Is that true?"

Master Lu stroked his white beard and explained to her, "Every three years, Wushan holds a Wushan Tea Party to gather talents from all over the world and exchange their cultivation experiences."

"At the tea party, in order to determine the seating order, a ranking competition arose. However, this ranking is only for reference and should not be taken too seriously. It's not a life-or-death struggle, so who would reveal their trump cards?"

After listening, Lüyun was the first to flatter, saying playfully, "Old sir, you know so much! No wonder people say that having an elder in the family is like having a treasure!"

Master Lu laughed and said, "I can't just grow so many years old for nothing."

The Jade Cauldron Pavilion has a rich collection of books. He has read extensively throughout his life and used to be proud of his extensive knowledge and erudition.

The only thing he had never heard of was the so-called "ancient" item that Chu Lengyu had taken out. He even secretly wondered if this woman was some kind of ancient monster who had now lived a second life.

Master Lu suppressed his thoughts and said, "Next year is the time for the tea party. Although the specific time has not yet been announced, I will keep an eye on it. If Miss Chu is interested in attending, I can make an introduction."

Chu Lengyu's heart stirred, and she agreed, "I am very interested, then I will trouble you, alchemist."

Since everyone from Wushan had gathered at one place on the day of the tea party, Chu Lengyu's thoughts could be summed up in one word: to wipe them all out.

She telepathically instructed Huang Yi to go to the door to greet them, and then said to Master Lu, "A master and apprentice have arrived outside. I guess they are old acquaintances of Master Lu, and I have already ordered someone to bring them in."

"Oh?" Upon hearing this, Master Lu couldn't help but wonder which old friend had come to visit. "Then I'll go and see."

After saying that, he put down the porcelain bottle and went out happily.

Green Bamboo stepped forward and asked, "Miss, the master and disciple you mentioned, could it be the pair we met at the restaurant earlier?"

“Exactly.” Chu Lengyu nodded, then asked, “How are the two disciples that Alchemist Lu brought?”

"They're all quite well-behaved." Green Bamboo glanced in the direction of the herb garden and reported in a low voice, "They're currently leading Huang San and Huang Si to renovate the area around the herb garden. Don't worry, Miss, I'll keep an eye on them."

Green Bamboo paused for a moment, then continued, "Also, Master Lu said he got some inspiration from a book, something about the Five Elements... well, I don't understand it, but it seems really powerful. He's planning to make a major overhaul of the back mountain!"

"Yes, leave all of this to him to arrange. I trust his judgment." Chu Lengyu said this, but she was secretly a little surprised.

Having only read some information about spiritual herbs, Lu Danshi was able to grasp the principles of the Five Elements from between the lines and transform the herb garden. His comprehension in this area is quite remarkable.

Moreover, he didn't mention this to Chu Lengyu, which meant he was confident he could complete it on his own and didn't need her help, which made her look at him in a different light.

In short, all matters concerning the herb garden should be left to Master Lu Dan, and Lü Yun should continue to follow him, so that she can both supervise and learn a lot.

She could tell that Lüyun was quite interested in the ways of herbs and elixirs.

……

Fu Wenshen stepped into the Pine Forest Cottage with reverence.

Everywhere he looked was a serene and elegant scene, and he couldn't help but secretly praise the unique charm of the place.

Inside the small building, the fragrance of herbs still lingered in the air. Fu Wen took a deep breath and felt completely at peace, as if all his troubles had vanished with the aroma.

"Senior Lu, it's been many years. How have you been?" Fu Wenshen's voice was gentle, revealing a hint of joy at their long-awaited reunion.

Upon hearing the voice, Master Lu looked up and saw that it was Fu Wenshen. His face lit up with surprise and delight: "Oh, Brother Fu, what a rare guest!"

He strode forward to greet him, beaming.

"It's been many years, but you haven't changed a bit. Your charm remains as strong as ever." After saying that, Master Lu's gaze fell on Ah Xing beside Fu Wenshen, and he asked in surprise, "This...this is your new disciple?"

"Yes, Ah Xing, hurry up and pay your respects."

Upon hearing this, Ah Xing immediately bowed respectfully and greeted Master Lu.

His eyes sparkled with curiosity, and he would occasionally steal glances at the kind and amiable old man in front of him.

Master Lu said warmly, "Come in and sit down, let's catch up."

As he spoke, he led the way, taking Fu Wenshen deeper into the manor.

The room was simply and elegantly furnished, with a small table and a couch. On the desk were several ancient books and a porcelain vase with red plum blossoms.

Master Lu personally brewed tea to entertain his guests. He skillfully manipulated the teaware, and the tea water swirled in the pot before finally turning into a clear spring that flowed into the cup.

He picked up a teacup and handed it to Fu Wenshen and A Xing, saying with a smile, "Try it. This tea is brewed with spring water from the mountains. You can't find it anywhere else."

Fu Wenshen took the teacup, took a sip, and exclaimed sincerely, "Good tea, good water."

"It's delicious," Ah Xing said, finishing the whole cup in one go before realizing with embarrassment that he was tasting tea, not drinking water.

Master Lu smiled and filled their cups, asking with concern, "Brother Fu, you've cultivated diligently for many years and rarely come down the mountain. What's wrong? Did the peak master assign you some kind of task?"

Fu Wenshen smiled slightly and said, "When stillness reaches its extreme, one is tempted to move. Peak Master also advised me to go down the mountain for training. To be honest, I have been away from the mountain for more than a year. I just arrived in the capital today and went to the palace to visit the alchemist. That's when I learned that you have moved here."

As he spoke, he briefly recounted the events he had encountered along the way.

After hearing this, Master Lu stroked his beard and sighed, "No wonder you look travel-worn. But it's always good to travel around. Unlike me, as I get older, I feel increasingly powerless."

Fu Wenshen shook his head: "Master Lu, you are mistaken. Your attainments in alchemy are becoming increasingly profound, which is truly admirable."

But Master Lu sighed and said, "The Dao of Alchemy is boundless; I only have a superficial understanding of it."

The sentiment in his words surprised Fu Wenshen.

Master Lu's alchemy skills are already recognized as the best in Wushan, so why does he seem to have suffered some kind of blow today, looking somewhat dejected and gloomy?

Fu Wenshen then brought up the topic of alchemy, saying, "I smelled this calming and reassuring medicinal fragrance outside just now. Has the alchemist developed a new elixir?"

"Alas, this pill is called the Heart-Clearing Pill, but it was not refined by me," said Alchemist Lu himself.

"Could it be that Master Lu is finally willing to accept a true disciple?" Fu Wenshen asked.

“She is not my disciple either,” Master Lu sighed again. “I cannot instruct her on her alchemy techniques.”

As soon as he finished speaking, Master Lu stood up, supporting himself on the edge of the table, and said, "Words are never enough. Come, I'll take you to see how she refines pills."