Eternal Life: Talent Grows with Age

Speaking of the most formidable figures in Platinum Immortal City right now, besides Du Xuan, it’s Elder Ning Zhao of the Good Beast Sect.

Ning Zhao had a fiery red marten sitting on his shoulder, its fluffy tail flicking back and forth, scattering tiny sparks as it moved.

Lu Chang’sheng remembered this person quite well; back when he attended that underground trade meet, he’d crossed paths briefly with him.

The guy never bothered to hide his spirit beast, which now seemed pretty clear—he’d got nothing to be afraid of.

"This is an elder from my Good Beast Sect."

Gu Yuan gave Lu Chang’sheng a quick introduction.

"Alchemist Lu, you’re really full of surprises, aren’t you?" Ning Zhao looked over at Lu Chang’sheng, a curious glint in his eyes.

The part of the Immortal City managed by the Good Beast Sect was right next door to the Supreme Profound Sect, so both sides kept tabs on notable folks in each other’s territory.

But Lu Chang’sheng was practically unknown among them.

Mostly because Lu Chang’sheng had risen to prominence just recently.

They chatted for a bit, and though Ning Zhao wore a stern face, he kept flattering Lu Chang’sheng so much, even Lu found it hard to keep up.

Once the atmosphere had warmed up, Ning Zhao got down to business, laying out the benefits the Good Beast Sect was offering Lu Chang’sheng.

First off, they’d give Lu a steward’s position, but with elder-level perks.

And then, when it came to spirit beast selection—

"The higher-ups all agreed: you’ll get access to Grade A Beast Institute spirit pets, Alchemist Lu. Of course, whether you can actually claim one depends on you. If you’d prefer a Grade B Beast Institute pet, that’s also fine."

When he mentioned spirit pets, Ning Zhao gave a little reminder.

"Why is that?"

"Most of the spirit pets in the Grade A Institute are offspring of high-rank spirit beasts. High-level beasts are quite intelligent. While we control spirit beasts in our sect, it’s more like a symbiotic partnership. We always show them the proper respect."

"So, when choosing a spirit pet in the Grade A Institute, it all depends if the beast likes you too."

Lu Chang’sheng nodded, not particularly anxious—he’d decide when the time came.

Beyond that, there was another ’perk’ that struck Lu Chang’sheng as pretty odd.

"We’ll also give you the opportunity to compete for a Dean position, fellow Daoist."

"Dean?" Lu Chang’sheng shot Ning Zhao a puzzled look.

But Ning Zhao just smiled and said, "You’ll get what I mean once you arrive at the Good Beast Sect."

The two hit it off, and Lu Chang’sheng was genuinely pleased with the benefits being offered.

As a steward, he’d get elder-level perks—including an annual salary of over a hundred thousand low-grade spirit stones.

Plus, a yearly bonus payout. The Good Beast Sect managed revenue from eight different Immortal City districts—the bonus alone was pretty substantial, way better than Lu Chang’sheng’s own pill shop earnings.

As far as Lu Chang’sheng was concerned, all this would massively boost his Foundation Establishment.

’No question, Immortal Sects are filthy rich!’

"If Alchemist Lu is ready, we can sign the Immortal Contract."

Ning Zhao quickly pulled out a contract scroll.

Lu Chang’sheng read it through, saw that everything was fine, and signed right away.

As he finished the last stroke, Gu Yuan and Ning Zhao both exhaled hard—making Lu wonder if he’d been a little hasty.

"Haha, don’t overthink it, Alchemist Lu. I was just worried something unexpected might happen. With your alchemy skills, every Immortal Sect is drooling over you."

Now that the dust had settled, Ning Zhao could finally relax.

If the contract hadn’t been signed, Lu Chang’sheng could’ve backed out at any moment. This was, after all, the Supreme Profound Sect’s territory—worrying was only natural.

Who would’ve thought this trip to Platinum Immortal City would turn out like this? Ning Zhao was practically jubilant now; even his sharp eyes looked soft and gentle when glancing at Lu Chang’sheng.

A second-class Alchemist—at their level of sect, that was basically a rare gem. Honestly, what was Supreme Profound Sect thinking, leaving someone like this single for so long?

Just as he was stewing on that, Gu Feng’s voice piped in from outside—someone was asking for Alchemist Lu.

Ning Zhao’s eyebrows shot up, not too pleased at Gu Feng’s lack of tact.

Luckily, Gu Yuan explained, "Elder Gu Feng isn’t that clueless. He knows he shouldn’t interrupt you while you’re discussing important business with Steward Lu. He probably couldn’t avoid it."

Sure enough, after getting the go-ahead, Gu Feng came over with another cultivator.

Lu Chang’sheng recognized the newcomer—it was an old acquaintance.

"Lu—" Cheng Wu spotted Lu Chang’sheng right away, feeling he must be on a lucky streak.

Elder Du Xuan hardly ever took a special interest in a Qi Cultivator, so this attention meant Du Xuan really had his eye on Lu.

On the way over, Cheng Wu had already been happy for Lu Chang’sheng. But suddenly, the man with his back to Cheng Wu turned around—

"True Man Ning Zhao!" Cheng Wu’s heart skipped a beat and he hurried to speak.

"Don’t mind me—just say what you need to say." Ning Zhao waved his hand casually, but his sharp eyes looked like they could shoot sword beams at any minute.

Even though Cheng Wu was used to big occasions, he was still sweating bullets and forced himself to speak up.

"Elder Du Xuan invites Alchemist Lu to come over for a bit."

The moment Cheng Wu finished, Ning Zhao let out a strange laugh, making Cheng Wu break out in cold sweat, almost ready to bolt.

Before Lu Chang’sheng could respond, Ning Zhao interjected, "You go tell True Man Du Xuan that Steward Lu is discussing important sect affairs with me—it’ll be a while before they meet."