Eternal Life: Talent Grows with Age-Chapter 154 - 121: Age 50, Full Root Bone Aptitude!

Chapter 154: Chapter 121: Age 50, Full Root Bone Aptitude!

Lu Chang’sheng’s root bone and talent now reached 9 points, just one shy of perfection at 10; naturally, his comprehension was likewise extraordinary.

"By the way, I heard His Majesty mention the Beauty Pill. Is it possible for me to take a look at it?"

Lu Chang’sheng asked.

If it had been when they first met, Yan Yun definitely wouldn’t have agreed.

This was a secret of their Alchemy Department, known only to the emperor and a few key royal members. But now, Yan Yun was already thoroughly convinced by Lu Chang’sheng, so after the briefest hesitation, he agreed.

After all, the Beauty Pill wasn’t something too important.

Soon, Lu Chang’sheng received the experiential knowledge on how to refine the Beauty Pill.

You couldn’t deny its Immortal Pill reputation—its refining requirements were far higher than ordinary pills.

On top of that, it even mentioned magical power.

However, according to Yan Yun, these Innate Martial Artists’ true qi actually already carried a trace of magical power, just enough to attempt the making of the Beauty Pill.

Otherwise, even with the complete Beauty Pill formula in hand, you still wouldn’t be able to make this particular pill.

Lu Chang’sheng’s exchanges with Yan Yun proved immensely beneficial, and after leaving the Saint Institute, his insights into the Longevity Pill only deepened.

Only now did he realize that, originally, his previous confidence in replicating the Longevity Pill had been pure illusion.

Before, when he examined the Longevity Pill, it was as if there was a layer of mist. But now, though he saw through the fog, he discovered that what was beyond it was as far away as the stars.

"According to Yan Yun, the Royal Library is overflowing with treasures. It would do wonders for my study of both the Martial Dao and the Alchemy Dao; I ought to make a visit."

"Still, the Royal Library is even stricter than the Saint Institute—I’ll have to request permission from the Empress herself."

Arriving at the Saint Institute, Lu Chang’sheng came to understand that it had actually fallen into decline.

In the past, the Institute’s collection and the royal family’s together accounted for ninety percent of all books in the land, with the rest of the territories holding only a tenth.

But at some point, the Institute’s books had gradually been transferred to the Royal Library, leaving only the less important volumes behind.

For example, within the Saint Institute, there wasn’t a single martial arts tome pertaining to Innate Martial Artists left.

Everything had ended up in the Royal Library.

Lu Chang’sheng figured it was most likely a Zhu Family emperor who’d wanted to use the Royal Library to control martial artists across the empire.

Like now, with Yan Yun sitting in his position—there might well be the same motive at play.

"If this were another time, I’d probably have to sell myself just to talk to Yan Yun."

For a moment, Lu Chang’sheng could neither feel grateful nor only laugh bitterly.

The next day, he sent a letter to the Empress, explicitly stating his wish to view the books in the Royal Library.

But, to Lu Chang’sheng’s surprise, his application was denied.

You have to understand, to get access to the Royal Library, Lu Chang’sheng had put quite a few treasures on the table.

Such as—his own Five Elements Divine Skill, the Anshi Book, not to mention dozens of Innate Level martial arts techniques.

Almost all of these were deduced by his own astonishing talent—the Royal Library absolutely did not have them.

Those contributions should’ve been enough to grant him entry to the Royal Library.

"Clearly, this concerns me personally."

Lu Chang’sheng shook his head inwardly.

Much as he coveted the Royal Library, it wasn’t something essential; since the Empress wouldn’t approve it, there was no point in lingering any longer in Jinghua Prefecture.

Meanwhile, inside the imperial palace, Empress Zhu Qing looked displeased at the group before her, feeling more than a little headache.

These people were the Innate Tributors tasked with guarding the palace.

All were already advanced in years.

Having spent so long at court, their characters hadn’t mellowed with age; if anything, they’d grown more obstinate.

Especially Jin Ke—no one knew who tipped him off, but last night he suddenly confronted her, voicing his dissatisfaction with Lu Chang’sheng.

This infuriated Zhu Qing.

If only the circumstances were different, she would have broken ties with them then and there.

Taking a long breath, she said, "Sir Jin, why bicker with someone his age? Even if Lu Chang’sheng looked at every book in the library, he’d still fall short of your skills."

Jin Ke shook his head, saying, "Miss, persuading me is pointless. You know perfectly well the purpose of the Royal Library: if Lu Chang’sheng is allowed in, it breaks tradition—what will everyone else think?"

The Royal Library is for the royal family; there are strict requirements for entry.

Alternatively, a person could join the royal household as a Tributor.

Lu Chang’sheng refused to become one, so naturally, he wasn’t qualified.

Zhu Qing knew Jin Ke had a point, and felt somewhat helpless.

She still needed these people for challenges ahead, so she couldn’t afford a falling out.

Unfortunately, she was still a long way off becoming an Innate Martial Artist herself.

"I wonder how on earth Lu Chang’sheng cultivates—he’s so young, yet already reached the Innate Realm."

Never mind that Lu Chang’sheng was a few years older than her—he’d reached the Innate Level more than a decade ago.

In comparison, she couldn’t help feeling pathetic.

After all, she had a Spirit Root, too.

······

Kong Mansion.

White walls, red tiles, high gates, and deep courtyards—exceptionally imposing.

The Kong Family was an influential clan in Jinghua Prefecture. Old Master Kong could call himself kin to royalty, and during his tenure, he reached the second rank in government.

Even after retirement, he still supported many protégés—his influence in court remained substantial.

Kong Yuzhen was his daughter.

Now that Lu Chang’sheng had come to Jinghua Prefecture, thoughts naturally turned to Kong Yuzhen.

This woman had withdrawn from the Seeking Immortality expedition, yet some connection remained, just not as close as before.