The old witch’s voice suddenly dropped, carrying a hint of warning: "That part of the content, with your current cognitive state, you are not qualified to even grasp any general information."
"Why?" Ron couldn’t help but ask, his curiosity getting the better of him.
"Because that part of the content could easily drive a cultivator to madness."
Lady Allen spoke calmly, but an almost imperceptible fear flashed in her eyes:
"When mastering the first two stages, your spiritual power and self-control need to be sufficiently strong; otherwise, only endless darkness and madness await you."
At this point, the old witch’s slightly hoarse voice unexpectedly carried a rare trace of concern:
"I’ve seen too many talents destroy themselves in their eagerness for success. You have great potential; there’s no need to take that risk."
"I will keep your warning in mind."
Ron solemnly nodded, feeling the underlying concern in Lady Allen’s words.
Though their relationship was built on mutual benefit, Ron was convinced that Lady Allen truly wanted to do her best, or at least didn’t want to see a promising young apprentice fall into madness prematurely.
Just as a cultivator wouldn’t want their carefully nurtured seedlings to bloom too soon, affecting the final harvest.
Lady Allen took down an extremely ancient-looking leather scroll from the shelf behind her, its surface mottled with traces left by time:
"Continue your usual work this morning. In the afternoon, I will officially begin teaching you the first stage of the ’Star Eater’s Ravings’."
Ron nodded in agreement and began his morning routine.
Sorting herbs, making simple magic potions, recording the traits of newly arrived items...
These mundane tasks, at this moment, were full of meaning in his eyes, with each operation deepening his understanding of Magic Potion Making.
He worked with focus and efficiency; these seemingly simple chores would undoubtedly become a solid foundation for his greater achievements in the future.
[Magic Potion Refining Experience Points +1]
[Basic Magic Potion Making Experience Points +1]
Near noon, the shop door was pushed open, the doorbell making a crisp sound, and a breeze carrying a strange floral fragrance wafted in.
Ron looked up and instantly recognized the visitor—Trish, in a deep gray robe, stood at the door, the sunlight behind her outlining a radiant silhouette.
Since their last brief reunion, Trish had evidently further transformed.
The face that was once emaciated from hunger now had graceful contours, and her eyes exuded confidence and determination, the light blue sapphire badge on her chest reflecting light.
"Lady Allen, I’ve come to pick up the magic potion the master requested." Trish’s voice was gentle but her words clear.
Lady Allen looked up at the clock and lightly nodded: "You’re not a second off from the agreed time. I like punctual children."
She retrieved a delicate wooden box from beneath the counter, its surface carved with intricate runes, forming an invisible protective barrier:
"Tell the Wizard Corina that this time the potion’s effectiveness is thirty percent stronger than last time, but the usage remains unchanged. Also, the consumption of rare materials exceeded expectations; the price might need to be raised next time."
Trish took the wooden box, adeptly inspecting the seal before carefully placing it into an inner pocket of her robe:
"The master has already taken into account the fluctuation in material prices. This is additional compensation."
She took out a small pouch from another pocket, from which came the sound of objects colliding.
Lady Allen received the pouch, pinching it lightly as if weighing it, then nodded satisfactorily.
After the transaction, Trish turned her gaze to Ron, who was tidying herbs nearby.
Compared to last time, her eyes were noticeably more scrutinizing and curious.
"Ron, long time no see." She nodded slightly, her voice carrying a hint of probing:
"I heard you’ve successfully been promoted to an Elementary Apprentice? Congratulations."
"Thank you." Ron replied politely, setting down his work and wiping the herbal juice from his hands:
"You seem to be doing well too, I assume Master Corina’s guidance has been effective."
"Each has their gains." Trish responded lightly, but her eyes could not conceal a hint of pride.
"Ron, since you two are old acquaintances, why not take Trish to the back for a cup of tea?"
Lady Allen suddenly spoke up, her tone slightly mischievous: "It’s just as well; I have some rare materials that require my solitary attention."
The two of them exchanged smiles, somewhat helplessly accepting this arrangement.
Ron took Trish to the small lounge at the back of the herb store. It was a simple but cozy space, with a courtyard outside filled with various medicinal plants.
He poured each of them a cup of fragrant herbal tea, the tea a pale amber hue, emitting an invigorating aroma.
"You’ve changed a lot." Trish said directly as soon as they sat, her bright eyes locking onto Ron:
"From a struggling Sixth-class Star Candidate Apprentice to your current status as an Elementary Apprentice, I’ve heard it’s because of your talent in Magic Potion Making?"
Ron smiled slightly, finding no offense in the girl’s candor: "Just a matter of effort. Unlike you, naturally endowed with Third-class Star Spiritual Talent, destined for an extraordinary future."
Trish sipped her tea, a complexity flickering in her eyes.
She set her cup down, her fingers gently tracing the rim: "Everyone has their path. I am indeed fortunate to have been noticed by Master Corina, but such ’fortune’ comes with a price."
Ron nodded lightly, indicating understanding. Every power and status has its corresponding cost. There’s no such thing as a free lunch—this is the most basic rule in the Extraordinary World.
"By the way, how is Andre lately?" Trish suddenly asked, her voice carrying an almost imperceptible concern, though her expression remained aloof and cool.
Ron was momentarily taken aback, but quickly remembered that Andre had previously mentioned trying to pursue Trish, only to be directly rejected by her.
"He’s doing well. Though his spiritual cultivation progress isn’t ideal, his talent for Knight Cultivation is indeed remarkable."
He could only answer truthfully, though this wasn’t exactly an embarrassing matter: "Lately, he’s been focusing on Breathing Technique cultivation, and the progress has been fairly smooth."
Trish nodded slightly at this, a look of concern flashing in her eyes:
"Listen, Ron, I know you’ve been getting closer to Andre lately. I’m not trying to interfere with your choice of friends, but I must remind you to be wary of those from the Royal Family. They are all skilled in scheming. Especially someone seemingly gentle like Andre, often hides the deepest intrigues."
"I understand." Ron said, looking into the girl’s eyes, a hint of a smile playing at his lips:
"In the Black Mist Jungle, everyone has their own plans. Rather than worry about being schemed against, one might as well increase one’s value so that schemes become win-win cooperation."
Trish nodded in agreement.
"Well said. It’s because of such a mindset that I have my current status."
She tucked a lock of hair behind her ear: "Ron, it seems you are much smarter than I imagined."
At this point, the brunette girl hesitated, as if choosing her words carefully: "Actually, I have a personal request, apart from picking up the potion today."