Chapter 59: Trish's Private Request

The old witch's voice suddenly lowered, carrying a warning: "You don't even have the qualification to touch the general information of that part with your current cognitive state."

"Why?" Luo En couldn't help but ask, his curiosity getting the better of him.

"Because that part of the content easily leads the practitioner into madness."

Lady Ailan said calmly, but a flash of fear that was hard to detect crossed her eyes:

"While mastering the first two stages, your spiritual power and control over yourself also need to reach sufficient intensity; otherwise, only endless darkness and madness await you."

Speaking of this, the old witch's slightly hoarse voice actually carried a trace of rare concern:

"I have seen too many geniuses ruin themselves because of being eager for success. Your potential is great, there's no need to take that kind of risk."

"I will keep your warning in mind."

Luo En nodded solemnly; he could feel the concern hidden in Lady Ailan's words.

Although their relationship was established on the basis of mutual benefit, Luo En was certain that Lady Ailan was indeed doing her best, at least not wanting to see a young apprentice with potential fall into madness too early.

Just like a breeder wouldn't want the seedlings they carefully cultivated to bloom and bear fruit too early, thus affecting the final harvest.

"Very good."

Lady Ailan took down a leather scroll that looked extremely ancient from the bookshelf behind her, its surface covered with mottled traces left by time:

"Continue your daily work this morning; in the afternoon, I will officially start teaching you the content of the first stage of 'Whispers of the Star Eater'."

Luo En nodded and started his routine work.

Organizing herbs, making simple potions, recording the characteristics of newly arrived goods...

These boring tasks were all full of meaning in his eyes at this moment; every operation could give him a deeper understanding of potion science.

He worked focused and efficiently; these seemingly simple trifles would undoubtedly become a solid foundation for his greater achievements in the future.

【Potion Refining EXP +1】

【Basic Potion Science EXP +1】

Near noon, the shop door was pushed open, the wind chime made a crisp sound, and a light breeze carrying a strange floral fragrance drifted in.

Luo En looked up and immediately recognized the visitor—Trish, dressed in a dark gray robe, was standing at the door, the sunlight shining from behind her, outlining a dazzling silhouette for the girl.

Since their brief reunion last time, Trish had clearly undergone more transformation.

That face that was once thin due to hunger now had beautiful lines, her eyes revealing confidence and firmness, and the light blue gemstone badge on her chest reflected light.

"Lady Ailan, I'm here to pick up the potions entrusted by the mentor." Trish's voice was soft but clear.

Lady Ailan heard the sound, looked at the wall clock, and nodded lightly: "Not a second off from the agreed time; I like good children who are as punctual as you."

She took out an exquisite wooden box from under the counter, on which complex runes were engraved, forming an invisible protective barrier:

"Tell Wizard Corinna that the efficacy of this potion is thirty percent stronger than the last time, but the usage method remains the same. Also, the consumption of those rare materials is greater than expected; the price will probably have to be adjusted upward next time."

Trish took the wooden box, checked the seal skillfully, and then carefully put it into the inner pocket of her robe:

"The mentor has already considered the price fluctuation of materials; this is additional compensation."

She took out a small bag from another pocket, from which came the sound of hard objects colliding.

Lady Ailan took the bag, pinched it with her fingers, seemingly estimating the weight, and then nodded in satisfaction.

After the transaction was completed, Trish's gaze turned to Luo En, who was organizing herbs on the side.

Compared to last time, her eyes clearly had a few more points of scrutiny and curiosity.

"Luo En, long time no see." She nodded slightly in greeting, her voice carrying a hint of probing:

"Heard you have successfully advanced to a junior apprentice? Congratulations."

"Thank you." Luo En responded politely, put down his work, and wiped the herbal juice off his hands:

"You seem to be doing quite well too; Lady Corinna's teaching must be very effective."

"Each has their own gains." Trish answered lightly, but the pride couldn't be hidden in her eyes.

"Luo En, since you are old acquaintances, why not take Trish to the back to sit and have a cup of tea?"

Lady Ailan on the side suddenly spoke, her tone carrying a hint of teasing: "Exactly, I still have some rare materials to deal with alone."

The two smiled at each other, somewhat helplessly accepting this arrangement.

Luo En brought Trish to the small lounge behind the herb shop; this was a simple but warm space, with a small courtyard planted with various medicinal plants outside the window.

He poured a cup of fragrant herbal tea for both of them; the tea presented a light amber color, emitting a fragrance that made people feel refreshed.

"You have changed so much." Once seated, Trish went straight to the point, her bright eyes staring directly at Luo En:

"From a candidate apprentice of the sixth-rank star in a difficult situation, to the current junior apprentice, heard it's because you have talent in potion science?"

Luo En smiled slightly, not feeling offended by the girl's straightforwardness: "Just relatively hardworking, unlike you, born with the spiritual power aptitude of a third-rank star, destined to achieve extraordinary things in the future."

Trish took a light sip of tea, a flash of complexity crossing her eyes.

She put down the teacup and tapped the rim of the cup with her fingers: "Everyone has their own path; I am indeed lucky to be favored by Mentor Corinna, but this kind of 'luck' also has a price."

Luo En nodded lightly, indicating understanding; every bit of power and status had its corresponding price. No free lunch, this was the most basic law of the extraordinary world.

"Speaking of which, how is Andre doing recently?" Trish suddenly asked, her voice carrying a hint of concern that was hard to detect, although her expression still maintained that arrogant coldness.

Luo En was slightly stunned, but quickly remembered that Andre had mentioned trying to pursue Trish before, but was directly rejected by the other party.

"He is very good; although the progress of his spiritual power cultivation isn't particularly ideal, his Knight cultivation talent is indeed extraordinary."

He could only answer truthfully, although this couldn't be considered a difficult thing to say: "Recently he has been focusing on cultivating breathing techniques, and the progress is quite smooth."

Trish nodded lightly upon hearing this, a flash of worry crossing her eyes:

"Listen, Luo En, I know you and Andre have been getting closer recently. I'm not trying to interfere with your choice of friends, but I still want to remind you to be careful of people from the Royal Family; they are all good at calculating. Especially guys like Andre who seem gentle, they often have the deepest schemes."

"I understand." Luo En looked into the girl's eyes, a smile appearing at the corners of his mouth:

"In the Black Fog Forest, everyone has their own plans. Instead of worrying about being calculated, it's better to improve your own value and turn calculation into win-win cooperation."

Trish nodded in agreement upon hearing this.

"Well said; it's because of this way of thinking that I have today's status."

She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear: "Luo En, it seems you are much smarter than I imagined."

Speaking of this, the brown-haired girl hesitated, as if weighing her words: "Actually, coming here today, besides picking up potions, I have a private request."

"What request?"

(End of chapter)