Chapter 85: External Assistance

Life is peaceful, no problem.

But the research on Lixuan grass aromatherapy oil has run into big trouble.

Using all conventional pharmaceutical measures and means, the Lixuan grass leaf extract aromatherapy oil still cannot be prepared to achieve the desired effect.

Several samples' positive effect on meditation falls far short of expectations.

Not to mention comparing it to the same product on the market.

Mo Li believes that only with the intervention of alchemical pharmaceutical technology can there be any change.

Alchemical pharmaceutical science is a sub-discipline crossing pharmaceutical science and alchemy.

The Library lacks books on this subject, and the advanced literature repository also finds little material.

Lin Ke exchanged six "credits" earned from the breeding results of Silver Star Flower hybrids on the credits exchange page for a copy of *Fundamentals of Alchemical Pharmaceutical Science*.

Afterwards, Lin Ke began self-study.

Soon after, Lin Ke almost withdrew into himself.

His brain told him, "You've learned it; go ahead and try bravely."

After trying.

The result told him, "You've messed up your learning."

Alchemy, pharmaceutical science, and alchemical pharmaceutical science are really too difficult.

Even though Lin Ke has Xifulesi Sineipu's talent for potion-making, his speed in learning the related knowledge is very fast.

But Lin Ke's study time is too short, and his foundational knowledge is still not broad or deep enough.

This has led to the current predicament of seeming to understand but not quite, saying he doesn't understand yet actually understanding a bit.

To continue advancing the research and development of Lixuan grass aromatherapy oil, Lin Ke and Mo Li need external guidance.

Within Lin Ke's current social circle, only two people can give him external guidance: one is Paro Wizard, the other is Selin Wizard.

Without much thought, Lin Ke decisively chose Paro Wizard.

In interactions, there is give and take.

If others invest in you, they won't just ignore you.

If there's a problem, boldly go to the other party; don't fear bothering them.

It is both to report progress, display stage‑stage results, demonstrate one's value, and to seek help and further investment.

Sunday, evening.

Lin Ke used the friend system of his Portable Smart Brain to communicate in advance with Paro Wizard, arranging the meeting time and place.

Administrative Building, Thesis Review Office.

Lin Ke and Mo Li came here together, first knocked on the door, then entered one after another.

"Good evening, Paro Wizard."

It's no fault to be overly polite; the first thing Lin Ke and Mo Li did upon entering was naturally to greet.

"Sit."

Paro Wizard gestured to the chair in front of the desk, then went straight to the point: "Did you bring the experiment log and samples?"

As soon as Lin Ke steadied his seat, he stood up and placed the neatly organized experiment plan, experiment log, data records, thesis draft, and several sample bottles one by one on the desk.

"Wait a moment, I'll take a look first."

Paro Wizard picked up the sorted materials and began reading them carefully.

Though said to be reading carefully, the speed was actually super fast.

After all, at Paro Wizard's level, his perception of time, control over his own spirit and body, speed of thought, etc., are far beyond ordinary people, far beyond apprentice wizards, and far beyond regular full wizards.

Soon, Paro Wizard finished reviewing all the materials and then turned his attention to the several different sample bottles.

Without seeing him move, several bottle stoppers popped out automatically, and faint traces of slightly differing aromas drifted out.

Paro Wizard lightly tapped his right index finger in the air, and the aroma instantly dissipated.

After doing these, Paro Wizard did not immediately voice his opinion, but asked, "You tell me first: in which aspects do you think things went wrong, and how should we proceed to continue?"

Lin Ke gestured for Mo Li to speak first.

Both of them were Newblood selected by Paro Wizard from the Kuite Archipelago.

Mo Li's aptitude is not great, but her grades are not bad either; moreover, she had earlier contact with Paro Wizard, so if she performs well today, she might also earn his favor.

Before coming, Lin Ke had already discussed this idea with Mo Li.

After preparing herself mentally, Mo Li agreed to do this, trying as much as possible to leave Paro Wizard a good impression.

Thus, Mo Li was unflustered, spoke confidently and at length: "I think our accumulation in runic studies is insufficient; we haven't even succeeded in drawing the most basic alchemical formation runes, so out of necessity we switched to the natural variation reaction method to prepare the essential oil base."

Therefore, the several aromatherapy samples produced have insufficiently noticeable stimulation of mental power during meditation, or positive influence.

After a pause, Mo Li changed tone and continued: "Furthermore, our understanding of pharmaceutical science and alchemical pharmaceutical science is still too little and too one‑sided; during R&D we often need to look up materials on the spot, which is overly burdensome."

"Hmm. That's quite good."

Paro Wizard nodded slightly, apparently thinking Mo Li's performance was passable, then turned to Lin Ke: "And you? What do you have to say?"

Lin Ke thought for a moment and briefly said: "I think we haven't yet clarified the mechanism by which various pharmaceuticals positively affect meditation efficiency, which is why we haven't produced the expected results."

"What you both say makes sense."

Paro Wizard nodded again, not denying their views, then shifted tone: "Your research intuition is quite keen; you can detect the special effect of Lixuan grass leaf extract and think to develop it into aromatherapy oil—these are commendable."

I have looked at the materials you brought.

The research on the various properties of Lixuan grass has solid data and accurate conclusions; with a little polishing, it can be formally published.

As for developing the aromatherapy oil, I personally suggest that instead of seeking my guidance, you'd better collaborate with Selin Wizard.

He paused deliberately to give Lin Ke and Mo Li time to think.

After a moment, Paro Wizard continued: "This way, you can both complete the R&D quickly, and under Selin Wizard's guidance learn pharmaceutical and alchemical pharmaceutical knowledge more comprehensively and deeply, and also monetize faster. What do you think?"

Today, the Paro Wizard has spoken more in one go than ever since Lin Ke met him.

Moreover, his attitude is extremely gentle, and his patience is ample.

He also gave Lin Ke and Mo Li full respect.

Lin Ke and Mo Li exchanged a glance, understood her meaning, and replied: "We are willing to follow your guidance, Paro Wizard."

"Good."

The Paro Wizard curled the corner of his mouth into a slight smile: "I will communicate with Witch Serlin in advance; specifically, you will go to her shop tomorrow to communicate with her and hear her arrangements."

"Thank you, Paro Wizard."

Lin Ke immediately took Mo Li's hand and greeted the Paro Wizard: "Sorry to trouble you."

"Haha... the more trouble like this, the better."

The Paro Wizard laughed heartily, feeling somewhat pleased with the two's compliance, and said: "I have a dry share in Witch Serlin's potion shop. Once the Lixuan grass essential oil is successfully developed, and the patent is transferred to the academy with Witch Serlin's potion shop as the main entity, I will also be able to earn profits."

Those who work with their mind rule others; those who work with their strength are ruled by others.

At the Paro Wizard's stature, Magic Stones will come to him unbidden.

The same goes for talent.

(End of chapter)