https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-34-The-List-and-the-Soundwave-Curse/13535201/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-36-Qualification-Confirmation-Recommendation-Letter/13535274/
Chapter 35: A Little "Punishment"
Chapter 35: A Little "Punishment"
Morning sunlight filtered through gaps in the Black Mist Jungle canopy, casting golden streaks across the winding trail. Luo En adjusted his attire and made his way to the Herbal Medicine Shop.
The memory of Madame Ellen's breathtaking beauty from last night still lingered in his mind, refusing to fade.
Logic told him it was just a temporary illusion, yet deep inside, he couldn't suppress the quiet hope of seeing that pink-haired witch again.
Pushing open the shop door, a familiar blend of herbal aromas greeted him. Luo En's gaze locked onto the hunched figure behind the counter.
As expected, Madame Ellen had reverted to her usual aged appearance—wrinkles etched like a dried riverbed across her face, a prominent hooked nose above a thin-lipped mouth perpetually pursed in disapproval, pale hair sloppily pinned at the nape of her neck, and spotted hands delicately inspecting a vial of potion.
Though anticipated, witnessing the stark contrast still made Luo En's expression flicker with clear disappointment.
He hurried to school his features, but Madame Ellen's next words betrayed her awareness of his reaction.
"Disappointed to see me like this?" The old hag didn't look up, her hands still busy with the vial, her tone carrying a teasing lilt.
"Of course not, madam." Luo En replied quickly, offering a wry smile that lacked conviction.
Setting down the potion, Madame Ellen finally lifted her head, emerald eyes piercing. "You brat, your thoughts are written all over your face. Who are you trying to fool?"
Luo En shifted his gaze awkwardly. "Apologies, madam. No disrespect intended."
"Pfah, relax. I wouldn't get upset over something so trivial." She waved a hand dismissively, her voice softening in an unusual way. "That youthful appearance was more agreeable, admittedly. I preferred it myself. But time's blade cuts evenly for all."
Rising slowly, she leaned on her wooden staff adorned with intricate carvings, approaching him with measured steps. Her eyes bore into his. "You'll learn one day—outer appearances often misrepresent true strength."
Luo En nodded obediently.
"Since you've got such youthful energy to spare, I have the perfect task waiting." Madame Ellen chuckled, gesturing toward a shadowy corner. "That shipment of Thornvine needs processing. Remove every single thorn and blemish—none left behind."
Following her finger, Luo En spotted a massive pile of silver-gray vines bristling with sharp spines and irregular growths. In the dim light, their points glinted menacingly.
He instinctively swallowed. Even by his current standards, this was no ordinary chore. At minimum, it would consume half a day's labor.
The old witch caught his hesitation, eyes gleaming with mischief. "Tired already? Let me share a bonus detail—those spines contain trace toxins. Prolonged contact numbs the fingers, and if left unchecked, might even cause temporary sensory delays."
Her lips curved imperceptibly. "But if this seems too arduous, you're welcome to admire my 'lovely' face all day. I wouldn't mind."
Luo En scratched his head sheepishly, instantly recognizing the nature of this "task"—a playful punishment. Though reluctant, he acknowledged Madame Ellen's authority as his employer, and appreciated the invaluable knowledge and materials this shop provided.
"I'll start right away, madam." He nodded firmly, turning toward the vine pile.
A faint chuckle drifted from behind him.
Processing the Thornvine proved every bit as demanding as warned. The work demanded extreme patience, precision, and skill. Each vine required a specialized silver knife to carefully scrape away spines and growths at the correct angle; any misstep risked damaging the plant or drawing blood.
Half an hour in, his hands bore seven fresh cuts while the processed vines numbered barely a handful.
"Too rough." Madame Ellen materialized beside him, her voice a mix of reprimand and guidance. "Maintain a 30-degree angle, following the vine's natural grain."
Snatching the knife, she demonstrated with astonishing dexterity—a single stroke carved a perfect arc, removing spines and blemishes without harming the vine itself.
Luo En observed intently, quickly adjusting his technique. Learning through observation had always been his strength.
[Herb Identification Experience Points +1]
With time, his movements grew smoother. He discovered patterns in the spines' arrangement, predicting optimal processing sequences and anticipating stubborn growths. Then came an unexpected realization—the Thornvine followed an inexplicable order in its thorn distribution.
More curiously, when fully focused, he could sense faint rhythmic pulses within the vines—distinct from Qi cultivation patterns yet equally mesmerizing.
"Fascinating", he murmured, wholly engrossed. Experimenting, he synchronized his motions with this natural rhythm, finding his efficiency surge as if the vines cooperated with his touch.
Unaware of her renewed presence, Madame Ellen handed him a steaming cup of dark green liquid. "This counters toxin buildup." Her tone remained neutral, but her eyes held faint approval. "You handled this better than expected."
Grateful, Luo En accepted the drink. To his surprise, it tasted sweetly of honeyed mint tea, instantly soothing his numb fingers.
"Thank you, madam." After finishing it, he resumed work with renewed vigor.
By dusk, he'd completed the entire pile, wiping sweat from his brow as he admired the pristine silver-gray vines.
"Not bad", Madame Ellen inspected the results, her surprise evident. "Better than I anticipated. You found the trick?"
"The vines follow an internal growth pattern", he admitted. "Synchronizing with it improved efficiency."
"Eh? Growth patterns?" Her eyes sparkled with intrigue. "Few notice the living rhythms in magical plants. Your perception's truly exceptional."
With that, she retrieved a small pouch from beneath the counter, the clinking of hard objects within unmistakable. "Your Mana Shard Fragment payment—extra this time. You earned it."
Luo En weighed the pouch—five fragments, more than double the usual two.
"Grateful for your generosity, madam." Pocketing the pouch, he turned to leave.
"Wait", she called, her voice softening. "You're heading to the elementary apprentice certification later?"
(End of Chapter)
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