The Herb King

168 Emperor Erwin’s Doubt

Emperor Erwin stared deeply at Lexter. This man was famous for his schemes. He knew how to command a large army of soldiers effectively and he could bring out their potential by using different kinds of strategies in battle.

He didn’t know what Lexter was scheming, but the plan that he proposed was very hard to reject.

If the Ford Empire attracts the attention of the Leone Empire by attacking Vale City, his Dustin Empire would have a high chance of penetrating the defenseless Lion City. Since the Ford Empire would attract the majority of the enemy’s soldiers, his army would be able to take control of Lion City. However, if the Ford Empire was merely using them, it might be dangerous for his Dustin Empire.

Emperor Erwin was in a dilemma. He was unsure whether he would choose to believe Lexter’s words or not.

“Your Majesty, to show our sincerity, we are willing to send a large supply of medicines to your Dustin Empire. Other than that, we will also be sending a group of engineers who will help you in the siege of Lion City.” Lexter smiled lightly at Emperor Erwin.

The Emperor narrowed his eyes upon hearing this. It looks like the Ford Empire is already hell-bent on destroying the Leone Empire. “Fine! Our Dustin Empire will send two hundred thousand soldiers to attack Lion City. Tell your emperor that I want to meet him in person to discuss the details of this plan.”

Lexter’s smile deepened after getting his answer. He then cupped his fists as he replied. “Yes, Your Majesty. I will inform him of your words.”

***

Aethelwolf observed Jade Kristine as she was refining a 4th-Grade Pill. Johann was also watching the process without blinking his eyes. He might learn more by looking at Jade Kristine’s refining session.

.....

“Don’t aggressively increase the temperature of your Golden Pill Fire. Its heat is already hot enough so just keep it burning at a moderate temperature.”

“When you extract the medicinal liquid of your ingredients, make sure that you properly handle the herbs so that you can get all the nutrients they possess.”

“Control the flow of your world essence and don’t let a single energy leak while you are mixing the medicinal liquid.”

“Maintain your focus while you are starting to form the pills. You need to have a focused mind to increase the success rate of your refining process.”

Aethelwolf was giving her instructions as she refined the pill.

Jade Kristine was refining a pill called Great Restoration Elixir. It was the most basic 4th-Grade Pill and it was also the easiest to refine within its level. This Great Restoration Elixir was valuable in the market despite it being relatively simple to make. After all, it can heal the wounds of a Level 4 Esper and it could even restore a lower leveled Esper to full health upon consumption. That was how powerful it was. The only downside to this pill was its expensive ingredients so there wasn’t much profit in making them.

Jade Kristine carefully followed Aethelwolf’s instructions. She didn’t allow a single mistake to happen. Beads of sweat covered her face and her hands were even visibly trembling.

Aethelwolf clicked his tongue while looking at her. “What’s all those fancy refining techniques for? Using them wouldn’t even increase the success rate of the refining procedure. Executing them would only increase your wastage of world essence. Just stir the mixture gently and form the pills by controlling your world essence in a delicate manner...”

Jade Kristine followed his suggestions and she realized that the refining process this time was a lot smoother.

Soon, two pills were formed inside her cauldron, giving off a vast torrent of energy. When the pills were fully created, Jade Kristine grabbed a chair and sat down with a weary look.

“I did it!” She exclaimed joyously. It was the first time she managed to refine two 4th-Grade pills in just one session!

“Congratulations, Miss Jade Kristine! With this, you are now officially a Level 4 Alchemist.” Aethelwolf clapped his hands while looking at her with a smile. This woman was quite talented and it only took her a short amount of time to digest his teachings.

Johann also clapped his hands, but he revealed a bitter smile as he looked at Jade Kristine. He thought that he would be the next person to become a Level 4 Alchemist, but this woman succeeded before him. “Congratulations, Miss Jade.”

Aethelwolf glanced at Johann and noticed his worried expression. “Relax. You will soon be able to summon your Golden Pill Fire. It doesn’t matter if you are third or fourth. What matters is that you will succeed.” He consoled the old man.

“What matters is that you will succeed...” Johann repeated his words silently. “Well said, Sir Aethelwolf!” He smiled.

Aethelwolf patted the old man’s shoulder. He then turned his gaze to Jade Kristine and asked. “Now that you can refine 4th-Grade Pills, when do you plan to have yourself tested for the Level 4 Alchemy exam?”

Jade Kristine became silent as she pondered upon the question. If she applies for the exam, the other three Administrators will know that she was already a Level 4 Alchemist. She didn’t know what they would do if they were to learn about it.

After a long while, she raised her head and looked at Aethelwolf as she replied. “I will wait and see for now. I want to learn more about the situation of the other three Administrators. Besides, I still want to try to refine this pill without your help, Sir Aethelwolf. Once I am confident that I can create 4th-Grade Pills all by myself, I would have myself tested for the Level 4 Alchemy exam!”

Aethelwolf nodded his head. “I see. If you need anything, just look for me. Now that you are my student, I won’t allow other people to cause you harm.” He said in a cold tone. He was a very protective person and he didn’t want others to hurt his comrades.