18 Black Lotus

"Master, you said the equipment would be simple to make. The craftsman said otherwise when we showed him the diagrams." Accusation was clear on the young pair's faces as they stared at the Floral Lake.

"It has been ages since I could move around freely. To think that even after all so much time has passed, you humans are still so inept. My apologies. My expectations were too high." A sigh echoed in the minds of the two children. Lin Tao glared at the air.

"When will the equipment be ready?"

"In three days. Will we be using the equipment you have already prepared?"

"No, I'll teach you two about medicine until that craftsmen finishes making the items. It is already a blessing for you children to be learning my techniques. Do not ask for a mile after I give you an inch. To be able to use the equipment that belongs to this legendary spirit would be too great of an honor to give to little brats who failed to meet their master's expectations.I was so disappointed when learning that my dear disciples could not complete such a simple task."

Lin Tao and Ji Yun did not attempt to hide the blame they felt towards their master, 'Isn't our failure due to your horrible drawing skills!'

Seeing the disheartened looks on the two children's faces, Bai Lian felt slight regret. 'Should I have phrased my words kinder? They are still children after all. However, a master must be somewhat strict…'

Lin Tao interrupted her thoughts, "Hmm… Great blessing? I heard the last person who learned from you died tragically. Were they blessed too?"

Bai Lian's regret immediately vanished as she gazed discontentedly at Lin Tao, '… I almost forget he was also that old fox's disciple. How could a disciple of that old fox have a decent personality?'

"Tao, you shouldn't be so rude to master! We truly are fortunate to receive her guidance and so was Bai Lian. Although she died tragically, she was probably thankful to master as she died. After all, she died only after giving it her all to change her fate. Knowing that she truly did her best, Bai Lian was definitely able to die with less regrets that if master had never given her such a great opportunity!"

Bai Lian was stunned by Ji Yun's word. Her shock was swiftly overcome by sorrow as she remembered how she really felt as she died. Contrary to Ji Yun's words, Bai Lian had not truly given it her all to survive. She gave up on her life, thinking her death was inevitable when the crown prince requested to meet in private. 'If I was not filled with regret, then these past memories would never have came back.'

Forcefully, her sorrow was locked away, deep in her heart. Determination was laced within the gentle voice as Bai Lian initiated the start of the medicine lessons.

The two children learned about medicine from Bai Lian for the next three days. Only when they brought the special equipment did the spirit guardian begin to teach medicine brewing methods and recipes.

Lin Tao was surprised by the brewing techniques they were learning. The techniques were unlike any other medicine or pill making techniques he had seen or read about. 'No wonder these medicines were considered revolutionary when the Bai Clan were selling them.'

After getting a hang of the brewing techniques, the children found the recipes to be quite simple to perform. After gathering the proper ingredients from the forest with Bai Lian's guidance, they would practice each recipe they were taught.

A week had passed before the children prepared to sell the medicine they had made. Within the week, Lin Tao had made 40 bottles of medicines, while Ji Yun made 36 bottles. Each bottle of medicine was as effective as a rank 2 pill.

"Mm. As expected of my disciples. You young ones should be ready to learn the higher grade medicine recipes, but we should first get these bottles of medicine on the market. In the past, the Bai Clan had sold many of these medicines to the Golden Leaf Pavilion. The appraisers there should be able to recognize these medicines."

The Golden Leaf Pavilion was known as the greatest auction house of the mortal realm. Multiple branches of the auction house could be found in every kingdom. Besides hosting auctions, the Golden Leaf Pavilion also operated as a normal store, selling items at set prices or negotiating purchases with sellers.

The fame of the Golden Leaf Pavilion was known by all. Lin Tao and Ji Yun were not surprised they would be selling the medicines there.

"Should we sell it normally or by auction?"

"Normally. Only when you two are capable of brewing higher grade medicines will selling at the auction be viable. When you sell these medicines, make sure they do not think you two were the brewers." Bai Lian's gaze, filled with worry, was trained on the young pair. 'Hopefully, they will not be targeted by others for the medicine recipes…'

When she originally planned on using the two children, Bai Lian was not too worry for their safety. However, the conflicting emotions clashing within her was a clear indicator of her true feelings. 'I need to find someone else to use. Someone I won't feel bad for tricking… Someone I can happily lead to their death.'

"Wait. Have you heard of branded medicine?" Ji Yun's eyes shone as an idea popped up in her head.

"Mm. Famous alchemists usually brand a mark on the pills they concoct to signify they were the concocter of the pill."

"We should brand a white lotus mark on the bottles of the medicines as a dedication to Bai Lian!"

In a blink of an eye, countless new plans and possibilities flashed through Bai Lian's mind.

"Mm. Very good! However, make the lotus mark black instead and tell them the brewer of the medicines is an old friend of the late Bai Lian. The lotus shape is enough as a dedication. If Bai Lian were to be the one branding her medicines the lotus mark would likely be white. Although, she's dead, we shouldn't use her color."

The corners of the children's mouths lifted as they heard the cheer within the gentle voice. Ji Yun had always felt bad for the guardian spirit. Since their first encounter, she could tell the spirit was lonely. Her longing to help bring joy to the spirit only grew as she learned more about the spirit. Seeing her attempt of lifting the spirit's mood was successful, Ji Yun could not help but beam brightly.

Lin Tao noticed his smile as well as the relief that had washed over him. He felt a sense of confusion, 'Wasn't I suspicious of the granny? I can't even see her. Since when did I start caring so much for her?'