Chapter 48: New Mission

When George finally returned home, it was close to midnight. After a quick wash, he teleported into the game world. His figure materialized in the small village where he often started his adventures. He had planned to head out and slay monsters, level up, and gather materials to sell for money. But before he could leave, he spotted Pharmacist Li, who was beaming with joy. "Master, what's got you in such a good mood?" George asked, approaching the elderly man. In this village, aside from the crafty shopkeeper, nearly everyone had taught George valuable skills. In a sense, they were all his mentors. "My Super Healing Balm research has succeeded!" Pharmacist Li said, practically glowing with excitement. "Really? Congratulations, Master!" George quickly offered his well wishes. He recalled how, not long ago, Pharmacist Li had asked him to collect herbs from the nearby forest for this very research. He hadn't expected the breakthrough to happen so soon. "Master, may I take a look at the new medicine?" George asked, eager to see the result of the hard work. Recently, George hadn't just been fighting monsters; he'd also started dabbling in alchemy and weapons crafting. He had bought a basic alchemy furnace from the general store—a cheap, no-frills one without any special attributes. The store did sell higher-quality furnaces, but the shopkeeper was known for his exorbitant prices. Since George was short on money, he had reluctantly settled for the most affordable option as a temporary solution. "Of course," Pharmacist Li said, pulling out a small porcelain bottle and handing it to George. George immediately cast an appraisal spell on the contents. Super Healing Balm, crafted by Grandmaster Pharmacist Li. Effect: instantly stops bleeding and accelerates wound healing. Restores 30 health points per second for one minute. It can be used in combat. It really was the Super Healing Balm! George's eyes lit up with excitement. He had thought his own advanced-level healing potions were decent, but compared to this Super Healing Balm, they were no match. Advanced Healing Balm: slows bleeding, restores 10 health points per second for 30 seconds. Cannot be used in combat. The difference between the two was glaring. "Master, could you teach me the recipe for this Super Healing Balm?" George asked, hopeful but cautious. "You want the recipe?" Pharmacist Li looked at him thoughtfully. "Sure." "Really?" George's face lit up. The Super Healing Balm would make his monster hunting so much easier. "Yes," Pharmacist Li nodded. "But first, you'll need to find something for me. If you do, I'll give you not only the recipe for the Super Healing Balm but also another one." As he spoke, Pharmacist Li pulled out another porcelain bottle and handed it to George. This time, the bottle contained small pills. Rage Pill: doubles attack, defense, and speed for 30 seconds upon consumption. Incredible! George's eyes widened at the power of the Rage Pill. "What do you need, Master? Just name it, and I'll do whatever it takes!" George said, pounding his chest with determination. "I need the Sacred Lotus!" Pharmacist Li declared. "If you can bring me the Sacred Lotus, I'll give you both recipes, and you can keep these bottles as well." "The Sacred Lotus? What is that, and where can I find it?" George asked, intrigued by the rare-sounding herb. "Legend says the Sacred Lotus grows atop Sky Mountain. It's a snow-white flower with eight petals that emit a fragrant aroma. Even a whiff from an ordinary person can strengthen their body. It's a rare and valuable herb for crafting powerful pills," Pharmacist Li explained, his eyes gleaming with excitement. "So, where is Sky Mountain?" George asked, already planning the journey in his mind. To George's surprise, Pharmacist Li shook his head. "I don't know. I'm not even sure if the Sacred Lotus truly exists. I've only read about it in old texts." "What?" George was taken aback. He was being sent on a wild goose chase for something that might not even exist? "No matter," Pharmacist Li said, undeterred. "I have faith in you. I believe you can find it." George grimaced. "But I'm not sure I believe in myself, Master. Can't you give me a different task?" "No!" Pharmacist Li’s voice was firm. "I've been a grandmaster for years, and I've always sought to surpass my limits. The Sacred Lotus is my chance. If I can obtain it, I might reach a level no one has ever attained!" Pharmacist Li's face was filled with excitement and even a hint of obsession. It was clear this wasn't a spur-of-the-moment request; he had probably been dreaming of this for years. "Alright, I'll give it a shot," George said. Whether for his own benefit or to help his master, he felt compelled to at least try. Thankfully, the task didn't have a time limit or penalties for failure. Even if he couldn't find the Sacred Lotus, it wouldn't harm him in the game. "Good! I knew I wasn't wrong about you!" Pharmacist Li beamed. "If you can help me, I'll teach you everything I know! Not just the recipes for the balm and the pills, but all my knowledge." That was no small promise. It was clear Pharmacist Li was willing to offer everything he had in his quest for the Sacred Lotus. George felt even more motivated. When he had first become Pharmacist Li's apprentice, he had learned alchemy and reached an advanced level. But that was only one aspect of being an apothecary. In this world, people got sick, and apothecaries were also expected to treat illnesses. So far, George only knew how to make potions; he hadn't learned anything about actual medicine. If he could gain that knowledge, not only would it make him more valuable in the game, but it might also help him in the real world. Despite the daunting task, George was determined to try.