Above the mage

Chapter 167 General Knowledge of Medicinal Herbs

The old monk looked at the name on the exam paper: "Gaode".

He didn't know Gaode personally, but he recognized the name Gaode.

After all, the news about Gaode spread first among the mentors and then among the students.

interesting!

So much fun!

He picked up his teacup, took a sip, and sighed to himself as he looked at the name.

Of course, he maintained a completely expressionless face.

Although the old master is a neutral party, based on common sense, he, like most people, does not think Gaode is likely to win the top spot in this credit competition.

But now, he has changed his mind.

To learn a water-related subject so well shows that this is a serious student.

A student with this personality would do something as "crazy" as taking sixteen courses at the same time, so there must be some degree of confidence involved.

"These young people nowadays!" The experienced old monk still felt it was an exaggeration when he thought of the terrifying number of sixteen courses again.

But with some of the facts already laid bare, he could only admit he was getting old.

While the other students in the classroom who were answering questions were somewhat alarmed by Gaode's early submission, they didn't think much of it.

The image of the "General Spells Knowledge" course as a "water course" is still deeply ingrained in people's minds.

Just like in a math exam, if someone hands in their paper first, you'd think they're amazing. But in a language arts exam, if someone hands in their paper first, you'd at most think, "That kid writes really fast!"

After handing in his paper and leaving the exam room, Gaode did not return to his dormitory, but instead rushed to another building in the college.

He had to rush to another event.

The final exam for "General Knowledge of Medicinal Herbs" is also scheduled for this morning.

Of course, to avoid students who take two courses at the same time being unable to participate in the assessment of one of the courses, the specific assessment time is staggered from that of "Understanding General Spells".

Because he submitted his paper early, when Gaode arrived at the examination room for the "General Knowledge of Medicinal Herbs" course, the examination room was not even open yet, and students were not allowed to enter the examination room. They were just asked to wait outside the classroom.

With nothing else to do, Gao De simply closed his eyes and concentrated, recalling the complex rune diagram in his mind to pass the time.

Time flies when you have something to do.

When Gaode noticed the increasingly chaotic conversations around him and opened his eyes, it was already close to the time for the assessment.

Outside the examination hall, the place was already filled with students who were about to take the exam.

"General Knowledge of Herbs" is also a required course in "Potion Studies".

After all, if you don't even recognize medicinal herbs, how can you call yourself a potion master?

Therefore, the course had a high attendance rate, and a considerable number of students participated in the assessment.

Once Gaode came to his senses, he noticed that many of the students were frequently glancing at him and discussing among themselves.

With the attention of a bunch of "spectators" and "gambling addicts," all sixteen elective courses offered by Gaode Maps have already been exposed.

Therefore, most people know that Gaode will be taking final exams for three courses in the next two days.

With the removal of the easy course "General Spells Knowledge," the assessment of this course "General Knowledge of Herbs" is undoubtedly the first test to examine Gao De's level.

These students, eagerly anticipating a good show, were all curious about what results Gaode would achieve.

Now that the person in question is in person, it's no surprise that there's more attention and discussion.

While the students were having a lively discussion, the examination room finally opened, allowing the students to enter.

The final assessment for the course "General Knowledge of Medicinal Herbs" is also conducted indoors.

However, the specific assessment format is quite different from that of "Understanding General Spells".

Inside the spacious room, there were dozens of bluestone tables, each with a box sealed with a strip of paper on it.

Upon entering the "examination room," the students who had been discussing animatedly fell silent, their expressions turning serious.

The atmosphere became somewhat oppressive and tense.

Because the failure rate for "General Knowledge of Medicinal Herbs" is actually quite high, everyone is more or less nervous and apprehensive.

Following the seating arrangement, Gao De sat down at the bluestone platform where he was assigned.

Similarly, staff members first verify the trainees' identity badges, and only after that does the supervising instructor in charge of the assessment officially announce the start of the assessment.

With a clear bell sound, a hazy light barrier slowly rose around the bluestone platform.

The light shield formed an inverted bowl shape, enveloping the bluestone platform and the examinees in front of it.

As the light shield descended, Gao De found that his vision was confined to the bluestone platform, and he could not see the outside world at all.

"Anti-cheating measures?" Gaode thought to himself.

"Everyone, open the box in front of you. Note that you are not allowed to make any noise during the assessment, nor are you allowed to exchange herbs or look at other people's answers." At this moment, the supervisor's voice, carrying an unquestionable air of authority, came from outside.

Gaode quietly tore off the seal on the box and then opened it.

A medicinal aroma, a blend of the unique scents of various herbs, wafted over.

The box contained many medicinal herbs, each with a corresponding number, and each herb was a carefully selected sample.

In addition, there is a scroll made of sheepskin on the side.

Gao De picked up the scroll, opened it, and took a look.

The above is the exam question.

Question 1: "Please describe in detail the name of medicinal material No. 1, its most common place of origin and geographical characteristics, medicinal part, medicinal properties, and common directions of use."

Gao De took a deep breath and turned his gaze to the medicine box containing the number 1 medicine.

This is a unique herb with long, thin leaves and serrated edges.

The stem is covered with fine hairs, and at the top bloom small, pale purple flowers that emit a faint fragrance.

"Medicinal herb number 1." Gao De murmured to himself. Information about it came to him naturally without him having to consciously recall it.

Gaode Maps wrote its answer below the question.

"Purple Velvet Grass is abundant in the southern foothills of the Estrella Mountains, where the climate is humid, the hours of sunshine are long, and the soil is rich in vital substances, making it an ideal place for Purple Velvet Grass to grow."

"The roots of the purple velvet grass are rich in various active ingredients and are often used to make medicines that promote wound healing..."

"Furthermore, Purple Velvet Grass can enhance the stability and effectiveness of potions, and is often used as an auxiliary ingredient in the preparation of unstable potions."

Question 2: "Please analyze and compare the similarities and differences between medicinal materials No. 2 and No. 3."

Gao De quickly adjusted his thoughts and turned his attention to the herbs numbered 2 and 3 in the medicine box.

Herb No. 2 is a seemingly ordinary herbaceous plant with large, dark green leaves covered with a layer of fine dew and emitting a faint herbal fragrance. Its roots are thick and strong.

At first glance, herb No. 3 looks almost identical to herb No. 2.

But when Gao De picked up both herbs and sniffed them slightly, he could vaguely smell a slightly bitter fragrance on herb number 3.

Immediately, he formed a preliminary judgment in his mind.

He picked up his pen again and began writing the answer on the parchment: "Medicinal herb number 2, 'Ivy,' is known for its tenacious vitality."

Its vines are rich in magical properties and have a mild medicinal effect. They can relax muscles and tendons and relieve fatigue, and are often used as an auxiliary medicine to enhance physical strength.

The roots of ivy, due to their powerful vitality, are considered an important ingredient in the production of life-restoring medicines.

"Although the appearance of the No. 3 medicinal material is no different from that of ivy, the slightly bitter fragrance it emits is unique to 'bitter ivy'."

Besides its taste, bitter vine's leaves often have finely serrated edges, a feature absent in ivy. Bitter vine is moderately toxic. If mistakenly used as ivy, it can lead to…

Question 3: "Please describe and explain the special growing conditions of medicinal material No. 4 and its impact on its medicinal properties."

Question 4: "Regarding herb number 5, please explain the importance of its harvesting season, and describe the changes in its medicinal properties when harvested at different times of the year, and how these changes affect its effectiveness in potion preparation."

Question 5: "Please list and compare three medicinal materials that are similar to but different from material number 6 in terms of medicinal properties, and analyze their respective characteristics, medicinal advantages, and possible alternative uses."

There are a total of twenty questions, each worth five points.

The breadth and depth of knowledge covered in the questions are enough to give most students a headache.

However, as long as the test is more theoretical, it will not be a problem for Gaode who has "studied" under the blessing of [Divine Guidance Technique+].

In terms of the completeness of theoretical knowledge, no student can compare with Gaode in this course.

So, after going through all twenty questions, Gaode didn't get stuck on any of them, and each question took no more than three minutes.

About fifty minutes later, Gaode packed up his things, stood up, left the light shield, and once again submitted his paper early.

Once outside the light shield, Gao De discovered that although he couldn't see the outside from inside, he could see everything inside the light shield from the outside.

A quick glance from Gao De revealed that the students inside the various light shields were either frowning, writing furiously, or holding medicinal herbs with wide eyes, as if they could glean something from them.

A glimpse into the diverse lives of people taking exams.

Gaode silently handed in his paper and leisurely left the venue.

At this point, another benefit of the light shield becomes apparent.

Its ability to block the view means that all students can only focus on themselves and cannot know how other students in the examination room are answering the questions.

This way, their mindset won't be affected by external factors.

Students who struggle academically should all have this experience:

During an exam, when you find the questions difficult and are scratching your head, while others in the same exam room are handing in their papers early, the psychological pressure can sometimes be even greater than that of the questions themselves.

(End of this chapter)