Above the mage

Chapter 198 Heart of Iron

In Flora's words, medicinal plants are collectively referred to as "grass".

"Yes, is there a problem?" Gao De replied.

"Why make it so complicated?"

"What's the problem?"

"Why do you humans bother to summarize so many patterns?"

"Because of this, we can learn about the habits of magical plants, know what conditions are most suitable for their growth, even how to help them advance, know roughly when they will mature, and know what they need at that moment," Gao De patiently explained.

"Can't you feel these things directly?"

"Of course not." Gao De suddenly realized, staring wide-eyed at Flora. "You can?!"

"Yes, Lady Flora can tell what they need just by touching them."

This is nothing short of cheating. Gaode expressed shock.

"Can Lady Flora know the needs of any plant just by touching it?" God asked solemnly.

"Yes."

"Lady Flora, I take back what I said earlier."

"What did you say?"

"I don't know how to plant trees, flowers, or grass. At least compared to you, I'm not good at it."

"Master, then I must retract my previous statement."

"What did you say?"

"You're not smart."

Gao De pursed his lips and chose to hold back.

He bent down, placed the small cup in his hand on the ground, and pushed it in front of Flora.

Flora glanced down at the 'small cup', then looked up at Gaode:

"What is this?"

"It's delicious, I'll treat you to a drink."

So Flora flew to the cup, and, like a child carefully licking a water jar, began to lick the rim.

"!!" She immediately looked up at Gao De again.

"Does Lady Flora like it?"

"Um."

"These are all for you, and there will be more in the future."

"Thank you."

The next day.

Foggy Frosty Moon, 21st.

Gaode got up very early.

At least when he got up, Flora was still fast asleep.

He still has a lot to do today.

Gaode first arrived at the college's trading area.

Compared to other areas and facilities of the college, the shops in the trading area had already opened early.

So he easily bought the yeast and seasonal fruits needed to brew fruit drinks.

However, Gaode did not leave immediately, but instead went to the central area of ​​the trading zone.

The shops on the edge of the academy's trading area sell ordinary daily necessities or food, while the shops in the central area sell items for mages.

Gao De found a potion shop and went inside.

"Hello, what do you need?" The person who greeted Gao De was a young mage wearing a standard student robe, clearly another "work-study" student.

"One part each of Pine Seabird Egg, Abeshian Longfin Fish Scale, and Omra Goat Horn Powder, half a guzi of Sun Grass Powder, and 15 drops of Frost Juice."

These are the raw materials needed for the [Endure Environment] spell potion.

"Also, there are 1 Gu of Swiftthistle Powder, 1 Gu of Black Fructus Juice, and 8 Gu of Maid Clam Meat," Gao De announced the main and auxiliary materials needed for the [Language Proficiency] and [Shield Spell] potions.

After Gao De announced the names of the dishes, the young monk immediately and skillfully began searching through the medicine cabinet against the wall.

The three first-level spells selected by Gaode are the most common spells for first-level mages, and correspondingly, the raw materials they contain are also the most complete.

「一阶松海鸟卵一份14金2银，一阶欧姆拉山羊独角粉一份13金16银，太阳草粉末半蛊司3金.」

The young monk weighed the materials according to Gaode's requirements and gave Gaode a quote at the same time.

A magic potion typically consists of two main ingredients and three to five auxiliary ingredients.

The main materials are all raw materials of the corresponding tier. The main materials for a first-level spell are generally first-tier potion materials, while the auxiliary materials are second-tier potion materials.

The total price of the main and auxiliary materials is roughly in the range of 40 gold coins, sometimes a little more, sometimes a little less.

"We're out of maid clam meat in the shop. The next batch is probably in seven days," the young mage said apologetically, opening the medicine cabinet where the maid clam meat was stored.

The only ingredient that Gaode needed was the maid clam meat.

"These things are difficult to preserve and are usually harvested fresh, which is why the academy specially set aside a body of water for breeding maiden clams," he said.

Gao De nodded, indicating his understanding.

No rush, just come back in seven days.

"However, I suggest you apply to the Potions Department to collect this yourself under the pretext of learning [Language Proficiency] and needing to concoct spells and potions. It will only cost you 5 gold per maid clam, but of course, you can only collect one. If you buy it in the shop, it will cost 12 gold," the young mage suddenly reminded Gao De.

Gao De was taken aback, then asked in surprise, "You know me?"

"My name is Us, a member of the Mutual Aid Society, God. I've long admired your name," the young mage said with a polite smile, introducing himself.

He also saw the news last night that Gaode had been promoted to a first-ring mage.

He certainly wouldn't miss an opportunity to befriend such a talented mage and show goodwill.

That's the benefit of having a good reputation.

Aside from causing some unnecessary trouble, it often brings unexpected benefits and goodwill.

"Most mages find it troublesome and are unwilling to go through the trouble of digging for clams, preferring to spend the extra 7 gold coins. But you are different; this is completely effortless for you," Us said, subtly flattering him.

The title of "expert in clam harvesting" on Gaode Maps is quite well-known within the academy.

"I understand, thank you." Gao De took the other potion ingredients and took out his money bag to pay 106 gold and 12 silver.

He was indeed tempted.

Gao De returned to Building 30 in Zone 1 with the purchased supplies.

First, I brewed the Fruit Drink without leaks, and then I went to the workshop to mix the [Environmental Endurance] and [Shield] spell potions.

Calling it a "mixing" is an exaggeration; it's really just a hodgepodge.

Simply put all the ingredients together according to the quantities, turn on the heat and boil them down into a liquid. There are no details or procedures involved in the whole process.

After all, the purpose of this simmering process is simply to make it more palatable.

After finishing all that, Gaode went upstairs to take a look and found Flora still fast asleep.

He shook his head, not wanting to disturb her.

This is my little darling.

The second floor of the library.

Gaode arrived just as the door opened.

Fortunately, the old mage guarding the second floor, despite his advanced age, had not developed the habit of being "late and leaving early" like many seasoned veterans.

"You're here so early? Have you decided which cultivation method to choose?" The old master had just sat down and brewed tea when Gao De appeared from around the corner, which surprised him greatly.

Gao De nodded.

"Which one do you want to choose?" The old monk was also a little curious about the result of Gao De's thinking about it all night. He asked as he picked up his cup.

"The Longevity Scripture of Green Wood." Gao De said decisively, his goal clear.

"Pfft!" The old monk spat out the tea he had just put in his mouth.

Gao De looked at the old mage with an innocent expression.

"Didn't I tell you about the flaws of the Green Wood Longevity Scripture yesterday?" The old master put down his teacup, frowned at Gao De, and couldn't help but advise, "Don't be fooled by its appearance."

"There's no such thing as a free lunch. If this Eastern cultivation method were so miraculous, those Eastern sorcerers wouldn't go to such lengths to spread it."

"I've made up my mind," Gao De said with longing. "I've loved planting flowers, trees and shrubs since I was a child. It's rare to find a cultivation method that matches my interests. Even if it has some flaws, I'm still very much looking forward to it."

After Gao De finished explaining his reasons, the old master still looked troubled.

After Gaode left yesterday, he also found out about Gaode's background.

This guy looks like a potential mage.

It's a real shame to have chosen such a flawed method of cultivation.

"I've made up my mind," Gao De said again, sticking to his decision.

The old monk shook his head and sighed.

Gaode has made it clear that its mind is as firm as iron, and it is not something that can be persuaded in a few words.

He's neither Gaode's mentor nor a relative, so continuing to offer advice without any legitimate reason is just asking for trouble.

"Give me your identification badge," he said.

Gaode handed over his identity badge.

After the old master used the alchemy machine to steal 25 credits from Gaode, he led Gaode to a bookshelf locked with a secret lock and labeled with the "Azure Wood Longevity Scripture".

Upon opening it, it was found to be filled with hundreds of neatly arranged copies of the "Azure Wood Longevity Sutra".

"Look, back then, we copied five hundred copies of each cultivation method, and this [Green Wood Longevity Scripture] is the one that's left the most," the old master said, pointing to the [Green Wood Longevity Scripture] in the bookshelf.

He was making a final attempt to persuade Gaode to change his mind.

But Gaode remained unmoved.

The old monk had no choice but to take one out and hand it to Gaode.

(End of this chapter)