the multi

Chapter 48

"Hmm... strange, Dandan is certain that Grandpa Healer's rare plant, which was planted nearby, should be around here. But when Dandan touches it, it feels somewhat different. Could it be that now that Dandan can see, the rare plant Dandan senses feels a bit different? Hmm, that makes sense. After all, Dandan has a special ability with her eyes, so why not use it to see the plant's name?"

Opening her bright green eyes, Gu Dandan received a rush of information flooding her mind as she looked at the plant in front of her. She pondered, trying to determine whether the information matched what her grandfather had told her.

"Hmm, the name is... Luna Might Anomaly? Huh? It's the same name Grandpa Healer mentioned, but why does it have an extra 'Anomaly'? And why are there so many additional benefits? As far as Dandan remembers, Grandfather only said it boosts immunity, cures various illnesses, and increases strength. But the information Dandan is receiving in her mind lists so many things, like purifying the body from worldly impurities and enhancing male vigor. What does it even mean by enhancing male vigor? Does it make men incredibly strong if they eat it? ...Wait, that's not what Dandan should be thinking about. Dandan should focus on the strength-enhancing benefit, since that's the one Dandan is looking for."

"Hmm… there's no specific strength-enhancing benefit in this plant, but with its extreme physical enhancement properties, the effect should be similar. In that case, Dandan will use this unfamiliar plant to boost her physical abilities. Maybe Dandan should combine it with other plants to intensify the effect—eh? Besides the rare Luna Might Anomaly, it turns out all the regular plants in this back garden also have 'Anomaly' at the end of their names? Could it be that every plant here has always had 'Anomaly' in its name? Maybe Grandfather forgot to tell Dandan about the 'Anomaly' suffix. And all these plants have quite a lot of effects—ah, pain! Ugh, Dandan's eyes are hurting again. It must be because Dandan looked directly at all the plants in the garden with open eyes. It seems Master was right; Dandan really shouldn't examine all the plants at once with her eyes open, or they'll feel like they're being stabbed."

Closing her eyes again to avoid unintentionally using her eye powers, Dandan shifted her gaze back to the Luna Might Anomaly plant, pondering her next steps.

'It seems Dandan doesn't need to combine it with other plants, after all. Just the Luna Might Anomaly has the benefits Dandan needs. So, would using just a small amount be enough to strengthen Dandan's body in a day? It should be, right? B-but if it turns out that sister isn't satisfied during the test, won't that mean Dandan will fail and have to train three times as hard? I-it's probably better if Dandan just takes a lot of this plant to make the effect more potent. Hopefully, using a large amount will make Dandan's body stronger successfully.'

After Gu Dandan picked a large amount of Luna Might Anomaly, which somewhat resembled Centella Asiatica from her master Vheena's old world if she were to compare it, leaving only a few young plants behind, she went into the house. She ignored her master, who was peacefully sleeping in the backyard, too preoccupied with thoughts of what might happen if she failed.

Once inside, Gu Dandan headed to the kitchen to thoroughly wash the Luna Might Anomaly plants she had just pulled out, also filling a bucket with water to use later. Seeing that the dirt on the plants was now clean, she stopped washing them and carefully carried both the plants and the water-filled bucket to the herb preparation room. Once in the herb preparation room, Gu Dandan immediately poured all the water and the freshly washed Luna Might Anomaly plants into a large cauldron in the center of the room.

"Boiling the Luna Might Anomaly with water shouldn't reduce its potency much, although it would be better if Dandan ate it raw. But it's hard for Dandan to chew so many plants that would likely taste bitter, so it's easier to boil them and drink the liquid. Since everything is already in the cauldron, it's time to light the fire by setting the wood underneath aflame."

Picking up two stones from under the cauldron, Gu Dandan struck them together to create sparks, hoping to ignite the bark and dry leaves near the firewood. Watching the sparks with her own eyes filled her with awe. After a brief pause, mesmerized by the process, she continued striking the stones in her hands repeatedly until she felt a slight change in temperature and saw a wisp of smoke rising from the dry leaves that caught a spark. Gu Dandan blew gently on the smoldering leaves, encouraging the spark to spread, until the bark and nearby firewood finally ignited.

Seeing that all the firewood beneath the stove had caught fire, Gu Dandan stood near the large cauldron, patiently waiting for the water inside to boil. After a while, when she noticed the water had started to bubble, she picked up a long wooden spoon nearby and began stirring the Luna Might Anomaly plants in the boiling water, humming cheerfully to herself.

"Stir~, stir~, stir~, Dandan is stirring~, even if forced by that mean cultivator sister, Dandan still loves making potions~, hmm~, hmm~, hmm~. Hmm? The color's changing? Even though Dandan doesn't know the name of this color, maybe it means the water and the plant's essence are mixing? Since Dandan's not sure, let's taste it to find out. Time for a little taste~"

Slurp...

"Blegh, it tastes as bitter as the usual herbs Dandan tries. With this bitterness, the decoction should be ready, but… isn't there too much of it in the cauldron? Do I have to finish it all? …It seems Dandan really has to drink it all, because if not, I'm worried the effect won't be strong enough, and sist—master might punish me. S-so Dandan must be determined to finish it. H-here goes!"

Glug, glug, glug…

"Blegh, hold on. Just a little more."

Glug, glug, glug, glug…

"Urph, haa! Finally—blegh, Dandan managed to drink it all! Even though now Dandan's stomach feels queasy and bloated, it doesn't matter! The important thing is that Dandan just has to wait for the plant's effects to kick in!"

Sitting on a chair in the herb preparation room, Gu Dandan waited for the effects of the Luna Might Anomaly decoction to kick in, trying to endure the queasiness and bloating in her stomach. Suddenly, a sharp pain surged through her entire body, causing her to collapse to the floor in convulsions.

Thud!

"Ghk..."

The pain was so intense that Gu Dandan fainted instantly, unable to even cry for help. Her body lay sprawled on the floor, with dark, foul-smelling impurities and dirty blood seeping from her body, while there was no one around to help.

_____________

Cock-a-doodle-do!

"Hngh…"

Regaining consciousness at the sound of a rooster crowing, Gu Dandan woke up from her faint and sat up to check her body, making sure nothing was wrong from her ordeal. Feeling relieved that there was no longer any agonizing pain or lingering effects, she looked around in confusion, realizing that the room around her was different from the herb preparation room where she had passed out.

"Thankfully there was no damage or any problems in Dandan's body after feeling that excruciating pain, but why did Dandan wake up in another place? From the familiar walls and the blanket on Dandan's feet, this is Dandan's room, right? Dandan was sure this was Dandan's room after feeling the softness of the mattress and the soft chest of my sister that was felt by her hand—eh? Sister? Why did she sleep on Dandan's bed? Could it be that sister were the one who moved Dandan to the room when Dandan was unconscious? But why did sister sleep here?"

As Gu Dandan sat there, confused about why her sister or master was sleeping on her bed, her master suddenly awoke and looked at her, noticing her hand still resting on her chest.

"Hngh~, Little Dandan... y-you're awake? Is your body alright?" Her master asked with concern, completely ignoring the fact that her hand was on her large chest.

"I'm fine, but why did master sleep with Dandan? And also, did master move me to my room when I was unconscious in the herb preparation room?" Gu Dandan replied innocently, lowering her hand from her master chest.

"Thank goodness you're fine—uhum, it's good to know there's no problem with your body. As for moving you to your room, that was done by master. The reason master slept with you was to make sure nothing else bad would happen to your body, just like when master found you covered in blood and filled with black, foul liquid in the herb preparation room."

"Master found Dandan covered in blood and filled with foul liquid? Now that I think about it, my clothes are different. Did you change them after they were ruined by blood and fluids? If that's the case, then I want to apologize for causing you trouble, and I also want to thank you for changing my clothes."

"Eh? Why are you worried about that? You should be more concerned after hearing from me that when I found you in the herb preparation room, your body was covered in blood and foul liquid… As for your clothes, I was the one who changed them after I bathed you, since your body was so filthy and reeked of that black liquid. But what I don't understand is how you ended up in such a pitiful state. Could it be because you made a mistake while brewing the potion to strengthen your body, and instead of a strength-enhancing effect, it turned into a poison that nearly killed you?"

"No, master, I didn't end up like that because of a mistake with the potion. Actually, the reason I fainted in such a pitiful condition, as you said, was because of the decoction of the Luna Might Anomaly plant that I drank. Even though the information I got through my eye ability didn't mention any side effects from consuming the plant, strangely, when I drank the decoction, I felt excruciating pain throughout my body that made me faint right away."

"O-oh, I see... Since you said earlier that your body is fine when I asked, could you tell me in detail about your condition?"

Hearing her master's request to explain her condition in detail, Gu Dandan immediately followed her instructions. She sat still, focusing on examining and sensing her entire body to check for any abnormalities within.

"Hmm… hmm… hmm… Dandan's body does feel fine, and I don't feel any of that agonizing pain like after drinking the decoction. But for some reason, I feel like my body is filled with energy, and strangely, I also feel incredibly strong… Master! For some reason, I feel very confident in my body. Can we do the test now?!"

"Eh? O-oh… Y-you seem very confident… alright, we'll do the test, but let's have breakfast first."

"Breakfast? Didn't we already have breakfast earlier? Or do you mean we should have lunch?"

"Hm? Sweet Dandan, I forgot to mention this earlier, but I should tell you now—you were actually unconscious for an entire day."

"A-an entire day?! M-master, while Dandan was unconscious yesterday, d-did anyone come by asking for treatment? Ugh, how could Dandan be out for an entire day? Because of that, I couldn't help those who might have needed me," Dandan said, her tone full of regret.

"Don't worry about that. I took care of anyone who needed help while you were unconscious."

"Oh! Dandan forgot that Master is a cultivator, and you're also the one who'll teach Dandan alchemy. I'd love to know how you helped them; could you tell me?"

"W-well… sweet Dandan~ since you were out for a whole day, you must be really hungry. So let's eat first, then we'll test your physical strength. Come on, let's go to the kitchen and make some food together." Master smiled, gently patting Dandan's head, her awkward expression going unnoticed.

"But, Dandan really wants to know how you—"

Grumble… grr… gurgle…

"Ugh, Master's right. I'm absolutely starving! I feel like eating lots and lots of meat until I'm full!"

"See? Now, let's get off your bed and head to the kitchen. I can cook, and you can just sit at the table if you want."

"No, Master. Even though I'm very hungry, I can't just sit and do nothing while you cook. Please let Dandan help!"

"All right then, let's go cook together."

"Yes, Master!"

With that, they both got off the bed and headed to the kitchen to prepare food together. After cooking and enjoying breakfast at the dining table, Gu Dandan realized how hungry she had been when she ended up eating all the food on the table, including the leftovers from her master, due to her intense hunger.

Chapter 49

Crack! Crack! Crack!

"Well, Master? With these crushed stones in Dandan's hands, do you think the physical strength I've shown is enough to pass the test?" said Gu Dandan enthusiastically, showing her master the remains of the stone, now reduced to fine grains and small pebbles in her hands.

"Hmm... Y-yeah, your strength has improved, but it's still not enough for me to let you pass."

"Huh? Why, Master? Wasn't that a great display of strength?"

"No, that wasn't impressive. Besides, crushing stones with your grip isn't going to impress me. If you want to impress me, try showing all your strength by punching something. If you manage to leave a huge mark, then I might just let you pass."

"Oh, I see! In that case, Dandan will definitely show all strength!"

"Good, do it now. I want to see just how strong your strike really is."

"Yes, Master!"

Responding with enthusiasm, Gu Dandan quickly looked around for something she could destroy. However, as she scanned her surroundings, she hesitated. Everything around her seemed too valuable to break. Unsure of what would both impress her master and be okay to smash, she found himself deep in thought, trying to pick the right target.

'Uh… What should Dandan destroy to impress Master? Maybe the tree at the edge of the misty forest near the backyard? B-but, there might be animals living in that tree, and if I destroy it, they could get hurt or lose their home. Then, what should I smash? Maybe I should just destroy my own house? B-but if I do that, my house would be gone, and I'd have nowhere to live. So what should Dandan choose? Hmm… maybe a rock cou—'

"Little Dandan, why are you just standing there? Where's the attack?"

"O-oh, sorry, Master. Dandan was just pausing, trying to think of something safe to destroy. Dandan was worried that if I break something here, it might affect the animals around it. So, Master—"

'Wait a minute! Why does Dandan have to destroy something around here? Isn't Master right here, and wouldn't she be perfect as a target for Dandan's strength test? Besides, Master is a cultivator—I'm sure she's really strong and could easily withstand Dandan's power if I attack her. So, that means I'll attack Master! But… will Master be upset if I do that? Probably not, right? Hmm… she shouldn't be. In fact, this might make it easier for her to judge my strength, since I'll be aiming directly at her. Alright, it's time for Dandan to go for it!'

Stepping closer to her master, who looked puzzled as she approached, Gu Dandan—without a second thought—threw her strongest punch, an amateurish blow like a child's, straight into her master's body.

Puk!

'That was the strongest punch Dandan has ever thrown, so Master should definitely—eh? Master didn't feel any pain? Was my punch that weak? No, it must be because Master is very strong! Maybe she'll feel it if I punch her multiple times, so I'll just keep going with my attacks!'

"Little Dandan, what are you—"

Puk! Puk! Puk! Puk! Puk! Puk!

Gu Dandan punched her master about twenty times, but her master still just looked confused. Seeing no reaction, Gu Dandan decided to step it up by squeezing her master's body, just as she'd crushed the stone earlier, hoping to get some response. But instead of the reaction she wanted, her master began laughing, clearly amused by the attempt. Hearing her master's laughter, which felt like it was mocking her, Gu Dandan pouted and decided to add a headbutt to the mix, hoping her master would finally feel some pain from all her attacks.

---

"Hahaha, p-please stop, little Dandan. That tickles so much, Master can't take it. Hahaha…"

"Huff... Huff... Hah... Hah... This is exhausting!" Gu Dandan panted, finally stopping her assault on her master.

"Hahaha... Uh... Huff... Hah... Ahem, little Dandan. What exactly were you doing just now? Why were you messing around by punching, tickling, and headbutting me? Were you doing all that because you're unsatisfied with the test results I gave you?"

"Huff... Huff... That's not it, Master. Dandan was actually attacking you with all strength! But why didn't you feel anything? I hit you so many times!"

"Huh? Y-you were trying to hurt me, your master—uhum, you naughty little girl!"

Snap!

"OW! OW! Ow! Ugh! Ugh! Ugh! That hurts! Dandan's head feels like it's splitting open! Why did you flick Dandan's head, Master?!" Gu Dandan cried, eyes watering as she clutched her aching head.

"That's what you get for daring to attack your master. Luckily, I'm not too strict about respecting elders, so I only gave you a light flick. If I were strict, you'd definitely be facing a much harsher punishment."

"Ugh... S-sorry, Master. Dandan only attacked you because there wasn't anything else here that Dandan could use as a target. Since Master is a cultivator, you're obviously really strong, so Dandan figured you'd make a target that couldn't be destroyed."

"Haaah… What kind of excuse is that... Never mind. Let's continue the test. So you don't start attacking strange things again, I'll just have you break a large rock here in the garden."

"C-could we pick something else, Master? Dandan is worried there might be—"

"No complaints. Just hit the rock. Or would you rather do triple the training I assigned you?"

"Uh… Yes, Master."

'Master is so cruel for forcing Dandan to smash this rock, even though I was going to say that there could be animals around it who might get hurt or even die if they're hit by my attack. Ugh, I don't have a choice. Sorry to any animals here—I hope you won't get caught up when this rock breaks. Dandan will try to make sure the rock crumbles without harming any of you.'

Approaching the rock, which was a bit larger than herself and the one her master had pointed to, Gu Dandan squeezed one of its edges to test its hardness and make sure she could break it. When she felt the stone crumble easily in her hand, her confidence grew. She climbed up onto the rock, raised her fist, and struck down with all her strength, hoping that none of the fragments would hit any nearby creatures.

BAM!

'Uh... Dandan miscalculated—the rock shattered and flew everywhere! H-hopefully none of the flying pieces hit any animals. But why did it explode like that? I thought breaking it from the top would keep it from scattering all over the place.'

As Gu Dandan knelt amidst the shattered pieces of the rock, feeling regretful while reflecting on how the rock fragments had scattered everywhere, her master, Vheena, watched her with a suspicious expression. She seemed to be deep in thought, but then she shook her head, dismissing whatever she had been pondering. She approached Gu Dandan to ask her something.

"Little Dandan, this time I'm impressed by the strength you have. I didn't expect the herbal plant you used to have such a powerful effect, giving you that much strength. Also... could you provide me with some of the plants, or perhaps a bit of the concoction you made from them?"

"Master wants the brew from the Luna Might Anomaly plant? I'm sorry, Master, I've already drunk all the brew. But, if you want the plants, I still have a bit of the young ones left, they should still be over there... Ah! M-master, all the plants are destroyed, they got hit by the fragments of the rock I broke!" Gu Dandan said anxiously, rushing toward the Luna Might Anomaly plants, now damaged by the flying rock fragments, which were scattered near the spot where she had shattered the stone.

"O-oh, I see… Little Dandan, are there any other plants in your backyard that have the same effect in enhancing physical strength like the Luna Might Anomaly plant?"

"I don't know, Master, Dandan isn't sure. I haven't had the chance to observe all the effects of the plants here with my eyes. But, from what I remember from the Grandpa Healer, the Luna Might Anomaly plant should be the only one with that effect."

"Hmmm… what a pity… well, never mind. Little Dandan, since you have passed the test, it's time for me to teach you how to cultivate. So, let's start the training right here. Come closer, sit down, and close your eyes… wait, you've already closed your eyes. In that case, cover your eyes with this black cloth I brought, and focus on feeling the qi that I will send to your back."

"Alright, Master."

'Fiuh... thankfully, Dandan passed the test so I don't need to do physical training anymore. Besides, the cultivation training that Master is going to teach should just be about feeling qi, like Master said, right? I-I hope Master won't trick me again by pretending to be kind while teaching cultivation, only to give me techniques that end up involving physical training.' Gu Dandan thought, with a slightly fearful and suspicious expression as she sat down, following her master's command.

Gu Dandan, sitting with her eyes covered by the black cloth, suddenly felt two hands from her master touching her back. Remembering what her master had said earlier, Gu Dandan immediately focused on trying to feel the qi her master was sending to her back.

Not knowing how many hours passed, Gu Dandan focused on trying to sense the qi, but she couldn't feel anything. Suddenly, she felt a vibration in her back, which she was sure was her master's hands, probably tired. Just as Gu Dandan was about to ask her master to rest and relieve her fatigue, she hesitated upon hearing someone's voice calling from the front yard, deciding to help them first.

"Little healer! We ask for your help to treat our sick child."

"…Master, c-could we pause the cultivation training for a moment? Dandan wants to help them first, may I?"

"Hmm? Of course, go ahead and help them. It's fine if you take a while to assist them."

"Thank you, Master! I'll go, then."

Heading to the front yard to assist those who needed her help, Gu Dandan left the backyard, unaware that her master, still seated on the ground, immediately stood up straight with a grateful expression, a few tears escaping as she could finally relieve the soreness in her body.

It didn't take long for Gu Dandan to finish treating the illness of the person who sought her help, and she soon returned to her master to continue her training. But not long after she began meditating to feel the qi her master was sending, she was called again by someone seeking her help, prompting her to ask her master's permission to go assist the person in need."

"Little healer! Please, could you give me a salve for my hand? I hurt it with an axe."

"Master…"

"Yes, go ahead and help them."

"Thank you, Master."

Gu Dandan went back to the front yard to help the injured person. After a while, she returned to her master to continue her training. But before long, Gu Dandan was called again by someone else seeking her help.

"Little healer! P-please help me treat my face; it's swollen from a bee sting!"

"M-master…"

"O-of course, go ahead," her master replied, eyebrows twitching in irritation, though Gu Dandan failed to notice.

"Thank you, Master."

About six times, Gu Dandan was called away during her cultivation training, forcing her to interrupt her practice each time. After helping the sixth person who needed her, she returned to training once more. But soon after, she was called yet again by someone needing her assistance, and she asked her master if she could pause the training.

"Little healer! Please help me get my child's hand out of this pottery!"

"M-master, Dandan wants to go help them again…"

"Y-yes, go ahead."

"T-thank you, Master."

'T-this is awkward. I-I hope Master isn't angry because I keep leaving to help those who need me. M-Master shouldn't be angry, since I'm helping people, but to avoid annoying her by getting interrupted so often, I need to help them quickly.'

Leaving her master and running swiftly to help the person in need, Gu Dandan had no idea that her master was genuinely frustrated by the constant interruptions to their training.

"Darn it! This is the umpteenth time they've interrupted the training! What's with a kid getting his hand stuck in pottery, and why does it have to be Little Dandan to help them? And why are so many people suddenly asking for Little Dandan's help today? Even though I'm glad my hands and legs don't feel sore, it's still incredibly frustrating to be interrupted like this, making the training take even longer! How long is this going to go on? Can't Gu Dandan feel the qi just once today? This is driving me mad if we have to keep training into the night!"

After Gu Dandan finished helping the person who had asked for her assistance, she returned to her master with a happy expression. Upon arriving, she saw her master waiting for her, smiling (but with a hint of annoyance) as she looked at her. As she approached her, she immediately heard her, without any preamble, instruct her to sit down and resume her qi-sensing practice.

As Gu Dandan sat and attempted to sense qi, strangely, it didn't take long before she felt a gentle flow within her body, moving towards her dantian. Curious about the sensation, she asked her master about it, and she explained that the gentle flow was qi. After she could sense the qi in her body, her master asked her to try to control it and remember the sensation of qi flowing through her so she would become accustomed to it.

__________

"Little Dandan…"

"…"

"Little Dandan," her master called out to Gu Dandan, her voice a bit louder.

"…Y-yes, Master? Did you call for Dandan?"

"Finally, you responded. Yes, I was calling you. You were so focused on training that you didn't realize I've been calling for a while."

"Sorry, Master."

"It's all right. Besides, the day has turned to night; it's time for us to eat and rest. It's not good for you to continue training. You can pick it up again tomorrow, so take off your blindfold and let's head back inside."

"Yes, Master. In that case, let Dandan do the cooking."

"Very well."

Watching her disciple enter the house first to prepare the meal, Vheena, Gu Dandan's master, remained in the backyard with a smile as she watched her disciple go. But as soon as Dandan was out of sight, her expression disappeared, replaced by a look of deep thought as she pondered the oddities she had noticed while training her disciple. Since her suspicions were still unclear, Vheena decided to set them aside for the moment and entered the house to fill her stomach, which had been growling all day from skipping both lunch and dinner.

Chapter 50

Seven days later, in the morning at the kitchen, a young girl named Gu Dandan was seen washing dirty dishes and utensils, including her own and her master's, left from breakfast. As Gu Dandan was focused on scrubbing a dirty chopstick in her hand, she heard her master's voice behind her, calling her to come to the backyard garden. 

After hearing her agreement, her master went ahead to the backyard garden. Not wanting to keep her master waiting for long, Gu Dandan quickly finished her task and made her way to the garden. Upon arriving, her curiosity got the better of her, and she immediately asked what her master wanted to tell her.

"Master, why did you ask Dandan to come to the garden? Is there something important you want to tell Dandan here?" 

"You're right, there is something important I want to tell you. It's time for me to teach you the alchemy techniques you've been eager to learn." 

"Yeah, finally! The alchemy lessons Dandan has been waiting for are about to begin. I've been waiting so long for this day to come!" 

"W-well, I'm glad you're excited to learn. But before we begin, I want to review the results of your training over the past seven days while I left you to practice absorbing and controlling qi. Y-yah, even though I already know how your training went, it's better if you explain your cultivation progress and any issues you've encountered during the process. So, tell me everything first, and only then will I teach you the techniques."

"All right, Master! Hmm… hmm… hmm… let me think… From what I remember during the past seven days of training, I'm sure there were no issues at all. In fact, I was very smooth when it came to absorbing and controlling qi. As for my cultivation, I'm confident that I've now reached the Mid stage of the Building Foundation level. So, Master, what do you think? Are you satisfied with the results of my seven days of training?" 

"Satisfied? Uhum, little Dandan. Why is your cultivation so slow? Have you been training incorrectly these past seven days? How could it be that when master left you alone to focus on training for a full week, the results are this disappointing? Master even gave you a high-level training technique, yet you still haven't broken through to the Golden Core stage?"

"Ugh, s-sorry, Master… This is all Dandan's fault. I couldn't quickly make potions or treat the patients who came to me, so I wasn't able to train my cultivation properly." 

"…How could you say it's just because of the patients? Don't tell me that for the past seven days, you've actually been too lazy to practice and are just using this as an excuse so I won't punish you?" 

"No, Master, Dandan is not making excuses. Dandan is truly being honest. For the past seven days, the number of patients coming here has been overwhelming, leaving Dandan with no time to practice. On top of that, Dandan had to prepare the remedies that had run out, so my time to cultivate became even more limited… A-and, honestly, all these problems could have been solved if Master helped. B-but, seeing Master lying around in the backyard every day, Dandan didn't dare disturb your rest, so I had to handle everything alone." Gu Dandan spoke hesitantly, trying to explain why her cultivation had been so slow. 

"O-oh, I see. M-my apologies for not helping you at the time. A-actually, you misunderstood when you saw me lying there as if I was sleeping. The truth is, at that time, I was… uh, well, I was digesting the knowledge I had obtained from the Great Dao! Because you are a mere mortal, you mistakenly thought I was napping." 

'What is the Great Dao? Does everyone who gains knowledge from it end up looking like they're snoring in their sleep? How strange… Wait, could it be that Master is just making up another excuse to fool Dandan again?' 

"Is what Master said true? Don't tell me you're lying to Dandan again?" 

"O-of course not, my dear Dandan~" Master replied with a smile, patting Gu Dandan's head gently. 

"Hmm… Even though Dandan doesn't know what this Great Dao you mentioned is, Dandan is pretty sure that for those seven days, Master was definitely sleeping from the sound of your snoring that Dandan heard. Or… was it just my imagination, and I mistook it for snoring?" Gu Dandan said, her voice unsure of her own words. 

"Bfft—uhuk, uhuk… A-anyway, let's just forget about that. It's time for Master to teach you Alchemy. Besides, Master has already examined you. Even though your cultivation is low, it's no problem for me. So, let's begin your training." 

"Yes, Master!"

"But before we begin the training, Master will first explain to you what an Alchemist is. Well, an Alchemist can be said to be quite similar to the healer profession you're familiar with. The difference is, Alchemists… when making potions, they do so in a much stranger—I mean, much more magical way—by controlling fire in their hands and then using it to extract the essence of herbs with… wait a moment… L-Little Dandan." 

"W-what is it, Master? W-why are you suddenly gripping my shoulders so tightly?" 

"Oh, my apologies, forget about that for now. Master has an important question for you. Do you feel a natural affinity for fire, like a sense of comfort when you're near it?" 

"Huh? Why is Master suddenly talking about fire?" 

"Just answer the question. Do you have any connection or affinity with fire?" 

"Hmm… Dandan isn't sure if Dandan feels comfortable with fire, but if Dandan gets too close to it, Dandan is pretty sure Dandan would get burned." 

"O-oh, I see… Little Dandan… it seems Master won't be teaching you Alchemy after all." 

"Eh? Why won't Master teach Dandan Alchemy anymore? Didn't you just say you would? Is it because Dandan doesn't have an affinity with fire that you're canceling the lesson?" 

"I-it's not because of that… well, actually…" 

"…" 

'Huh? Why is Master turning away from Dandan and just silently staring at the sky? C-could it really be a problem if Dandan doesn't have an affinity with fire? Ugh, I-I hope that's not true like Master said. It seems I need to question Master to find out the truth!' 

"Master! Why are you just standing there silently? By turning your back on Dandan like that, could it really be a problem if Dandan doesn't have an affinity with fire? If that's true, then how can Dandan learn Alchemy, Master? Should you throw Dandan into a fire so I can get comfortable with it and finally learn Alchemy?" 

"Pfft—y-you, what kind of strange thoughts are those? Didn't Master already tell you it's not because of that? W-well, the real reason Master went silent was because I was gaining enlightenment by gazing into the mysterious Void. So, be quiet for a while and let Master find an excuse—I mean, understand the enlightenment I am receiving." 

"Yes, Master."

For about fifteen minutes, Gu Dandan stood still, staring at the ant hole nearby, waiting for her master to finish contemplating the enlightenment she had spoken of. When Gu Dandan became very bored from just standing still and doing nothing, her master finally turned back toward her with the demeanor of an expert that she couldn't quite understand, then said something that made her focus once again on listening to her master.

"Uhum, Little Dandan, be happy, for I will give you a magical method far greater than if you became an Alchemist."

"A magical method? Wait a moment, what about the enlightenment you gained from staring at the mysterious Void you mentioned?"

"Eh? Y-yeah, you don't need to worry about that because I have already finished understanding it. So, forget about that and let's focus on the magical method I mentioned."

"Alright, Master, so what is this magical method?"

"The magical method is, I will grant you a unique physique—specifically, a physique of a potion body that you can only obtain by using the power of your eyes."

"A potion body? What do you mean by a potion body, Master? Could it be that this so-called physique you speak of will turn Dandan into a herbal plant?"

"O-of course not, Little Dandan. Let me explain so you don't think weirdly anymore. A potion body is one of the unique physiques that, if someone manages to acquire it, they will be able to absorb all the properties or poisons from anything in the world, which will then cause their body to possess the same properties and poisons as the things they absorb."

"Hah! I-isn't that amazing, Master? I-if that's the case, doesn't that mean I won't need to search for plants to make potions anymore, since my own body can give me the same effects as those potions if I consume them, right Master?" Gu Dandan said eagerly.

"That's correct, but it's not just that. The potion body is much more powerful than you think, because this unique physique isn't limited to just one property or poison that you absorb. Instead, you can have many different properties or poisons from anything you absorb."

"Woah! Master, I really want it! Please teach me how to get this physique of yours as soon as possible!"

"Alright, I will teach you. The method is… you use the power of your eyes to search for an effect from any plant you see, and if you combine their properties, it will allow you to obtain the potion body."

"Oh, I see. So, after I collect all the plants, I need to combine them to achieve the effects of the potion body. But how do I combine them, Master? Can you tell me how to do it?"

After Gu Dandan said this, she watched as her master turned away from her, staring at the sky. Then, for some reason, her master turned back toward her again, and Gu Dandan couldn't understand why her master was spinning around like that. Afterward, she saw her master fold her arms, close her eyes, and then open them again, staring at her while speaking in a lecturing tone.

"Gu Dandan, don't rely too much on me. It's not good for you to always ask questions like that. It would be better if you figured it out yourself so that your mind becomes sharper."

"Ugh, alright, Master."

"Good. Now, without any more small talk, it's time for you to use the power of your eyes to observe all the effects of the plants around you. I want to see what method you'll come up with to combine all the effects of the plants you've gathered."

Nodding in response to her master's words, Gu Dandan opened her eyes to reveal her bright green irises, then shifted her gaze from her master to the plants surrounding her, gathering all the information entering her mind to study later.

'Hmm? It's strange, my eyes don't hurt at all even though I'm staring at so many plants. I had prepared myself for the pain, but it doesn't feel like anything. Could it be because my body has become stronger after drinking the Luna Might Anomaly brew, so the pain isn't as noticeable now? Maybe so. But, what should I do with all this information about the plant effects in my mind? Hmm… since Master said I need to combine their effects, could it be that I should try combining all the effects in my mind first? Then, once I find the physical body effect from the combined plant effects, I'll just need to figure out how to physically combine the plants to create the potion. Hmm… this method seems worth trying. Alright, it's time to do this.'

Focusing her gaze on all the plants her vision captured, while attempting to combine all the effects stored in her mind, Gu Dandan tried with all her might to merge the effects. However, no matter how hard she tried, the words and effects in her mind were always rejected, as if it was impossible to merge them directly.

Because it was indeed impossible to directly combine all the effects in her mind, Gu Dandan finally gave up on merging them all at once and decided to combine them one by one in her thoughts.

As she merged the effects of the plants one by one in her mind, she discovered that the combined effects could be merged with other effects, or the effects she had already combined could be merged again with previous ones. This realization made her aware of how complex and numerous the ways to combine the plants were, which made her think harder and focus more intensely, desperately searching for the path where the potion body effect might lie. Unfortunately, Gu Dandan's concentration was shattered when her master suddenly spoke to her while she was deeply focused on combining the plant effects in her mind.

"L-little Dandan, hey! Are you alright?"

"Huh? What is it, Master? Why did you suddenly interrupt me? I was making good progress with combining the effects. Now, because of your interruption, my thoughts are scattered. What should I do, Master? I've forgotten where I left off. Do I need to start over?"

"You… Forget about that for now. Didn't you notice that your eyes, nose, and ears are bleeding a lot?"

Hearing her master's words, Gu Dandan, who hadn't realized the blood on her face, became aware of it after feeling a sticky liquid on her skin. Wiping the liquid with the sleeve of her robe, she saw that it was indeed blood, marked by the red stain on the fabric.

"This is really blood… but why didn't I feel it? Master, this is very strange. For some reason, I didn't feel any pain or anything from the blood coming from my eyes, nose, and ears. What's really happening, Master?" Gu Dandan said to her master with a confused expression, her face still showing traces of blood that hadn't been wiped away properly.

"…That's probably because you pushed yourself to observe all the plants here with your eye ability. I'm sure the reason you didn't feel any pain is because, as a cultivator, your body is now strong enough to endure it. Besides, you should rest for now, so you don't push your body past its limits and end up fainting from blood loss."

"No, Master, I'll continue. I'm sure I was close to finding the path to my potion body earlier. It's better if I continue now; who knows, the memory I've forgotten might return while I'm combining the plants," Gu Dandan said with determination.

"Little Dandan, it's good to be hardworking like that, but remember your body has already lost quite a bit of blood. It's better if you rest for now so nothing bad happens to you," her master replied, wiping the blood still lingering on Gu Dandan's face.

'Uh, Master is right. I should rest for now. But I still want to continue. Who knows, my memory might return. What should I do? What if plants can't… wait! That's it! I can eat the medicinal plants that can heal and replenish my blood. With that, I won't need to rest to heal myself!'

Excited by her discovery, Gu Dandan quickly scanned the plants around her, searching for the effect she needed. After a short while, she found the medicinal plant that could help her heal her wounds.

'Here it is! The Shy Miss plant, which has strangely become the Shy Miss Anomaly with its many effects, should be able to help me! With this, I won't need to rest, and I can continue combining the plants without worrying! Alright, it's time to proceed!'

After pulling out a decent number of Shy Miss Anomaly plants, Gu Dandan, still excited, ended up pulling up all the plants in her backyard. She quickly headed toward her house, carrying a large bundle of herbs in her hands.

"H-hey! Little Dandan! Stop! Why are you rushing inside with so many herbs in your hands? What are you doing?"

Stopping at the door after her master called out to her, Gu Dandan, forgetting about her master still in the garden, quickly turned around and spoke to her.

"Oh! Sorry, Master, I forgot to ask for permission. I'm heading to the herb preparation room to combine the plants I've gathered. I'm sure if I lock myself in the herb preparation room and focus solely on merging their effects, I'll succeed in getting the potion body! As for resting, that's no longer necessary since I've brought the Shy Miss Anomaly plants that will heal me. So, goodbye, Master!" Gu Dandan said, showing the Shy Miss Anomaly plants in her hands, then gave a small bow before quickly leaving her master, who stood silent, watching her swift actions.

"…That little girl, did she really manage to figure it out? I only tricked her with sweet words, weaving a story that the potion body truly exists, but I didn't expect her to believe it so strongly and be so confident she'll get it. If she really manages to obtain the potion body, wouldn't she end up with a cheat-like body constitution that can absorb all properties and poisons, then have her body take on all the effects of the properties and poisons she absorbs? …I don't know why, but it feels like I've just awakened a monster."

"Even so, today's training felt quite odd. With all the coincidences that have happened before and today, could it be that I really have some hidden ability? Hmm… It seems I should test it to see if I truly have an ability I haven't noticed. But thinking about it again, if I were the main character in a novel, I'd definitely be the type of main character who's incredibly perceptive, quickly realizing something is off. It'd probably only take 5 chapters for me to figure it out, right?"

"Ah, forget it. Why am I even thinking about that random stuff? I should just go to sleep—wait! Since Dandan-chan locked herself in the herb preparation room, focusing on combining the plant effects, doesn't that mean once again I'll have to pretend to be a Healer and treat patients who need care? Ugh, I guess I have to pretend to understand all the plant effects and trick them into thinking they're healed, just like before. Haah… whatever, it's not worth overthinking. I'll manage somehow, maybe?"

Vheena muttered this long monologue to herself, unfortunately unheard by Gu Dandan, who had already entered the house.