The Cornflower Witch

Book 2: Chapter 104: Blank Scroll Herbal Pot

Vol 2 Chapter 104 Blank Scroll Herbal Pot

To develop a targeted antidote as quickly as possible, the physicians of the White Scroll Herb Jar invited Dorothy and Sylutia to join the analysis and discussion meetings. Having already studied the Gray Sludge for a considerable time prior, the two were able to provide the physicians with a wealth of valuable data and experience very quickly.

In the following two weeks, the strange plague within the Ironwall Precipice garrison was brought under control, no longer spreading. The condition of the already infected members also stabilized under the suppression of medication.

"However, the process of researching a targeted antidote remains difficult," Zeralin Cuifeng reported to the assembled personnel during a discussion meeting.

"We have indeed discovered a formula that can suppress this type of strange creature. But even after a cure, the patient still has a recurrence probability of over 90%. My speculation is that some minute traces of the Gray Sludge may have already infiltrated and lain dormant within parts of the infected individuals' bodies."

"Even if they improve and recover during the medication period, given enough time, those dormant Gray Sludges will spread again."

"So stubborn?" The Commander seated at the head of the table frowned.

"If we can't control it, doesn't that mean the entire Hidden Grove, and even the surface continent, could be infiltrated and endangered by this Gray Sludge?" A gray-cloaked, masked individual sitting at the table spoke in a low voice.

"That is correct."

"Currently, besides those within Ironwall Precipice, there are 241 infected individuals outside, all contracted during rescue efforts. All passages leading into the Darkmist Mountains are now under strict lockdown, and all communication has been switched to Water Mirror Rituals.""This is strange. If Aspect power is weak to a certain degree, it cannot bring about transformations and powers that defy common sense, just as many lifeforms possess hidden, unmanifested Aspect traits."

"Under such circumstances, this Gray Sludge should be an ordinary viral disease. How could it possibly have such strong resistance, able to withstand the cleansing power of purification?"

"No, it is indeed very fragile," Zeralin shook his head.

"Just like an ordinary viral disease, without the support and protection of its Aspect tier, it is easily purified and washed away."

"However, it is also very gentle. What I mean is, it can coexist harmoniously with the human body itself, leading to a very coordinated integration into flesh and blood. This allows them to avoid rejection; the power of purification cannot cleanse away the Gray Sludge that has become one with the self."

"Wouldn't life itself reject such a foreign object?" A scholar wearing a white robe with gold-trimmed collar looked up.

"Basically, it doesn't reject it. Because from the perspective of the 'self,' the Gray Sludge seems like a half-brother from the same mother."

"Why is that?" Many were puzzled.

"Because... they are Fungal Threads," Zeralin sighed.

"As the origin of many Aspects, Fungal Threads inherently contain parts common to them all. Moreover, the thread-like connections represented by Fungal Threads are the foundation of all things' composition, just like the most basic lines; they are difficult to expel."

"Currently, the Fungal Threads Aspect may have declined, but the concepts they represent have long since diffused into every living being and object."

"Also, the Gray Sludge itself harbors no malice. It merely uses nutrients to help the host connect with others. If we continuously provide nutrients to a person infected with Gray Sludge without curbing the Sludge itself, that person will eventually become a writhing, large-scale Gray Sludge—essentially becoming one of their kind. In extremely ancient times, this was the method of reproduction for mushrooms."

"Doesn't that mean it's unsolvable?" Many faces darkened.

"It's not time to give up yet. We are currently exploring alternative approaches," Zeralin replied.

"If external factors find it difficult to interfere with Fungal Threads to induce active rejection, we can utilize another type of Fungal Threads lifeform to connect and transform it, rendering it harmless for expulsion."

"This line of thinking actually came from the 'Revelation Powder' developed not long ago in Lantern Town," Zeralin shared his idea.

"This... is it feasible?" Some present were skeptical, feeling it was too fanciful.

"We'll try it first. Also, if I'm not mistaken, if I fail, the association will summon various forces to jointly address the issue, correct?"

"Yes. If even an experienced individual like you cannot resolve it, then we would have no choice but to swallow our pride and seek help from the Harp Flower Union, the Sea Cliff Blood Clan, and even the Mage Alliance to handle this problem together."

Within the Hidden Grove association, although there are many organizations, only a handful are skilled in pharmacological analysis and resolving toxins and curses. The White Scroll Herb Jar is already the strongest among these few.

"I understand. However, please give me two months," Zeralin nodded.

...

After the meeting concluded, inspired by the principle of the Revelation Powder, the group of physicians once again utilized the Purple Jellyfish Mushroom—which shares the Fungal Threads Aspect but possesses different properties—as a raw material to develop and formulate a targeted antidote.

During this period, Sylutia had no choice but to set up temporary greenhouses here at Ironwall Precipice to cultivate large quantities of Purple Jellyfish Mushrooms as experimental materials and future antidote ingredients.

Throughout this time, she frequently participated in the White Scroll Herb Jar's discussions, learning a great deal of knowledge about pharmacological principles.

Perhaps it was a case of connecting related knowledge, or maybe due to the increase in her knowledge level, she now suddenly found she could understand some parts of the book Meleranke Praying in the Lake that she had previously found obscure and incomprehensible.

Meleranke rose to fame back then by leading the Silver Radiance Church to quell the Mad Crow Riot. It was a plague spread by birds. Infected individuals would grow black feathers on their bodies. When the feathers covered their entire body, they would go mad and die.

If they did not die, the infected lifeform would transform into a distorted Black Crow Monster, take flight, and the dust shaken from these feathers would carry the seeds of the plague, spreading it everywhere.

During the Mad Crow Riot, roughly one-fifth of the Fourth Continent's population perished. This led to the decline of many organizations and also invited the opportunistic invasion by the Golden Honey Dynasty from the Fifth Continent at that time.

But that's all later history. The important point is that the plague of the Mad Crow Riot back then shares many similarities with the Gray Sludge encountered now, so it should offer some reference.

Therefore, Sylutia proactively requested a large number of pharmacopoeia books from the White Scroll Herb Jar organization and began studying knowledge related to drug development.

Over these two months, her learning speed was rapid, and her growth rate surprised Zeralin.

"No wonder the Four Seasons Alliance guards you like a treasure, saying that even if Ironwall Precipice were to be cleared out, I must take you with me when I leave."

"Uh, there was such a thing?" Sylutia shyly covered her brow with her fingers, indicating she was completely unaware.

"There is such a matter. Not only do I know, but several of the high-ranking Transcendents currently at Ironwall Precipice also know. We occasionally talk about you; you just don't know about it," Zeralin nodded.

"I see you have great talent in both Luminous Moon and Verdant Nectar, and you grasp the knowledge from these medical texts very quickly. How about joining our White Scroll Herb Jar in the future? I can take you on as an apprentice and personally teach you the various inherited secret arts of our faction." He rarely encountered such a suitable junior, feeling that Sylutia's talent and personality made her a natural-born physician.

"Our faction's main inheritance is Luminous Moon and Verdant Nectar. If you go to the Four Seasons Alliance, while they can provide assistance related to the Verdant Nectar gardener profession, their Luminous Moon inheritance is quite sparse."

"What they excel in is combining Blazing Sun and Verdant Nectar for mass cultivation and production, not like us who utilize Luminous Moon and Verdant Nectar for analysis, exploration, and seeking deeper mysteries."

Under the persuasion of this White Physician, Sylutia was indeed quite tempted. However, thinking of the nearly completed Autumn Garden, she still shook her head.

"I deeply appreciate your kindness. However, my advancement is imminent, and switching factions now is no longer suitable."

"You've chosen to advance using Verdant Nectar, correct? That's not a problem. When you reach the Fifth Tier, you can choose another Aspect to fuse for further advancement. I suggest you choose Luminous Moon over the Four Seasons Alliance's Blazing Sun."

"High-tier lifeforms are often composite Aspect existences. They can perfectly fuse two Aspects, enabling them to exert stronger abilities."

"You have such an affinity for Luminous Moon. Choosing another Aspect would be a great pity," Zeralin also sighed, worried this young woman might take a wrong path.

"So, above the Fifth Tier, one can fuse two Aspects?" Considering her own talent and future, Sylutia made certain decisions in her heart.

"I understand. However, even so, the Four Seasons Alliance has shown me great nurturing kindness. I cannot simply change factions like this."

"After I repay them, I will consider your proposal," Sylutia said. She was indeed very interested in the White Scroll Herb Jar, which specialized in Luminous Moon and Verdant Nectar. She also realized that if she learned the knowledge of the White Scroll Herb Jar school, unraveling the secrets of the book Meleranke Praying in the Lake would become much easier in the future.

She would likely consider choosing the advancement secret arts of the White Scroll Herb Jar school at the Fifth Tier to consolidate a composite Aspect, which would better suit her talents and strengths.

After receiving the young woman's reply, Zeralin was finally satisfied. During this period, he no longer held back, directly teaching Sylutia many of the knowledge and techniques within the White Scroll Herb Jar organization, helping her understand pharmacology and grow rapidly.

Thus, two months passed swiftly amidst Sylutia's continuous learning and practice.