Pushing open the door of the herb store, the familiar scent of herbs wafted over, but the store was empty, devoid of the usual busy silhouette of Lilia.
The bottles on the shelves were neatly arranged, the countertop spotless, everything seemed the same as usual, yet something seemed missing.
Lady Allen walked straight to the inner chamber, pulled open a hidden drawer, and took out a yellowed map.
It was a detailed map of the Jade Forest, marked with the traits of various areas and key locations.
On the edges were her own annotations, indicating dangerous areas and the distribution of rare herbs.
"Jade Forest..."
She murmured, her fingertips gently tracing the vast green area on the map, her eyes full of contemplation:
"Rich in natural power, abundant in magic potion materials, and the apprentice competition isn’t as fierce as it is at the Crystal Tower..."
This was not just a simple escape, it was a meticulously designed plan.
In that land far from the influence of the Crystal Tower, she could develop her research more freely, while also providing Lilia a better environment for growth.
There, the natural magic was not as intense as in the Central Lands, which would not overly burden Lilia’s body, yet was much richer than the Black Mist Jungle, enough to meet her gradually increasing needs.
Her thoughts began to organize the travel plan in her mind.
Starting from the Black Mist Jungle, passing through the Snake Scale Swamp, it would take about five days;
Then it’s the outskirts of the Faruk Kingdom, where it’s relatively calm and they can rest a little;
Moving southeast, crossing the Dragon Ridge Mountain Range, they would reach the edge of the Jade Forest.
The entire journey would take a few months, and considering potential accidents and unforeseen needs, preparing half a year’s worth of food and potions should be enough.
Crystal coins and magic stone fragments should also be brought in abundance, to handle any emergencies on the road.
As for the precious magic potion equipment and materials, take what can be carried, seal up what can’t, and consider retrieving them once the situation stabilizes in the future.
The most important thing is ensuring Lilia’s safety, although the child currently has only fair talents, her growth speed is anything but slow.
And just like Ron returned the "grace" to her, perhaps Lilia can also be a comfort and support in her later years.
A gentle look flashed in Lady Allen’s eyes, an expression rarely seen on this stern old woman’s face.
Just as she was contemplating the details of resource preparation, the doorbell jingled, and someone entered.
Lady Allen quickly looked up, hoping to see Lilia’s figure, but it was Yuni who came in.
Today, the Purple-eyed Witch was wearing a simple gray robe, her silver-white hair neatly tied back, appearing more composed than usual.
On the face that often maintained an elegant smile, there was now a rare seriousness.
"Sorry to disturb you, Allen."
Yuni stood at the door, her eyes filled with a certain complex emotion:
"I think we should have a good talk before you leave."
Her gaze swept over the map spread on the table, a look of understanding flickered in her eyes:
"It seems you’ve planned your itinerary well, the Jade Forest indeed is a good choice, away from the Central Land conflicts, and the resources are quite abundant."
Lady Allen frowned slightly but still gestured for Yuni to sit down.
Their relationship wasn’t exactly intimate, but there was mutual respect.
After all, in this Remote School, female witches like them were already scarce.
The two witches sat opposite each other in silence, only the fragrance of tea wafted in the air.
The steam rose from the teacups, like the unspoken thoughts between them, swirling and dispersing.
"You and Soron seem to have recovered well."
Lady Allen broke the silence first, her tone inquiring, examining Yuni’s face, which was much rosier than usual: "Was it Ron’s ’grace’ that took effect?"
Yuni nodded, gratitude flashing in her purple eyes:
"That pure power... it’s indescribable. The years of accumulated spiritual contamination melted away like ice and snow in that moment."
She paused, seemingly searching for the right words, her fingers gently stroking her cheek.
There used to be a dark scar caused by spiritual contamination, but now it had vanished without a trace:
"It felt like... being thoroughly cleansed by warm sunlight, every fiber filled with vitality. I haven’t felt so light and pure in a long time."
Her voice carried an unmistakable longing, a sentiment every witch deeply consumed by spiritual contamination could understand.
Spiritual contamination is like shackles on the soul, heavy and hard to shake off, while "grace" is the key to unlocking these shackles, restoring one’s freedom.
Impatience flashed in Lady Allen’s eyes but quickly vanished, replaced by her usual coldness:
"The ’grace’ of the Primordial Wizard has always been purer and more effective than that of ordinary wizards. It’s not surprising."
Her tone was calm, as if discussing an ordinary academic question, but her gaze betrayed her inner pride.
After discussing Ron, the two witches fell into silence again.
Outside the window, the wind from the Black Mist Jungle rustled through the treetops.
"Speaking of which."
Yuni suddenly spoke, her tone probing:
"When are you planning to leave? We can offer you some extra help."
Lady Allen pondered slightly, calculating various possibilities:
"In three days, I need time to organize herbs and equipment and prepare sufficient supplies."