Morning light filtered gently through the narrow streets of Songyang City as Luo Feng made his way toward the apothecary.
One month.
It had passed faster than expected.
The worn book the old shopkeeper had given him—filled with medicinal herbs, properties, combinations, and cautions—had rarely left his hands. Between academy training and late-night study, Luo Feng had committed every page to memory.
Today was the test.
The apothecary came into view, just as it had a month ago—modest, quiet, with its faint herbal fragrance lingering in the air. The wooden sign above the door creaked slightly in the breeze.
Nothing had changed.
Or so it seemed.
Luo Feng stepped inside.
The interior was calm. Rows of jars lined the shelves, each labeled in careful handwriting. Sunlight streamed through the side window, illuminating floating dust particles and giving the space a tranquil, almost timeless feel.
Behind the counter stood the old man.
Exactly where he had been before.
Sorting herbs with slow, deliberate movements.
"You're here," the shopkeeper said without looking up.
"I am," Luo Feng replied calmly.
The old man placed the herb down and finally lifted his gaze. His eyes, though aged, were sharp—far sharper than one would expect from a simple shopkeeper.
"A month," he said. "Do you think you've learned enough?"
"I'll know after the test."
A faint smile tugged at the old man's lips.
"Good. Then let's begin."
The questions started simply.
"What is the primary use of Bitterleaf Grass?"
Luo Feng answered without hesitation. "Mild detoxification. It neutralizes low-grade poisons but must be balanced with warming herbs to avoid weakening the body."
The old man nodded slightly.
"What about Red Stem Root?"
"Used to stimulate blood flow and recovery. Overuse can cause internal heat imbalance."
Another nod.
The questions continued.
One after another.
From basic identification to combinations, from effects to side effects. Some required memory. Others required understanding.
Luo Feng answered them all.
The old man's gaze grew sharper with each response.
By the end, the apothecary had fallen completely silent.
A long pause followed.
Then—
"Not bad," the shopkeeper said, placing his hands behind his back. "You've remembered the book well."
Luo Feng remained still. "Is that enough?"
The old man looked at him for a moment… then chuckled softly.
"For most? More than enough."
He turned and walked toward the shelves, casually picking up a jar.
"The job is yours."
Luo feng exhaled in relief as he heard those words
Even though there was no pressure he still felt a quiet pride as his 1 month of hard work has not gone to waste
"So, what do I have to do ? "
The old man looked at Luo feng calmly and said "there are many jobs in a apothecary, from sorting herbs to preparing them for medicine and concocting medicine as well. What you do you get paid gets according to it "
"But I will only be able to come at afternoon as I have classes in the day"said Luo feng.
The old man did not think it was a problem and said "then come tomorrow on time"
With that Luo feng left the shop under the watchful eyes of the shopkeeper and headed towards the academy with joy