Chapter 13 The Practice of Alchemy

• Shocked, Michael quickly stopped him. "Dr. Mckinney, what are you doing?"
• "Mr. Shephard, I hope you can forgive me for taking the liberty of giving your medicine to the elderly man earlier ... "
• Cedric remained bowed respectfully on the ground, not daring to stand.
• Before Michael departed, he instructed Cedric that once the medicine was prepared, he should administer one pill to Sally.
• Initially, Michael wondered why he specified a pill for Sally rather than a potion.
• However, when he followed Michael's steps to prepare the medicine, he discovered in the crucible not just medicinal liquid, but also small, black, translucent pills!
• Michael wasn't merely brewing medicine; he was practicing alchemy!
• It's worth noting that the ancient art of alchemy had been lost for centuries, known only to successors of Taoist medicine who could refine pills.
• After Cedric gave Sally one of the pills to ingest, the previously listless and weak Sally unexpectedly regained enough vigor to lie in bed and read.
• Cedric was profoundly impressed by the pill's effectiveness!
• "Mr. Shephard, the elderly man earlier is one of my long-term patients. In his old age, he suffers greatly from chronic ailments. Each time, he relies on my needle therapy to alleviate the pain. Out of compassion, I administered one of your medicines ... " Cedric explained, "But Mr. Shephard, please rest assured. I didn't reveal your involvement."
• Michael chuckled, thinking Cedric was overly concerned. "Dr. Mckinney, since you brewed this medicine, you have every right to distribute it!"
• Grateful, Cedric understood that by allowing him to assist in preparing the medicine, Michael was preparing to pass on this skill to him.
• Seeing Cedric still hesitant to rise, Michael extended his hand to help him up.
• "Cedric, the dendrobium you gave me far surpasses a mere blood-replenishing medicine!"
• Cedric stood up, appearing slightly taken aback.
• "Mr. Shephard, you flatter me. How can ordinary dendrobium compare to your medicine? Witnessing the art of alchemy in my twilight years is a true blessing. If you have any further instructions, I will gladly comply!"
• Knowing further compliments would only discomfort Cedric, Michael changed the subject.
• "Dr. Mckinney, Sally still requires your care ... "
• "Mr. Shephard, you can count on me!"
• Michael ordered takeout at Cedric's clinic, finished his meal, and bid Cedric farewell.
• According to the Lewises' regulations, he had to return home by 10.00 PM. Any important matters required prior permission, with final authority resting with Lydia.
• The curfew was in place to accommodate the Lewises' mother and daughter living arrangements.
• Michael opted to walk home rather than take a taxi ...
• Once, it had been his home because loved ones awaited him there.
• But now ...
• Michael couldn't help but feel lost.
• Sally's words echoed in his mind ...
• Sally believed Sophia harboured some affection for him ...
• Michael also wished Sophia felt something for him. After all, he held deep feelings for her.
• Yet, Sophia was already involved with someone else!
• Sigh!
• Upon returning home, he found that Lydia and Sophia had already arrived.
• Seeing Michael, Lydia rose from the sofa, pointing accusingly at him.
• "Shephard, how dare you come back here!"