Chapter 9
Botanic Haven was one of the many forbidden realms of Cobalt Strike, a towering sanctuary of
nature that rose a thousand fathoms high, piercing the heavens and shrouded in mist all year round.
The true visage of its peaks remained hidden from those outside. Here, magic saturated the air,
making it a veritable treasure trove of mystical power. From the mid-mountain to its peak, it was
said that there were scores of herb gardens, bothrge and small, and some were hidden away,
nurturing even rarer herbs.
vin stood at the base of the mountain, gazing up at the majestic Botanic Haven. The mists were
thick, not just with moisture but with magic. He breathed in deeply. The air was cool and refreshing,
and he felt invigorated; the magic here was countless times stronger than in his remote storeroom.
How blissful it would be to train his magic here.
vin carefully carried the stone urn into Botanic Haven, securing the delivery list close to his body.
He wouldn''t have dared enter before. Was he taking a risk this time?
Due to the thick magic, Botanic Haven was home to a plethora of Elixir Herbs, and the trees grew
exceptionally sturdy and tall. Their roots snaked out of the ground like serpents, tangled and
twisted, with many branches drooping to the earth, making it hard to distinguish them from saplings.
The ce resembled a sealed-off realm, easy to get lost in if you hadn''t visited before.
Botanic Haven was a mystery to most Protégés of Cobalt Strike since few had ever set foot here.
vin, taking his chances, walked through the dense, damp forest, greedily inhaling the energy and
observing his surroundings, hoping to spot an Elixir Herb or perhaps an Elixir Fruit. Being a servant
sometimes had its advantages—if discovered, he could simply im he was delivering goods.
The higher vin climbed, the more he fancied this ce. It was a veritable paradise. To train here
for even a month would be worth being shut away for a whole year in seclusion.
"Is that an Elixir Herb?" vin''s eyes lit up as he spotted a verdant little nt among the chaotic
roots, half-hidden by dead leaves, with just a few delicate leaves poking out. If not for his keen
eyes, he might have missed it.
It’s an Ordinary Elixir Herb.
vin set down the urn and carefully unearthed it, looking around to ensure no one was watching,
then stuffed it in his mouth and chewed hastily before swallowing.
A wave of cool energy spread from his mouth throughout his body. He didn''t know what herb it was,
but it felt refreshing!
vin felt revitalized, carefully holding the urn as he continued to search. Before long, he found
another Elixir Herb amidst a cluttered patch of grass.
After wandering for about an hour or so, he had discovered a total of five Elixir Herbs, ordinary
though they were, but enough to thrill him.
"Such a rich scent of herbs." vin sniffed and quickened his pace, and soon, the scenery opened
up before him. A vast herb garden appeared, veiled by a thin mist. The scent of herbs and the rush
of energy hit him full-on, prompting him to take a deep breath.
"Who goes there!" A stern voice called out from beside him.
Startled, vin quickly set down his urn and called out, "Freshman Protégé vin, delivering goods
on Overseer Odell''s orders."
A young man with a clear and handsome face emerged from the small forest beside the garden, his
eyebrows knitted and eyes unfriendly. "Nonsense! Since when has the garden done business with
your storeroom?"
"Here''s the list. Please check it. I''m just following orders." vin handed over the list.
The Protégé nced at it but didn''t take it, approaching vin with a cold demeanor. "Just because
he asked you to, does it mean you shoulde? Have you forgotten the rules of Cobalt Strike?"
"Whether I deliver or not, punishment could follow. I had no choice; it was the Overseer''s
arrangement."
"Hmph, an Overseer dares to use the herb garden to settle scores? Is it him who''s ignorant of
danger, or you who''s recklessly bold?" The young Protégé circled vin, his gaze icy.
"I''m just here to deliver, and the list was written by Odell. You can investigate. The goods are in the
urn. Shall I get them out for you?"
"Wait. Are you a Novice Mage? How can a servant be a Novice Mage?" The Protégé suddenly
became wary.
"That''s a bit dismissive. Why can''t a servant be a Novice Mage? A servant is still a Protégé of
Cobalt Strike, after all."
At that moment, a cool voice drifted from the garden. "What''s the trouble?"
"Mari, there''s a servant who trespassed into the garden," the young Protégé said with newfound
respect.
"A servant?" A female Protégée appeared within the mist, her figure elusive, with a tall and graceful
silhouette d in a white gown.
Mari? The Elite Protégé of the Elder who guarded Botanic Haven! vin had heard the name; to
be taken as an Elite Protégé by the Elder of Botanic Haven was an honor many envied.
"Are you vin?" The woman asked, her voice sounding cool and indifferent.
"Yes, that''s me." vin was a bit surprised she knew of him.
"Leave. This is not a ce for you." The woman turned and walked back into the mist, without
further inquiry or making things difficult for vin.
"Thank you." vin picked up his urn, wondering to himself, was she that easy to speak with?
"Wait, just like that, you let him go?" The young man seemed displeased.
Mari''s voice floated out. "There''s no need to make things hard for a servant. Search him, and if
he hasn''t concealed any Elixir Herbs, let him go without punishment."
"See how fair she is? Why bother a servant?" vin chuckled.
The youth scrutinized vin for a moment, then reluctantly searched him, not even sparing the urn.
"Hurry off, and don''te back."
"Could you kindly escort me out? I''ve lost my way."
"Heh, am I supposed to deliver this for you? Are you jesting?" The youngd turned on his heel and
retreated back to the herb garden.
"Well, I''ll be on my way, then." vin intentionally raised his voice and, shouldering the stone urn,
he ventured back into the dense woods. He didn''t leave straight away, but meandered through the
forest, searching for an Elixir Herb and, if fortune favored him, perhaps an Advanced Elixir Herb or
other treasures.
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Thed was bold, indeed.
Botanic Haven was the true treasure trove of the Cobalt Strike, with nearly three-quarters of the
Elixir Herbs used by the Protégés and Elders originating from these grounds. Owing to its unique
environment and abundant energy, not all herbs were cultivated within the confines of the garden.
Some special Elixir Herbs were grown in solitary ces, such as cliffs, ravines, or beside waterfalls,
all specially enclosed and not always watched over.