Chapter 185: Potion-Making, True Love?
Su Ning was full of confusion. What was so strange about not knowing who the Venom Witch was? She almost wanted to say, “There are countless people I don’t know.”
Eliza gritted her teeth with hatred and angrily said:
“The reason witches are so hated and hunted is all because of the Venom Witch! She spread poison everywhere, causing tens of thousands to die painfully from her plagues. No one has ever seen her true face, only heard that she has jet-black hair, pitch-black eyes, and a face of unparalleled beauty.”
As she said this, Eliza glanced at Su Ning.
“Your appearance is incredibly misleading. It’s hard not to suspect you’re the Venom Witch. If you want to continue living peacefully, you’d best change your hair and appearance. Your previous disguise was quite convincing.”
Su Ning nodded in agreement.
In her heart, though, she was filled with curiosity—she really wanted to know why Eliza hadn’t left this place. But Su Ning didn’t press the matter.
Instead, she asked more about the Venom Witch. Su Ning already knew that in a village not far from this town, every single person had been killed by Sleep Poison—a horrifying massacre.
There was no doubt: this had to be the work of the Venom Witch. And if she was nearby, it meant this town was in danger too.
Su Ning thought to herself:
“As expected, this S-rank instance is no joke. Every moment is filled with danger.”
After talking more with Eliza, Su Ning finally learned something else important—gods exist in this world.
That explained the priest she saw earlier with blessings from the God of Light and the supernatural abilities he used.
When Eliza heard Su Ning ask about the gods of this world, she looked at her in disbelief.
She couldn’t believe someone wouldn’t know something so basic.
She even wondered if Su Ning had been hiding in some deep cave her whole life.
Su Ning could only smile awkwardly and explain that it was her first time in this world.
Still, she eventually got Eliza to explain the divine powers and powerful beings of this world:
The God of Light is the most supreme deity, with the largest number of followers and the powerful Church of Light. This church spreads the word of the God of Light—and also punishes His enemies.
The Witch God, also known as the Goddess of Witches, stands in direct opposition to the God of Light. Witches (or sorceresses) are viewed as Her followers.
As expected, the followers of the two gods are also enemies.
But unlike the Church of Light, the witches’ side didn’t have public support.
So now, witches are simply labeled as evil—and any who are found must be burned.
Of course, these weren’t the only gods in this world.
There were several others: The God of Construction, The Goddess of Harvest, The Sword God.
Listening to all of this, Su Ning thought:
“Wow, this instance’s worldbuilding is huge.”
She quickly concluded:
“Better to lie low in this town. Neither the witches nor the Church of Light are forces I want to mess with.”
Eliza, meanwhile, had her own work to do. Her ability to make potions was like magic—it allowed her to quickly craft special elixirs.
Su Ning quietly watched her work at a laboratory table. She tapped and stirred ingredients with care, and before long, a mysterious liquid began to take form, like magic.
[Item: Healing Salve Broth]
Effect:
Gently apply the healing salve to a wound, and it will feel like a warm spring breeze—quickly healing injuries. The magical ointment also stops bleeding like a mountain spring.
Eliza carefully cooled the concoction, then poured it into delicate little bottles.
She then neatly stored all the bottles away.
Su Ning had been watching closely the whole time. Thinking back to the earlier description of Eliza’s potion-making talent, she couldn’t help but ask:
“What do you make these for? Are you a doctor?”
In a world that harshly cracks down on witches, being a female doctor was like walking a tightrope over a cliff—a profession full of danger.
Eliza’s hand paused for a moment. Her voice turned cold:
“That’s none of your business.”
Su Ning raised her hands, shrugging. She was just curious, and since Eliza didn’t want to answer, that was fine.
Su Ning was now considering whether to leave this place.
After all, it wasn’t exactly safe either. Maybe hiding in a cave outside town would be more reliable.
After entering this instance, the system had only given her one task: survive for seven days. There were no other missions.
So all she needed to do was hide for a week. No matter how difficult the world was, as long as she stayed safe, nothing else mattered.
But just as Su Ning turned to leave, a sudden knock came at the door.
Su Ning’s eyes snapped to Eliza.
The next second, she instantly activated her disguise skill.
Eliza quietly opened the door.
A man, as strong as an ox, stepped inside.
When he saw Su Ning, a flicker of surprise crossed his face.
“Eliza, you have company? Looks like I came at a bad time.”
As he spoke, his eyes swept over Su Ning—clearly suspicious of anyone who entered Eliza’s place.
Eliza, who had remained cold and indifferent earlier, smiled when she saw him.
“Brother Clinton, this is a friend of my mentor’s. He’s just passing through, so I let him stop by.”
Clinton nodded, but his tone remained wary:
“Even so, Eliza, be careful. Don’t trust just anyone’s words. Things have been getting dangerous around here—you need to stay alert.”
His words were clearly warning Eliza to be cautious of Su Ning.
Su Ning raised an eyebrow.
She could easily sense the man’s hostility toward her—but didn’t know the reason.
What Su Ning didn’t realize was that her disguise made her appear male—and now she was alone in a room with a woman. Of course that would raise suspicions.
And based on how much Eliza respected Clinton, it seemed there might be… something more between them.
Su Ning activated Scavenger’s Eye to check his profile:
[Native: Clinton]
Talent:
Divine Blessing of Light – A follower of the God of Light, able to use some of His divine powers.
Skill:
Sword of Judgment
Seeing this, Su Ning’s eyes lit up.
She looked back and forth between Eliza—clearly smitten—and Clinton, who was upright but very wary of her.
A smile curved Su Ning’s lips.
A witch… and a Church of Light member.
She didn’t know if they were aware of each other’s identities.
If neither knew, that was fine.
If only one knew—that would be very interesting.
But if they both knew… well, Su Ning could only say:
“The power of love… truly is something.”
Clinton then asked:
“Eliza, is the healing salve ready? Some of my team were hurt while hunting dangerous beasts.”
“I’ll get it for you!!” Eliza quickly handed over the freshly made potions.
Before Clinton left, he gave Su Ning one last, deep look—his eyes hiding a complex emotion.
Eliza, perhaps because of Clinton’s warning, returned to her earlier coldness.
“You shouldn’t stay here long.”
Su Ning nodded.
“I know. I’ll be leaving soon. But before I go, I want to ask you one question.”
Eliza: “What is it?”
Su Ning: “Does that man know who you really are?”
Eliza was silent for a few seconds… then shook her head.
Su Ning raised her brows, now understanding.
Then she asked again: “Do you know who he really is?”
Eliza frowned and stared directly into Su Ning’s eyes.
“What are you trying to say?”
