The Herbal Pavilion was quieter than the forge.
Shelves filled with jade containers lined the walls.
Each one contained carefully preserved herbs.
The air smelled refreshing and pure.
Matthew walked slowly between the shelves.
He examined every plant carefully.
Michael leaned against a pillar.
"You look like a scholar."
Matthew ignored him.
He picked up a small leaf from a tray.
"This is Silver Moon Grass."
Michael raised an eyebrow.
"You know that?"
Matthew nodded.
"I read about it in grandfather's herb books."
The shopkeeper approached them.
A middle-aged woman with calm eyes.
"Young man, are you interested in alchemy?"
Matthew hesitated.
"I… don't know yet."
The woman smiled.
"Most children your age prefer martial techniques."
"But you walked straight toward the herbs."
Matthew looked around again.
Something about this place felt natural.
Comfortable.
The shopkeeper placed a small herb in his hand.
"Try identifying this."
Matthew studied it carefully.
He closed his eyes and smelled it.
Then lightly touched the leaf.
After a moment he answered.
"Fire Root Vine."
"Used in strengthening pills."
The woman's eyes widened slightly.
"Correct."
Michael laughed.
"You're good at this."
Matthew shrugged.
"It's just interesting."
Inside his mind, the dragon turtle spirit spoke again.
Blacksmithing…
Alchemy…
Agriculture…
You two are walking the correct path.