27:Reflection on the Experiments:
Li Mei stands back from her workbench, a quiet sense of pride blossoming within her. The tonic has worked better than expected, and the salve is already showing results. As she cleans her tools—her metal blade, wooden spoon, and mortar and pestle—she feels a growing sense of connection to the mystical space that continues to provide the tools she needs.
Her experiment has been a success, but she knows there's still much more to learn. The village's traditional remedies are useful, but she's beginning to understand that combining the power of nature with the mystical water from her space could create remedies of truly remarkable potency.
Li Mei's journey is far from over. The tools she's gathered—whether from the village or the mystical space—will continue to help her experiment, refine, and grow in her ability to heal both herself and those around her
The next morning, Li Mei ventures into the village with her small basket of remedies. She walks slowly through the narrow dirt paths, passing thatched-roof huts and the familiar faces of the villagers. They greet her with polite nods, though many still look at her with curiosity, and some even whisper behind her back. Li Mei is aware that she is still an outsider, but she's determined to change that.
Her first stop is the home of Grandmother Wen, the elderly healer. The old woman's hut is located near the center of the village, and it is filled with the pungent scent of dried herbs. Grandmother Wen looks up from her mortar and pestle as Li Mei enters, a sharp gleam in her eyes.
"Ah, Li Mei, what brings you here?" Grandmother Wen asks, her voice gravelly but warm.
Li Mei bows slightly in respect. "I've brought you some remedies, Grandmother Wen. I thought they might be useful for your patients."
She hands the elderly woman a small jar of her Mountain Ginseng and Red Sage tonic. "This will help with fatigue and improve energy," she explains. "And this salve," she adds, offering another jar, "is made with Golden Herb and Jade Leaf. It speeds up healing for cuts and bruises."
Grandmother Wen examines the jars carefully, her brow furrowing as she opens the lids. She inhales deeply, and a faint smile forms on her lips.
"You've done well, Li Mei," she says, nodding approvingly. "These remedies smell... potent. You have a good eye for herbs. But how do you know about these?"
Li Mei hesitates for a moment, unsure how to explain the mystical water and the otherworldly knowledge she possesses. Instead, she simply offers a humble smile. "I've spent time learning about herbs and their healing properties. I've also been using some of them on myself."
Grandmother Wen looks at her keenly, then nods. "I see. These remedies are unlike anything I've seen before. I'm intrigued. If you're willing to share your knowledge, perhaps we can work together. The villagers could benefit from what you've created."
Li Mei's heart skips a beat. This is the break she was hoping for. "I would be honored, Grandmother Wen. Perhaps we can help each other."
The elderly woman smiles, and Li Mei feels a sense of warmth in her chest. It seems that, step by step, she is beginning to build a life in this new world.