Chapter 391 Inheriting the Title
In response to Ethan's concern, Liam's eyes glinted knowingly. "Don't worry, Ethan. Let's head inside."
Though puzzled, Ethan reasoned that Ashley would be safe with William and reluctantly followed the three White family members into the bamboo house.
Meanwhile, Ashley and William made their way to the back garden.
"Ashley, today I will pass my title on to you," William announced solemnly.
"I understand," she nodded.
They walked past a grove of bamboo to a secluded cave already prepared with ceremonial offerings. Standing before the altar, William instructed, "Ashley, pay your respects to the sixteen predecessors."
Ashley bowed to each of the sixteen portraits hanging on the wall—all former bearers of the title.
"Today, I bestow the title of Master Healer upon Ashley. From this moment forward, she becomes the eighteenth Master Healer!" William proclaimed.
After completing the ceremonial bows, William retrieved an ornate box and presented it to Ashley. "Take this—the symbol of the Master Healer."
Ashley accepted the box with both hands. Inside lay an iron ring that had witnessed over two centuries of history.
Gazing at the significant artifact, Ashley vowed, "William, now that I've inherited this title, I promise to educate more people in the healing arts."
William nodded with satisfaction. "I believe in you. Follow me."
He added, "Since ancient times, Master Healers have focused on medicine. We have a library containing every text on healing."
They ventured deeper into the cave until they reached an ordinary-looking passage. William shifted a small stone in the wall, revealing a hidden door.
"William, there's a secret passage here?" Ashley asked in surprise.
"Of course!" William replied proudly. "Only Master Healers throughout history have known of this place."
They entered a well-lit chamber lined with bookshelves containing countless medical texts.
He continued, "Ashley, though you've been with me for over a decade and learned much, medicine remains your weakest skill. Yet you have tremendous potential—recreating Panacea from a recipe without formal training shows great promise. I hope you'll read through these medical texts quickly. I believe your healing skills will soon astonish everyone."
"William, that's so many books. Can I possibly read them all?" Ashley asked, overwhelmed.
"You must try, committing every word to memory," he insisted.
"I understand," she said, picking up a medical volume. "Let's go back. I'll read this one first, then return for more."
"There are sleeping quarters here. You'll remain and read at least a third of these books—or stay until your child is born."
William's stern expression looked particularly intimidating.
Ashley grimaced. "William, if I suddenly retreat here to study, Ethan will be suspicious. Besides, I've never told him about my healing abilities."
"I'll explain everything to him," William assured her. "Most healers begin training as children. At your age, you can't afford to learn slowly if you want to catch up. Don't tarnish the Master Healer reputation."
"Stay here for a three-day retreat. I'll bring you out afterward."
Seeing William's determination, Ashley sighed and conceded. "Alright then."
She knew that despite his strictness, William had her best interests at heart.
"One more thing, William." Ashley faced him with a serious expression and bowed formally.
"What is it?"
"I published the Panacea formula as a research paper. I wanted to share something so beneficial with those who need help. I didn't think it through properly—please punish me as you see fit."
William's eyes flashed with anger before quickly composing himself. "Your intentions were good. Healers exist to save lives. But Panacea is significant, and many question its effectiveness. Have people been skeptical of your publication?"
Ashley nodded. "Yes."
William sighed. "What's done is done. Blaming you won't change anything. I just hope no ill-intentioned people discover it, or else..."
His eyes darkened ominously. ""
"William, why would that happen?" Ashley asked, confused.
"Many people like us practice medicine with their own philosophies. Publishing the Panacea formula will certainly bring trouble. However, creating remedies requires innate talent—even with the formula, most couldn't successfully produce it."
Ashley's expression shifted with concern. "William, I'm sorry. I didn't realize it would cause problems."
"Forget it." William said. "Living secluded in these mountains protects us from outsiders. You can use Panacea to help people, but never reveal my location."
"I would never expose your whereabouts," Ashley promised.
"Good. That matter is settled. Start reading now."
Ashley felt an uneasy twitch in her eyelid but composed herself. "Alright."
She selected a medical text and began reading intently. She read quickly, soon becoming absorbed in the material. William watched with approval and satisfaction before quietly taking his leave.
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