“Well, Mr. Gregory, how may I assist you?" Mrs. Jenkins responded cautiously, acutely aware of the need to avoid any offense towards Goodwin.

She couldn't help but wonder if perhaps her hospitality towards him had fallen short, leading to his discontent. She certainly didn't anticipate him speaking up on behalf of Maria.

After all, Goodwin's reputation as a prominent pill alchemist was unmatched, while Maria was merely a young member of the Jenkins family who had faced her fair share of suppression.

In theory, there should have been no connection between the two individuals.

“I have just awoken from a brief slumber and I've heard whispers of Maria's alleged misconduct in the examination. Is it true that her score will be recorded as zero point?" Goodwin inquired with a hint of curiosity in his voice.

“Well Yes, that's correct," Mrs. Jenkins nodded, her confusion deepening with each passing moment.

Her mind echoed with bewilderment.

What was transpiring?

Was Goodwin truly taking a stand in defense of Maria?

But why?

A warm smile graced Goodwin's countenance as he persisted, "So, Maria resorted to cheating? I must admit, such an unexpected revelation.

Pray, do enlighten me on the nature of her deceit and collusion with the examiner."

Hurriedly, Mrs. Jenkins provided an explanation, her words flowing forth in a flurry, “Just moments ago, the judge by the name of Figueroa made a public announcement, alleging that Maria had concocted an extraordinary pill that vastly surpassed her own abilities. I witnessed this revelation firsthand."

At this juncture, Goodwin maintained a contemplative silence. His gaze fixed upon Mrs. Jenkins, his expression bearing a peculiar intensity.

His eyes seemed to convey a subtle message—"You are several years my senior. How could you discern Maria's public act of cheating from your distant seat on the stage?"

A flush of embarrassment reddened Mrs. Jenkins' face. Just as she was about to offer a further explanation, Goodwin raised his hand, signaling her to cease.

“So, Maria has successfully crafted a pill that surpasses her own abilities?" he clarified.

"Yes," Mrs, Jenkins affirmed, her voice filled with astonishment.

"May I inquire, did she create the Secular Magic Pill, the Immortal Pill, or perhaps the Divine Pil1?"

Goodwin's query encompassed three extraordinary pills, all of which were documented in the revered tome, The Classic of Pills. These legendary elixirs, graded above the ninth level, had emerged a millennium ago.

Mrs. Jenkins stood dumbfounded, completely taken aback by Goodwin's words.

The Secular Magic Pill?

The Immortality Pill?

The Divine Pill?