Mr. Barnes didn't lie. He used Maria as a model to demonstrate his ancient medical techniques to the Jenkins family's healers.

The healers, who were mostly beginners, listened in awe, admiring Mr. Barnes' knowledge and expertise.

Even Canaan was thrown off. His mind raced. Had he misunderstood Mr. Barnes' intentions? Was Mr. Barnes' visit to the Jenkins' residence driven by a genuine desire to improve the healers’ skills despite the close ties to Mrs. Jenkins?

When Mr. Barnes concluded his demonstration, the Jenkins family's healers applauded enthusiastically, expressing their gratitude for Mr. Barnes' willingness to share his knowledge.

“I'm surprised!" Mr. Barnes burst into laughter unexpectedly.

The moment he did, a hush fell over everyone there. They all turned their attention to him.

“Maria is a rare medical genius! She's a natural-born healer. If she pursues this path, she'll surpass me easily!"

At his words, the room erupted in chatter, and even Canaan couldn't hide his surprise.

Canaan was baffled. Things went beyond his imagination. He had feared Mr. Barnes would be tough on Maria, yet here he was, calling Maria a medical genius. What was happening? Was Mr. Barnes a friend or enemy?

Mrs. Jenkins, too, was taken aback.

But her confusion lasted only moments, then something clicked in her mind when Mr. Barnes coughed deliberately.

"Mr. Barnes, if Maria's really cut out for healing, what should we do next?" Mrs. Jenkins inquired, playing along smoothly.

"Well..." Mr. Barnes acted as if deep in thought, scratching his head and looking troubled.

Maria, however, remained unfazed. She observed Mr. Barnes quietly, watching a show put on just for her.

After a moment, Mr. Barnes said softly, "I've heard Maria's been learning alchemy, right? That's a good path. But I'm certain she'd achieve even more if she became a healer."

He paused, then added, “If Maria wants to pursue her career as a healer, I'd gladly tutor her and offer her a Peony Pill for her transition!"

His announcement left everyone in shock. Mr. Barnes was offering to take a disciple!

Maria had the chance to be a disciple of a medical master? That was indeed a stunning turn of events.

The healers from the Jenkins family cast complex glances at Maria, their eyes reflecting a mix of emotions.

They revered Mr. Barnes, a titan in the medical field, and to be his disciple was a coveted dream among them. Maria's opportunity to study under Mr. Barnes stirred a sea of envy in their hearts.

Yet, not everyone shared this sentiment.

"Ridiculous! Absurd! Something is amiss. It doesn't make any sense!

There must be something wrong!" Canaan exclaimed in his heart, his mood oscillating wildly, marked by intense irritability.

Contrary to the healers' views, Canaan harbored doubts about Mr. Barnes' sudden offer to mentor Maria.