Canaan even felt a twinge of revulsion toward Mr. Barnes for this unexpected proposition. He couldn't shake the feeling that Mr. Barnes' intentions were far from honorable.

"Maria's destiny lies in alchemy, and her future shines brightly. And with Mr. Gregory's guidance, she's in the best hands. No need for another mentor. Medicine and alchemy are worlds apart. Mr. Barnes wants Maria to drop her alchemical pursuit of medicine? That's not right. There's something fishy about his intentions."

Canaan could see clearly what those healers in the Jenkins family couldn't. He was adamant about not letting Maria be swayed into being a healer.

With a determined voice, Canaan suggested, "Mr. Barnes, you should be aware of Maria's significant strides in alchemy. Moreover, she's a recent inductee into the Pill Alchemist Association, a clear indication of her bright career."

Canaan then turned his attention to the matter of the Peony Pill.