"After the spring rain, the clouds part to reveal the sun, ushering in the sweltering summer. This heat eradicates the bacteria and diseases brought by the damp earth, allowing crops to thrive and grow rapidly. It is also a prime season for people to embark on leisurely travels."
"The sweltering climate leaves one physically and mentally exhausted. As summer departs, it is the season of autumn. The coolness of fall brings comfortable sleep. Fallen leaves return to their roots, becoming fertilizer for growth. The golden fields of rice and wheat signify the autumn harvest, bringing abundance to the people."
"No sooner has autumn passed than winter arrives. In this season of cold air, which both sterilizes and eliminates pests, people often enjoy outdoor activities like skiing and building snowmen, bringing immense joy. One can also witness the continuous snowfall, a breathtaking sight throughout history. Many flowers that bloom only in winter, such as the plum blossom, release a faint fragrance that refreshes passersby."
Ming Zhi Tian concluded wisely, "Spring blossoms, summer's heat, autumn's crisp air, winter's chill – this is the cycle of the four seasons. Seasons of spring, the Five Elements spanning a thousand miles, dreams within the Five Elements, symbolizing the reciprocal creation and destruction of all things. There is no good or bad, only the direction of the human heart."
"Clap, clap..." The Pill God was greatly enlightened, his applause continuous. "Listening to your words is like reading ten years' worth of books. This God is truly edified."
Ming Zhi Tian waved his hand humbly, "I merely spoke my mind; there's no need to take it too seriously."
The Pill God shook his head slightly. "Your modesty is unwarranted. I have yet to ask for your esteemed name?"
"Ming Zhi Tian."
The Pill God declared, "Since I can perceive your Immortal Eye, I naturally recognize the Ziwei Star Fire. This is the divine fire capable of forging the path of alchemy. I wish to compete with you in the art of pill refinement."
Ming Zhi Tian appeared bewildered. "To be perfectly honest, I am not skilled in it..."
The Pill God waved his hand. "Eh? Isn't this something you can do with just your hands? Come with me."
He led Ming Zhi Tian to the alchemy chamber. Empress Xing Chen and Lin Shiyi waited outside, exchanging glances, each with their own thoughts.
With a grand gesture from the Pill God, twelve divine pill furnaces of the Godly Grade flew through the air!
He then proceeded to place the herbs from various baskets into the ignited alchemy furnaces, step by step, commencing the pill refining process.
Ming Zhi Tian observed, his Immortal Eye replicating the actions, and he followed suit.
Outside the alchemy chamber...
Lin Shiyi said, "I can see that he has feelings for you, and you for him. Let me tell you, even so, I will not give up. I love him."
Empress Xing Chen shook her head. "What are you talking about?"
Lin Shiyi scoffed. "We are both women, let's speak plainly. Don't deny it; the way you two look at each other is different. I know."
Empress Xing Chen's face flushed with embarrassment. "There are many kinds of love, such as a sister's love for her brother..."
Lin Shiyi interrupted. "I mean romantic love. I truly love him. I know you were here first and I came later, but don't worry, I won't fight you for him. I'm willing to be the junior."
"..."
An hour later...
"Pills are ready!"
With a mighty wave of his hand, the Pill God unleashed the lids of the twelve divine pill furnaces, releasing the pills!
A rich, intoxicating medicinal fragrance spread outwards... Just inhaling it faintly made one feel their cultivation wavering.
In contrast, on Ming Zhi Tian's side, "Pills are ready!"
"Bang!..."
Out of the twelve divine pill furnaces, seven exploded, and only five produced pills, and those were of inferior quality.
Both were thousand-grade immortal pills. The Pill God stroked his beard. "To achieve such high alchemy talent on one's first attempt is truly rare."
Ming Zhi Tian still felt he hadn't done well enough. He gathered his strength, and two streams of Ziwei Star Fire appeared in his palms. He then controlled individual immortal herbs and threw them into the Ziwei Star Fire, beginning to refine pills.
Alchemy without furnaces!
"Oh?" The Pill God looked at Ming Zhi Tian with a newfound respect. Disturbance during alchemy was the greatest taboo. Throughout the entire process, the Pill God remained silent, merely watching.