Hi. Well, first of all, I'd like to apologize for saying I wouldn't delay chapters again, and then doing it back-to-back. Actually, considering that previous estimate of 20 chapters and thinking it would be quick to finish, I ended up deciding to try and finish this first part before posting. But I've already written 30 chapters and only gotten a little closer to the end, haha... I really didn't think it would take this long. I'll post gradually and keep going like that. I'll see you in the current chapters, but I believe it will take some time until that happens, since I'm already writing chapter 110 now, and to be honest, this is my favorite part so far.

  And a question in case anyone is interested in answering: can I stop "highlighting" thoughts with different lettering? Or do you prefer to keep it that way?

  Have a good day/afternoon/night.

  //

  Ting heard from Noah the explanation about He Rui's situation.

  Another one? She couldn't help but think. For someone who claims not to "care," he seems to have connections to many women... Or is it just for those he doesn't find attractive?

  Despite the complaints she had in mind, she didn't stop her caresses. She didn't assert herself or scold him. She simply accepted him. Because, in the end, even she didn't take those thoughts seriously.

  — I believe you're a little calmer now, aren't you? — He shook his head, denying it — But you seem well enough to look at my body, though.

  — Well, that's not exactly a good parameter for comparison. I do it because it's impossible not to look. You're too beautiful.

  — How shameless... Don't start using words from your world or flatter me just to evade the issue. — sighing, she pulled part of his hair forward, ending up blocking part of Noah's vision, letting him see only through the dark strands — Get me a set of clothes, I'm leaving.

  Was she embarrassed or irritated? Her heart had calmed down some time ago with remarkable speed, so Ting wasn't sure. The throbbing only really exploded at first; then they became formalized. Maybe it was just surprise, or perhaps the line separating her feelings was too thin to make any difference — You’ve already done this twice, and I haven’t even once. What does your "parameter" say about that? — however, no matter what it was, she was sure it was nothing like anger or hatred.

  — That's not what that word- — after adjusting his hair, Noah found her serious gaze and stopped. He looked for the spatial bag where her clothes were — Maybe it would be better if we evened things up? — he suggested.

  The bag was on the edge of the bed and he quickly grabbed it. He looked for clothing among the accessories, shoes, and coins—so many coins, most of them gold.

  — Ah, sure, and that way, you'll end up winning again. Very clever of you.

  Having chosen the outfit, Noah approached the bathtub with it in his hands — Thank you. — and he couldn’t help but look at the body the clothes would cover.

  — That wasn’t a compliment. — Ting grabbed the yellowish dress while looking at him the whole time, but failed to get all of Noah's attention — Aren’t you going to turn around?

  — I’ve already seen everything, so-

  — And? That doesn’t stop you from showing some politeness.

  He turned in silence and closed his eyes just in case. However, the sound of water sliding over smooth skin seemed to fill the room as Ting stood up. His imagination was truly treacherous and his desire compelled him. Apparently, seeing wasn't enough to calm him now.

  — Couldn't you just give her a pill? — Ting suggested, but did so before reading the information present in the interface in front of her. She finished getting dressed and then read — I see, so that wouldn't solve it. But a blood tonic pill... Is there anything like that in the store?

  [Basic? No.]

  The screen changed and the options scrolled endlessly until stopping — Over a hundred million points?! — Ting frowned — Wouldn’t it be easier just to say there isn’t one? And what does this "divine" after the points mean? Are there different categories of points?

  [Yes.]

  — You can open your eyes now. — she walked past Noah and sat on the bed. She crossed her legs while drying her hair — Can you make a pill like that? That is, if you have an alchemy furnace.

  — Well, there is one. But not right now, I’d have to try once first. But...

  — But?

  After approaching and sitting next to her, Noah took the cloth she was using to dry her hair and began to do it himself.

  — Are you upset about what I did? — he asked, looking away.

  — Is that what you’re worried about? — he nodded — So why didn't you think of that before doing something?

  — Because I wanted to look.

  — And now that you’ve seen? — Ting asked even though she knew the answer — You want to touch? — she answered herself.

  Although he hesitated, not sure how she would react, Noah nodded his head.

  — I suppose the concept of waiting until marriage didn't exist in your old world.

  — In some places and for some people, yes.

  — But, for you, that doesn't matter.

  He nodded — I think as long as I know what I want, having a ceremony or not is irrelevant.

  — I can understand you and, at a certain point, agree. But I can't let you do that yet. — she turned, looking him in the eyes. She took his hand — Honestly, the ceremony doesn’t matter much to me either, but its meaning does. After that, we'll be bound, we’ll be one, and that's what I care about.

  Ting’s mind wandered when she realized the word "bound," but didn't get far. Even if she tried, she couldn't remember what that was supposed to mean, or what weight it carried, or why. She closed her eyes, making the daydream cease. In the end, maybe it wasn’t that important, since it faded so easily.

  — So, maybe we should get married as soon as possible. — he joked.

  — Well, actually, there’s a place where I want to do that. — she smiled.

  With her hair already dry, Ting jumped up and spun on her heels — Anyway, shall we? — she extended her hand — We still have to make a pill, don’t we?

  Noah smiled, answering her call — I have the feeling that your excitement isn't just about helping that girl.

  — You’re overthinking, Noah.

  Leaving the room, they soared into the sky along with the wind.

  Ting brushed stray strands behind her ear as she watched the home below. Raising her head, she could see the distant forest and, even if she couldn’t see the cave, just that was enough to give her chills.

  Wrapping his arm around her waist, Noah took her hand with his free one. Her clenched fist trembled and her teeth ground together without her even noticing.

  — That won't happen again. — he promised, kissing the scar on her palm — I won’t let it.

  After breathing deeply several times and calming down a bit, reducing her trembling, Ting smiled — I know... — she wrapped her arm around him, directing him with her hand — But let's get out of here soon before someone sees us like this.

  Noah smiled and kissed her.

  An unexpected warmth rose in her throat, warming her face and bringing with it the sound of a heart beating strong and fast. Furrowing her brows, previously raised in surprise, Ting frowned as she turned to complain, but then realized they were no longer hovering over the residence. Her hair and clothes whipped around violently, though her body was already still. The waters undulated in small waves that spread from the vibrant bridge on which she stood.

  Letting go of Noah, she walked to the edge of the bridge and watched the fish fighting a little further ahead not to be swept away by the waves. Then, with the calm of the lake, little by little the golden glow reflecting on its surface appeared.

  — Is the furnace here?

  Noah nodded.

  — And are you sure I can be here? It doesn't seem like just any wing of the house.

  — Well, you have the token that old man gave you, so I think so? But... do you want me to ask? — she nodded — All right, wait one second then.

  Some of the nearby planks wobbled and, beneath them, the adjacent waters vibrated.

  Ting leaned on the railing to watch the fish while she waited. However, the ground trembled, showing that her time was up.

  Following her steps beside Noah, she soon realized something seemed wrong. Whether it was her heartbeat or breathing, neither seemed under control.

  This tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author's consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.

  How strange is this "problem" he has? It can't be a disease, can it? No... Is there anything that strange?

  Her chest tightened when she found herself before the dark steps where light seemed to refuse to enter. It wasn't a matter of visibility, since she could see beyond the stone steps. The voices and touches that grabbed at her feet were the real problem. Ting grabbed Noah’s hand, holding him with her trembling, fragile touch.

  — ...Is there a problem? — he looked at the dark staircase, turned back to her, and only when he looked at the darkness again was he able to connect the image to the cave — Close your eyes for a moment, Ting.

  It wasn't hard for her to obey him in that situation. On the contrary, it was more demanding to keep them open.

  Noah raised his hand and blue lightning crackled in his palm. The noises swept across the empty stairs, carrying with them the light the lightning emitted.

  — All right, you can look now. — Clenching her fists, her eyelids vibrated as she hesitated — Is it a little better now?

  A small smile formed on her lips, making her stop biting them.

  Ting nodded.

  Going down the stairs, she felt welcomed by the rays lighting the path and safe thanks to the hands she held. She rested her head on Noah’s shoulder for much of the way, only moving away when he had to open the stone gates that shook the ground, walls, and ceiling as they were moved. Thus, a new dark room was revealed. However, as quickly as it appeared, the lightning spread to illuminate it.

  Her eyes scanned the length of the room as the lightning took over all surroundings. They stopped, shining. Pushing Noah aside, Ting ran to the enormous iron structure that stood imposingly in the center of the place.

  — It really is an alchemy furnace! — She got close, but failed to touch it. Something seemed wrong. Cold, distant, and sad. Her chest wasn’t tight anymore; now it seemed about to crack. Ting stepped back a few steps — This can't be right, can it...?

  — Alchemy is about connection, feelings. So everything can influence the environment where it takes place. And if those emotions are strong enough, they can also end up imprinting on the furnace used. — he explained as he approached.

  — The previous owner of this cauldron must have suffered a lot, right...?

  Even hesitantly, she touched the cold iron carefully. The stored emotions were even more intense. Painful. For a moment, Ting thought she managed to see a strange image ahead. Blurry and distant. But she shook her head. It couldn't be true. Because when she touched the object once more, nothing more appeared.

  Noah wiped her tears with his own shirt sleeve and, after blowing her nose, Ting turned — Okay, shall we begin? — She took out the herbs she had kept in her spatial bag and laid them on the floor, crouching next to them — Which herbs will we use? Are the ones we have here enough?

  — Yes, depending on the pill to be made.

  — So, what about the blood-tonifying pill?

  He nodded — But why don't we try something different first?

  — Different...?

  Noah glanced at the visible scar on her hand for a moment — First, let’s separate the herbs according to their flavors and natures. — He did the same, laying out the herbs from his spatial bag on the floor.

  Ting nodded and, smiling, quickly started sorting the herbs without caring about the passage of time. Her excitement suppressed any other kind of thought.

  Herb by herb, Noah followed along attentively, observing each smile she gave him.

  It's really beautiful...

  Ignoring them seemed to be the most horrendous kind of sin.

  — Done! — She exclaimed, crossing her arms with a huge grin — I did well, right?

  — Perfect.

  She narrowed her eyes, sensing there was more to that answer — You don’t seem to be talking only about sorting the herbs... — Ting looked down, glancing at the fingers on her waist — By the way, since when have you been so close?

  — I’ve always been by your side, Ting... — Noah looked away — You were just too excited to notice.

  — Hmm... — she sighed — Anyways, what do we do now? What’s this "different" thing you mentioned?

  — I’ll dictate the recipe, and you pick the herbs, okay? Then we’ll do the rest together.

  She nodded.

  — So, for this recipe, we’ll need just six herbs. It’s a simple recipe, so the herbs don’t have to be too specific, only effective. Let's go, first, a fresh bitter one for skin regeneration.

  Ting searched among the divisions and among those with a concentration of Yang energy just a bit less than Yin energy, chose one.

  Standing with the herb in hand, she was ready to get the next ones.

  — One to eliminate heat and one to nourish blood. Pick the ones that best fit those aspects, with differences like, for example, a herb that's been bathed with the blood of some creature and another that's regularly exposed to a slightly cold energy.

  Ting nodded. She picked one of the bluish-white flowers that had been bathed in moonlight and one whose petal tips were red, unlike the rest, which were purple.

  — Now for the rest. A warm sweet one to help healing. A neutral sweet one to harmonize the formula and reduce the toxicity of the herbs, and one to help with regeneration. Did you pick them all?

  — Uh-huh. Hmm, I think so... — She came closer, showing her picked herbs — Is that right? Or should I change one?

  Noah looked at the herbs — Perfect. Let's keep going.

  — Now you really seemed to be talking about the herbs. — she smiled.

  Standing before the furnace, Noah joked — I guess that means I’m getting better at lying.

  — To me? — Ting approached with one brow raised. She leaned in to look him in the eye, but got no answer — If that’s the case, better stop.

  Smiling, Noah raised his palm. A small black flame shone — Let’s start. First, I think we need to mix our flames since we’re doing this together.

  Darkness entered the cold iron, making it tremble.

  Ting followed the cue and threw her reddish flame through one of the small openings.

  The forces collided inside the cauldron, dividing it into separate territories. On the dominant side, shadow shone; on the other, reddish light streamed through the holes.

  [Assistance in pill creation has been activated.]

  [Assistance in pill creation has been activated for the listed wife, Huo Ting.]

  [Joint pill creation assistance has been activated.]

  The two heard the notifications and joined hands before starting in earnest.

  — You know, I don’t think this part is needed. — Ting commented as Noah hugged her from behind.

  — ...It's to increase the connection between us... — he argued — Now try to focus a little more, let’s start.

  The flames swirled inside the cauldron, mixing colors and temperatures. In the end, though, one of them stood out.

  — I can't match your flame, you need to try to match mine.

  — All right, I know. Hold on just a bit more.

  Noah closed his eyes. He needed to feel and experience. To control. The heat and intensity—everything needed to be perfectly balanced. Yet, it wasn't easy. There were two simultaneous problems: his flame was too strong and Ting’s very weak. If he lost control for a mere instant, hers would be completely consumed.

  Spinning, the flames created a vortex of two colors. They were no longer fighting each other. They found balance before decline.

  — Wow, this is really hard! — Ting sighed in relief.

  — Want to rest a bit before moving on?

  She shook her head — I’ll do it later. I want to continue now.

  Smiling, he rested his chin on her shoulder — So let’s start with the fresh bitter for skin regeneration along with the neutral sweet you picked to assist regeneration.

  Ting nodded and, with a glance, sent the herbs flying into the furnace.

  Noah noticed that skill. It was the same Undric used to move her body without touching her while meditating or when he was hurt. A useful and interesting ability, one he would like to learn.

  The effort was immense, making her legs tremble and drying her throat. At some point, Ting started to think she was inside the cauldron along with the flames — This isn't working, the herbs are burning before even approaching the flames.

  — That's not true, Ting. Look again.

  — No, I—

  — They aren’t. Focus, Ting. Don’t let the furnace’s emotions manipulate how you see the world. The loneliness and fear you're feeling aren't yours. You don’t have to hold onto that, because you'll never be alone as long as you’re with me.

  The strong pulse in her chest brought with it internal warmth and external clarity. There were no herbs burning; instead, contrary to what she thought, all had already been processed. The sweet scent was more intense, spreading through the entire place. The only problem was her own flame, which, like her mind, kept failing to follow the necessary flow.

  With open eyes, Ting looked to the side with a downcast look — Sorry..., we almost failed because of me.

  — Are you liking yourself? — Noah kissed her face before she could nod. She then confirmed — Good, that’s what really matters. It doesn’t matter if we fail or not, we can always try making more pills later.

  Returning one of the kisses, she turned — Which herbs do we use now?

  — First, we’ll have to separate the herbs that have already been condensed, and then mix another wave of flames.

  They raised their hands together and, as they entered the cauldron, the flame colors immediately started to blend. There was no challenge this time as they met inside the iron.

  — Now it’s time for the warm sweet that will help with healing and the fresh bitter that will nourish the blood. Remember the order, it will be important when mixing all the herbs together.

  The herbs flew into the furnace. It was difficult, but not compared to the first attempt. Like water, the flame wrapped the herbs. Like fire, it was intense, but not enough to burn them, just enough to melt them slowly and carefully, absorbing their essences.

  The sweet scent intensified without becoming cloying. Now it also brought a refreshing feeling that calmed whoever sensed it.

  — And now? — she smiled, proud, turning her face as if waiting for something. The kiss came immediately.

  — Now we’ll separate these two as well and, lastly, process the bitter one that will eliminate the heat, followed by the sweet one to harmonize the formula and reduce its toxicity... Once that's done, we’ll go back and mix the first two herbs.

  Ting gulped.

  Noah's hands overlapped hers and, together, they started.

  The closeness of their fingers illustrated the mixing process clearly, though not easily. The closer they were, the farther she had come. Their fingers parted five times during the process. The herbs wouldn't blend, colliding until they almost became lost. Backing up and trying again was the only option left.

  — We... — their fingers touched, causing Ting to release a long but not heavy sigh — did it!

  — Great, now let’s continue with the rest of the herbs, following the order they were placed in the furnace.

  Slowly, the herbs were integrated into the mixture. Then they started to spin. Like an intense vortex. The pressure to keep their hands close was immense. The scents in the air were hard to decipher.

  — Wait, now’s the last ingredient. — a bottle appeared on the floor ahead — Add a drop of this water to eliminate the remaining impurities.

  The drop flew in. Ting made one last joint effort, finally letting it enter the mixture. They intertwined their fingers. They couldn't let go. She wouldn’t allow it. At the touch of palms, from the brightness gushing out of the cauldron, nothing else remained.

  Thanks to a movement of Ting's fingers, something launched out, enveloped in smoke. Noah caught it in the air. He looked at the small bluish sphere. Maybe it was hot, since it still gave off smoke, but that didn't matter to him.

  — Hmm, strange.

  — What..? Did we fail?

  — No, not that. I don't think the pill has a problem, it’s just... it should be white, I think? But I guess it was the water that changed it—the pill itself doesn’t seem to have an issue.

  [Congratulations.]

  [One point was earned for having the courage to experiment with something new in a basic formula on a first alchemy attempt.]

  [Congratulations.]

  [...You’ve heard, then, after all, a point was also earned by the listed wife, Huo Ting.]

  — So we really did it? — Ting asked, smiling. She sat down to rest.

  — Yes, why don’t you try it?

  — Me? — She took the sphere — But what does it do?

  — Improves your skin. That way you can wear any clothes you want, without worrying about anything.

  She paused for a moment. Lifting her hand, she pulled Noah closer by his clothes, making him sit beside her. With a quiet smile, Ting leaned on his shoulders — Thank you.

  — Aren’t you going to take it?

  — No, not yet... — She brought the pill to her chest — I want to keep it a little longer. After all, it’s the first pill we made together.