At the summit of Blazing Heaven-Covering Mountain.
True crimson treasure fire blazed inside the azure hall. The two landed before it, where a boy lay fast asleep on the steps, a Green-Skinned Gourd beside him breathing out fiery qi.
"Tianxin."
Pingxiu descended with Xu Xuan on the wind. The Alchemist's hair had grown whiter, his voice more aged. At his call, the fire-tending boy sprang up and rubbed his eyes. Seeing who had arrived, he hurriedly bowed.
"Greetings, Master. Greetings, True Person."
Fear churned in his heart, and he thought punishment was surely coming. Yet after waiting a little, all he heard was a sigh.
"Go wait at the foot of the mountain."
"Yes."
Tianxin took the order, picked up the Green-Skinned Gourd, and hurried down the mountain, soon vanishing from sight.
Pingxiu's expression eased slightly. He invited Xu Xuan into the hall, then raised a hand to set the [Heaven-Covering Eight Trigrams Furnace] back in place and connect it to the fire vein. True crimson flames once more filled the hall.
The two sat down. Neither spoke.
"I miscalculated and dragged you into this, fellow Daoist."
Pingxiu sighed and lowered his head slightly. Before, despite his white hair and weathered voice, his face had at least remained youthful. Now he truly looked like an old man in his twilight years.
He turned his hand over and produced four pills, passing them to Xu Xuan with a trace of apology.
"Besides the promised [Feathered Ascension Truth-Seeking Pill] and [Mysterious Wind Spirit-Nourishing Powder], there are two water transformation [Origin-Settling Transformation Pills]. They can absorb lightning and fire and heal bodily injuries. Take them to mend your wounds."
Xu Xuan accepted them, his gaze shifting slightly. After they had escaped back from the Milk Sea, Jianzhuo and Wuyou had taken their pills