By the time the Flowing Cloud Shuttle entered Hundred Herb Island's harbor, dusk had dyed the Pill Pavilion's upturned eaves a golden red.
Han Li stood at the bow, gazing at the young medicinal attendant waiting beside the pier. The faint glow of the Star-Water Token and Illusory Star Banner shone through his robes, flowing like a river of stars under the impetus of his water spiritual power.
Zi Ling had changed into the moon-white robes of a Pill Pavilion steward. The plain silver hairpin in her hair still resonated with the Star-Water Token, and the Star-Illusion Maze Formation Flags were neatly gathered at her waist. She truly looked the part of an elite Pill Pavilion disciple.
"Please follow me, senior disciples." The young attendant led them through a covered corridor whose pillars were carved with images of a hundred herbs. The scent of medicinal plants mingled with sandalwood, seeping deep into their lungs. "Pillheart Pavilion is where the pavilion master cultivates in seclusion. The Fire-Spirit Stele at its roof beam must not be activated without an important reason. Since Senior Sister Zi Ling has brought the Star-Water Token today, the pavilion master has granted special permission."
Zi Ling nodded her thanks, her fingertips unconsciously stroking the "Pill Pavilion Record of Rare Medicinal Herbs" inside her sleeve. Han Li, meanwhile, extended his spiritual sense over the medicinal gardens along their path. Newly planted star-tear grass seedlings stood among the dew-congealing flowers, dew hanging from their leaf tips. Clearly, preparations were underway to cultivate the principal ingredients for the Two-Yi Pill.
Pillheart Pavilion stood atop Hundred Herb Peak. The three-story building had bronze medicinal bells hanging from its upturned eaves, their clear chimes ringing like spring water whenever the wind passed.
An ancient bronze mirror hung from the roof beam, golden