Xiao Tian was instantly covered in a smoky layer of ash, his entire face pitch‑black.
"I didn't expect my first attempt at refining a peak seventh‑grade medicinal pill to end in a cauldron explosion."
He glanced helplessly at the blackened remains inside the Mountain Melting Cauldron, wiping his face with one hand. Unfortunately, that single wipe only spread the ash more evenly, leaving his face darker and shinier than before.
"Not only did the cauldron explode, but it even blew outward. This is ridiculous—like ridiculousness itself opened the door and invited more ridiculousness inside."
For the past two months, Xiao Tian had already mastered the refinement of high‑grade seventh‑grade pills. Today marked his first attempt at a peak seventh‑grade pill, and gathering the rare ingredients had been no small feat. High‑grade medicinal herbs were scarce on the Northwest Continent, and seventh‑tier magic cores were even rarer.
Knowing how mentally exhausting such refinement was, Xiao Tian decided not to continue for now. He had already produced several high‑grade seventh‑grade pills, including the Limitless Pill—capable of raising a Dou Zong's cultivation by one star, though only two could ever be consumed in a lifetime.
After tidying the cauldron, Xiao Tian opened the door, intending to head to the washing area. He hadn't expected to run into someone so coincidentally…
"Where did this black mud come from? Who are you?"
The startled voice belonged to Hu Jia. She instinctively dropped into a combat stance upon seeing the pitch‑black figure before her.
"Tiger Girl, it's me!" Xiao Tian quickly explained.
Hu Jia scrutinized him carefully. His hair was clumped together with ash, his clothes covered in uneven patches of black and gray. Her lively eyes widened, and then her lips curled upward.
"Hahahahaha!" She bent over, clutching her stomach, laughing so hard her shoulders shook. Her laughter echoed through the training grounds.
"Oh heavens, I can't take it anymore! What were you doing in there—mining coal? Or practicing some new face‑changing technique?" She teased, circling him. "Look at your hair—it's like someone combed it with charcoal. You look like a beggar trying to set a trend."
She pulled out a delicate handkerchief and approached.
"Oh really? Then I'll sneak into your bedside tonight and scare you to death," Xiao Tian retorted with a grin.
Hu Jia froze, her cheeks flushing. "You wouldn't dare! Be careful, or I'll bite you to death. Even if I can't beat you, I'll never let go."
Xiao Tian tilted his head. "Why are you blushing?"
"Maybe it's too hot," she muttered, eyes darting away. She raised the embroidered handkerchief. "Don't move. I'll help you wipe it off."
Though suspicious of her sudden kindness, Xiao Tian allowed it. Hu Jia gently dabbed at his face, then stepped back with a mischievous smile.
"Perfect," she said sweetly.
Xiao Tian condensed Dou Qi into a mirror—and nearly choked. His face was covered in playful patterns, making him look like a calico cat.
"Is this your idea of helping?" he demanded.
"Oh, well, it just wouldn't come off without water," Hu Jia replied innocently, though her smile betrayed her mischief.
Xiao Tian crossed his arms. "If you hide that grin, I might believe you."
Realizing she'd been caught, Hu Jia tried to slip away. "Uh, I still have things to do. Bye!"
But Xiao Tian blocked her path. "No need to rush. Since you helped me, I should return the favor. Otherwise, it would be impolite."
Before she could protest, he smeared ash across his own hands and pressed them firmly against her face, rubbing vigorously.
Hu Jia froze, her cheeks burning—not only from the ash but because it was the first time anyone of the opposite sex had touched her face so completely.
"Excellent. Absolutely beautiful." Xiao Tian conjured another mirror.
Hu Jia nearly fainted. Her reflection showed a face as black as his—two charcoal heads staring back.
"I'll bite you to death! I won't rest until one of us is gone!"
She pounced, wrapping her legs around his waist and biting his shoulder.
"Dirty! Don't bite randomly," Xiao Tian scolded, pinching her cheeks to stop her.
"You're so annoying!" Hu Jia huffed, losing her will to retaliate.
"Hmph! I'll remember this. Next time, I'll bite until you scream." She turned her head away, sulking.
"Yes, yes, you're the best. But can you get down now?" Xiao Tian said dryly.
Only then did Hu Jia realize she was clinging tightly to him. She quickly slid off, lowering her head shyly—though a strange reluctance lingered in her heart.
Looking down, she noticed her legs were now covered in ash as well.
"What, do you want me to help wipe them clean too?" Xiao Tian teased.