June 14th.
Zhang Rongfang, leading more than ten Taoist servants, headed towards the alchemist's cave carrying bundles of freshly washed and dried medicinal herbs and ores.
Along the way, even before dawn broke, there were Taoists from the Pill Hall bustling about, preparing for the new day's affairs.
Most were young Taoist boys with their servants, while a few outsiders came early to wait and request pills.
The people from the Pill Hall were easy to identify, each wearing a badge that represented the hall, displayed prominently.
Zhang Rongfang glanced at Chui Xi beside him.
This fellow proudly hung the badge around her neck like a dog tag, swinging back and forth as she walked.
Paired with her eating spicy grilled skewers, occasionally panting with her tongue out, it was truly a bit piercing to the eyes.
He himself tied the badge halfway up his arm, so it wouldn't easily fall off and everyone could see it clearly.
