This year, autumn arrived somewhat early.
What should have been the season of harvest, Chen Xia found not a single herb in his medicinal field had grown to maturity, nor had any of them produced fruit.
He realized these herbs grew tall but did not bear fruit.
Grass.
He quickly calmed himself down. Recalling what a philosopher once said, when something goes wrong, one should first look for problems within oneself. Only after ensuring one has done everything perfectly does one have the right to blame others.
Chen Xia found this statement reasonable and soon identified the issue with himself.
Gentleness.
He had been too gentle with the young herbs, hesitating to be harsh, even restraining his tone when scolding them.
He decided to change this approach and issued an ultimatum to the entire medicinal field.
"If you don't bear fruit by next autumn, I will uproot all of you. Damn it."
The young herbs trembled slightly, either out of fear or due to the autumn breeze.
Shouldering a hoe, he stretched lazily and suddenly turned toward the door as footsteps approached, more than one person.
Just before reaching the door, the footsteps abruptly stopped, then only one set of footsteps continued, lightly knocking on the door.
"Who is it?" Zhang Daoming did not use his divine sense to investigate, as that would be impolite and could lead to conflicts among cultivators. He simply asked aloud.
"Jiamu Mountain's Elder comes to seek an audience with the alchemy master."
An elderly voice responded.
Zhang Daoming was momentarily stunned, then became tense and somewhat fearful.
He knew of Jiamu Mountain's Elder, who had been famous since Zhang Daoming's childhood, already renowned as a Dao pharmacist, ranking highly in the middle layer of the boundary domain.
Now, such a legendary figure from his childhood was here, naturally causing excitement. Zhang Daoming hurriedly opened the door and warmly greeted the elderly Jiamu Mountain Elder: "Hello, hello."
Jiamu Mountain Elder also knew Zhang Daoming, aware that he lived with Chen Xia and considered friends. Not daring to be disrespectful, he nodded hastily.
"Hello, hello. I come to seek an audience with the alchemy master."
Today, Chen Xia's name was known throughout the middle layer of the boundary domain.
A newly crowned alchemy master, backed by a Quasi-Emperor.
Such a combination made him untouchable.
Jiamu Mountain Elder had come to apologize, having personally challenged Chen Xia years ago and using some insulting words. Each time he thought about it, he felt a chill, fearing Chen Xia might hold a grudge.
Had it not been for recent changes in the middle layer of the boundary domain, Jiamu Mountain Elder would have come to apologize much earlier.
"Chen Xia is inside; please come in," Zhang Daoming warmly invited, leading Jiamu Mountain Elder into the courtyard.
Jiamu Mountain Elder's body trembled slightly, nervous as he entered, looking around but not seeing Chen Xia.
Instead, he saw a farmer carrying a hoe and wearing a straw hat.
"Where is Mr. Chen?" Jiamu Mountain Elder asked doubtfully.
"That's him," Zhang Daoming pointed toward the figure in the medicinal field.
"Ah... ah?" Jiamu Mountain Elder was surprised, turning back to see only to hear a very local phrase.
"Damn it."
He paused, confused, and confirmed with Zhang Daoming, "Is this really Mr. Chen?"
"Chen Xia!" Zhang Daoming called out directly.
Chen Xia raised his hand, acknowledging he had seen Jiamu Mountain Elder but chose to ignore him initially.
Seeing Chen Xia's face, Jiamu Mountain Elder no longer doubted and hurried forward, bowing respectfully.
"I offended you unintentionally some time ago. It was my mistake, and I have come specifically to apologize."
Chen Xia waved his hand generously, "No problem, you're still young, I won't blame you."
Zhang Daoming was taken aback.
Jiamu Mountain Elder also froze, thinking about his nearly 15,000 years of age, unsure how to respond. After a long pause, he managed to say, "You are most gracious."
"Yes," Chen Xia nodded, then shook his head, "Young people should remember not to be too arrogant. Without a proper self-assessment, challenging others can lead to embarrassment."
"I was too rash," Jiamu Mountain Elder bowed humbly.
"If we consider reality, you are indeed a few years older than me. But learning comes first. In the path of alchemy, I can be considered your senior. Let me give you some advice; you won't mind, will you?"
Chen Xia continued.
Jiamu Mountain Elder looked up, forcing a smile worse than crying, and replied, "Of course, I am delighted."
"Very well." Chen Xia put down his hoe and sighed.
"When I saw you that day, I felt you were a promising alchemy talent. Though you look old, good things come to those who wait. I intended to guide you later, but you were too arrogant and dared to defy me!"
These words left Zhang Daoming speechless.
Jiamu Mountain Elder bent down, saying humbly, "Disrespecting you was not my intention. It was due to Kai Xuan Mountain's influence. Since then, I have genuinely admired you. Thinking of your alchemy skills keeps me awake at night."
Chen Xia smiled gently, nodding approvingly, "Foolish child, your dedication pleases me."
Zhang Daoming stood there, unsure how to react.
The scene was peculiar.
Perhaps it was just Chen Xia being peculiar.
"Bring gifts for Senior Chen!" Jiamu Mountain Elder suddenly shouted, beckoning outside.
Footsteps sounded, and six cultivators at the Inverse Sea realm entered, each carrying an ancient box, likely storage treasures.
Jiamu Mountain Elder smiled lightly, "Senior Chen, this is a small token of my appreciation—just ordinary spirit stones, elixirs, and treasures. Please accept them."
Chen Xia remained silent, his eyes under the straw hat flickering meaningfully in the sunlight. He placed his hand on the hoe, tapping his fingers lightly, then lifted his gaze and asked slowly.
"Are you trying to win me over with gifts?"
"What?" Jiamu Mountain Elder was puzzled.
"Old Zhang, bring the gifts!" Chen Xia gestured.
Zhang Daoming shook his head, went to the wall lined with elixirs, took half of them, put them in a bag, walked to the door, and tossed the bag to Chen Xia.
"Here, take them all," Chen Xia handed the bag to Jiamu Mountain Elder.
Jiamu Mountain Elder only noticed the strong aroma of elixirs when he received the bag. Opening it slightly, his expression froze.
All Dao elixirs?!
"This... this cannot be, Senior Chen... I should be the one apologizing to you," Jiamu Mountain Elder panicked.
"You can apologize, but not with gifts," Chen Xia stated firmly.
Only he could win others over with courtesy.