Centuries ago, in ancient China, Tang dynasty alchemists embarked upon a daring quest for immortality. From the seclusion of their laboratories, bewitching transformations took place upon the flames of the furnace. With a magic brew of blood-red cinnabar, glistening gold, fickle mercury, and toxic lead, they sought to concoct an elixir of eternal life. Amidst this elusive pursuit, their experiments led to the invention of fire medicine, now known as gunpowder. What began as a search for longevity unwittingly gave rise to powerful tools of destruction; the impact of which we still feel today.