182: Rat Clan Distinguished Guests

For the next three days, Xiao Chun remained in the Beast King Valley.

The Gold Digging Rat's injury appeared to be mere swelling and ulceration of its forelimb, but in reality, a mass of chilly Earth Fiend Qi had accumulated deep within its bones. Over the years, this not only prevented the wound from healing but also continuously eroded its Origin. Ordinary medicine could not reach it, and violent removal risked damaging the bone marrow.

Xiao Chun did not rush to use her needles. First, she carefully examined the wound, then asked Vice Hall Master Lei to bring some mild detoxifying and muscle-regenerating ointments commonly used in Medicine King Valley. To an outsider, she was merely applying the ointment around the wound and using gold crystal needless to shallowly prick some secondary Acupoints near the injury, coordinating this with gentle wood-attribute True Qi to guide the flow.

In reality, whenever no one was watching or when the Gold Digging Rat closed its eyes to cooperate, she would silently channel a trace of extremely diluted Myriad Medicine Spiritual Breath deep into the wound through the gold crystal needless. That spiritual breath, containing boundless vitality, acted like the most skillful scavenger, precisely enveloping the chilly Earth Fiend Qi, neither harming the surrounding tissue nor failing to slowly 'dissolve' and 'transform' it.

Simultaneously, through acupuncture, she guided the Gold Digging Rat's own thick demonic power (the power gained from Spirit Beast Cultivation) to gather at the injury. Combined with the restorative power of the Myriad Medicine Spiritual Breath, this activated its own powerful healing capabilities.

The Gold Digging Rat could clearly feel that the bone-deep, chilly pain that had tormented it for years was gradually receding, replaced by a warm, life-filled current. Its gaze toward Xiao Chun shifted from initial tentative trust to complete wonder and gratitude.

Three days later, the swelling in the Gold Digging Rat's right forelimb had completely subsided, fresh pink flesh grew over the ulcerated area, and the cold sensation deep in its bones vanished. It stood up excitedly on its hind legs, waving its recovered forelimb and letting out joyful 'squeaks.' Its massive body even hopped twice on the spot, causing the ground to tremble slightly.

"It's healed! It's really healed! Haha! Little girl, you are truly miraculous!" The Gold Digging Rat's voice boomed, full of relief.

Vice Hall Master Lei, who had been watching tensely, was now dumbstruck. He knew exactly how troublesome this old Gold Digging Rat's injury was; several deacons from the Spirit Beast Hall who specialized in healing were helpless, only able to barely suppress it with medicine. He hadn't expected this seemingly delicate girl to actually root it out in three days using seemingly ordinary acupuncture and ointment!

"This... this acupuncture technique can actually be so exquisite?" Vice Hall Master Lei's gaze toward Xiao Chun changed completely, without a trace of contempt left.

The other two Spirit Beasts watching from the side—the Green-Scaled One-Horned Lizard and the Azure-Winged Eagle—saw the doubt in their eyes replaced by burning hope. They approached, eager yet trying their best to restrain their wild nature, looking at Xiao Chun expectantly.

Just then, the small leather pouch at Xiao Chun's waist bulged, and with a flash of silver light, the Treasure-seeking Mouse, Xiao Bai, actually crawled out on its own. It had been hiding in the bag, shivering from the aura of several Martial King-level Spirit Beasts. But now, sensing the gentle yet powerful aura of its kin emanating from the fully recovered Gold Digging Rat, along with the reassuring scent on Xiao Chun, it finally plucked up the courage to appear.

Xiao Bai jumped onto Xiao Chun's shoulder and 'chi-chi'ed' a few times at the Gold Digging Rat, which was thousands of times larger than itself. Its little paws gestured as if it were saying hello, or perhaps taking credit on Xiao Chun's behalf.

The Gold Digging Rat lowered its head, its massive nose approaching Xiao Bai to sniff gently, a warm smile appearing in its eyes: "What a pure little fellow, full of spirituality; a good prospect." It looked back at Xiao Chun: "Little girl, not only did you heal me, but you are also raising such a spiritual junior of my kind. You are a friend and a distinguished guest of my Rat Clan!"

As it spoke, it opened its mouth and spat out five fist-sized Ores. They were dark gold throughout, shimmering with a cold metallic luster and emitting a dense, sharp aura, clattering as they landed on the ground before Xiao Chun.

"This is 'Gengjin,' which I found deep underground over the years. It is a top-tier Material for Artifact Refining, especially suited for enhancing the sharpness and toughness of weapons. I give it to you as extra compensation," the Gold Digging Rat said solemnly. This Gengjin was worth a fortune, enough to trigger a fight among Martial Kings or even Martial Emperors in the outside world.

Qin Feng's heart stirred, remembering Master Ouyang from the System's intelligence, who could forge Heaven Rank divine weapons. This Gengjin came at just the right time!

The Gold Digging Rat lowered its head again and plucked three whiskers from under its chin. They were slightly shorter than the whiskers given to Gray Shadow previously but also flowed with silver light, with a hint of golden glow at the base. It handed them to Xiao Chun: "These are my Natal Spirit Whiskers, containing my aura. If you encounter other Spirit Beasts of the Rat Clan in the future, show them this; they will sense my friendship and recognition. In Medicine King Valley, and even the wider world, the Rat Clan will be your aid."

Xiao Chun accepted them solemnly, sensing the even more powerful and pure spirituality within these new whiskers.

"Now," the Gold Digging Rat turned to face the Green-Scaled Lizard and the Azure-Winged Eagle, its massive body shifting slightly to clear a path for Xiao Chun while emitting the majestic aura of a Martial King Spirit Beast, "it's time to treat my two old comrades. Little girl, proceed with confidence. With me here, they will never dare to be unruly, and no one shall disturb you."

The Green-Scaled Lizard lowered its head, letting out a submissive hiss. The Azure-Winged Eagle also folded its wings and gave a clear cry, signaling its cooperation.

With the Gold Digging Rat, this 'local powerhouse,' providing full protection and endorsement, the other two Spirit Beasts' resistance dropped to a minimum, and the healing environment became much safer.

Xiao Chun took a deep breath and looked at Qin Feng. Qin Feng nodded to her, his eyes full of encouragement.

Xia Ya held her shield, standing with Ji Ruxue on either side to faintly protect Xiao Chun's flanks. Qin Feng stood slightly behind, acting as a Protector and ready to respond to any emergencies.

Xiao Chun first carefully put away the five heavy pieces of Gengjin, then walked up to the Green-Scaled Lizard, looking up at the mountain-like giant beast.

"Senior Lizard, let me examine your injuries first." Her voice was soft but carried a convincing calmness.

The second treatment was about to begin.

In the Beast King Valley, sunlight filtered through the gaps in the ancient trees, and spiritual mist swirled, creating a peaceful scene. Xiao Chun's journey as a 'Spirit Beast Physician' had officially entered a new stage.