183: Second task completed

For the next seven days, Xiaochun temporarily resided in Beast King Valley, concentrating her efforts on treating the Azure-Scaled One-Horned Lizard and the Azure-Winged Eagle.

The Azure-Scaled Lizard's injury was an old wound on its tail; although it appeared to have scabbed over, it was actually being eroded from within by a malicious "Bone-Corroding Miasma." This not only hindered healing but was also slowly spreading, threatening the spine. Xiaochun used gold crystal needless to pierce the gaps in the scales around the wound, precisely channeling diluted Myriad Medicine Spiritual Breath into it, while supplementing the treatment with oral decoctions to dispel the miasma and detoxify. Her technique was gentle and meticulous; before each needle insertion, she would patiently soothe the Azure-Scaled Lizard’s emotions with wood-attribute True Qi, softly explaining each step. Under Xiaochun's constant comfort and tangible healing effects, the Azure-Scaled Lizard's violent gaze gradually became docile and reliant.

By the fourth day, a large amount of foul-smelling black pus began to flow from the wound, and the Bone-Corroding Miasma was completely eradicated. Xiaochun then used muscle-regenerating ointment combined with Myriad Medicine Spiritual Breath for nourishment, and new pale-azure scales covered the wound at a pace visible to the naked eye. The Azure-Scaled Lizard excitedly wagged its massive tail, letting out a comfortable low roar, its eyes filled with gratitude as it looked at Xiaochun. It lowered its head and carefully used its teeth to scrape off three palm-sized azure scales from the edge of its toughest inverse scale on the side of its neck. The scales shimmered with a metallic luster at their edges as it gently pushed them toward Xiaochun.

"Little girl, these are my 'Azure Protective Inverse Scales.' They contain a trace of my Origin Protective Aura and possess extreme defensive power. I give them to you; perhaps they can be crafted into armor," the Azure-Scaled Lizard's voice was deep and resonant.

Xiaochun quickly expressed her thanks. These Azure Protective Inverse Scales felt cold and heavy in her hand, their quality extraordinary.

The Azure-Winged Eagle's injury was even more troublesome. The bone at its left wing joint was dislocated with abnormal growth, and the fascia was entangled. This was clearly the result of an old injury not being handled correctly, which not only hindered flight but also caused intense pain with every flap of its wings. The treatment required bone setting, clearing blockages, and nourishment—a complex series of steps. Xiaochun asked Vice Hall Master Lei to find the juice of "Spirit-Soothing Grass," which had a mild anesthetic and analgesic effect, and applied it around the injured area to ease the Azure-Winged Eagle's pain. Then, she focused her mind and used the gold crystal needless as a guide, transforming the Myriad Medicine Spiritual Breath into the finest threads. Like a most skillful surgeon, she carefully probed between the entangled fascia, slowly combing them back into place while gently nourishing the damaged bones and ligaments.

This process was extremely taxing on her mind; Xiaochun had to be fully concentrated, as the slightest mistake could cause secondary injury. Qin Feng and Xia Ya guarded her almost constantly, and Ji Ruxue even concealed her presence to prevent any possible interference. Enduring the discomfort and instinctive unease, the Azure-Winged Eagle trustingly spread its left wing, allowing Xiaochun to proceed.

Seven days passed, and the Azure-Winged Eagle's left wing joint finally returned to its normal shape. Although it would take time to fully recover its strength, the persistent, agonizing pain had vanished. It tentatively and gently flapped its left wing; though the movement was still a bit stiff and heavy, there was no longer that tearing pain.

"Skree—!"

A clear and high-pitched eagle cry echoed through Beast King Valley, filled with the joy of rebirth. The Azure-Winged Eagle flapped its wings and took flight, circling above the valley several times. Although it could not yet soar with full power, this long-lost sense of freedom made it ecstatic. It landed back on the cliff rock, lowered its head, and from among its most magnificent tail feathers, it plucked a plume about three feet long. The base was pure white, gradually transitioning into a deep, mysterious blue at the tip, shimmering with starlight-like brilliance. It placed the feather at Xiaochun's feet.

"This is my 'Starry Vault Feather,' containing a trace of the spiritual charm of the wind and sky. I gift it to you, little girl. May it bring you lightness and spiritual perception," the Azure-Winged Eagle's voice was as clear as the clashing of gold and jade.

Thus, the hidden injuries of three Martial King level Spirit Beasts were healed one by one by Xiaochun within a mere ten days (including the three days for treating the Gold Digging Rat)!

Vice Hall Master Lei witnessed the entire process. His initial skepticism had long since turned into shock, and then into a near-worshipful admiration. He watched as Xiaochun tucked away the three incredibly precious gifts (Geng Metal, Azure Protective Inverse Scales, and the Starry Vault Feather), as well as the new Spiritual Whisker symbolizing the friendship of the rat tribe. His mouth opened and closed, and finally, he could only utter a heartfelt exclamation: "Divine Doctor... a Little Divine Doctor indeed! I, Old Lei, have been in the Spirit Beast Hall for decades and have never seen such miraculous medical skills! Those two old fellows, Duanmu and Lingyun, have truly found a treasure this time!"

The commotion in Beast King Valley, especially the successive roars and cries of joy from three high-level Spirit Beasts that had been silent for years, had already startled every corner of Medicine King Valley. The news spread rapidly as if it had grown wings... In the Meditation Pavilion, the chess game continued, but the atmosphere was different from before.

The Vice Valley Master held a black piece, hesitant to place it for a long time. His gaze pierced through the mist outside the pavilion as if seeing the scene within Beast King Valley. A gentle and satisfied smile appeared on his face. "It seems I have slightly won our little wager. That child is indeed exceptionally talented, especially in communicating with and healing Spirit Beasts. Even if you or I were to take action, we might not have been able to handle the Azure-Scaled Lizard's Bone-Corroding Miasma or the Azure-Winged Eagle's bone injury so perfectly and appropriately within these short seven days."

Valley Master Li Changqing expressionlessly placed a white piece, cutting off the path of a large black Dragon, before slowly saying, "Superb medical skills, meticulous thoughts, and even more rare is that patience and sincerity toward living beings. She Can obtain Gray Shadow Mountain Spirit's Spiritual Whisker and have the Gold Digging Rat act as a full Protector already speaks volumes. This girl is indeed a descendant of a Medicine King Valley Disciple and possesses a singular talent. Chu Tianhe... has certainly raised a fine daughter."

"Such a talent cannot be left idle," the Vice Valley Master mused. "After this incident, her reputation in the valley has already risen. In my view, we might as well go with the flow. The third class a mission could perhaps be..."

Li Changqing remained noncommittal, only saying, "Let us see how Duanmu and Lingyun arrange things. Those individuals around that girl are also not ordinary. That Qin Feng's Foundation is so solid and his Sword Intent so condensed that he does not seem like an ordinary Early Stage Martial King. And that girl holding the shield has a steady aura, only a step away from being a Martial King. The other one... has restrained Killing Intent and a mysterious Origin. This small team is quite interesting."