Golden Finger 16

Chen Xing clung to Qin Ji like a balloon, and with Xiao Bao in tow, they trailed the group of young people to their tribe. The houses, nestled among large trees, created a picturesque and dreamy scene.

Curious, Chen Xing asked, “What about thunder and rain? Won’t lightning strike you?”

Amused, the young man responded, “We have protective formations; your concerns won’t be an issue.”

Xiao Bao admired the place and inquired, "Can I have a little house like this too?"

"Of course, choose a spot, and we'll build one for you," replied the young man.

Absorbing the ambiance, Chen Xing touched the trees and asked, "Do I need to select a specific tree?"

With a mild indulgence, the young man reassured, "Not necessary. Pick a suitable spot, and I'll relocate a tree. We can build the treehouse later."

Without hesitation, Chen Xing picked a spot, stating, "I want a big house, so I need a very large tree."

The young man readily agreed.

Within the tribe, besides the initial encounter, they found various residents spanning different ages, with no sign of infants.

Compared to his time at the Guiyuan Sect, Xiao Bao seemed more lively. With Chen Xing's permission, he explored the treehouses of other residents.

Following Chen Xing's instructions, the young man and his tribe magically relocated a large tree, seamlessly taking root at the designated spot. Although the detailed design for Chen Xing's envisioned house meant construction couldn't finish that day, the young man arranged temporary treehouses for them.

Moreover, the tribe's healer, an older woman in a white gown emitting a gentle aura, was invited to treat Qin Ji. After a thorough examination, she furrowed her brow and commented,

"He's in a state between human and demon, still carrying poison. Even after detoxification, it's uncertain whether his cultivation can be sustained. There's a chance he may be unable to cultivate in the future.”

Chen Xing asked, "Let's prioritize saving his life first, and then we can address the rest."

The healer contemplated for a moment and responded, "We'll take it step by step. I'll begin with detoxifying him."

Chen Xing observed Qin Ji, seated on a cushion, his usual coldness replaced by a more approachable handsomeness in unconsciousness.

"Could you write down the prescription? I'll handle the rest."

Though slightly surprised, the healer didn't object, explaining, "The detoxifying herbs are in this forest, but it may take some time."

Chen Xing sighed, acknowledging the challenge, "I have no choice. He's in this state because of our pact. I must cure him myself; otherwise, I'll feel too guilty."

Understanding Chen Xing's determination, the doctor, already aware of Chen Xing's unique perspectives, responded with tolerance,

"In that case, you'll need assistance. Let me know when you do."

Chen Xing nodded.

The doctor handed two prescriptions to Chen Xing, saying, "One is for an herbal bath, and the other is for internal consumption."

Chen Xing accepted them and expressed her gratitude.

The doctor regarded Chen Xing seriously and asked, "Do you want me to examine you too?"

Chen Xing agreed promptly, extending her hand toward the doctor.

After a thorough examination, the doctor shared, "You have some congenital deficiencies, and your body carries many old injuries. But you only recently hatched…" She appeared troubled, furrowing her brow in contemplation.

Chen Xing responded with a smile, "It's alright. Once I shed my skin and enter adulthood, everything will be fine."

Considering Chen Xing's dragon lineage, the doctor thought and remarked, "True, although not as blessed as the pure dragon bloodline, once you reach adulthood, these issues won't matter much."

Chen Xing nodded.

While dragons typically form partnerships only within their kind, the offspring from such unions are considered true kin. However, before finding a mate, adult dragons may engage in romantic encounters with beings from the monster clan, leading to children with dragon bloodlines. Although not formally recognized by the dragon clan, these individuals still receive protection and often possess enhanced abilities. Many from the monster clan take pride in having descendants with dragon blood.

Many dragons, having grown accustomed to a carefree life, show little interest in seeking a mate and embracing responsibilities. Chen Xing, observing the infrequent birth of new dragons, attributed it not only to the difficulty of having offspring but also to dragons being unwilling to settle down.

When the doctor mentioned Chen Xing's dragon blood, she accepted it without hesitation, unconcerned about potential exposure.

After a few additional reminders from the doctor, Chen Xing departed.

Seated cross-legged across from Qin Ji, Chen Xing sighed, teasing, "Considering the sacrifices I’ve made for you, you better make sure to repay me properly in the future."

The mentioned sacrifice involved spending a night in the treehouse and waking up early to collect herbs with Qin Ji and Xiao Bao.

While the young man stayed to build a treehouse, he assigned a young girl from the tribe to accompany Chen Xing, emphasizing the importance of staying within the forest boundaries.

The girl had a pleasant voice, and her cheerful chatter wasn't annoying. She treated Chen Xing kindly, even sharing some sweet fruits. Chen Xing happily accepted, saying, "It's been many years since I've seen a cub."

Feeling more animated in this environment, Chen Xing added, "I haven't seen my kind for years either."

The girl asked, "What's it like outside?"

Without hesitation, Chen Xing replied, "It's very dangerous. Precious herbs, like these, are often sought after, and situations can become life-threatening. It's quite frightening."

The girl gasped, saying, "That sounds terrifying."

Chen Xing nodded emphatically.

The girl inquired, "Will you be at risk? Why not stay here? When the tribe travels to the capital next year, you can ask the Young Leader for help in finding your kin. A cub like you, wandering outside, must have faced numerous challenges."

Xiao Bao was about to speak, but Chen Xing intervened, saying, "This place is enchanting, and I really like it. However, I cannot stay. I have to undertake something very important."

Though somewhat disappointed, the girl still said, "Alright, but how will you leave?"

After contemplating for a moment and watching Xiao Bao happily gather an herb resembling a poisonous mushroom, Chen Xing replied, "When the time is right, I'll fly away."

Swiftly moving past that question, the girl resumed inquiring about the world outside. Chen Xing even shared various pastries from her storage ring. They had lunch in the forest, combining provisions they brought and those Chen Xing obtained. Additionally, the girl gathered numerous wild fruits. This meal marked the most joyous one for Chen Xing since departing from the Guiyuan Sect.

Before sunset, they returned to the tribe, where the young man greeted them with a solemn expression. When the girl addressed him as the Young Leader, she quickly apologized, "I forgot about the time and apologize for causing concern."

The Young Leader sighed, expressing resignation, "The forest is much more dangerous after dark. Please ensure not to return so late next time."

The girl nodded promptly.

The Young Leader led them into the tribe, saying, "Chen Xing, freshen up first. The tribe has prepared a bonfire party, and Ali will come to fetch you later."

Chen Xing, with a charming smile, replied, "Alright."

Xiao Bao waved to the Young Leader and Ali, saying, "See you later."

The Young Leader and Ali nodded as they watched Chen Xing, Xiao Bao, and Qin Ji depart. Subsequently, they turned and strolled toward the center of the tribe.

Xiao Bao remarked, "The name ‘Ali’ is really pleasant."

Chen Xing acknowledged with a sound, tightened the rope around her wrist, and upon entering the temporary treehouse, started retrieving various tools from the storage ring to process the herbs.

Xiao Bao, utilizing the treasure-seeking mouse's innate talents, assisted in processing the herbs with heightened precision. However, a sudden realization prompted him to inquire, 

"But, Xing Xing, we still don't know the names of the Young Leader and the others."

Chen Xing pounded the Spirit Refining Grass a few times, then balled it up and stuffed it into Qin Ji's mouth before saying, "We shouldn’t inquire casually. In some monster clans, asking for names is seen as a proposal for partnership."

This remark was clearly a playful tease for Xiao Bao, though it held true that such monster clans existed in his inheritance. 

"But they are phoenixes…"

Chen Xing interrupted Xiao Bao, instructing, "Help me get some Incense Liriope."

Xiao Bao promptly found some Incense Liriope and handed it to Chen Xing.

Chen Xing stuffed it into the alchemy furnace and continued instructing Xiao Bao. In the final steps, she gathered a handful of water, tossed it into the furnace, ignited the fire, and commenced the medicine refining process. Besides, she also had to prepare various medicines for Qin Ji's bath.

Familiar with Chen Xing's approach, Xiao Bao questioned, "Why not let the doctor handle it?"

Chen Xing, adopting a serious tone, fabricated a reason, "I need Qin Ji to know that I worked hard to save him. If he wakes up and sees the doctor assisting him, wouldn't I lose out?”

Xiao Bao swiftly grasped the situation and concurred, "Exactly, Xing Xing is clever."

When Ali came to fetch them for the bonfire party, Chen Xing persisted in holding onto Qin Ji. Nowadays, she viewed Qin Ji as her personal accessory, bringing him along wherever she ventures.

The bonfire gathering was enchanting, offering an array of grilled meats and showcasing numerous young boys and girls singing and dancing around the flames. Their clan, renowned for its musical and dancing prowess, naturally elicited smiles with their melodies. It fostered a sense of joy and tranquility, something Chen Xing had always treasured.