Golden Finger 17

Everything here perfectly aligned with Chen Xing's dream. As a newborn cub, she was cared for by the tribe. Despite demanding a treehouse resembling a castle, the young people in this place fulfilled her request. Each morning, she awoke to find fresh and exquisite flowers at her doorstep, accompanied by a variety of foods that she enjoyed.

 

Apart from her daily task of gathering spiritual herbs for Qin Ji, Chen Xing now led a life where everything she needed was easily accessible. The sun here provided a pleasant warmth, offering comfort without being excessively scorching. Even the water tasted sweeter compared to her time at the Guiyuan Sect. Chen Xing's complexion had noticeably improved, and she appeared to have gained a bit of weight.

 

On the sixth day, during Qin Ji's herbal bath, there was a subtle movement in his fingertips, and even his eyelashes started to quiver.

 

Xiao Bao exclaimed, "Xing Xing, Qin…"

 

Before the sentence could be completed, Chen Xing rapidly delivered a slap to Qin Ji's head. Qin Ji, who had only recently regained some awareness, tilted his head and slipped back into unconsciousness.

 

Chen Xing shook her hand, examining her reddened palm with a hint of regret, and gently blew on it, saying, "Pain, fly away."

 

Xiao Bao looked puzzled at Qin Ji, then back at Chen Xing, 

 

"Um, he passed out again."

 

Chen Xing appeared somewhat relieved, 

 

"It’s all because I acted quickly."

 

Xiao Bao inquired, "Why?"

 

Without hesitation, Chen Xing explained, 

 

"It’s not time for him to regain consciousness yet."

 

Xiao Bao grasped Chen Xing's implication and remarked, 

 

"Right, his injuries haven't completely healed. If he discovers that his cultivation is severely damaged, it might hinder his recovery in the future."

 

Chen Xing nodded, "Exactly, I’ve done this for his benefit."

 

Despite finding things a bit peculiar, Xiao Bao had a strong trust in Chen Xing and thus embraced her explanation.

 

Chen Xing leaned in to closely observe Qin Ji, confirming that he had slipped back into unconsciousness. She murmured, 

 

"We need to find a doctor to prescribe some calming medication."

 

Xiao Bao offered, "I'll go get it right away."

 

Chensheng nodded.

 

Xiao Bao hurriedly left.

 

Chen Xing gently lifted Qin Ji's hair, inspecting the bruised handprint on his neck. Feeling a bit uneasy, she blew on it and applied some medicine, saying, 

 

"Pain, fly away."

 

Once she finished applying the medicine to Qin Ji, Chen Xing, in a rare moment of attentiveness, carefully arranged his hair to the front, ensuring it didn't stick to the ointment.

 

During Qin Ji's herbal bath, he only wore pants, leaving his upper body exposed. In the cultivation world, it was rare to find individuals with unappealing appearances or figures, and the physique of sword cultivators was particularly noteworthy. While Chen Xing was arranging Qin Ji's hair, she inevitably touched his muscles. She made a soft sound of surprise and admired him. Upon confirming that Qin Ji was still unconscious, she even extended her mischievous little claw to poke his shoulder blades.

 

Chen Xing felt the muscles and found them pleasing to the touch. After hesitating for a moment, she ultimately restrained herself from reaching into the herbal bath to touch his abdominal muscles, saying to herself, 

 

"I truly am a dragon with principles."

 

If it were any other dragon in this situation, Qin Ji might have been thoroughly explored, as the inherent nature of dragonkind is unrestrained.

 

When the doctor arrived, Chen Xing was busy adding wood to the fire pit. The wood, a type of spiritual wood from the forest, was favored by the Ali’s tribe for roasting meat. It imparted a delightful fragrance and could seal in the spiritual energy of the food, making it not only tasty but also beneficial for the body. 

 

Observing Chen Xing's actions, the doctor found them oddly familiar and commented, "It seems like you're simmering soup."

 

Chen Xing, mid-motion while tossing firewood, halted. She widened her eyes, staring at the doctor as if she had just narrated a horrifying tale. 

 

"I don't consume human flesh."

 

Sensing that she might have startled Chen Xing, the doctor quickly clarified, 

 

"I was just joking."

 

Chen Xing shook her head, took a longer stick, and retrieved two roasted sweet potatoes from the fire. She asked, "Do you want to eat this?"

 

Xiao Bao had already approached, exclaiming, "I want it!"

 

Chen Xing joyfully shared a sweet potato with Xiao Bao, setting aside another for the doctor.

 

The doctor grinned, mimicking Chen Xing and Xiao Bao by crouching down, picking up a roasted sweet potato, and eating it in their fashion. 

 

"Why the sudden need for calming medicine? Wouldn't it be better for him to wake up?"

 

Chen Xing clarified, "I'm concerned that he won't be able to cope if he discovers he can't cultivate in the future. It's challenging to care for his injuries properly."

 

After a moment of reflection, the doctor suggested, "In fact, you could transform him into a devil."

 

This was already the second time Chen Xing had heard this term. Upon hearing it again, she remarked, 

 

"Let him make the decision himself."

 

The doctor responded, "If that's the plan, there's no need to expel the demonic energy from his body."

 

Considering Qin Ji's character, Chen Xing couldn't make decisions for him in such matters. 

 

"Let him choose once the poison in his body is resolved."

 

The doctor sighed, "You are so nice to him."

 

Chen Xing, upon hearing this, smiled and nodded emphatically, "Yes, I do genuinely care for him."

 

After the doctor ate a roasted sweet potato, she amended the prescription with additional herbs, stating, "This should suffice."

 

Chen Xing casually mentioned, "Could you also provide written instructions on the process of becoming a devil and how to expel demonic energy?"

 

The doctor, in response, remarked, "We can decide after he recovers from the poison. I'll assess his condition at that time."

 

Chen Xing stood up, dusted off the non-existent dirt on her clothes, and said, 

 

"I've been gathering herbs during my recent outings. If I come across the necessary ones, I'll bring them back."

 

The doctor considered the proposal and agreed, "That sounds good."

 

The doctor then produced a piece of material whose texture was indistinguishable and meticulously documented both methods, including the required spiritual herbs. She advised, "If you're genuinely contemplating turning him into a devil, you must add a drop of your own blood to his medicine. If a devil loses its restraint, it's not beneficial for him or for you."

 

Chen Xing accepted the notes, carefully perused them, and clarified any uncertainties. Finally, she expressed her gratitude, saying, "Thank you, doctor."

 

As the doctor observed Chen Xing, her expression was tender. It seemed like she was peering through Chen Xing as if contemplating something distant. However, Chen Xing couldn't quite grasp the meaning behind her look. 

 

Retrieving a feather, the doctor shared, "I once took on a disciple, but he left and never came back. If you happen to encounter him in the future, pass along a message for me. Let him know I never harbored any resentment. It’s a pity that I can’t wait for him any longer."

 

Chen Xing inquired, "How can I identify him?"

 

The doctor handed Chen Xing the feather, saying, "This is his portrait."

 

Upon receiving it, Chen Xing placed the feather on her forehead, revealing the image of a young man with a warm, radiant smile.

 

Speaking softly, the doctor explained, "His name is Chu, a very gentle kid."

 

Considering the age dynamics within the monster races, it seemed fitting to refer to a young man as a kid. Chen Xing responded, 

 

"Alright, if I happen to come across him, I will surely convey your message."

 

The doctor retrieved another feather, one that had started to turn a bit white. It emanated a gentle aura just like the doctor. She stated, "Whether you get to meet him or not, let me give you the reward first."

 

Chen Xing accepted the feather but didn't immediately place it on her forehead. Instead, she gazed at the doctor, who seemed to possess the ability to see through everything. 

 

"You've already done me a favor by treating him. I can't accept any more rewards from you."

 

Handing the feather to Chen Xing, the doctor remarked, "Consider it a token of gratitude for the roasted sweet potato. You will need this."

 

Chen Xing subtly pressed her lips together, opting not to say more. Instead, she arched her eyebrows and smiled, saying, "Alright, I'll take it then."

 

The doctor fell silent, casting another glance at Chen Xing, her eyes filled with pity. 

 

"It must be tough outside, isn't it?"

 

Chen Xing nodded vigorously, acknowledging that she indeed found it challenging.

 

"Having a little cub like you worry about these matters is our neglect. But in the future, you'll face hardships too." The doctor seemed to want to tousle Chen Xing's hair but hesitated for some reason. Eventually, her warm hand settled on Chen Xing's shoulder. 

 

"Make sure to grow up well."

 

Chen Xing nodded again, affirming, "I will."

 

The doctor looked at Chen Xing with a gentle expression, but she didn't elaborate further. She simply commented, "That sweet potato is truly sweet."

 

Once the doctor departed, Xiao Bao glanced at Chen Xing, who was lost in thought while holding the feather, and softly inquired, 

 

"Xing Xing, why can't I understand what you guys were talking about?"

 

Chen Xing squatted down again, added more firewood to the flames, making the fire burn brightly. Even the medicinal soup simmered, which does sound like cooking up a human flesh soup. Responding to Xiao Bao's question, she remarked, 

 

"It’s fine not to understand."

 

After a brief pause, Xiao Bao refrained from further inquiries. "After we collect herbs tomorrow, do you want to join Ali for some fun?"

 

Chen Xing promptly declined, stating, "I'm tired and need rest. You can go have fun with Ali."

 

Recalling Chen Xing's past routine of sleeping for a considerable part of the day at the Guiyuan Sect, Xiao Bao didn't question it and commented, "Then I'll return later to process these spiritual herbs."

 

Chen Xing replied, "No need, I can manage it on my own."

 

Xiao Bao didn't press the matter any further.

 

Only in the evening did Chen Xing adhere the feather to her forehead. It was a medical tome, which not only intricately explained how to manipulate demonic energy but also covered various poisons. It could be deemed a legacy from the doctor.

 

Moreover, details about Qin Ji's situation were included. While the doctor proposed two alternatives, the written instructions still maintained some discretion. However, this legacy was more stringent; should Chen Xing decide, she could transform Qin Ji into a compliant puppet.

 

Chen Xing's two-story castle had a pointed roof adorned with blooming flowers. Below the castle, a swing made of fresh flowers added to the picturesque scene. Recently, aside from venturing out to collect various spiritual herbs needed for Qin Ji, Chen Xing spent most of her time seated on the swing, observing the bustling activity within the tribe. It seemed as if she floated on the outskirts of the tribe, yet she also showed a desire to memorize every detail about it.

 

Until one day, Chen Xing chose not to join Ali in herb gathering, nor did she send Xiao Bao. Faced with Ali's perplexed gaze, Chen Xing extended her hand, gently touched her head, and embraced her for the first time, saying, "Because he's about to wake up."

 

The Young Leader and the doctor stood quietly nearby, observing Chen Xing and Xiao Bao. The Young Leader sighed deeply but then smiled, transforming back into the bird-like form from their initial encounter. The members of the tribe, including the doctor and Ali, also followed suit, reverting to their original forms, dancing behind the Young Leader.

 

It was a dance that exuded beauty and joy, unique to the monster clan.

 

Chen Xing observed them, her lips tightly pressed together. However, when they looked her way, she broke into a wide smile, waving at them. "Farewell!"