Xiao Zhitian gently unbuttoned Yun Yun's inner armor, one by one. His fingers occasionally brushed against her body, and each time he accidentally touched her, he clearly felt her tense sharply.
After unfastening the last button, Xiao Zhitian carefully removed the inner armor. Yun Yun's ivory-white skin and curvaceous upper body were exposed before his eyes. Xiao Zhitian was momentarily captivated, but he quickly shook off the thoughts crowding his mind. Taking a deep breath, he spread a piece of clothing on the stone platform and gently helped Yun Yun lie down.
"I'm about to start cleaning. Although you've taken painkillers, it might still hurt a little," he said calmly.
"Mhm, thank you for your trouble," Yun Yun replied. Her face gradually flushed a faint pink, and her delicate body trembled slightly, though her voice remained composed.
Xiao Zhitian took a clean cotton cloth from his system space, poured the light green wound-cleaning liquid onto it, and carefully began cleaning her injuries.
As he worked, Yun Yun's thoughts betrayed her calm demeanor. She was fully aware of her exposed state, and her body tensed involuntarily. Her eyelashes fluttered constantly, betraying her inner tension, though her voice remained composed.
She looked down at Xiao Zhitian, who meticulously cleaned her wounds. Despite her modesty, a trace of gratitude shone in her eyes.
After finishing, Xiao Zhitian looked up and met her gaze."Don't worry, it'll be done soon," he said reassuringly.
He picked up the last jade bottle and poured out its white powder evenly over her wounds. Then he retrieved another clean hemostatic cotton cloth and carefully bandaged her injuries.
"Alright. Your clothes are ruined—completely bloody. You can wear mine for now. I can only help you with your wound; the seal on your body is for you to resolve yourself." A set of black robes appeared in his hand, suitable for her current strength-sealed state, which prevented her from accessing her storage ring.
He carefully helped Yun Yun sit up, letting her lean on his shoulder. He guided her into the long robe, fastened the belt, and gently laid her back down.
"Alright, it's on."
Wearing the men's long robe, Yun Yun exuded a heroic aura, her unique charm shining through.
"Thank you," she said softly.
Lying back, she smiled at him. Her flushed, peerless beauty combined with a subtle heroism—a contradictory mix of shyness, elegance, and courage—made Xiao Zhitian nearly lose control.
The scene of the earlier healing process resurfaced in his mind involuntarily. Xiao Zhitian quickly recited the Heart Cleansing Incantation:
"If the heart is as clear as ice, even if the sky falls, it will not be alarmed; if myriad changes are constant, the spirit will remain calm and at ease."
If he didn't control himself, he would be relentlessly hunted by a Dou Huang. Shaking his head, he decided to proceed slowly. At least she had to make the first move. This wife—I'm taking her. Only children make choices; I want them all.
Xiao Zhitian quickly packed up, leaving the cave. He felt staying any longer could be dangerous.
"Are you leaving?" Yun Yun asked, flustered.
"No, don't worry. You're an injured person I saved; I'll see it through. I won't leave you here. The entire Magical Beast Mountain Range is searching for you. I'm just stepping out to check the situation," he said, waving his hand without looking back.
Near the cave entrance, Xiao Zhitian sensed no magical beasts nearby. He remembered that he hadn't checked in at the Mountain Cave earlier, having been busy treating Yun Yun.
"System check-in."
[Ding. Yun Yun's Healing Mountain Cave check-in successful. Reward: Two-Star Realm Advancement, 5 drops of Lightning Liquid.]
Lightning Liquid: Formed by the condensation of lightning energy, containing abundant lightning-elemental energy.
Xiao Zhitian carefully sensed the energy within the Lightning Liquid. With this system reward, he had reached Nine-Star Dou Shi, able to assist his own breakthrough toward Da Dou Shi.
He continued scanning the surroundings. Nearby, he caught a large fish and two smaller ones from the pool. After cleaning them, he used the Qilin Sky Burning Flame to incinerate their internal organs and stored them in his system space. On his way back, he added medicinal and scent-masking powders, ensuring no magical beasts approached.
"Jiang Feng, you're back," Yun Yun said, her worried heart finally settling. Her voice carried a hint of excitement and happiness. She was no longer a Dou Huang-level practitioner, but a weak young woman with no Dou Qi who couldn't move. Losing her Dou Qi had left her panicked and insecure, afraid that Xiao Zhitian might leave.
"Mhm. Let's hide here for a while. The area is safe, and I've taken precautions," Xiao Zhitian said, entering the cave. He noted her complexion had improved slightly, estimating that she would regain mobility by tomorrow.
…
In the Mountain Cave, Xiao Zhitian rotated the roasted fish in his hands while sprinkling various seasonings over it. The rich aroma filled the cave. Fortunately, the cave was deep enough that the scent wouldn't travel outside.
Nearby, a simple stove simmered fish porridge. First, the fish broth was cooked; then bones and meat were filtered out, and rice was added. Many herbs were included, some for nutrition, some for blood replenishment. This fish porridge was carefully prepared for Yun Yun.
Meanwhile, Yun Yun lay to the side, watching Xiao Zhitian diligently cook. Occasionally, a strange expression flickered across her eyes as she wondered what he was thinking.
Once the porridge was ready, Xiao Zhitian poured it into a bowl and set it aside to cool naturally.
Seeing the roasted fish, he placed it further from the fire, though still warm enough to be enjoyed.
He checked the porridge's temperature with his hand. It was perfect—not too hot, not too cold. He brought the bowl to Yun Yun.
"This fish porridge is for you. I've added medicinal herbs to help your body and accelerate your wound recovery. Would you like to eat it yourself, or shall I help?"
Yun Yun tried to sit up, but her body still couldn't support her. Suddenly, she felt herself embraced by strong arms, lifted slightly, and rested against a warm chest.
"Yun Zhi, you're not able to move easily, so I'll help you up. Otherwise, your wound could tear, and the porridge will cool," Xiao Zhitian said gently.
Yun Yun leaned into his embrace, her face flushed with shyness. Seeing this, Xiao Zhitian said no more. He scooped a spoonful of porridge from the bowl and brought it to her lips. She opened her mouth instinctively, eating slowly and deliberately.
Moments later, she finished the bowl. Xiao Zhitian set it down, took a cotton cloth, wiped her mouth clean, and gently helped her back to her previous position.
Taking the bowl, he returned to his stone seat where he had been roasting fish. He picked up the remaining warm fish and began eating. After an entire day of preparation and care for Yun Yun, he finally could eat something himself.
Soon, he finished the roasted fish, wiped his mouth, washed his hands with clear water, and walked over to Yun Yun.