Lingering Romance in the Secluded Valley

Deep within the Monster Beast Mountain Range, an unknown secluded valley lay hidden amid layer upon layer of mountains. A brook babbled through the valley, its clear waters winding down through cracks in the bluestone, striking rocks and splashing into tiny droplets with soft, tinkling notes like a natural melody. Unnamed wildflowers bloomed along the streambank, their purple, yellow, and pink petals still stained with morning dew that refracted crystalline light beneath the sun. The air was filled with the fresh fragrance of grass and flowers, mingled with the damp scent of earth, dispelling the bloodiness and hostility of Wolf Fang Stockade.

Xiao Yan and Xiao Yi Xian sat side by side on a bluestone beside the stream. Behind them, the Black Heavy Ruler leaned diagonally in a crack between the rocks, its chill somewhat dispelled by the warmth of the valley. The Purple Gold Winged Lion King sprawled lazily at their feet, its massive head resting on its forepaws. Every now and then, it lifted its head and swept its amber eyes over the surroundings before lowering its ears again to enjoy the rare peace. Only the tip of its tail swayed gently from time to time, brushing the fallen leaves with a faint rustle.

"Xiao Yan, I really didn't expect you to wipe out the Wolf Head Mercenary Group." Xiao Yi Xian toyed with a pink wildflower, her fingertips softly brushing its petals. Her eyes held a trace of amazement and admiration. "Lei Batian was a two-star Da Dou Shi. Even the nearby merchant caravans had to avoid Wolf Fang Stockade, yet you killed him with the strength of a one-star Dou Shi. That's incredible."

Hearing this, Xiao Yan scratched his head, and a slightly bashful smile appeared on his face. He was completely different from the ruthless man who had killed Lei Batian. "It wasn't all me. I had my teacher's guidance, and the Myriad Beast Spirit Fire restrained Lei Batian's Earth Attribute Dou Qi. Otherwise, it would have been hard to tell who would win." He paused, his gaze falling upon Xiao Yi Xian's smiling face as his heart inexplicably beat faster. "Besides, with you around, I always feel more confident."

A blush instantly appeared on Xiao Yi Xian's cheeks like the evening clouds on the horizon. She hurriedly lowered her head, pretending to straighten her skirt, though her fingers unconsciously twisted together. Ever since the two had met by chance in the Monster Beast Mountain Range, Xiao Yan had helped her repel Demonic Beasts coveting her herbs, while she had treated his wounds and detoxified him. During that time of mutual support, this seemingly immature boy who always stepped forward in moments of danger had long since claimed a special place in her heart. Yet a young girl's shyness and uncertainty had kept her from piercing that paper-thin barrier. She could only hide those feelings deep within her heart.

The stream murmured on as sunlight filtered through gaps in the leaves, casting dappled patches of light and shadow across them. For the next few days, they temporarily settled in the secluded valley. During the day, Xiao Yan trained in the valley, searching for herbs and magical beasts. While improving his strength, he also gathered ingredients for Xiao Yi Xian to refine pills. Xiao Yi Xian set up a simple medicine furnace beside the stream, refining Healing Pills while studying the valley's herbs. Sometimes, she even followed Xiao Yan to gather them, and the two could often be seen throughout every corner of the secluded valley.

Each morning, Xiao Yan brought the Purple Gold Winged Lion King to fetch water from the stream. The massive beast followed behind him with steady steps, and any birds startled from the grass did not dare approach. When they returned, they would always find that Xiao Yi Xian had already cooked a steaming pot of herbal porridge, with specially gathered nourishing herbs added to it. The rising steam blurred her features. "Xiao Yan, drink it while it's hot. I added Purple River Vehicle Grass to the porridge. It can nourish your meridians and help your cultivation." Xiao Yi Xian handed him the bowl, and her fingertips accidentally brushed his palm. They both froze for a moment before swiftly pulling back their hands. A faint awkwardness and sweetness filled the air. The Purple Gold Winged Lion King merely moved to the stream and lowered its head to drink, utterly unconcerned with their little moment.

In the afternoon, when the sunlight was just right, Xiao Yan practiced Flame Splitting Wave Ruler in the clearing. The Myriad Beast Spirit Fire danced in his palm, its pale violet flames illuminating his focused face. The Purple Gold Winged Lion King lay in the shade of a nearby tree, squinting as it basked in the sun. From time to time, it let out a low roar, as if cheering Xiao Yan on in his training. Xiao Yi Xian sat nearby, drying herbs while secretly watching him. Whenever Xiao Yan reached a bottleneck in his cultivation and furrowed his brow, she would step forward and offer him a cup of cool herbal tea. "Xiao Yan, don't be too anxious. You'll improve faster only by balancing work and rest." At times, she even helped wipe away the sweat seeping from his training. Her fingertips swiped past his forehead, bringing a faintly cool touch that instantly softened Xiao Yan's heart.

At dusk, the two sat beside the stream to watch the sunset. The setting sun dyed the sky gold and crimson, and the stream shimmered beneath its reflection. The Purple Gold Winged Lion King curled up at their feet, its enormous body like a small mountain, shielding them from the evening breeze blowing down from the mountains. "Xiao Yan, where do you plan to go in the future?" Xiao Yi Xian asked softly, a hint of barely perceptible expectation in her eyes. Xiao Yan gazed at the distant mountain ranges, his voice firm. "I'm going to the imperial capital of the Jia Ma Empire to participate in the Alchemist Convention. Then I'll seek stronger power and cure my mother's illness." He turned to Xiao Yi Xian, warmth in his eyes. "What about you? Do you want to come with me?"

Xiao Yi Xian's heartbeat abruptly quickened, and her cheeks reddened again. Lowering her head, she said quietly, "I... I haven't decided yet. But as long as I can follow you, anywhere is fine." As her voice fell, both of them sank into silence. Only the sound of flowing water and the rustling of leaves in the wind remained. They could both feel the emotions in each other's hearts, yet shyness and uncertainty kept them from easily piercing that thin barrier. They could only savor the quiet time that belonged to them amid this tender, lingering atmosphere.

However, that peace did not last long. On the morning of the fifth day, Xiao Yan had just awakened from cultivation when he heard Xiao Yi Xian's pained groans from nearby. Startled, he rushed over and found her curled up inside the tent, her face as pale as paper. Fine cold sweat covered her forehead, and her body trembled without pause. Her once-clear eyes had turned somewhat clouded, while her lips had taken on an unnatural bluish-purple hue. Even every breath came with faint spasms. Outside the tent, the Purple Gold Winged Lion King paced anxiously, occasionally nudging the tent cloth with its head and letting out worried low roars, but it did not dare barge in.

"Xiao Yi Xian! What's wrong?" Xiao Yan hurried forward, intending to help her up, but Xiao Yi Xian suddenly shoved him away. "Xiao Yan, don't come closer!" Her voice was hoarse with pain, and her eyes were filled with fear and despair. "My... my Calamity Poison Body is about to erupt. You'll be poisoned if you get close to me. Get away from me!"

Only then did Xiao Yan remember that Xiao Yi Xian had once mentioned her Calamity Poison Body. It was an extremely rare poison body that was no different from an ordinary person's in normal times. Once it erupted, however, it would not only inflict piercing agony upon its owner, but also release colorless, odorless poison that could affect all living things within several yards. Seeing Xiao Yi Xian's pain-twisted face, Xiao Yan felt as though a knife were cutting through his heart. How could he still care about the danger? He reached toward her again. "Xiao Yi Xian, don't be afraid. I'll find a way to save you!"

"No!" Xiao Yi Xian shouted with all her strength. The pain nearly drove her out of her mind. She could feel the poison in her body spreading wildly, her meridians seeming to be pierced by countless red-hot needles at once. Every breath carried tearing pain. "The poison in my body is too powerful. Even I can't control it. If you come close, you'll be poisoned to death! Xiao Yan, please, go quickly!" Tears slid down her cheeks as she spoke, carrying both the agony in her body and the despair of fearing that she would burden Xiao Yan. She had finally met someone she wanted to draw close to. She absolutely could not let him die because of her.

Yet Xiao Yan did not retreat in the slightest. Seeing Xiao Yi Xian in such pain, a determined look flashed through his eyes. He slowly raised his Right Hand, and a wisp of pale violet flame rose from his palm—the Myriad Beast Spirit Fire. The flame danced in his hand, giving off a warm yet domineering aura. The air around it warped slightly from the heat, and even the drifting dust was ignited into tiny sparks. "Xiao Yi Xian, have you forgotten? I have the Myriad Beast Spirit Fire. Heavenly Flames can burn all things. It may not be able to cure your poison body completely, but it can temporarily suppress the poison." His voice was resolute as he walked toward Xiao Yi Xian step by step, every stride filled with unquestionable determination. "Trust me. I won't let anything happen to you."

The glow of the Myriad Beast Spirit Fire illuminated Xiao Yan's face and allowed Xiao Yi Xian to see a glimmer of hope. Looking into his determined and gentle eyes, the despair in her heart was gradually replaced by emotion, and even the pain in her body seemed to lessen somewhat. She stopped struggling and only looked at him weakly, her eyes full of dependence and trust. "Xiao Yan, I... I believe you."

Xiao Yan walked before Xiao Yi Xian and carefully helped her up, letting her lean against his chest. He could feel that her body was cold and rigid, still trembling continuously. He could even sense the path of the poison flowing within her, like a savage beast frantically battering her meridians. Taking a deep breath, he slowly brought the Myriad Beast Spirit Fire in his palm close to her back. The heat of the flames passed through her thin clothing to her skin, bringing a warm, burning sensation.

"It might hurt a little. Bear with it," Xiao Yan said softly. Then he circulated the Blazing Art, guiding the Myriad Beast Spirit Fire slowly into Xiao Yi Xian's body. He deliberately controlled the fire's intensity, allowing it only to suppress the poison and preventing it from scorching her meridians. The instant the Heavenly Flame entered her body, Xiao Yi Xian let out a pained muffled groan. Her body shook violently, and the cold sweat on her forehead grew denser, even soaking Xiao Yan's clothes. Sensing the threat of the Heavenly Flame, the poison within her body surged back at it like enraged venomous snakes. The two forces clashed fiercely inside her—wherever the poison passed, her meridians immediately turned stiff with stinging pain, while the Heavenly Flame tightly wrapped around it, gradually compressing the range in which the poison could move. The clash of cold and heat nearly made her pass out.

Xiao Yan could clearly sense that the poison in Xiao Yi Xian's body was extremely tyrannical, carrying a chilling and strange aura. Where it passed, even the Dou Qi he transmitted through the Heavenly Flame was corroded until it faintly stung. He dared not be careless in the slightest. He pushed the Myriad Beast Spirit Fire with all his strength, making the flames into an invisible net that trapped the poison near her Dantian. The Myriad Beast Spirit Fire displayed its domineering nature to the fullest at that moment. Every burn weakened the poison's activity, and the suppressed poison turned into wisps of black mist that seeped from her pores, giving off the pungent stench of rotting flesh. Even the surrounding wild grass instantly withered from the poisonous fumes.

"Hold on, Xiao Yi Xian. The poison is being suppressed!" Xiao Yan softly reassured her as he guided the Heavenly Flame. His palm gently stroked her back, conveying warmth and strength. "Think about the wildflowers we saw in the valley. When you're better, we'll go pick them again, all right?" Xiao Yi Xian clenched her lips so tightly that she bit them bloody. Her face remained pale, but her eyes became determined. She knew Xiao Yan was using his own strength to save her, and she could not give up. Enduring the intense pain in her body, she circulated her own meager Dou Qi, letting it flow like trickling streams into the Myriad Beast Spirit Fire and assist in compressing the poison.

Time passed bit by bit, and the sun gradually rose higher. Golden light streamed through the gaps in the tent. Fine sweat beads appeared on Xiao Yan's forehead, and his face grew somewhat pale. Maintaining such precise control over the Myriad Beast Spirit Fire for so long was extremely draining to his Dou Qi and spiritual strength. There was almost no Dou Qi left in his body, and the collision between the Heavenly Flame and poison sent waves of stinging pain through his meridians, as though they might snap at any moment. But when he looked at the Xiao Yi Xian in his arms gradually calming down and felt her trembling grow lighter and lighter, his heart filled with strength. No matter what, he had to completely suppress the poison.

Finally, when the last wisp of black mist was expelled from Xiao Yi Xian's pores, the poison within her body was firmly trapped deep in her Dantian by the Myriad Beast Spirit Fire and no longer spread. Xiao Yi Xian's body stopped trembling, her breathing became steady, and a trace of color gradually returned to her face, though she remained weak. Xiao Yan slowly withdrew the Myriad Beast Spirit Fire, only to feel the world spin around him. He nearly collapsed to the ground, but fortunately caught the tent support beside him in time and barely managed to remain standing. His arm had gone numb from holding the same position for too long.

Xiao Yi Xian slowly opened her eyes, and their former clarity returned. Seeing Xiao Yan's pale face and the sweat on his forehead, she was filled with gratitude and heartache. She raised a hand and gently wiped away his sweat, her voice slightly hoarse. "Xiao Yan, thank you... Are you all right? It's all my fault for making you work so hard."

Xiao Yan smiled and shook his head. Though exhausted, seeing Xiao Yi Xian out of danger filled him with relief. "I'm fine. As long as you're all right, that's enough." He paused, concern entering his voice. "But this time, the Heavenly Flame only temporarily suppressed the Calamity Poison Body. The poison is still hidden inside you. If anything goes wrong, it could erupt again at any time."

Xiao Yi Xian nodded and leaned against Xiao Yan's chest, feeling the warmth of his embrace and a profound sense of security. She knew the Calamity Poison Body was a blade hanging above her head, but as long as Xiao Yan was beside her, she had the courage to face anything. "Xiao Yan, no matter how difficult things become in the future, I want to face them together with you," she said softly, her voice full of determination and reliance. Her arms unconsciously wrapped around his waist as she pressed her face against his chest, listening to his steady heartbeat.

Xiao Yan held her tightly, his heart filled with countless emotions. He knew that his feelings for Xiao Yi Xian had long surpassed those of ordinary friends. The affection that had quietly grown in the secluded valley had already taken root and sprouted in his heart. He lowered his head to look at the girl in his arms, his gaze gentle yet firm. "Xiao Yi Xian, don't worry. I will definitely find a way to completely resolve the Calamity Poison Body. Until then, my Myriad Beast Spirit Fire will always protect you."

Sunlight filtered through the tent and fell upon them, warm and bright. Outside, the Purple Gold Winged Lion King seemed to sense that the crisis within had passed. It no longer paced anxiously, instead lying on the ground and letting out a satisfied rumble. The stream in the secluded valley continued to murmur, and the wildflowers remained fragrant. But now, alongside the fresh scent of grass and flowers, the air held an added sweetness and resolve of love. Xiao Yan knew that from this moment onward, he would not only strive for his own goals, but also become stronger to protect those by his side. No matter how great the hardships ahead, he would never let Xiao Yi Xian bear pain alone again.