"The Poison Pill Method condenses the toxins of the Calamity Poison Body into a pill, making it easier to control," Xiao Heng explained. "My Heavenly Flame can absorb your unique poisonous Dou Zhi Qi."
"If I share a wisp of my Devouring Blue Flame's sub-flame with you, and you absorb it, it would function like that poison pill, wouldn't it?" he continued.
"That makes sense!" Xiao Yi Xian nodded eagerly.
"Beyond its devouring trait, my flame can shift into other attributes. In my hands, it can take multiple forms, but the sub-flame I give you would be limited to one attribute. This way, it prevents your Calamity Poison Body from spiraling out of control without weakening its toxicity or your combat strength," Xiao Heng elaborated.
"So, I could use the sub-flame as both a poison flame and the devouring Devouring Blue Flame?" Xiao Yi Xian's eyes sparkled.
"Exactly!"
"Can I become an alchemist with it?" she asked.
"In theory, yes."
"What do you mean, 'in theory'?"
"Alchemists typically have fire and wood-attribute Dou Zhi Qi. The faint wood attribute catalyzes refining. Without it, you'd rely solely on soul force—like a forced melon that's not sweet but still quenches thirst," Xiao Heng analyzed. "For example, I can refine second-tier pills as a Dou Zhe, but you might need to reach Dou Wang or Dou Huang to do the same, or tweak recipes to use herbs as a wood-attribute substitute. The latter's simpler for you—just keep consuming poisons."
"At least there's hope. That's enough," Xiao Yi Xian said, smiling.
"Alright, pack your things. We're heading to the mountains," Xiao Heng said.
"Okay!" Xiao Yi Xian returned to Ten Thousand Herb Hall, claiming she wanted to explore other places. With no objections, she left easily. Her medical skills were average—anyone could match her herb knowledge—and her presence mainly drew customers due to her beauty. Ten Thousand Herb Hall's near-monopoly on Qing Shan Town's herb trade didn't rely on her.
She arrived at Xiao Heng's inn with a small bundle containing a few clothes and some medicinal powders. "This is for you," Xiao Heng said, handing her a basic storage ring, a delicate purple band. Buying a higher-tier ring in Qing Shan Town would attract too much attention for a mere Dou Zhe like him. Not time to flaunt yet.
"A storage ring?" Xiao Yi Xian beamed, slipping the elegant purple ring onto her finger and storing her bundle inside.
"That cost me over fifty thousand gold coins!" Xiao Heng said, feigning a miser's pain.
"Why are you so good to me? Pitying me?" Xiao Yi Xian asked suddenly.
"Nope. I'm just shamelessly after your heart," Xiao Heng blurted, grinning.
"Shameless!"
"Thanks for the compliment!" he laughed.
___
They left Qing Shan Town, avoiding the main entrance to the Magical Beast Mountain Range and detouring through a dense forest rich with toxic herbs, rarely traveled. Xiao Yi Xian knew too many people in town, and to spare their feelings, Xiao Heng had to whisk her away discreetly. Such a kind soul, he thought. Encountered beasts were cremated free of charge by his flame—some, generous, left magic cores as thanks; most, stingy, offered nothing.
Half an hour later, they reached a narrow path. "Where to next?" Xiao Yi Xian asked.
"You've been here so long—got any fixed hideouts?" Xiao Heng countered.
"There's a small valley I found while gathering herbs," she said.
"Then we'll go there," Xiao Heng decided.
Xiao Yi Xian pulled a short bamboo flute from her robes and blew a soft note, sending a unique sound into the distance.
"What are you staring at?" she snapped, noticing Xiao Heng's eyes lingering near her chest.
"Couldn't help myself!" Xiao Heng wiped his mouth, muttering, Not too big, not too small—perfect. "What's that summoning?"
"My companion, a first-tier Blue Eagle," she explained. Xiao Heng nodded.
"Where do you stay in the mountains? What do you eat?" Xiao Yi Xian asked.
"Small caves on the outskirts. My strength lets me sense beasts before they ambush. My Heavenly Flame handles poison-types easily. Food? I roast whatever beast I meet—pure luck of the draw," Xiao Heng said.
"Sounds like a savage!" she teased.
"Savage? Harsh words! Once my Dou Zhi Qi rises, I won't need to eat daily," he retorted.
"What realm's that? Dou Ling or higher?" she asked.
"No clue, but the mountains never run short of beasts," he shrugged.
A sharp cry pierced the air. A blue-feathered eagle appeared overhead, its size modest—barely fitting three riders, cramped with two. It landed, and Xiao Yi Xian hopped on first, Xiao Heng following, wrapping his arms tightly around her slim waist.
"Xiao Lan, let's go!" The eagle's wings beat, soaring into the sky. Fast but cramped, with no safety straps, Xiao Heng clung to her waist as a makeshift seatbelt. One sharp turn, and she could kick me off without qi, he thought. It felt perilous—without her, he'd rather fly with his Eagle Wings than ride this "Blue Eagle Airlines."
___
After over half an hour, they reached an energy-rich valley, more a deep basin, shrouded in thick mist that deterred beasts. Rare herbs thrived within. A place to refine pills, cultivate, free of beasts, and with a beauty by my side—this is the true Peach Blossom Haven, my dream valley, Xiao Heng thought.
A small wooden cabin stood at the valley's center. Xiao Lan landed on a clearing nearby.
"We've landed. That scared of heights, huh?" Xiao Yi Xian said, her tone laced with suspicion. He's just taking advantage.
"Oh, right!" Xiao Heng took a deep breath, dismounting with flair, savoring the moment.
"We'll stay in that cabin, but there's only one bed," Xiao Yi Xian said, leading him inside.
"No problem. Bed's a bit narrow, but I don't mind," Xiao Heng said, his smile dazzling.
"Ow!" His foot took a sharp stomp.
"I mind! Can't you make your own? Be glad I'm not making you sleep outside," Xiao Yi Xian said, gritting her teeth. She raised her foot for another strike, but Xiao Heng dodged, grinning foolishly.
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