Xiao Tian's fingers moved carefully as he unfastened the buttons of Yun Yun's inner armor one by one. Each time his fingertips accidentally brushed against her skin, he could clearly feel her body tense sharply.
When the last button was undone, he gently removed the light blue inner armor. Yun Yun's flawless, ivory-white skin and graceful, curvaceous upper body were fully revealed before his eyes.
For a brief moment, Xiao Tian was entranced. He quickly shook off the distracting thoughts, took a deep breath, and spread a clean piece of clothing over the stone platform. With utmost care, he helped Yun Yun lie down on it.
"I'm going to start cleaning the wound now," he said softly. "Even though you've taken the pain-relief medicine, it may still sting a little."
"Mhm… thank you for your trouble," Yun Yun replied. Her face gradually flushed with a faint pink hue, and her delicate body trembled slightly, though her voice remained relatively calm.
Xiao Tian took out a clean cotton cloth from his system space, poured the light green wound-cleaning liquid onto it, and began carefully wiping the five deep claw marks on her chest.
While he worked, Yun Yun's mind was in turmoil. The realization that she was completely exposed in front of a man she had only met recently made her body grow even more tense. Her long eyelashes quivered continuously, betraying the calm she tried to project.
Yet when she looked down at Xiao Tian's focused and diligent expression as he treated her wound, a trace of genuine gratitude surfaced in her beautiful eyes.
After thoroughly cleaning the injury, Xiao Tian looked up and noticed her gaze. He offered a reassuring smile. "Don't worry, it'll be over soon."
He then picked up the final jade bottle, poured out the white medicinal powder, and sprinkled it evenly across the wound. Finally, he took a fresh hemostatic cloth and carefully bandaged the area.
"Done," he said. "Your clothes are soaked in blood and can't be worn anymore. You can wear mine for now." A set of clean black robes appeared in his hand. Since Yun Yun's strength was still sealed, she couldn't open her storage ring.
He helped her sit up gently, letting her lean against his shoulder for support, then carefully dressed her in the long robe and fastened the belt. Once finished, he slowly laid her back down.
Wearing the oversized men's robe, Yun Yun looked both heroic and charming — a unique, captivating contrast.
"Thank you," she said softly, offering him a faint smile while lying down.
That smile — a blend of shy blush, peerless beauty, and a touch of heroism — nearly made Xiao Tian lose control. The intimate scene from moments earlier flashed through his mind once again.
He quickly recited the Heart Cleansing Incantation in his heart:
"If the heart is as clear as ice, even if the sky falls, it will not be alarmed. Amid myriad changes, the spirit remains at ease and calm."
If I can't control myself now, I'll be hunted relentlessly by a Dou Huang, he thought, shaking his head. Better to take it slow. At the very least, she should make the first move.
This wife… I'm taking her. Only children make choices — I want them all.
Xiao Tian quickly tidied up the medicine bottles and walked out of the cave. He felt it would be dangerous to remain inside with her right now.
"Are you leaving?" Yun Yun asked, a trace of panic in her voice as she saw him heading toward the exit.
"No, don't worry," Xiao Tian replied without turning around. He waved his hand behind him. "You're an injured person I saved. I'll see this through to the end. I won't abandon you here. The entire Magical Beast Mountain Range is searching for you right now. I'm just going outside to check the situation."
Near the cave entrance, Xiao Tian sensed no magical beasts in the vicinity. He remembered he still hadn't completed his daily check-in at the cave — he had been too occupied with treating her wound and trying not to admire her beauty.
After a calm scan of the surroundings, he caught a large fish and two smaller ones from the nearby pool. He cleaned them thoroughly, used a wisp of his Fallen Heart Flame to remove the internal organs, and stored them in his system space. On his way back, he scattered additional medicinal and scent-masking powders to ensure no magical beasts would approach the area.
"Tian Xiao, you're back."
When Xiao Tian re-entered the cave, Yun Yun's worried expression visibly relaxed. Her voice carried a hint of excitement and relief. Having lost her Dou Qi and become a powerless young woman who couldn't even move, she felt deeply insecure and had been afraid he might leave her behind.
"Mhm. We'll hide here for a while," Xiao Tian said as he walked in. "It's safe around the cave, and I've taken extra precautions."
He noticed her complexion had improved slightly and estimated she would regain some mobility by tomorrow.
Inside the quiet mountain cave, Xiao Tian slowly rotated a skewer of roasted fish over the fire, sprinkling various seasonings as he worked. The rich, appetizing aroma filled the cave. Fortunately, the cave was deep enough that the scent wouldn't drift far outside.
Nearby, a simple stove simmered with fish porridge. He had first boiled the fish to create a rich broth, removed the bones and meat, then added rice and several nourishing herbs — some for general nutrition, others specifically to replenish blood and accelerate wound recovery. This porridge was prepared especially for Yun Yun.
Lying on the side, Yun Yun turned her head and watched Xiao Tian cook with focused diligence. A strange, complicated look occasionally flickered in her eyes.
Once the fish porridge had cooled to the perfect temperature, Xiao Tian brought the bowl over to her.
"This fish porridge is for you. I've added medicinal herbs that will help your body recover faster and strengthen your wound healing. Would you like to drink it yourself, or should I help you?"
Yun Yun tried to sit up but quickly realized she still lacked the strength. Before she could struggle further, a strong arm gently embraced and lifted her upper body, letting her lean against a warm, solid chest.
Feeling Xiao Tian's closeness, Yun Yun's pupils dilated and her body tensed instinctively.
"Yun Zhi, you still can't move easily," Xiao Tian said gently. "If you force it, you might reopen your wound, and the porridge will get cold."
Yun Yun's face flushed with shyness as she leaned against him. Seeing this, Xiao Tian said nothing more. He picked up the bowl, scooped a spoonful of porridge, and brought it to her lips.
Yun Yun opened her mouth subconsciously and ate slowly.
A short while later, the entire bowl of fish porridge was finished. Xiao Tian set the bowl aside, took out a clean cotton cloth, and gently wiped her mouth. Then he carefully lowered her back onto the stone platform.
He returned to his seat, picked up the still-warm roasted fish, and began eating. After busying himself for Yun Yun the entire day, he could finally have a proper meal.
Soon, he finished the roasted fish, washed his hands with clear water, and walked back over to Yun Yun.