The Small Valley

Xiao Yu noticed the Little Doctor's wounds and took out several bottles of healing medicine from his spatial ring, handing them to her. "These are pills I've personally refined. They work well for healing; you should use them."

The Little Doctor looked at Xiao Yu in surprise. "You're also a pharmacist?"

Xiao Yu smiled. "Is it strange that I'm a pharmacist?"

The Little Doctor was momentarily at a loss for words, unable to refute. She was astounded by Xiao Yu's high level of skill and his status as a pharmacist. However, recalling the peculiar flames he used earlier, his identity as a pharmacist did not seem too surprising.

Xiao Yu, unconcerned with her shock, waved towards a large tree. XiaoBai and Little Zi transformed into streaks of light and appeared by his side.

The Little Doctor looked at Xiao Bai and Little Zi with evident affection. "These two little ones are so cute! Are they your pets?"

Xiao Yu glanced at Bai and Little Zi and nodded. "Yes, this one is called XiaoBai, and this one is called Little Zi."

The Little Doctor couldn't help but laugh. "So, you named them like that?"

Xiao Yu was momentarily distracted by her clear and charming smile but quickly recovered. He shrugged and said, "As the old saying goes, simple names are easier to raise!"

XiaoBai and Little Zi both shot Xiao Yu disgruntled looks. The Little Doctor picked up XiaoBai, who didn't resist and even seemed to enjoy the attention, looking quite content.

Seeing XiaoBai comfortably nestled in her arms, the Little Doctor smiled. "It seems XiaoBai really likes me!"

XiaoBai settled into a comfortable position in her arms and closed his eyes, looking very much like a pampered lord. Xiao Yu observed and mused, "Could this little fellow be male?"

However, he decided not to pursue the matter further and instead asked the Little Doctor, "How did the Wolf Head Mercenary Group target you?"

While stroking Bai's soft fur, the Little Doctor explained, "I previously obtained a treasure map indicating the location of a cave. However, the vice-captain of the Wolf Head Mercenary Group, Mu Li, learned about it from my assistant. He followed me to the cave. Although there were originally three stone boxes in the cave, someone must have arrived before me, and I only got a part of the treasure!"

"Mu Li thought I had taken all the treasure and demanded that I hand it over. Although I managed to escape, Mu Li was still determined and ordered a pursuit."

Xiao Yu's eyes flickered with embarrassment at her words. The items from the cave were indeed taken by him, which had led to her being hunted by the Wolf Head Mercenary Group. He felt a bit guilty.

Seeing Xiao Yu's reaction, the Little Doctor asked curiously, "What's wrong?"

Xiao Yu came back to himself. "Oh, it's nothing, just thinking about something."

Despite this, Xiao Yu felt he hadn't really wronged her; he had left behind the Seven-Colored Poison Sutra. However, thinking of the Seven-Colored Poison Sutra reminded him of the Poison Body of Misfortune.

The Little Doctor did not press further and said, "I have a secret base in the Magical Beast Mountain Range. Those men will likely go there to report. Why don't we head there?"

Xiao Yu smiled. "It's just right; we can deal with them all. Since you mentioned it, let's go to your secret base!"

He decided to wait to ask the Little Doctor about the Poison Body of Misfortune, as it wasn't something he could force.

The Little Doctor smiled gently and took out a bamboo flute. She placed it to her lips, and an unusual sound wave echoed through the forest. Xiao Yu recognized this as her calling her companion, a first-tier magical beast, the Blue Eagle.

"Caw!"

Soon after the strange sound, a sharp cry rang out. Looking up, Xiao Yu saw a massive blue eagle flying from the horizon, rapidly approaching them. In moments, the eagle was circling above their heads.

The Little Doctor waved, and the eagle descended and landed in front of her.

She gently patted the eagle's head and introduced, "This is my companion, named Xiao Lan!"

Xiao Yu smiled. "How is this different from the names I gave?"

The Little Doctor wrinkled her delicate nose. "Hmph, of course, it's different. Xiao Lan's 'Lan' is the same as the mountain mist!"

"Alright then." Xiao Yu said no more. The Little Doctor climbed onto Xiao Lan's back with Bai in her arms, and Xiao Yu followed with Little Zi.

"Let's go home, Xiao Lan!" the Little Doctor said.

Xiao Lan let out a cry and flapped its enormous wings, creating a strong wind. The eagle soared into the sky, carrying the two of them.

Xiao Lan's broad back was soft and comfortable. Xiao Yu relaxed as the Little Doctor said, "Thank you again for this!"

Xiao Yu replied casually, "No need for thanks; it's just a small favor."

The Little Doctor said nothing more, simply continuing to gently stroke XiaoBai's fur. Xiao Lan's speed was impressive, and soon they arrived at a basin filled with medicinal herbs. However, they did not stop there but continued into the depths of the basin.

They landed gently in a small valley deep within the basin. The valley was filled with rich energy and the enticing scent of herbs—an ideal place for cultivation and for refining medicine to use in the desert.

"How do you like the environment here? This valley is completely isolated from the outside world, and there's a thick mist covering the sky, making it very hidden. Xiao Lan accidentally led me here; otherwise, I wouldn't have discovered it myself!" The Little Doctor said with pride.

Xiao Yu admired the place. "It's indeed very nice. Since you brought me here, aren't you worried I might claim it for myself?"

The Little Doctor smiled at him. "I'm good at judging people. Besides, if it weren't for you saving me, I'd have died at the hands of those men. It's not too much to offer this place to you as thanks."

Xiao Yu gave her praise. "I appreciate that. While I'll stay here for a while, I won't be here all the time. However, as your savior, it wouldn't be too much to ask for a meal, would it?"

The Little Doctor gave him a playful look. "Wait and see!" She then disappeared into a small grove. Shortly afterward, she returned with two plump wild rabbits.

As night fell, Xiao Yu and the Little Doctor sat by a campfire, roasting the juicy rabbits.Xiao Bai and Little Zi waited eagerly, almost drooling, while Xiao Lan stood behind the Little Doctor, indicating their close bond.

"All done, time to eat! Try it and see how it tastes!" The Little Doctor handed one roasted rabbit to Xiao Yu and divided the other between Xiao Bai, Little Zi, and Xiao Lan.

"It's really good!" Xiao Yu praised. The Little Doctor smiled and said nothing more, and they all enjoyed a hearty meal together.