Chapter 235

Chapter 235 - Healing

“Our mission is to find the Blood Converging Vine. We've already lost more than ten of our brothers. If we return empty-handed, their sacrifices would have been in vain!”

Seeing their hopeful gazes, Zhang Xiaolong nodded emphatically. “Alright, I'll help you. I was searching for it to make medicine, and you are the ones who need it most. Given that, it's only right that I give it to you.”

“That's fantastic! I knew I wasn't mistaken...” Qu Moyao paused, then corrected herself, “I mean, I knew you would help us!”

They gathered the bodies of their fallen comrades and secured the four survivors, leaving some to stand guard. Two were dispatched to send word and request reinforcements. Meanwhile, Liu Zhongjun and the rest set off with Zhang Xiaolong to explore another area.

Although Liu Zhongjun's group was unfamiliar with the method of changing water color, their numbers allowed them to conduct a thorough search of every inch of the area, making it unlikely they'd miss anything.

The place they had yet to explore was the deepest part of the Qilin Mountain forest.

As they traveled, they didn't come across the Blood Converging Vine, but Zhang Xiaolong managed to gather a few other medicinal herbs, impressing everyone with his ability to locate them by scent.

As their trust in one another deepened, their conversations became more relaxed. Qu Moyao, in particular, seemed to casually inquire about Zhang Xiaolong's place of residence.

“Wait!” Zhang Xiaolong suddenly raised his hand, halting the group.

Whenever this happened, it was a sign he had found a new herb, and they were no longer surprised.

This time, however, Zhang Xiaolong looked around and then smiled. “We're in luck. It looks like that's the Blood Converging Vine!”

The group was overjoyed and eagerly looked in the direction he indicated, but saw nothing at first. Upon closer inspection, they spotted what appeared to be a small green snake camouflaged among the grass.

Without careful observation, it would have been impossible to detect. Zhang Xiaolong was certain it was the Blood Converging Vine because he had detected the medicinal qi.

“I'll go pick it!” Qu Moyao exclaimed, bouncing with excitement as she ran towards it.

Zhang Xiaolong was about to suck the poison out, which meant he'd have to position himself over her thighs. The thought alone was enough to make anyone blush, let alone the act itself.

Qu Moyao's body went limp at the thought, a warmth spreading through her.

“Don't move, and try to stay calm,” Zhang Xiaolong instructed, his voice firm as he leaned in. “It'll slow the spread of the poison.”

He wasn't trying to take advantage of the situation. The snake venom wasn't lethal, but it contained something else that needed immediate removal, something his divine powers couldn't counteract.

If he didn't extract it quickly, Dr. Qu might soon display a side of herself, a seductive and uncontrolled side, in front of all her comrades—a side that no one had ever seen.

Even though there were no ill intentions among those present, such an incident could cast an indelible shadow over Qu Moyao's life.

Moreover, if the drug's effects kicked in without a man's assistance, she would endure agonizing torment until it wore off.

Zhang Xiaolong worked swiftly, and soon most of the venom was gone. With the minor residue left, he breathed a sigh of relief, knowing it would cause no further harm.

Looking up, he met Qu Moyao's intense gaze and felt a twinge of embarrassment. He pulled out a medicine bottle and offered, “Apply this salve to the wound, and it won't scar.”

“I... I don't have the strength. Could you help me?” Qu Moyao asked softly.

“Cough, cough. Let's wait until you've recovered a bit more. It's not urgent, and you can apply it later just as well,” Zhang Xiaolong replied, passing the medicine to her. “Consider it a gift.”

Qu Moyao felt a wave of disappointment. Whether among her military peers or at home, many men sought her attention, yet she never reciprocated—except for Zhang Xiaolong. Just one look from him set her heart racing, but now, given the opportunity, he seemed reluctant to make any further contact.

Seeing Qu Moyao's distressed look, Zhang Xiaolong couldn't help but harden his heart. He rummaged through the medical kit for bandages and swiftly began to dress her wound.

In truth, whether or not to bandage wasn't a major issue, but Qu Moyao's injury was in a rather delicate spot. With her pants torn, failing to cover the area would lead to indecent exposure, so it was prudent to use the bandage for modesty's sake.

“Xiaolong, is this also Injury Medicine?” Qu Moyao asked, shaking the medicine bottle in her hand.

“Yes, it is. I had intended to combine it with the Blood Converging Vine to enhance its effects. That combination would stop the bleeding immediately, and the wound would heal completely within a day. But even without the vine, the healing time would only double, which isn't too concerning,” explained Zhang Xiaolong with ease.