Chapter 43: A Noble Eagle Born of Heaven and Earth
"Alright, Big Sis Xian'er, what do you want to say?"
Jiang Lin turned his head toward the pouting Xiao Yi Xian while using his greatsword to pin the nimble Blue Eagle so tightly it could barely breathe.
A thought flashed through Jiang Lin's mind: When you're weak, even your anger looks cute to others.
Hmm... and if you're strong enough? Then maybe if you call me "Iron Turtle Lord Jiang," I'll be the bigger man and let it go this time.
Xiao Yi Xian glared at him with an aggrieved look before finally saying, "This patch of Purpleleaf Grass—it's likely what the Blue Eagle was trying to use to detoxify itself."
Many animals without supernatural power have an instinct to seek out medicinal herbs—magical beasts, with their superior intelligence, even more so.
"We took the herb it needed to save itself… Since we haven't reached a life-or-death situation yet, as a healer… I'd like to spare its life. If…"
As she spoke, Xiao Yi Xian lowered her head, her voice growing softer.
"If you all really want its magic core… could I… maybe buy it back from you to make up for the loss…"
Her voice grew quieter with every word. She felt like she was asking too much. If it had been a violent confrontation, she wouldn't complain. But in this case, they took the herb, and now she was being asked to watch the beast die. She simply couldn't do it.
It was like receiving something from another, then watching them die right in front of you. Xiao Yi Xian couldn't accept it.
But—who was she speaking to?
A bunch of cold-hearted mercenaries!
"Miss Xiao Yi Xian is right. Normally, we don't provoke magical beasts unless it's necessary. We were only preparing to harvest the core because this Blue Eagle, with injuries like that, wouldn't survive without help."
One of the mercenaries chuckled in agreement.
"Yeah, yeah! Don't worry, Miss Xiao Yi Xian. We mercs have morals too. You've always been kind to us—we remember that. No need to fuss over a first-rank magic core worth a few hundred gold."
Most of the mercenaries gave her warm smiles. Even those who said nothing showed no signs of objection in their expressions.
Hmph! So much for cold-blooded mercs—crumbling under the illusion of righteousness!
Foolish Xiao Yi Xian! Now face that man! Mercy can't feed you. Only true ruthlessness ensures survival!
Introducing our main character: believer in peace, harmony, and family reunions, hater of pain and suffering—our compassionate sage: Jiang! Lin!
"If you want to check its injuries, then come over already. What do you think I've been holding it down for?"
Jiang Lin looked at her oddly—her dumbfounded expression seemingly asking What's going on? What did I just say? His eyes clearly said: What are you hesitating for? Hurry up and examine it!
"You, you…"
Xiao Yi Xian had been warmed by the mercenaries' kindness… but this man's unexpected understanding left her completely stunned.
Was this really the same guy who made wolf-hide shoes from the parents and wolf-head slippers from the cubs? The guy who always skipped the talk and drew his blade instead?!
"What, you think I'm some emotionless brute?"
Jiang Lin's comment sparked laughter from the mercenaries. He gave the dazed Xiao Yi Xian a sideways look and added, "What are you imagining? I had no choice with those Moonhowl Wolves. If I hadn't killed the adults, we couldn't have escaped. The cubs? Magical beasts need meat, and Wan Yao Zhai doesn't even stock minced meat regularly. Also, your script of 'kill the parents, raise the enemy's child' always backfires, you know?"
Mr. Yao: ??? Did we starve you at home or something??
Those wolves were fast and cunning. If Jiang Lin had shown even the slightest weakness in speed or stamina, those two second-rank beasts would've cracked him open like a tin can.
As for the wolf pups? What if one was the protagonist? What if they had orphan buffs? Twin buffs? Future titles like Wolf Lord, Wolf Saint, or Wolf Emperor? Better to send the family off together. That's compassion! Reuniting a broken family earns karmic merit!
"Oh…"
Xiao Yi Xian still looked skeptical as she walked over, took the herb basket Jiang Lin handed her, and approached the nervous but subdued Blue Eagle.
She had happily accepted the fluffy slippers Jiang Lin made for her because they were a gift. She didn't interfere with what was done. But within her abilities, she would always act—like tending the eagle's wounds now. If it had actively attacked the mercenaries, she would've yelled, Linzi, hit it with Flame Fist!
"This is… poison from a Rock Snake. Given the eagle's physique, a salve made from Purpleleaf Grass and a good night's rest should cure it. The rest of the injuries will take a day or two more."
She quickly diagnosed the eagle and mixed two portions of medicine—one internal, one external.
After cleaning the wounds, she applied the external salve to the eagle's leg and wrapped it with gauze.
"This way… you'll heal a bit faster," she said softly to the eagle, not knowing whether it understood.
Coo…
The Blue Eagle gave a low coo and even nodded slightly.
Jiang Lin, surprised by its intelligence, ruffled its head. "Why's this eagle cooing like a pigeon? So weird."
COO!
The Blue Eagle shook off his hand and gave a proud cry—showing its dignity.
A true eagle, born of heaven and earth, shall not be insulted by mere chicken-grounders!
Clang!
Dou Qi surged. Jiang Lin's Flameburst Cleave Armor Sword activated with a golden gleam!
"Coo…"
Better to live bowed than to die proud! A poor background is no shame! Flexibility is survival!
"Alright, stop teasing it," Xiao Yi Xian scolded, rolling her eyes. She placed some herbs near the eagle's beak. "With your constitution, just chew it all together. Find a place to hide for a couple of days, and you'll be flying again."
Coo coo!
Hearing her voice, the Blue Eagle nodded and affectionately nuzzled against her.
It had decided—among these strange people, this beautiful, gentle, elegant, and kind young lady exuded a charm far beyond any of the monkeys around her.
(END CHAPTER)
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