"You help me collect it. I need to check something up above. Remember to use a jade bottle."
"You want me to collect it?" Han Yue's eyes widened in disbelief. "Aren't you afraid I'll secretly keep some for myself?"
She stared at him, completely baffled by his actions. Was this some kind of test?
Xiao Jietian merely smiled, offering no explanation. In the next moment, brilliant golden wings materialized behind him—the unmistakable symbol of a Dou Wang.
"I trust Senior Han Yue's character."
Without waiting for her response, he flapped his wings once and shot upward toward the cavern ceiling, leaving Han Yue standing alone by the pool of Earth Core Body Tempering Milk.
Han Yue gazed up at the golden wings with undisguised envy. 'Those wings... the mark of a true Dou Wang. Just how does this monster cultivate?'
She murmured softly to herself, then glanced down at the milky-white liquid before her. A strange warmth spread through her chest—he actually trusted her. Completely.
Meanwhile, Xiao Jietian ascended directly to where the massive stalactite connected to the cave ceiling. After careful observation, he recalled that jade implements were required for proper extraction.
Two jade bottles materialized in his hands. Wrapping them in crimson flames, he molded one into a sharp jade knife.
Coating the blade with Dou Qi, Xiao Jietian carefully carved small circles at the stalactite's base. As the blade completed its circuit, a fragment broke free. He caught it deftly—and immediately shielded his eyes as brilliant light erupted from within.
After several breaths, the light subsided. Xiao Jietian lowered his hand and peered at the exposed interior.
There, suspended within the crystalline structure, floated a cluster of viscous emerald liquid that seemed to pulse with concentrated energy.
"So this is the true Earth Core Body Tempering Milk," he breathed, his eyes gleaming. "Far more potent than the diluted version below."
He quickly reformed the jade knife into a small spoon, then carefully scooped the precious liquid into an empty jade bottle. After several careful transfers, the bottle was more than half full.
Approximately one-sixth of the liquid remained inside the stalactite. Xiao Jietian stopped, sealed the jade bottle, and gently replaced the cut fragment, hiding any evidence of his extraction.
With a flutter of golden wings, he descended.
"Haven't you finished yet?"
"Ah!" Han Yue jolted at the sudden voice. The jade spoon in her hand trembled violently. She had been leaning close to ensure careful collection, and now—
The milky-white liquid splashed directly onto her face.
"Mmph—" Han Yue sputtered as the Body Tempering Milk dripped down her cheeks. Almost instinctively, her tongue darted out to catch a drop that reached the corner of her mouth.
Xiao Jietian froze, staring at the scene before him. Something about it seemed strangely... familiar. Where had he seen something like this before?
He quickly suppressed the inappropriate thought and retrieved a clean handkerchief, extending it toward her.
Han Yue, normally fastidious about cleanliness and who would never accept personal items from others, found herself reaching for it without hesitation. As if possessed, she took the handkerchief and gently wiped her face clean.
"Thank you," she said softly, folding it with care. "I'll wash this and return it to you."
Xiao Jietian nodded casually. "Continue with the collection."
Though curious about what he'd been doing above, Han Yue sensibly didn't pry into his private matters. She lowered her head and resumed her careful work.
As she bent over the pool, her silver dress clung tightly to her figure, clearly outlining her slender waist and the graceful curves of her body.
After a brief glance, Xiao Jietian averted his gaze.
Yet somehow, Han Yue seemed to sense his momentary attention. Her face flushed inexplicably as she worked. Strangely, she felt no disgust—only a peculiar flutter in her chest. The corners of her mouth curved upward unconsciously.
After swiftly completing the collection, Han Yue capped the final bottle and gathered all four jade containers.
"There are four bottles in total," she announced, turning to face him with a sincere expression. "I haven't kept anything for myself—they're all here."
She extended the jade bottles toward him with both hands.
Xiao Jietian accepted them, immediately storing three bottles in his spatial storage. Then, to her surprise, he took her hand and pressed the remaining jade bottle into her palm.
"Consider this your reward for helping today."
Before she could respond, he turned and strode back toward the exit.
He'd already obtained the true Earth Core Body Tempering Milk—the concentrated essence hidden within the stalactite itself. This diluted version, while valuable to others, was dispensable to him. Giving one bottle away would improve his standing with Han Yue and might yield significant benefits in the future.
Han Yue stood frozen, staring down at the jade bottle in her hands. She hadn't expected this at all.
She looked up at his retreating back, her eyes swirling with complex emotions—surprise, gratitude, confusion, and something else she couldn't quite name.
Clutching the jade bottle tightly to her chest, her heart raced. 'I never thought someone as overbearing and cunning as you would do something like this. Just what kind of person are you, Xiao Jietian?'
She hurried after him, her gaze unconsciously softening in a way even she didn't notice.
"Thank you, Xiao Jietian," she said firmly from behind him. "I owe you a favor."
Xiao Jietian waved dismissively without looking back.
The two continued onward in silence, one leading and one following. Throughout the entire journey, Han Yue kept the jade bottle clutched in her hand rather than storing it in her spatial ring, as if afraid it might disappear.
Twenty minutes later, they emerged from the cave into the fresh air of the forest.
"Ah! The air outside is so much better!" Xiao Jietian stretched his arms wide and took a deep breath. "No circulation inside—this is infinitely more comfortable."
Han Yue couldn't help but laugh at his unreserved display, finding his straightforward nature oddly endearing.
"What are your plans now, Junior Xiao Tian?"
"I'm going to continue exploring this area," he replied. "What about you?"
"I'll return to refine what you've given me." Her expression grew solemn. "Thank you—truly. Although my strength doesn't match yours, if you ever need anything from me, just ask. I'll do everything in my power to help you."
Xiao Jietian nodded. "Then I'll definitely seek you out when I need assistance."
"I'll take my leave then. Please be careful, Junior Xiao Tian."
"Senior Han Yue, wait."
Han Yue paused mid-step, turning back in confusion. Before she could ask what he wanted, Xiao Jietian reached out and gently touched her forehead.
Her expression faltered as warmth spread through her mind. Suddenly, detailed information about numerous medicinal herbs flooded her consciousness—names, properties, preparation methods, and precise measurements.
"When you use the Body Tempering Milk, combine it with these medicinal ingredients. It will significantly enhance the efficacy and ensure optimal absorption."
Han Yue's heart skipped. She knew he was an Alchemist, so she had no reason to doubt his formula. Besides, if he wanted to harm her, there were far simpler methods than this elaborate charade.
"Thank you, Junior Xiao Tian. You truly are this senior's great benefactor."
On impulse—as if possessed by some unseen force—Han Yue stepped forward and embraced him tightly.
Before Xiao Jietian could even react, she released him and leaped away, her movement technique carrying her swiftly toward the Inner Academy without a backward glance.
Xiao Jietian stood frozen, his arms still half-raised in surprise. He certainly hadn't expected that.
Some distance away, Han Yue glanced back at his stunned figure. Her face burned crimson, and she could feel the heat radiating from her cheeks. 'What possessed me to do that? How embarrassing!'
Mortified that he might notice her flustered state, she immediately accelerated, her silhouette vanishing into the forest canopy.
Watching her departing figure, a knowing smile curved Xiao Jietian's lips.
Golden wings materialized behind him in a burst of radiant light. With a single powerful beat, he shot into the sky and soared deeper into the mountain range.
As night fell, Xiao Jietian chose not to return to the Inner Academy. He had already informed Xun'er of his plans beforehand.
Rather than camping in the wilderness like a fool, he had a far better option. Closing his eyes, he activated his dimensional ability and vanished—entering the Eternal Heaven Realm.
Once inside his private dimension, Xiao Jietian wasted no time. It was the perfect opportunity to conduct an aerial survey of the surrounding territory and map out resources for future use.