Having arrived in the Gamma Empire, only a few hours away from Wutan City, Xiao Feng suddenly remembered that there were several places he wanted to visit before returning home. More importantly, he had some surprise preparations to make for Xiao Yi Xian before her return.
After a moment's thought, he changed direction and headed toward Qingshan Town.
Upon reaching the outskirts of the town, Xiao Feng descended into a nearby forest. His Dou Qi wings gradually dissipated, and he began walking toward the town at a leisurely pace.
Qingshan Town was relatively close to Wutan City, but it held a special place in Xiao Yi Xian's heart. This was where she had spent her childhood, growing up among the ordinary townsfolk before fate led her onto the path of cultivation.
Because of that connection, Xiao Feng had made certain arrangements to improve the town's living conditions.
Under the name of Xiao Yi Xian, he had ordered the Xiao Family's people in Wutan City to provide the residents of Qingshan Town with basic medical treatment at minimal cost. He had also instructed them to rein in the more troublesome mercenary groups operating in the area. He did not intend to eliminate the mercenaries entirely, since they were an important part of the town's livelihood, but their more vicious members needed to be kept under control.
Furthermore, he had arranged for a Second-Rank Alchemist from the Xiao Family to be stationed in Qingshan Town. To ensure that no single alchemist became permanently burdened with the assignment, the position would rotate among the family's alchemists every three months.
These measures had already produced noticeable results.
The Wolf Head Mercenary Group and the chief and owner of the Wan Yao Pharmacy had been brought under control. Those willing to restrain themselves had been allowed to continue their businesses, while those who refused to cooperate had been subdued.
As Xiao Feng walked through the town, he quietly observed his surroundings. The streets were orderly, the shops were operating normally, and the residents seemed to be going about their lives without the same degree of fear and oppression that might otherwise have plagued a small frontier town.
Seeing this, he nodded with satisfaction.
It seems the arrangements are working well enough. At least, when Xiao Yi Xian returns, she won't have to see her hometown suffering under the same old problems.
He had not done all this merely to win her affection. Xiao Yi Xian had grown up here, and he understood that the place would always hold memories she could never completely leave behind. If he could make it safer and more comfortable for the people who had once been part of her life, then it was worth the effort.
Having confirmed that everything was proceeding as planned, Xiao Feng turned his attention toward his real destination: the small, secluded valley where Xiao Yi Xian had once discovered her special constitution.
He intended to renovate the old hut there and transform the surrounding area into something suitable for a surprise.
Of course, simply repairing the hut would not be enough. He wanted to improve the place properly, adding the facilities and arrangements that would make it comfortable without destroying the valley's quiet, secluded atmosphere.
Before heading into the valley, however, he needed materials.
Xiao Feng made his way to a local blacksmith's shop.
The moment he entered, the blacksmith looked up from his work and was surprised to see a young man dressed so neatly visiting such an ordinary establishment.
Xiao Feng paid little attention to the man's reaction. He explained the materials he needed and began listing the quantities.
Metal fittings, tools, nails, hinges, reinforcing plates, and various other construction materials were added to the order one after another. He also selected the materials required to repair and strengthen the hut, ensuring that it would be more durable than before.
The blacksmith's expression gradually changed as the list grew longer.
By the time Xiao Feng finished, the order was large enough to keep the shop busy for quite some time.
Yet the total cost was almost laughably insignificant to him.
After all, the price of everything he had purchased did not amount to even a fraction of what a single Third-Rank medicinal pill could fetch.
For a cultivator and alchemist of his standing, money was hardly a concern.
With the arrangements settled, Xiao Feng prepared to take the materials to the secluded valley.
Let's see how much I can improve that little place before she returns, he thought with a faint smile.
Hopefully, she'll like the surprise.
After leaving Qingshan Town, Xiao Feng summoned his Dou Qi wings and shot into the sky, heading toward the location he remembered at high speed.
He flew over the outer regions of the Magical Beast Forest, passing through stretches of dense woodland and towering trees. The scenery below gradually changed as he approached the secluded valley he had visited in the past.
After flying for some time, he finally arrived at his destination.
Xiao Feng slowed down and descended gently into the valley, dispersing his Dou Qi wings as his feet touched the ground.
A small river flowed steadily through the valley, its clear water winding between the rocks before continuing toward the forest beyond. Towering trees surrounded the area, while patches of grass and wildflowers grew along the riverbanks. The sound of flowing water blended with the rustling leaves, giving the secluded valley a peaceful atmosphere far removed from the bustle of Qingshan Town.
His gaze eventually settled on the small hut Xiao Yi Xian had built.
The hut stood quietly within the valley, its wooden structure showing signs of age and exposure to the elements.
Looking at it, Xiao Feng fell into thought.
Should I simply repair this hut, or should I build an entirely new one?
He walked around the building, carefully examining its condition. Although the hut had seen better days, its basic structure remained intact. With his strength, repairing it would not be particularly difficult.
However, he also wanted to create another hut nearby.
After all, this valley might eventually become a place where he and Xiao Yi Xian could spend time together. It would also be useful if their friends or companions ever visited. Having only one small hut would hardly be convenient.
After considering the matter for a while, Xiao Feng finally made his decision.
I'll repair the original hut and build another one beside it. That way, we can preserve the place's original appearance without sacrificing comfort.
With that plan settled, he took out several sheets of paper and began drawing.
He sketched the layout of the existing hut before marking the improvements he wanted to make, including a stronger foundation, a better roof, more spacious rooms, and several practical additions.
For the new hut, he designed a slightly different structure. It would be larger, with separate rooms and enough space for visitors to stay comfortably. He also carefully planned the positions of both buildings so that they would complement each other without spoiling the valley's natural beauty.
After spending some time refining the drawings, Xiao Feng finally felt satisfied.
He rolled up the plans and began working.
He started with Xiao Yi Xian's original hut.
Since its basic structure was already in place, he did not need to rebuild everything from scratch. He reinforced the weaker sections, replaced damaged materials, repaired the roof, and improved the interior. He also made several adjustments to ensure the building would remain sturdy for years to come.
For someone capable of refining Sixth-Rank medicinal pills, this kind of work was hardly challenging.
Even so, Xiao Feng did not rush through it. He wanted the place to feel welcoming rather than merely functional.
As the afternoon passed, the work proceeded smoothly. He moved from one section to another, occasionally consulting his drawings before making adjustments.
Before he realized it, evening had arrived.
The sunlight filtering through the trees gradually faded, and the valley was bathed in the warm colors of the setting sun.
Xiao Feng straightened his back and looked over his progress.
The old hut had already undergone a noticeable transformation. Although he had not yet begun constructing the second building, the first hut was now in much better condition.
He smiled faintly.
That's enough for today. There's no need to finish everything in a single evening.
After putting away his tools and materials, he took a leisurely walk around the valley. He examined the ground beside the original hut, mentally deciding where to place the foundation of the new building the following morning.
Only after finishing his inspection did he head toward the cave situated within the valley.
The cave was not far from the huts, and the small river channel passed nearby, making it a convenient place to stay while he worked. For tonight, he decided to rest there rather than occupy Xiao Yi Xian's hut.
As darkness gradually descended, the valley revealed another side of its beauty.
The river continued flowing quietly through the rocks, reflecting the faint moonlight. Insects began chirping among the grass, while occasional cries from distant Magical Beasts echoed through the forest.
To an ordinary person, such sounds might have been frightening. To Xiao Feng, they were simply part of the natural rhythm of the Magical Beast Forest.
He entered the cave and glanced around, confirming that everything was suitable for a comfortable night's rest.
Then he decided to take a relaxing bath.
The small river channel flowing through the valley provided a convenient source of water. Xiao Feng took out a large bathing tub from his storage ring and placed it in a suitable spot inside the cave, away from the dampest sections of the stone floor.
He then collected enough water from the nearby river to fill it.
Once everything was ready, he raised his hand.
"Xiao Long, come out for a moment."
A flicker of crimson light emerged from Xiao Feng's body.
The next instant, a peculiar creature appeared before him.
It was Xiao Long, the spirit of the Ten Thousand Beast Flame, whose appearance resembled a magnificent fusion of a dragon and a phoenix.
Its slender body possessed the majestic, serpentine form of a miniature Eastern dragon, covered in fine crimson scales that shimmered with golden highlights. Two small, elegant horns protruded from its head, while a pair of sharp, intelligent eyes glowed with the radiance of molten gold.
Yet its appearance was not entirely draconic.
A pair of fiery wings extended from its back, their feathers resembling translucent flames. The outer edges shimmered with crimson and scarlet, while golden sparks danced along the inner feathers. Behind its body trailed a long, phoenix-like tail of flickering fire, constantly changing shape as though it were made from living flames.
Its four small claws were covered in delicate golden scales, and wisps of flame curled around its limbs whenever it moved. Despite its majestic appearance, its body was still relatively small, allowing it to coil comfortably around Xiao Feng's arm or hover beside his shoulder.
The combination of the dragon's majesty and the phoenix's elegance gave Xiao Long an extraordinary appearance. It looked neither like an ordinary fire spirit nor a conventional Magical Beast, but rather a mysterious creature born from the fusion of two legendary divine beasts.
Crimson flames danced around its body, occasionally revealing faint golden patterns beneath its scales.
The moment Xiao Long appeared, however, its majestic appearance was ruined by a pitiful whimper.
Its dragon-like head drooped, its fiery wings lowered, and its long tail curled sadly around its body. It then flew toward Xiao Feng, rubbing its head against his hand as though complaining about something terribly unfair.
Xiao Feng blinked in surprise.
"What? What's wrong with you?"
Xiao Long gave another unhappy whimper.
Only then did Xiao Feng understand what it was trying to express.
He had barely summoned Xiao Long in recent days, despite relying on it for so many tasks in the past. Now that he finally needed its help again, Xiao Long seemed determined to make him feel guilty about the neglect.
Xiao Feng couldn't help laughing.
"All right, all right. I've been busy lately. That doesn't mean I've forgotten about you."
He gently stroked Xiao Long's head, feeling the fine scales beneath his fingers.
"Besides, isn't this the perfect opportunity for you to help me? Heat the water, and I'll let you roam around afterward."
Xiao Long circled him once, still looking somewhat aggrieved, before finally turning its attention toward the bathing tub.
A gentle flame emerged from its body.
Unlike an ordinary fire, the crimson energy did not scorch the tub or cause the water to boil violently. Instead, Xiao Long carefully controlled the heat, gradually warming the water to a comfortable temperature.
While watching the little spirit work, Xiao Feng suddenly noticed something unusual.
Xiao Long seemed different from before.
Its spiritual body had become more solid, and the energy radiating from it was noticeably stronger. Even its movements appeared more natural and intelligent.
Its strength has increased quite a bit.
Xiao Feng narrowed his eyes slightly, observing the little fire spirit more carefully.
He had spent a considerable amount of time refining and strengthening the Ten Thousand Beast Flame. During that process, the flame had continued to absorb and integrate the characteristics of numerous beast fires.
It stood to reason that Xiao Long, as the spirit born from the flame itself, would benefit from those changes.
Yet there was something else.
Beneath the familiar aura of fire energy and Dou Qi, Xiao Feng sensed a faint quality that he could not easily describe.
It felt sacred.
Not merely powerful or pure, but as though Xiao Long's existence had acquired a trace of divinity.
Xiao Feng's expression grew thoughtful.
What is this feeling?
He carefully examined the aura again, trying to identify its source.
After a while, a possibility occurred to him.
Could it be my own aura?
His thoughts immediately turned toward his own constitution.
He recalled a conversation with his first master, the Beast Venerable, a Half-Saint-level powerhouse. During their earlier discussion, the Beast Venerable had revealed something surprising: he himself possessed the Beast Creation Physique.
According to the Beast Venerable, Xiao Feng's constitution appeared to belong to the same category.
However, there was an important difference.
The Beast Venerable possessed the established form of the Beast Creation Physique, whereas Xiao Feng's seemed to be a mutated variant of it.
Even the Beast Venerable had not been able to explain its exact nature with complete certainty.
That was why Xiao Feng had remained curious about his own constitution. If it truly shared the same fundamental characteristics as his master's physique, then it might possess abilities that he had yet to discover.
Could this strange aura be connected to the Beast Creation Physique?
He considered the possibility carefully.
The Ten Thousand Beast Flame had been created through his own efforts, refined with his Dou Qi, and gradually shaped by his understanding of fire. If his mutated constitution influenced the way he created and nurtured the flame, perhaps some of its unique characteristics had become integrated into the fire spirit as well.
And if Xiao Long was the spirit born from that flame, then it might naturally inherit a portion of those characteristics.
But why did that inheritance carry such a distinctly divine sensation?
Xiao Feng leaned against the stone wall, deep in thought.
He reviewed everything he knew about his constitution, the Ten Thousand Beast Flame, and Xiao Long's recent changes. Unfortunately, no matter how much he considered the possibilities, he couldn't arrive at a definite answer.
Strange. My master possesses the same physique, yet mine appears to be a mutated version. Could that mutation be responsible for this difference?
He tried to recall whether the Beast Venerable had mentioned anything related to such a phenomenon, but nothing useful came to mind.
Eventually, Xiao Feng gave up.
"Well, there's no point in overthinking it tonight."
He shook his head with a wry smile.
"I'll investigate it properly when I have more information."
At present, Xiao Long showed no signs of instability or danger. On the contrary, its spiritual body seemed to be growing stronger and more refined. There was no immediate reason for him to interfere with its development.
Besides, he had more important matters to attend to.
The water was now warm.
Xiao Feng removed his outer robes, stepped into the bathing tub, and slowly settled into the comfortably heated water.
A quiet sigh escaped his lips.
"Now this is what I call relaxation."
The warmth spread through his body, easing the fatigue that had accumulated from the day's work. He leaned back against the edge of the tub and allowed his thoughts to wander.
Outside the cave, the night scenery of the Magical Beast Forest stretched beneath the moonlight. The gentle sound of the river, the distant calls of Magical Beasts, and the occasional rustling of leaves created a strangely soothing atmosphere.
For once, Xiao Feng did not need to think about cultivation bottlenecks, medicinal formulas, academy affairs, or the complicated future awaiting him.
He could simply enjoy the moment.
Meanwhile, Xiao Long finished heating the water and turned toward its master.
Seeing Xiao Feng relaxing so comfortably, the little fire spirit seemed satisfied that it had completed its task.
It floated toward the cave entrance, then curiously began exploring the nearby surroundings. Tiny crimson sparks flickered around its body as it drifted through the air, examining the stones and hovering above patches of grass.
Eventually, it wandered beyond the cave and into the valley proper.
It curiously inspected the riverbank, floated between the trees, and occasionally approached the two huts standing nearby. Every so often, it glanced back toward the cave to make sure Xiao Feng was still there.
The valley was quiet, the night was peaceful, and the little fire spirit was finally free to explore.
For Xiao Feng, who had spent so much time dealing with the affairs of the cultivation world, this peaceful evening was a rare luxury.
And tomorrow, once the sun rose, he would continue building the place he hoped would one day become a cherished retreat for himself and Xiao Yi Xian.