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As the Magic Beasts combed the mountains, searching for the mysterious woman who had dared to face the Amethyst Winged Beast, Shen Yuan moved quietly through the forest, evading every detection. His movements were calm, almost practiced, as he returned to his hidden spot, a secluded cave near a waterfall. He felt no fear, only anticipation—he had foreseen this moment.
In this life, he was different from the average cultivator, different even from other fighters who walked this perilous path. Shen Yuan was reborn. Memories of a past life burned vividly in his mind, gifting him a unique perspective on the people, events, and battles of this world. Because of those memories, he knew who the woman was long before he saw her face. And he knew that this woman was not just anyone—she was a powerful Dou Huang, a level of strength that few could ever attain. Her legend had spread across the continent, though few had ever laid eyes on her. She was noble, invincible, yet bound to fate in a way even she did not understand.
The memory of her fierce battle with the Amethyst Winged Beast replayed in his mind as he approached his cave, reminding him of her power and, yes, her beauty. Her strength was the kind of overwhelming force that would inspire awe in most. But to Shen Yuan, who had returned to this world with knowledge beyond the present, it was more than that—it was a reminder of the importance of timing, of preparation, of everything he had planned. Her arrival here was no accident, and if he handled things well, this encounter could lead him one step closer to his ultimate goal.
Returning to the clearing by the waterfall, he gathered his supplies, ready to retreat to his cave and wait for the opportune moment. But something caught his eye. His gaze fell upon the river, and there she was—the woman he had just watched in battle, floating silently on the water. Her face was pale, her body limp. Despite her unconsciousness, her beauty was unmistakable, as was the power he knew she held. But now, her vulnerability was laid bare.
Shen Yuan felt a calm certainty wash over him as he watched her. He had known the battle would end this way. The Amethyst Winged Beast's attack had been severe, and without intervention, she would be easy prey for the predators that roamed these woods. He knew that if he left her, the mountain's Magic Beasts would soon find her and tear her apart. But if he rescued her, helped her recover—well, that could be an opportunity he wouldn't want to pass up.
Moving without hesitation, Shen Yuan slipped into the water and lifted her gently. Despite his strength, he treated her with care, knowing that her pride and power would not take kindly to any mishandling. His hands held her firmly as he carried her out of the water, moving swiftly but soundlessly toward his hidden cave.
Inside, he laid her carefully on a stone platform. His gaze traveled over her form, noting the red stains on her clothing and the faint lines of pain that furrowed her brow. He reached into his bag and pulled out a few jade bottles, retrieving healing ointments and medicinal powders he had prepared for emergencies. He knew that her wounds wouldn't heal easily without intervention, and he was uniquely positioned to help her.
Shen Yuan prepared to treat her injuries, his hand moving to open her dress just as her eyes shot open. They were sharp, cold, and piercing, even in her weakened state. She looked at him with a mixture of annoyance and wariness, but Shen Yuan had expected her reaction. Calmly, he raised a jade bottle to show her his intent. "Your injuries are severe," he said, meeting her gaze without fear. "I'm here only to treat your wounds."
Her gaze lingered on him, searching his face for signs of deception, but Shen Yuan's expression remained steady. After a moment's hesitation, her tension eased slightly. She took a shallow breath, barely audible, and whispered, "Help me apply the medicine."
Shen Yuan's lips curved into a faint smile. "Of course," he said, as if this had been his plan all along. But he added, "Only if you agree not to retaliate afterward. After all, treating injuries like yours requires… certain liberties."
For a moment, she looked like she wanted to scoff, but her strength wasn't enough to maintain her usual pride. A trace of exasperation flickered across her face, but she relented. "Fine," she muttered, "just keep your hands and eyes in check."
Shen Yuan inclined his head slightly in acknowledgment, fully aware that even in her weakened state, she would notice any misstep. Moving with efficient precision, he gently pulled aside the fabric of her dress, revealing an inner vest beneath. His eyes narrowed at the sight of the deep claw marks etched across it, seeping blood. The Amethyst Winged Beast's strike had nearly been fatal.
"I'm going to remove this vest to treat the wounds beneath," he said, his tone calm and professional. Without waiting for a response, he undid the vest's clasps one by one, carefully slipping it off her. The skin beneath was pale, marred by angry red slashes where the beast's claws had struck. For a moment, he paused, feeling the weight of her trust, however reluctant it might have been.
Drawing a deep breath, he poured healing powder onto a clean cloth and began to dab gently at the wound, cleaning away the dried blood. The woman's face tensed, her eyes fluttering closed as if she were focusing on blocking out the pain. Shen Yuan worked steadily, his touch light, but the close proximity left him aware of the faint scent of herbs mingling with her natural fragrance.
Each swipe of the cloth, each careful movement, seemed to test her patience, yet she remained still, though her cheeks held the faintest tinge of pink. She may have been a powerful Dou Huang, known for her strength and stoic demeanor, but Shen Yuan sensed that his careful handling had earned him a sliver of respect.
Finally, he sprinkled the wound with a pale green powder, one he knew would sting momentarily. She inhaled sharply, biting down a pained gasp, but he murmured softly, "Just a bit longer. The pain will pass."
Steeling herself, she nodded almost imperceptibly. Shen Yuan continued his work, binding the wounds with a bandage he retrieved from his storage ring. His hands moved steadily, and though he was acutely aware of her vulnerable state, he took care not to let his gaze linger on her bare skin more than necessary. For all his calm, he knew that betraying her trust, however small, would mean the end of this truce.
Once her wounds were treated, he took a step back and wiped his hands. "It's done. The wound has been bandaged, but you'll need to manage your internal injuries and the seal on your own."
Her eyes opened, softer now, lacking the earlier frostiness. In that moment, the faintest smile curved her lips, and Shen Yuan found himself struck by its unexpected beauty. It was the kind of expression that transcended her status and power, an acknowledgment of gratitude. "Thank you," she murmured, her tone quiet, almost tender.
Shen Yuan gave a small nod, unsurprised by her reaction, though inwardly, he felt a surge of satisfaction. He'd seen this gratitude once before, in another life. Now, with the knowledge and strength of a second chance, he had no intention of letting it slip through his fingers. This was only the beginning, after all. Every step he took in this life was one closer to his goals, and this powerful ally he had just saved would be one more step forward.
He met her gaze one last time before settling back against the wall of the cave, his mind already working through his next move. Her presence here meant everything was falling into place, just as he'd foreseen. And soon, he would have more than her gratitude. He would have an alliance with one of the most formidable figures in the land.