Xiao Yi Xun's slender fingers moved deftly as she carefully cleaned and bandaged Li Jian's injured arm. Her bright, expressive eyes sparkled with compassion, and her raven-black hair was tied back in a neat ponytail, revealing a smattering of freckles across her nose.
"How did this happen, Uncle Li?" Xiao Yi Xun asked, her voice gentle.
"I was fixing the roof and slipped," Li Jian replied, wincing. "Clumsy me."
Xiao Yi Xun smiled warmly. "No need to apologize, Uncle Li. You're lucky it's just a sprain."
As she worked, the scent of herbal remedies and the soft glow of lanterns filled the cozy medical center. Shelves lined with jars of dried herbs, neatly labeled in elegant calligraphy, seemed to stretch up to the ceiling.
"Thank you, Miss Xiao," Li Jian said gratefully, as Xiao Yi Xun finished bandaging his arm. "I owe you one. If not for you, I wouldn't have made it."
Xiao Yi Xun smiled. "No need to thank me, Uncle Li. You're welcome. Just take care of that arm."
Li Jian's eyes crinkled at the corners. "You're too kind, Xiao Yi Xun. Your medical skills are unmatched. You're truly our town's Little Medical Fairy."
Xiao Yi Xun blushed, her cheeks flushing pink.
After finishing with Li Jian's treatment, Xiao Yi Xun closed the medical center and stepped into the warm sunlight. The town's bustling main street stretched before her, lined with shops and market stalls. The scent of fresh bread wafted from Mrs. Wang's bakery, enticing passersby.
As Xiao Yi Xun walked, the townspeople greeted her with smiles and nods.
"Xiao Yi Xun, you're an angel!" Mrs. Wang exclaimed, rushing over to hug her. "My sister's fever broke thanks to your medicine."
"Aunt Wang, take care of your sister," Xiao Yi Xun replied, her voice melodious.
Old Man Chen, the town's elderly scholar, approached, leaning on his cane. "Xiao Yi Xun, your knowledge of herbs rivals the ancient masters. You're a true blessing to our town."
Xiao Yi Xun smiled humbly. "Thank you, Uncle Chen. Your praise means a lot."
Passerby Zhang, a traveling merchant, hailed her. "Miss Xiao, I brought rare herbs from the city. Thought they might interest you."
Xiao Yi Xun's eyes sparkled as she inspected the herbs. "Thank you, Zhang Uncle. These will help with the Wangs' fever."
Little Ling, a curious six-year-old, tugged on Xiao Yi Xun's hem. "Sister Xiao, can you teach me about medicine too?"
Xiao Yi Xun chuckled. "Of course, Little Ling. Soon, okay?"
As she continued home, Xiao Yi Xun exchanged pleasantries with the townspeople, her kindness and compassion evident in every interaction.
...
Her small, elegant house stood at the town's edge, surrounded by a lush garden filled with medicinal herbs. A soft breeze rustled the leaves as Xiao Yi Xun entered, setting aside her medical bag.
Aunt Li, the family's loyal maid, smiled from the kitchen. "Welcome back, Yi Xun. How was your day?"
Xiao Yi Xun hugged Aunt Li. "It was good, Aunt Li. Just a few patients."
Aunt Li's eyes warmed. "You're an amazing young woman, Yi Xun. Your parents would be proud."
Xiao Yi Xun's eyes misted, and she gazed out the window, memories flooding back.
Five years ago, her family had been traveling through Beast Mountain, seeking rare herbs for her father's research. Xiao Yi Xun, then just ten, had been excited to join her parents on the adventure.
But Magical Beasts, terrifying creatures born from dark magic, had ambushed them. Her parents, skilled in medicine and martial arts, fought valiantly, but they were vastly outnumbered.
Xiao Yi Xun recalled the horror as the beasts closed in. Her parents had shielded her, fighting to the end. Her father's last words echoed in her mind: "Yi Xun, run! Save yourself!"
With a burst of adrenaline, Xiao Yi Xun had escaped, but the memory of her parents' sacrifice haunted her. She had been unable to save them, and the helplessness still lingered.
Aunt Li's gentle voice brought Xiao Yi Xun back to the present. "Yi Xun, dinner's ready."
Xiao Yi Xun wiped away tears, forcing a smile. "Thank you, Aunt Li."
As they ate, Xiao Yi Xun's thoughts drifted to her parents. She vowed to honor their memory by continuing their work, helping those in need, and mastering the medical arts.
In the quiet evening, Xiao Yi Xun sat in her garden, surrounded by the soothing scent of herbs. Her heart swelled with gratitude for Aunt Li, who had raised her after her parents' passing, and for this life, where she could make a difference.
The stars twinkled above, and Xiao Yi Xun whispered, "Mother, Father, I won't forget. I'll keep helping others, just as you taught me."
With a determined heart, Xiao Yi Xun retired to her room, ready to face another day as the Little Medical Fairy.