Chapter 933: Flaming Needle
Flaming Needle . . .
When considering the hawk's raw strength, not even in Cha Eun Xiao's previous life could Xiao Monarch have bested it. The hawk was an incredible force to be reckoned with. Yet, despite this, it possessed the demeanor of a mere four-year-old child.
However, after Erhuo's revelation, Cha Eun Xiao came to a stunning realization – the hawk was just seventeen years old! In typical hawk years, seventeen might be considered old, signifying adulthood or even old age. But for a golden hawk, a unique and special species, this age marked only the beginning of maturity. In fact, it was still an immature juvenile, just a bit older than a baby, its every action marked by naivety and childishness. That's why Cha Eun Xiao was able to exert control over it using the allure of the blood beads. If it had been an adult hawk, it would have readily eliminated Cha Eun Xiao and seized the beads, ending his life and leaving him as nothing more than a pile of waste.
After their prolonged interaction and bonding, the hawk became more comfortable around Cha Eun Xiao. It even affectionately held his arm with its beak, much like a child who had found a new friend and wanted to reciprocate their newfound friendship by leading them to its home. Cha Eun Xiao couldn't bring himself to refuse this request; he didn't dare to. And so, he accompanied the hawk on the journey.
As they walked, they stumbled upon an unexpected discovery on top of the frigid ice mountain – a natural hot spring. What amazed Cha Eun Xiao the most was the temperature of the water; it was genuinely hot, emitting steam into the cold air. Erhuo was quick to suggest that they take a dip in the inviting hot spring.
It's important to clarify that Erhuo wasn't concerned about Cha Eun Xiao taking a bath – rather, it was more interested in having the hawk cleanse itself meticulously in the hot water. For Erhuo, the primary goal was to rid the hawk of its impurities and ensure it was spotlessly clean.
Despite Cha Eun Xiao's earlier efforts to rid the hawk of numerous lice, Erhuo still found it intolerable. With the hot spring before them, Erhuo couldn't resist the opportunity to clean the hawk.
Poor hawk, it hadn't experienced a bath since birth. Now, it was gently pushed into the hot water, and initially, it reacted with cries of distress. It even swallowed some water in the process, a common reaction for birds who tend to fear water as it can be detrimental to their feathers. However, once in the water, the hawk discovered the warmth and comfort of the hot spring and its apprehension transformed into a pleasant surprise. It had never known that bathing could be so enjoyable.
As Cha Eun Xiao meticulously cleaned every feather on the hawk's body, the bird's initial trepidation gave way to relaxation and comfort. The incessant itchiness it had endured for a long time had disappeared, replaced by an overwhelming sense of contentment. It marveled at the experience, considering Cha Eun Xiao the kindest individual in the world.
Following the thorough cleaning, Cha Eun Xiao was ready to leave the hot spring. But the hawk had other plans. It remained in the water, its round golden eyes gazing at Cha Eun Xiao with a childlike innocence, imploring him to stay. It had become fond of this newfound comfort.
Cha Eun Xiao was taken aback. "You're not afraid of water anymore? In fact, you enjoy it now?"
The hawk, equally perplexed, conveyed its newfound love for the hot spring. It explained that it had spent countless days flying above the bubbling spring, unaware of the pleasure it offered. As the hawk soaked in the water, it realized the soothing sensation and the benefits of a clean, itch-free plumage.
Cha Eun Xiao, unsure of how to coax the hawk out of the water, decided to spend some more time with it by the spring. He even offered the hawk two more blood beads. However, something went awry after the hawk consumed the second bead.
The hawk's demeanor underwent a sudden and dramatic change, going from lively to an abrupt halt. Then, an unpleasant odor began to emanate from its body, a foul and fishy scent that was hard to endure.
Erhuo, utterly repulsed by the smell, let out a vehement "Meow!" and leaped out of the water as quickly as possible, clutching its nose. It landed a considerable distance away. [This stench is unbearable! It's beyond repugnant! My goodness!]
The hawk, on the other hand, seemed to be in agony, evident in its eyes, which mirrored its suffering.
"Are you injured?" Cha Eun Xiao inquired, nearly succumbing to the noxious odor. However, upon witnessing the hawk's evident distress, he began to piece things together.
The hawk was indeed wounded, and it had remained in this location to use the frigid cold to alleviate its discomfort. It was an instinctual response to its pain. However, the cold couldn't heal its injury.
Even though the hot spring provided solace, it also reactivated the wound.
Cha Eun Xiao was taken aback by the revelation. He hurriedly approached the hawk and carefully examined its body. The hawk, aware that Cha Eun Xiao was attempting to help, refrained from moving, even indicating the spot on its back with its wing.
This made it easier for Cha Eun Xiao to locate the wound. On the hawk's back, there was an area that lacked feathers and instead featured a dark purple lump. In the center of this lump was a minuscule puncture mark.
"I don't believe this lump was present before," Cha Eun Xiao muttered with a furrowed brow. "Could the temperature fluctuations have aggravated it? But it appears to be the result of a concealed human weapon... This wound looks oddly familiar..."
Now that he had identified the wound, treating it wasn't an arduous task. Despite its strength, the hawk was powerless against a wound on its back. It had been using the environment to mitigate the pain. While Cha Eun Xiao was comparatively weaker, addressing such an injury was a simple matter for him.
Cha Eun Xiao delicately removed the lump, and the hawk quivered in pain, cooing in distress. Despite the agony, it tried its best not to move and buried its beak into the rocks.
Evidently, the hawk was cognizant that Cha Eun Xiao was tending to its injury. It was an incredibly astute bird.
"A needle!" Cha Eun Xiao exclaimed after a moment, realizing the nature of the weapon embedded in the hawk's body. It was a slender red needle, and upon close inspection, he was stunned. "Flaming Needle! Wu Fa!"
The Flaming Needle was none other than the renowned signature hidden weapon of the top cultivator in the Qing-Yun Realm, Wu Fa.
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