239 - Mistress, I Was Wrong

### Chapter 239: Forced Intervention “Ding Ding, is this something you crafted yourself?” “Yes.” Ding Ding approached Dongfang Minghui eagerly, its lively eyes alternating between the pill and her, silently demanding praise and rewards with a look that couldn’t be more obvious. Dongfang Minghui gave its little face a gentle poke, “Today I’ll grill a few extra fish for you, so you can eat to your heart’s content.” In the future, getting grilled fish might be difficult without the spiritual fish nourished by the Yin-Yang Spring. “Ding Ding, instead of grilled fish today, let’s have fish slices.” “Fish slices?” Ding Ding quickly learned what fish slices were when it saw Dongfang Minghui toss them into a stone pot. Alongside the fish, there were spiritual herbs and a bunch of other unknown ingredients, with flames burning beneath the stone block. Touching its stomach, it felt hungry even before the aroma hit, thinking that transforming a fish larger than itself into slices somehow made it feel even hungrier. Little Fatty and Little Bean Sprout helped nearby, catching and slicing fish with enthusiasm, as if they were on a leisurely family outing, not in any hurry to continue their journey. — Qian Wanyu was meditating with her eyes closed until the fragrant fish soup penetrated her awareness, awakening her from her trance. Rather than open her eyes immediately, she checked in her soul sea on Qing Mo’s condition. The once-shifting spiritual form had gained more substance since inheriting it. “Qing Mo, are you alright?” Qing Mo, with eyes closed, seemed oblivious to her words. Qian Wanyu sighed softly, “Qing Mo, I have a dilemma. I want to find the source of that river, without damaging the treasure associated with it. Despite thinking for days, I can’t come up with a solution to achieve both. You once said that perfect solutions are rare in this world, but can’t I find one that works for both purposes?” She considered that the Yin-Yang Spring didn’t come easily; without the right time or place, forming spring pearls wouldn’t be possible. Now that she faced breaking its balance, she felt some regret. After all, the Yin-Yang Spring was a rare treasure, something she might never encounter again. Her soul sea remained silent. Slowly opening her eyes, Qian Wanyu saw Dongfang Minghui busy distributing the sliced fish to Little Fatty and others, who were sitting in a row, all staring eagerly at the fish, drooling obediently. “Ninth Sister, let me help.” Everyone’s gaze turned to Qian Wanyu, their bare attention suddenly retracting slightly upon meeting her eyes. Dongfang Minghui smiled warmly, her eyes glimmering with delight, “Alright.” Toothless disdainfully glanced at the crowd of food enthusiasts below. Picking a large tree, she lounged lazily, with one hand cushioning her head and the other holding an unidentified elder's dragon pill, examining it against the sun. The bright light combined with the fiery spiritual energy from the dragon pill, upon examining closely, revealed a figure sitting within it, which vanished as quickly as it appeared, leaving her rubbing her eyes in disbelief. “Must have been seeing things.” “Toothless, come down! I saved some fish slices for you.” “Okay.” As Toothless retracted the dragon pill, it unexpectedly slipped from her hand, wildly darting through the woods. Wherever it went, flames spontaneously erupted, consuming the forest and grassland. “Senior—” She was momentarily stunned by the scene, but once the fire grew, she quickly snapped back to action, dashing after the rampaging dragon pill. Ding Ding was happily pigging out on the delicious fish slices when, unfortunately, events took a turn for the worse. Just as it was about to indulge further, flames from above descended, “Ah, fire—” Qian Wanyu shielded Dongfang Minghui as they retreated to the riverbank, where the falling fire caused the water to boil before being swept away by the vortex of ice and fire, restoring calm once more. “Ding Ding, watch over Xiao Jiu by the river.” “Okay.” “Seventh Sister, be careful.” “Hmm.” Accompanied by Little Fatty, Qian Wanyu followed the fiery trail. Xiao Miao and Little Gold False Dragon sensibly took on the task of extinguishing the surrounding fire. One dove deep into the river and spewed water onto the blaze, while Xiao Miao absorbed as much of the flames into his body as possible. Together, they saved an area of grassland that had almost been entirely scorched. Ding Ding, noticing the once-gathered grassy spot alight with flames, hurried over, struggling to scoop fish slices from a pot five times its size while flapping its wings frantically in front of Dongfang Minghui, “Xiao Jiu, don’t worry, I’ll protect you.” Dongfang Minghui’s view was effectively blocked by the fluttering Ding Ding. She decided to retrieve a porcelain container from the space, drawing water from the river to attempt putting out the fire. “Who would’ve thought the Yin-Yang Spring had such properties?” “What properties?” If she recalled correctly, the fire-spiritual energy released by the dragon pill was often significantly more domineering than regular flames. “Xiao Miao, stop absorbing it. Otherwise, you might lose control of your own body’s fire.” Hearing this, Xiao Miao paused and returned to her side, explaining, “I’d like to soak in this water for a bit.” Dongfang Minghui hesitated, “Xiao Miao, I can have Little Gold False Dragon keep spraying water on you, but for now, you can’t go into the Yin-Yang Spring.” Agreeing, Xiao Miao settled on a patch of barren earth, while Little Gold False Dragon steadily drenched him with water. She watched as flames burst forth from Xiao Miao’s body, engulfing him completely. Xiao Miao kept his eyes shut, and the pouring water barely kept up. Seeing the fire spontaneously spreading, Dongfang Minghui urged the pot-dwelling Ding Ding, “Stop eating and help out!” Ding Ding guzzled the remaining broth from the pot in a single gulp, belching contentedly, “Burp~ Xiao Jiu, I’m on it.” Dongfang Minghui had just managed to douse Xiao Miao when the water was swiftly evaporated by his flames, her hand narrowly avoiding burns, “Xiao Miao's losing control.” “Xiao Jiu, stand aside." Ding Ding energetically doused Xiao Miao with an entire pot of water, soaking him thoroughly, and rushed off to fill the second, third pots… Dongfang Minghui was impressed by its speed, but the results were undeniable. Under the Yin-Yang Spring’s treatment, the flames surrounding Xiao Miao visibly dwindled in intensity. She assisted where she could, though Ding Ding managed to douse Xiao Miao three times by the time she filled a single container... — The dragon pill roamed the mini-realm recklessly, sparking infernos wherever it roamed. With quick forethought, Dongfang Minghui and Ding Ding had swiftly gathered all the spiritual herbs, leaving the ensuing inferno to blaze through the once-vibrant flower and herb gardens, which Toothless ignored entirely. “Stop running!” Toothless pursued relentlessly, baffled by the pill’s sudden madness, and nearly caught it before it reversed suddenly, darting back fiercely. In an instant, it shot toward Toothless’s soul sea. Toothless flinched, the vibrant red mole on her brow seemed to bleed, and she plummeted from midair. When Qian Wanyu and Little Fatty arrived, they witnessed her fall heavily to the ground, losing consciousness. “Toothless.” “Ah.” Little Fatty tried urgently to revive her, patting her face, “She’s burning up.” Using spiritual energy to shield herself, Qian Wanyu examined Toothless’s pulse before rising to survey the surroundings, “Little Fatty, carry Toothless back to Ninth Sister quickly.” Trusting the direction, Little Fatty hurriedly hoisted Toothless and rushed back. Qian Wanyu unleashed her five-element spiritual energy, managing to quell the flames at length, leaving nothing but charred remnants in her wake. Dongfang Minghui was anxiously questioning Little Fatty when she spotted Qian Wanyu approaching. Quickly, she grabbed her hand and said, "Seventh Sister, you should know what's happening to Toothless, right? Why did she suddenly lose consciousness?" Qian Wanyu gently patted the back of her hand, "Ninth Sister, calm down. Once you've taken a deep breath, I'll explain it to you." Dongfang Minghui shut her eyes tightly, taking several deep breaths before speaking, "Seventh Sister, I'm calm now. Could you tell me what happened to Toothless that caused this? It would help me treat her properly." Qian Wanyu looked at Toothless lying there, breathing evenly with her chest rising and falling. The flames around her were so intense that the remaining grass and even the soil beneath turned black, indicating that her spiritual power was leaking out continuously. "When we arrived, it seemed like Toothless had been struck by the dragon pill. She paused mid-air before falling. I immediately checked her pulse—steady and strong—so I believe she isn't physically harmed." "Struck by the dragon pill..." Dongfang Minghui murmured, looking at the red mole on Toothless's forehead and recalling a previous incident. The red mole constantly emanated a subtle glow, which was often concealed by the golden flames around Toothless. Unable to resist, she reached out to gently touch the ruby-like mole. A force pulled her in directly. Qian Wanyu's eyes widened in shock, her hand paused mid-air, grasping a lone boot, "Ninth Sister." Little Fatty gasped in surprise, pointing at Toothless, then at the spot where Dongfang Minghui had been. Ding Ding had just finished dousing Xiao Miao with water when it noticed Dongfang Minghui vanish before them. Thinking it was a game, it blinked a couple of times before rushing over to Qian Wanyu, "Where’s Xiao Jiu?" Qian Wanyu extended her hand, knowing clearly that Ninth Sister had disappeared after touching the red mole on Toothless's forehead. Yet, when she tried to reach for the mole, a powerful golden-red light repelled her. The sensation reminded her of the backlash she suffered from Ninth Sister’s dominant power during her inheritance. "Could it be there's an inseparable connection between Toothless and Ninth Sister?" "Where’s Xiao Jiu?" Qian Wanyu managed to scoop up Ding Ding, who was fluttering its wings in agitation, into her palm and offered a solemn warning, "Ninth Sister is undoubtedly trying to save Toothless. Be quiet, and when she returns and sees how well-behaved you are, there will be a reward waiting for you." Ding Ding queried again, "When will Xiao Jiu return?" This question struck a nerve, causing Qian Wanyu to hesitate before replying, "When Toothless wakes up, that will be the moment Xiao Jiu returns." Sensing an epiphany, Ding Ding glanced at Toothless and Xiao Miao, nodding obediently, as if grasping a profound truth, "I understand." Relieved at having calmed Ding Ding, Qian Wanyu turned to Little Fatty, "Ninth Sister shouldn't be in danger. When Toothless regains consciousness, we'll understand what’s happening. For now, stealthily investigate if the Yin-Yang Spring remains stable." "Okay." Nearby, Little Bean Sprout rooted at the riverbank, watched as Little Fatty dove into the waters, slipping quietly into the depths. With a splash— Before Qian Wanyu could react, a potful of water cascaded down, drenching her and Toothless in an unexpected calamity. Her clothes were dampened slightly but were quickly dried with spiritual energy. "Ding Ding, what are you doing?" "Extinguishing the fire." "…" Noticing the flames on Toothless were more resilient than those on Xiao Miao, Ding Ding flew to the river again, intending to douse Toothless once more, but Qian Wanyu grabbed its ankle mid-flight. "Come down." "Why?" Qian Wanyu rubbed her temple, "Your method won't work. Dousing Toothless may put Ninth Sister in jeopardy. Do you understand, Ding Ding?" Ding Ding shook its head adorably, bewildered as to how the same water application could lead to different outcomes with Toothless. Qian Wanyu was at a loss on how to explain this to the stubborn artifact spirit... — Meanwhile, when Dongfang Minghui was pulled into the dragon’s lair, she found herself surrounded by darkness. Undeterred, she got up calmly, pulling out a moonstone from her spatial space to light her way. "Pig Immortal Grass, am I in the dragon’s lair that Toothless brought me from the Dragon's Valley?" "Presumably, yes." Having a companion in her soul sea to converse with helped dispel her slight fear. She advanced quickly, certain there would be light ahead, dismissing everything else except the endless road before her. "But last time Toothless let me touch it, I couldn’t enter here. Does entering require the right timing and favorability?" "You should ask Toothless that," Pig Immortal Grass responded absentmindedly, only replying after she had spoken several sentences. Dongfang Minghui, preoccupied with concerns over Toothless, failed to notice Pig Immortal Grass’s apathy. After wandering the darkness for what seemed like an eternity, just as she questioned whether she was lost, a flicker of fiery light appeared ahead, slowly growing larger. The ever-expanding flames illuminated her surroundings. "It's Toothless." "No, it's not." Pig Immortal Grass intervened before Dongfang Minghui could call out. "The energy feels unfamiliar. It isn't Toothless." Her elation dashed by Pig Immortal Grass’s caution, Dongfang Minghui quickly realized that this was a dragon’s territory. Only dragons should be here, and potentially Toothless. "Pig Immortal Grass, could it be the dragon pill?" Pig Immortal Grass was silent for a moment. "Even if it's a dragon pill, be cautious." Everything from the dragons is valuable. It's said humans hunted dragons for the many things on their bodies usable for crafting powerful tools, such as this dragon pill, which holds immense power. Being a fire element, if it exploded, getting out unscathed would be difficult. Nodding in understanding, Dongfang Minghui hid as the fiery light suddenly expanded further. In a dark recess, a massive shadow loomed. She used the moonstone to illuminate what turned out to be a structure resembling large ribs. Holding her breath, she dared not move. Boom—Boom— "Something is approaching us, just a few paces away," warned Pig Immortal Grass. "Find something to hide behind." "What is it?" Surveying the area, Dongfang Minghui saw two enormous dragon skeletons behind her. The dense bones offered a hiding spot for her small frame. Hearing the resonating footsteps, she performed a prayer gesture towards the skeletons, muttering under her breath. "I mean no offense, just seeking shelter. Please, forgive my intrusion." Pig Immortal Grass spoke up, "They’re dead. They can't hear you." With a bitter smile, Dongfang Minghui used the moonstone to find a snug spot amidst the skeleton's bones. Boom— Such heavy footsteps could only belong to something massive. Dongfang Minghui curled up tightly, suppressing her breath, her heart pounding loudly in her ears. She suspected the creature was of dragon kind, unsure whether it was living or merely a skeleton. Boom— "Stop." Toothless’s voice, like music to her ears, reached Dongfang Minghui. Excitedly shimmying within the skeleton, Dongfang Minghui strained to discern where the voice amid the gigantic presence was coming from. The footsteps halted where they stood. "Senior, ordinary people are forbidden entry into the dragon’s lair. I don’t know why you’re tethered to the dragon ancestor’s skeleton, but without my permission, you cannot leave the dragon’s lair." "Heh—Heh—" The hollow sound echoed, chilling Dongfang Minghui to the bone, confirming her suspicion that the lair was indeed a repository for dragon skeletons. Yet, why so many here puzzled her. "Younger—Spirit." Dongfang Minghui frowned, thinking of Toothless who had matured considerably. Why did the dragons still consider her an infant? Eavesdropping intently, she whispered to Pig Immortal Grass, "The entity borrowing the dragon’s skeleton must be the erratic dragon pill. But how could the dragon pill be... oh, I understand." Like a cultivator’s core, as long as the soul remains, it can seek resurrection. "Why is the dragon pill trying to take over an old skeletal body? Why not find a deceased ordinary body to possess, instead of parading this skeletal form in broad daylight?" Pig Immortal Grass, seeming to read her mind, explained, "The dragon pill's fire-spiritual energy is incredibly powerful. An ordinary being wouldn't withstand it; they'd undoubtedly perish. The only suitable hosts it can find are dragons." "But—" "My guess is the dragon pill initially intended to occupy Toothless's body. It accidentally entered the dragon lair, so it settled for the skeleton as a temporary measure." "..." She felt foolish, realizing she hadn't suspected the dragon pill's intentions for Toothless. If not for the dragon lair's protection associated with Toothless's mole, the pill might have succeeded. "What should we do now to help Toothless and prevent the dragon pill from succeeding?" She couldn't understand why, even after the dragon clan isolated itself from the world, they continued to trouble each other. "There are struggles even among spiritual plants. Do you expect peace between two dragons?" Wherever beings exist, disputes follow. This is true not only for humans but for beastmen, dwarves, and elves... Dongfang Minghui understood that people naturally have conflicts, differentiating between good and evil, a concept that applies to all races. Yet she had been shielded from those darker aspects, and so she envisioned the people around her in the best light. Conversely, Seventh Sister had endured unjust treatment from a young age, making her cautious with every move, cultivating a habit of constant vigilance against everyone around her. "How dare you!" Toothless roared, likely realizing the dragon pill she had been meant to protect was plotting against her body. Angered, flames filled the narrow space with oppressive heat. Dongfang Minghui watched as the flames hurtled towards her too quickly to evade, but they vanished upon reaching the dragon skeleton. Astonishingly, any flame approaching any dragon skeleton dissipated, not just the one shielding her. "Are these dragon skeletons serving another purpose?" "They likely are, but we have a bigger problem." "What is it?" Pig Immortal Grass prompted her to look, and Dongfang Minghui saw that Toothless's attacks were nullified by the skeleton, while the dragon pill's fireballs were larger than Toothless's. She witnessed a scene of power oppressing the weak as Toothless, scarred, struggled. "Pig Immortal Grass, I noticed the pill remains outside the skeleton. Could it be it hasn't fused with the bone yet?" "Likely," Pig Immortal Grass fiddled with its tail. "I recall when Toothless used this dragon pill to quell the Yin-Yang Spring's chaos. That's likely when it absorbed fire-spiritual energy from the spring, regaining consciousness and plotting to possess Toothless." Previously, she had some sympathy for the dragon elder, but now she wished she could skin it alive. Whoever once owned this dragon pill couldn't have been kind-hearted, given they were tricked and cursed by others. "I want to act before it fully merges with the skeleton to remove the dragon pill." Pig Immortal Grass wordlessly prepared to play possum in her soul sea. Sometimes, meddling hastens one's demise. Dongfang Minghui realized using Little Color and others' vines would be futile, as plants confronting those domineering flames would be incinerated. She prepared to use anything but her companions, scanning her space for anything useful like the carnivorous plant's white threads, ropes made from flood dragon muscles, and a batch of black ointment she'd locked in a dark room. The carnivorous plant quietly provided some of its white threads in her hand. Pig Immortal Grass noted, "Using white threads alone won't force the dragon pill from the skeleton. You'll only expose yourself, distracting Toothless, which isn't wise." "I'm not using the threads for that." Regretting not borrowing the flexible golden net from Seventh Sister, Dongfang Minghui tried a different approach, swiftly weaving a net pouch with the white threads. At one end, it held a few of Ding Ding's golden beads, and at the center, it was reinforced with flood dragon sinew, resulting in a unique contraption. Pig Immortal Grass watched, unable to decipher her plan. "Need any help?" "Let me think first." Dongfang Minghui clutched the roughly woven net pouch, emerging from the shelter of the beast skeleton. She secured the end tied to the golden beads onto the skeleton and clasped her hands in prayer, "Dragon elders, with Toothless in danger, I must borrow your strength. Please forgive my intrusion, and grant me success." Pig Immortal Grass showed some interest in her method. "How will you use it?" "I'm sending a surprise to that pesky thing, hoping it leaves the skeleton voluntarily, so Toothless isn't defenseless." "What are you sending?" Weighing the golden beads in her hand, Dongfang Minghui cautiously experimented. "Pig Immortal Grass, help me gauge its success." Hiding within the skeleton, she extended a hand, pulling the flood dragon sinew taut. She let go, launching a golden bead with precision towards the dragon skeleton. The bead flew unimpeded until it neared the dragon pill, where it got absorbed instantly. The dragon pill seemed to glare in her direction. Dongfang Minghui exhaled in relief. "It seems these skeletons can repel Toothless's true fire, but other things can still affect them." Pig Immortal Grass pondered, "It noticed us; let's move quickly. What do you intend to send it?" "The black ointment." "Got the vial?" "I do." Suddenly, Pig Immortal Grass suggested, "The black ointment's too light. Let me try communicating with it." It entered her space as Dongfang Minghui hovered on Pig Immortal Grass's earlier remark. The golden bead's weight had ensured its flight, but the plant was lighter and bulkier. Force calculations would have to be adapted. She had to succeed in one go, no room for error. After some effort, Pig Immortal Grass fished out the black ointment, which was compacted into a tiny bundle by some means unknown to Dongfang Minghui, rendering its black filament veil contained. "Let me handle it." "No, allow me to try." Dongfang Minghui shook her head, confident in her accuracy. She had even considered using Little Color's water beast skin to encase the ointment, improving its weight and reducing bulk— Pig Immortal Grass relented. She squinted at the dragon pill, confirming it was immobilized by the skeletal form. She instructed, "Toothless, pull back." Whoosh— As the water beast-skin wrapped around the black ointment sailed towards the skeleton, its speed was hindered by a fireball from the dragon pill, slowing its trajectory. "Finished," she lamented, having overlooked that possibility in her calculations. The golden bead must have already drawn the creature's attention. "No, it isn’t." Pig Immortal Grass surged from her soul sea, dragging something unidentifiable, barreling through the flames to deliver the black ointment into its target. "Pig Immortal Grass, return!" "Boom—" The flames erupted brightly, encountering either the vines or something else, igniting fervently. Dongfang Minghui feared she had missed something crucial until a charred vine returned to her side. "I'm fine; quit acting like I was burnt to ash." Laughing through tears, she swatted it lightly. "You scared me." Pig Immortal Grass exclaimed and then retreated to her soul sea, boasting, "No one born can end me yet." The flames flared higher, mingling with a faint salty tang shifting in the air, and Dongfang Minghui barely discerned a dark thread emerging in the fire's heart. "Looks like it’s working." Taking advantage of the distraction as the pill contended with the ointment, Toothless circled back, astonished to see Dongfang Minghui. "Mother, how did you end up here?" Dongfang Minghui felt a twinge of guilt as she began explaining how she had suddenly fallen into a deep sleep. Her attention never wavered from the dragon pill, which was too preoccupied with its struggle against the black ointment to notice them. She asked, "Toothless, is your true fire restricted by these dragon elder remains?" Toothless nodded slightly, "These are martyrs who fought alongside Lord Dragon God. As Lord Dragon God's descendant, inheriting this dragon territory obliges me to protect them and show them reverence." ... Such inconvenient rules almost led to disaster. "I didn't realize how significant these elder remains were. I just wanted to compel the dragon pill to leave and stop it from leading you by the nose. Toothless, will this affect you?" "Mother, it’s alright. I'll handle it." Toothless remained by the skeleton's side as the dragon pill recklessly darted out from the mouth of the skull. Transforming into her beast form, Toothless dashed toward the dragon pill with great speed. Dongfang Minghui’s attention was drawn to a small cluster of moving black threads, while Pig Immortal Grass stepped ahead, addressing the entity, "I promise to release you once this task is completed." The remnant black ointment weakly replied, "Are you planning to go back on your word?" "No, I will release you, but without our guidance, you won’t be able to leave this place. Follow me first." Pig Immortal Grass wrapped it with what little sea beast skin remained and returned it into the spatial space. Dongfang Minghui hadn’t expected Pig Immortal Grass to persuade the black ointment so effectively and exclaimed, "Pig Immortal Grass, are you really going to let it go?" It felt akin to releasing a tiger back into the wild. Pig Immortal Grass replied candidly, "Of course. It's rather pitiable, created by humans, yet never had a chance to do anything before we locked it away in the little black room." Dongfang Minghui wanted to stand her ground, but found she was too soft-hearted to argue back. Reflecting on what might have occurred if they had not discovered the black ointment—perhaps it would have infected the entire Blood Fiend Alliance—it was indeed a terrifying thought. "Roar—" "Get inside the skeleton," Dongfang Minghui warned, her hair singed as the dragon pill passed so close it brushed her face. Yet, it couldn't approach the skeleton. "Curious, could the elders be manifesting to protect us?" "Wake up, it’s not the elders blessing you. They're protecting Toothless. You're not dragon kin; why would they safeguard you? It’s because the dragon pill tainted by black ointment muddied its aura, no longer part of their race, thus unprotected." "Ah, I see," Dongfang Minghui mused privately. As one of the Wanshou clan, how had she gained access to the dragon clan’s domain? Perhaps the blood she shed while hatching the dragon egg set this in motion? The dragon pill repeatedly attempted to re-enter the skeleton without success, ultimately realizing its issue stemmed from the persistent black mist, turning its hatred toward Dongfang Minghui it couldn’t approach. Instead, its rage focused on the relentless Toothless. Watching two fiery entities engaging in the sky, Dongfang Minghui took shelter in the skeleton, fortuitously avoiding painful burns. As the dragon pill recklessly charged Toothless, she wondered aloud, "Has that pill gone mad?" "No, it’s fighting for its last chance." "What do you mean?" She asked, watching Toothless suddenly swallow the pill. No, the pill had forcibly entered her, "Oh no, the pill was tainted with the black ointment." Pig Immortal Grass replied leisurely, "Its last stand means either it gets consumed, or it takes over Toothless, living in her place." "Then what?" "It’s up to Toothless." Toothless abruptly shifted to her human form, her eyes flickering black and red like she was descending into a demonic state. Dongfang Minghui nervously asked, "Toothless, are you alright?" Toothless grasped her arm, "Mother, let's go." — Dongfang Minghui suddenly found herself sprawled on the grass, quickly getting back to her feet, "Toothless." Qian Wanyu swiftly pulled her into a comforting embrace, whispering sternly in her ear, "If you don’t confess everything, I’ll mark it down in the ledger." "Alright, alright, Seventh Sister, let me check on Toothless first, then I’ll explain," she hurriedly crouched down, reaching for her concoction, hoping it would purge the dragon pill’s black ointment contamination. But as she extended her arm, Toothless startled awake, leaping up and disappearing in the blink of an eye. "Toothless, don't run!" "What’s wrong?" Grabbing Qian Wanyu’s hand, Dongfang Minghui implored, "Help me find Toothless. She swallowed the dragon pill, and it’s been tainted by the black ointment. I haven’t had a chance to treat her, Seventh Sister." Qian Wanyu patted her hand reassuringly, then skillfully flitted in the direction Toothless vanished. Ding Ding, noticing her withdrawal, buzzed excitedly, flapping to Dongfang Minghui’s side, but seeing her glum expression, had an idea to cheer her. "Xiao Jiu, Xiao Jiu, let Ding Ding help you find Toothless, don’t be sad." Dongfang Minghui's eyes lit up, responding urgently, "Ding Ding, can you administer this antidote to Toothless when you find her?" Ding Ding extended its tiny arms to take the oversized porcelain bottle, barely holding it with both hands. Shaking it next to its ear, it asked, "What’s inside? Is it tasty?" "It’s not for eating. Toothless needs it because she’s unwell. If you find her before Seventh Sister, make her drink it." "Force her, got it." With glee, Ding Ding hugged the bottle tightly and set off to find Toothless.