Bai Xifeng approached the fallen beast with a measured, cautious stride. Observing that the creature remained perfectly still, she immediately knelt beside it to examine the extent of its injuries.

The black panther was marred by a deep, jagged laceration that tore across its abdomen, weeping crimson onto the earth. Without wasting a single heartbeat, Bai Xifeng retrieved a shimmering vial of elixir from her storage rune and poured the glowing, iridescent liquid directly onto the jagged wound.

The panther felt an immediate, soothing sensation of profound cold wash over the raw injury. His amber eyes flashed with a spark of genuine surprise as the searing, white-hot pain began to ebb away into a dull hum. Seizing the momentum of the healing process, Bai Xifeng produced another intricately crafted bottle from her storage.

"Tao-chan, tell him he must drink this one as well." Bai Xifeng instructed.

’Hey, drink that.’ Tao-chan relayed bluntly.

’What is this substance?’ The black panther questioned telepathically, his nostrils flaring as he sniffed the neck of the vial with deep suspicion.

’What? Do you honestly think it’s poison?’ Tao-chan replied disdainfully, a mental scoff echoing in the panther’s mind. ’Humph! If we truly wanted you dead, do you really think we would bother wasting such precious time and rare medicine on your miserable wounds?’

The black panther considered this logic for a silent moment. Indeed, the reasoning was sound. If their intention was to slaughter him, there would be no logical reason for this human girl to mend his broken body. It would be a senseless, illogical waste of valuable resources. With a low chuff, he opened his powerful jaws and allowed Bai Xifeng to pour the medicinal brew into his mouth. 𝐟𝗿𝐞𝚎𝚠𝐞𝚋𝕟𝐨𝚟𝐞𝕝.𝕔𝕠𝚖

His eyes lifted toward the canopy as a surge of vitality rushed through his veins. The lingering pain vanished completely, replaced by a renewed strength that allowed him to rise to his paws with grace. Looking directly at Bai Xifeng, he inclined his head in a deep, respectful bow, silently expressing his profound gratitude.

"He said thank you for healing his wound." Tao-chan stated, translating the beast’s sentiment.

"Oh... Well, tell him I have a specific request in return." Bai Xifeng said, a playful glint appearing in her eyes.

Tao-chan immediately informed the black panther of the matter. The panther gave a slow, measured nod of assent.

"What exactly do you want from him?" Tao-chan asked Bai Xifeng, sensing her sudden shift in mood.

"Ask him... is it okay for me to rub his fur and give him a big hug?" Bai Xifeng asked, a wide, mischievous grin spreading across her face.

Tao-chan was momentarily stunned into silence by the sheer absurdity of Bai Xifeng’s request. However, despite his internal judgment, he still relayed the eccentric request to the great beast.

Bai Xifeng was absolutely dying to run her fingers through that coat. The black fur looked exceptionally sleek, elegant, and impossibly soft. She felt a desperate, almost physical need to feel its texture with her own hands.

When the black panther heard the request, even he was rendered speechless. She simply wanted to touch and embrace him? In the past, whenever human beings encountered him, they invariably tried to capture him, break his spirit, and force him into a contract as a subservient beast for some master. He had always refused to be a common slave to humanity.

To her delight, the black panther gave a subtle huff of agreement. Bai Xifeng let out a small squeal of happiness and immediately rushed forward to pat him. As she rubbed the thick fur, she noted that it felt remarkably different from the coats of other beasts she had encountered, dense, silky, and incredibly luxurious. It felt even better than she had imagined. She wrapped her arms around his powerful neck, leaning into the embrace. He felt steady, strong, and wonderfully warm.

After finally feeling satisfied with her tactile exploration, Bai Xifeng reluctantly let the black panther go. She was genuinely happy to have had the chance to play with such a magnificent creature.

She then reached into her storage rune once more, retrieving a small jade container. The moment she cracked the lid, a rich, intoxicating medicinal scent leaked out into the forest air. The black panther’s eyes were instantly drawn to the glowing pill, his instincts reacting to the concentrated energy within. He wondered what would happen if he were to consume such a potent treasure.

Before the panther could even process the thought, Bai Xifeng had already flicked her wrist, tossing the pill directly into his waiting mouth. As it dissolved, a wave of pure energy radiated through his limbs. It felt truly incredible.

"Tell him it is his well-deserved reward for letting me touch his body." Bai Xifeng stated warmly.

Tao-chan relayed the message once again. The black panther sat back on his haunches, stunned. He was being fed high-grade pills simply because he allowed a human to pet him? The trade seemed almost too good to be true.

"Alright... I really have to go now. Bye-bye!" Bai Xifeng waved her hand enthusiastically at the panther as she turned to depart.

However, before Bai Xifeng could take a single step forward, she felt a firm tug on her sleeve. She turned around in surprise and saw that the black panther had placed his heavy paw upon her clothes, gently pinning the fabric. Bai Xifeng blinked, utterly confused by the panther’s sudden intervention.

"He wants to go with you." Tao-chan interpreted, his voice sounding a bit surprised.

"Huh?" Bai Xifeng was momentarily stunned into a daze.

"It seems he has taken a great liking to your pills and is perfectly willing to become your contracted beast." Tao-chan continued, sounding almost bored by the beast’s quick surrender to snacks.

***This novel is a contracted work with w e b n o v e l. c o m. If you do not read this novel on w e b n o v e l. c o m, that means it has been stolen. Thank you, from your shameless author, ZerahNeko*