Online Game: Lord Of The Wheel Of Destiny

Jiang Kai felt a bit frustrated. Zhuzi was covered in injuries from head to toe, yet this girl only pointed out his wound as if it were the only thing worth mentioning.

Maybe it was because, at first, his back was turned to her, and that was the first thing she noticed.

Jiang Kai shifted his gaze away from the girl's chest. Looking over at Zhuzi, he saw the same conclusion reflected in the other's eyes.

"This young lady, our injuries should recover on their own. There are already two of us, which is dangerous enough. Adding you would probably make things worse."

He had to admit, she was beautiful. A few glances were inevitable—anything less might seem disrespectful.

But traveling together? That was out of the question.

The girl looked disappointed but showed no intention of leaving.

Jiang Kai frowned. If she wouldn't leave, then they'd have to.

As the two prepared to go, the girl suddenly spoke up. "I heard your entire conversation just now. Not that I was eavesdropping—I was hiding here before you arrived. When I saw you coming, I stayed hidden."

Jiang Kai and Zhuzi exchanged looks, 'She overheard everything?'

Their professions, attributes, and even the mysterious figure they encountered in the dark alley…

Noticing the wary glances from the two, the girl hurriedly explained, "Even if you don't take me with you, I won't tell anyone…"

"I understand why you don't want to team up. But you managed to kill a Human-Faced Beast—a Long-Necked Human-Faced Beast, no less. I've never heard of anyone defeating one before."

"But you've felt the difficulty of the newbie trial. Even if your injuries heal this time, can you guarantee they'll heal the next time?"

Her logic hit the very worries Jiang Kai and Zhuzi had.

"If you run into a Chameleon Ground Snake while waiting to recover, you're dead for sure."

"And even if your injuries heal, what happens if you encounter danger again during the recovery period?"

The girl's string of pointed questions resonated with Jiang Kai's concerns.

"Listen, my profession is Barefoot Doctor. I can treat your injuries. I've thought of a way to ensure we pass the novice trial."

Jiang Kai kept scrutinizing her, but her final statement piqued his interest.

"You said you're certain we'll pass the trial? What's your plan?"

The girl hesitated for a moment before mustering her courage. "We'll… level up in the novice trial zone."

"What?" Jiang Kai and Zhuzi's eyes widened.

"Yes, level up!" the girl repeated firmly.

"The two of you—one is a Martial Disciple, the strongest combat profession. The other has high stats despite no combat talent. And my profession? Barefoot Doctor[1], specializing in healing and medicine-making. I can craft remedies from the abundant herbs here. My medicines heal 30% faster than ordinary Barefoot Doctors' treatments."

"By leveling up, your attributes will increase significantly. Big guy, if you reach Level 3, you could dominate this trial zone. Why worry about not making it out?"

"Plus, we'll earn more points and possibly receive trial rewards."

Jiang Kai and Zhuzi hadn't considered the trial rewards. At their current stage, surviving was their main focus. Still, her suggestion was intriguing.

"Barefoot Doctor with the Holy Healer talent…" Jiang Kai murmured, mulling over her revealed abilities—a gesture of sincerity on her part.

Seeing their hesitation, the girl lowered her head. She'd done her best to convince them, but it seemed they weren't going to accept her.

"If… If you still won't take me with you, could I at least trade three of my medicines for a piece of leather? I… I don't want to stay like this any longer…"

Her top was gone, leaving her in an awkward state. Claiming she looked unattractive was an understatement—she was, in fact, quite captivating. Though Jiang Kai wouldn't dare admit that aloud.

After a moment's thought, Jiang Kai glanced at Zhuzi, who shrugged, leaving the decision to him.

Taking a deep breath, Jiang Kai retrieved the Human-Faced Beast's corpse card, converting it into physical form. Using a steel quill, he laboriously cut a large piece of leather and handed it to the girl, his other hand extended for the medicine.

The girl handed over three small glass bottles. "These are for external use—two for stopping bleeding, and one for promoting circulation. For… that injury of yours."

Face darkening, Jiang Kai took the bottles.

"Could I borrow that steel quill?" the girl asked. "Don't worry, I'll stay close and make clothes right here. My stats aren't high enough to run from you anyway."

Jiang Kai handed her the quill without a word.

Back with Zhuzi, he applied the medicine.

"I'll help you," Zhuzi offered eagerly.

"No need. I can manage myself," Jiang Kai replied seriously. He wasn't about to let Zhuzi touch his wounds.

The medicine worked quickly, stopping Zhuzi's bleeding almost instantly. Jiang Kai also noticed his left leg slowly regaining feeling.

"This girl's medicine is amazing," Zhuzi said, impressed.

Jiang Kai nodded. "Her talent must be top-tier for a Barefoot Doctor."

Zhuzi hesitated before suggesting, "What do you think about her idea?"

Jiang Kai shook his head. "How would I know if it'll work? I've never heard of anyone trying it before."

"Well, we're already working together. Why not bring her along?" Zhuzi said. "Did you notice her watch? It's from the Cutting-Edge 'SkyEye' series—better than the 'Vision' series, globally limited edition. That alone could be a huge help."

Jiang Kai weighed the risks of teaming up and the girl's trustworthiness.

While he hesitated, the girl had already fashioned a crude leather bra and skirt from the beast hide.

She walked over and returned the steel quill. "Thank you."

Jiang Kai silently took it.

The girl suddenly produced two more small bottles. "For such a large piece of leather… these are antidotes for the Chameleon Ground Snake. I just found the materials to make a few and prepared two for you. Good luck."

With that, she turned to leave.

Jiang Kai called out, "Hey!"

The girl looked back, puzzled. "What?"

"What's your name?"

"Su Nuannuan." [T/N: Of course the "Su" surname]

Jiang Kai scratched his head. "Do you really think your plan could work?"

"I don't know," Su Nuannuan admitted. "But it's better than staying like this—being hunted like prey. I don't want to miss this chance. Alone, I don't think I'll make it out."

Jiang Kai closed his eyes, taking deep breaths. Zhuzi knew this was his usual method for making tough decisions.

Finally, Jiang Kai opened his eyes and hobbled over to Su Nuannuan. Extending his hand, he smiled faintly. "I'm Jiang Kai, and that's my childhood friend, Yuan Zhu. You can call him Zhuzi. Welcome to our team."

[1]Barefoot Doctor: Barefoot Doctor refers to a type of rural health worker in China, particularly prevalent during the Cultural Revolution (1966-1976). These were typically farmers with basic medical training who provided primary healthcare services in rural areas with limited access to professional medical facilities. They were called "barefoot doctors" because they often worked in rural settings and wore simple shoes or went barefoot while serving their local communities.