Chapter 58: 58, I brought money!

Along the journey, Ren Xiaoshi had once speculated that if anyone in the group was most likely to be a transcendent, it would undoubtedly be Yang Xiaojin.

But now, what he had not anticipated was that Xu Xianchu was the one hidden the deepest.

Regarding Yang Xiaojin, Ren Xiaoshi had at least gathered some information about her, knowing she was a dangerous figure, while Xu Xianchu had previously been someone he had barely noticed.

However, this was also due to the nature of Xu Xianchu's supernatural abilities, which made them easy to conceal. Though the gray shadow was powerful, Xu Xianchu was still a common soldier, leaving Ren Xiaoshi unable to discern the truth.

What a pity, he thought, if only there were a master-level skill learning map now, he could immediately apply it to Xu Xianchu!

If he were truly fortunate enough to replicate Xu Xianchu's skills, Ren Xiaoshi would have more cards up his sleeve along the way.

Yet the palace had been open for so long, and Ren Xiaoshi had never encountered a master-level skill learning map, which must be extremely rare.

At this moment, Xu Xianchu sighed, "I only wish to lead everyone out, I don't want to hurt anyone."

Ren Xiaoshi watched from the side, unable to determine whether Xu Xianchu's words were sincere.

In truth, he harbored no ill will toward Xu Xianchu; when Liu Bu and the others had isolated him, Xu Xianchu had not joined the others, though Ren Xiaoshi could not claim to have any particular fondness for him either.

Had it not been for the quarreling soldier's attempt to draw his weapon, Xu Xianchu might not have acted.

Ren Xiaoshi turned his gaze to Yang Xiaojin, finding her calm demeanor restored, as if she were not particularly interested in transcendents.

"Are you not curious?" Ren Xiaoshi asked.

"Curious," Yang Xiaojin replied calmly.

Ren Xiaoshi was speechless; her curiosity was far too perfunctory.

Suddenly, Xu Xianchu looked at Ren Xiaoshi, "You are a doctor, aren't you? Tend to the two of them. Before I came, Wang Chengyang told me about your situation. You need not pretend anymore."

"Oh," Ren Xiaoshi stood up, patting his rear, and crouched beside the soldier with the knife wound, turning to Xu Xianchu, "But in this desolate wilderness, there is no medicine, and his injury seems quite severe."

At this, the soldier, pale-faced, asked, "How long do I have to live?"

Ren Xiaoshi considered, "Ten..."

"Ten minutes?" the soldier paused.

Ren Xiaoshi gazed at him earnestly, "Nine... Eight... Seven..."

The soldier: "???"

"I avoided the vital organs and internal organs; do not frighten him," Xu Xianchu said, "I heard from Wang Chengyang that you have excellent wound medicine. I do not believe you would come to this wilderness without carrying it."

Ren Xiaoshi was displeased, "My medicine is expensive. Do you pay? I am your guide, not your accompanying physician. If you want a doctor, you must pay more."

To his surprise, Ren Xiaoshi indeed carried two small porcelain bottles filled with black medicine.

Xu Xianchu paused, "My money was lost along the way."

He turned his gaze to the others, intending to suggest they pool their funds to save their comrade first, for Xu Xianchu had never truly intended to kill. He merely wished to intimidate the others.

In the end, everyone averted their eyes, unwilling to help, especially Luo Xinyu, as the injured soldier had previously cast her a malevolent glance.

As no one was willing to contribute, Ren Xiaoshi was about to say never mind, when a weak voice came from beside him, "I have money..."

Ren Xiaoshi thought, Your will to survive is quite strong...

He asked, "Where is the money? In your left pocket or right? I warn you, I will not suture. After applying the medicine, whether the wound heals depends on fate."

Everyone was stunned. Can this work without suturing? Luo Xinyu spoke, "I have a needle and thread, but I am prone to fainting at the sight of blood."

"I will suture," Xu Xianchu said.

By now, Ren Xiaoshi had retrieved a pile of money from the soldier's pocket, "I won't charge much, 1200 yuan."

"Alright," the soldier, relieved at not facing death, said to Ren Xiaoshi, "Thank you."

"A thanks from Wang Lei, +1!"

Ren Xiaoshi's eyes brightened; his gratitude coins had stirred again. After Wang Lei's thanks, he finally reached 77, one step closer to unlocking a weapon.

The atmosphere in the camp had slightly eased, partly due to Ren Xiaoshi's light-hearted antics, and partly because everyone realized that though Xu Xianchu had injured someone and acted decisively, he was not truly a cruel or vicious person.

If Xu Xianchu's heart were brutal, they would all have to be more cautious, for having such a transcendent nearby was extremely perilous.

As Xu Xianchu helped the soldier suture his wound, he said, "Now that it has come to this, I need not hide from you anymore. The Barrier only discovered that there was a pre-apocalyptic civilization site within the Jingshan mountains. They sent a private force to map the terrain and routes, facilitating the arrival of the main force. In fact, we had no idea what was happening here before we came."

"Upon arriving, I realized Jingshan was problematic. I wondered if the secrets of Jingshan, which could evolve beasts, might also benefit humans, or aid us transcendents, which is why I insisted on pressing forward."

"Then why did you say you would abandon the mission earlier?" Liu Bu asked.

"At that time, I deemed this place too perilous. To avoid exposing my transcendent identity, I chose to abandon the mission. It would be better to follow the main force of the Barrier afterward, ensuring safety," Xu Xianchu replied.

Ren Xiaoshi understood; Xu Xianchu had indeed once considered giving up.

Pausing, Xu Xianchu continued, "However, I can no longer return to the Barrier. You have seen their attitude toward transcendents. Returning would only bring me certain doom. Thus, I will venture deeper into the Jingshan mountains. If you wish to go to Base 112, we shall part ways. I will not stop you."

The depths of Jingshan and Base 112 were two different directions—one to the northeast, one to the northwest. Now, the group faced two choices: let Xu Xianchu leave the team or follow him.

No one spoke in the camp, as if waiting for someone else to decide first.

"I will go with you," Yang Xiaojin said calmly, "This place is too dangerous. The best way to survive is to stay by your side, transcendent."

Ren Xiaoshi recalled; this was perhaps the most Yang Xiaojin had ever spoken.

Yet he sensed she was not telling the truth, for her original goal should have been the depths of Jingshan!

At this point, Ren Xiaoshi increasingly suspected Yang Xiaojin was also a transcendent.

...

Thanks to Park's Bear, Li Ren's Sweetheart, and the meeting of spirits for the drink, becoming the new book alliance leader.