Chapter 86: Post-Battle Healing·Benevolent Heart and Skill

The bloody smell mixed with smoke and dust, pervading the ruined streets and alleys of Zhangji Settlement without dissipating.

So thick it almost makes one want to vomit!

The battlefield where shouts of killing shook the heavens just moments ago.

Now it has fallen into an eerie silence, only the crackling of flames consuming wood can be heard.

And the occasional painful groans of the wounded remind people just how brutal the slaughter they just endured was.

The Khitan cavalry have been completely exterminated, not a single survivor left.

After Chen Wen's five elite warriors' brief burst, the fourfold Ability Granting effect receded like a tide.

A strong sense of fatigue hit them instantly; several leaned on their weapons, chests heaving violently.

Sweat and the enemies' blood mixed together, dripping down along the armor plates.

Yet they forced themselves to stay alert, scanning the surroundings warily to ensure no fish slipped through the net.

Chen Wen drew a deep breath of air reeking of scorched and bloody odor, forcing himself to calm down from the battle's frenzy.

He first hurried to his subordinates' side, his gaze sweeping over their entire bodies:

Are any of you injured?

Chief, don't worry, they're just superficial wounds, nothing serious!

Zhao Dayan wiped a handful of blood from his face and grinned.

Although his face was somewhat pale, his spirit was still okay.

The others also shook their heads, indicating they were fine.

After Chen Wen carefully examined and confirmed them, his mind eased a little.

Although Ability Granting is powerful, its toll on the body is equally huge; fortunately, no one suffered serious injury.

Seize the time to rest and treat the wounds.

Chen Wen gave the order.

At the same time, he turned his gaze toward the deeper part of this wasteland.

Those innocent civilians slaughtered by the Khitan or injured by the spillover of war.

"Rongxiong" also came over with his men at this time.

He looked at Chen Wen, his eyes complex—admiration, shock, and inquiry intertwined.

Finally, it turned into a sincere exclamation:

"Brother Chen is truly a divine person!"

"The bravery of your troops is something I have rarely seen in my life!"

"If it weren't for you today, these civilians..."

He shook his head, not finishing the sentence, but the meaning went without saying.

Chen Wen waved his hand, his expression showing no pride, but rather heaviness:

"Rongxiong, you overpraise me; it's just my duty."

"What's urgent now is to treat the wounded and comfort the survivors."

He did not claim credit, but immediately turned his attention to those who needed help more.

This calm and benevolence made Rongxiong's appreciative gaze grow stronger.

"That's exactly how it should be!"

"Rongxiong" nodded and immediately ordered his men:

"Assign personnel to help search for surviving civilians and extinguish the remaining flames! Bring out all the Gold Wound Medicine we carry!"

The two groups temporarily set aside their identities' barriers and quickly joined the post-battle relief work.

Chen Wen even led from the front.

He hurried to the side of an old man who had been struck in the shoulder by a stray arrow, lying in a pool of blood and groaning.

That old man's face was deathly pale, his gaze unfocused, he was barely breathing.

Chen Wen crouched down and swiftly examined the wound.

The arrow had penetrated deep into the flesh, but fortunately it missed any vital organs.

He pressed down on the old man and said in a low voice:

"Old sir, bear with it for a moment."

Having said that, he took out the clean cloth strips and small knife he carried, which had been boiled in boiling water and carefully kept.

These are the standardized equipment of the Jiao Tu Zhen Medical Bureau.

He skillfully cut open the clothing around the arrow shaft to observe the wound.

"We need to first remove the arrowhead."

Chen Wen said to a subordinate following him:

"Hold him down."

Immediately, he took a deep breath, his wrist steady as iron.

Using the small knife, he carefully enlarged the wound, avoiding blood vessels.

His fingers precisely gripped the tail end of the arrow shaft, then he exerted force suddenly!

"Ugh—!"

The old man let out a short, miserable scream, his body convulsed violently, then he fainted.

And that arrowhead, barbed, was cleanly pulled out by Chen Wen, bringing out a gush of dirty blood.

He quickly used a cloth dampened with clean water to cleanse the wound.

Then he applied the Gold Wound Medicine brought by Rongxiong's men, and tightly bandaged it with clean cloth.

His movements were smooth and practiced, steady and experienced, in no way inferior to those of a seasoned medical officer.

He then walked toward the next wounded person.

That was a youth whose leg bone had been broken by a horse's hoof, clutching his twisted, deformed right leg and wailing incessantly.

After examining him, Chen Wen furrowed his brow.

A fracture requires setting and immobilization, but the conditions here are too primitive.

"Go fetch a few straight sticks and strips of cloth!"

He ordered.

Soon, the items were ready.

Chen Wen had two assistants hold the youth steady, while he held his breath and focused.

He gripped both ends of the broken leg with his hands, feeling the position of the bone fragments.

With the aid of doubled perception and precise control, he gave a sudden pull and push!

"Crack!"

With a grating sound that made teeth ache, the misaligned bones were forcibly realigned.

The youth was in so much pain he nearly passed out.

Chen Wen wasted no time, quickly securing the injured leg with the sticks and cloth.

"Carry him to a ventilated, clean spot, and be careful not to touch the injured leg."

Chen Wen wiped the sweat from his forehead and continued toward the next person in need.

He not only treated blade wounds, but also distributed the dry rations and water he carried to frightened women and children.

He soothed their terrified emotions with a calm, gentle tone.

"It's all right, the Khitan are dead, we're safe."

"Drink some water, eat slowly, don't rush."

"Elder, your wound is bandaged; rest well."

His voice wasn't loud, yet it carried a strange soothing power.

Those originally numb and terrified survivors.

Watching this young man, covered in blood yet patiently treating their wounds and handing out food.

In their clouded eyes, a faint light gradually rekindled.

That was the relief of having survived the disaster and gratitude toward their rescuer.

"Rongxiong" did not personally participate in these minor relief efforts.

He stood at a slight distance, silently observing Chen Wen's busy figure.

Watching his skilled medical technique, watching the inner peace and respect he showed toward civilians.

Watching him clearly possess the terrifying power to decide the lives of dozens in an instant.

Yet he was willing to bend down to bandage the wound of a stranger, an old farmer.

Setting the broken leg of a youth……

This benevolent heart, this respect for life!

In this chaotic era where lives are as cheap as grass, how precious it is!

Many warlord commanders treat soldiers as pawns and commoners as livestock.

When have they ever had such compassion?

"A benevolent heart and skillful healing, martial courage and strategy—both together… In this world, there truly exists such a person!"

"Rongxiong" again let out an astonished sigh in his heart.

He increasingly felt that his earlier decision to recruit him was utterly correct and urgent.

If this person could be made to serve oneself, and even to serve all under heaven, he would surely be a blessing to the masses!

The sunset's afterglow fell upon the war‑scarred Zhang Family Market, and also upon the young figure moving among the wounded and the ruins.

As if gilding him with a warm edge of light.

At this moment, Chen Wen's image in Rongxiong's heart was no longer merely that of a mysterious powerhouse or a potential ally.

It also quietly matched his deep‑seated ideal of the perfect wise minister and capable general who should stand beside an enlightened ruler.