Chapter 14: Zhou Tai from Another World Is an Elf

According to a ten-to-one time flow, waiting for the real world to dawn still takes three to four days.

So Ji Ming first welcomed the second sunrise of the Yangyue World.

After buying some food at the nearby bakery, he began the day's operations.

Unlike yesterday, this morning there were relatively few patients, and most were simple external injuries.

Just applying the medicine was enough, and even those needing stitches were few.

Moreover, I don't know whether it's Lei Nuo's silver tongue that really works, or yesterday's stern attitude that brought some prestige.

The adventurers who came to the Clinic for treatment were all well-behaved, none playing tricks.

Only a young man spoke arrogantly, yelling and looking for trouble.

However, after Ji Ming paid a bit more attention while suturing, and under education, he became a very honest person.

He collected the consultation fee and sent off the last patient.

Seeing the account increase by over a hundred copper coins and twenty experience points, Ji Ming couldn't help but sigh.

If only the patients each day could be handled this easily!

At this rate, as early as this afternoon or as late as tomorrow, I could break through to level three.

By now it was approaching noon; the sun finally broke through the clouds, bringing a bit more light to this dark city.

Even bandits need to eat and rest; after a meal, when they're drowsy, is precisely the time of day when public safety is best in Yangguang City.

After finishing the morning's leftover bread, Ji Ming quickly donned his black robe and headed toward the magic grocery shop recorded in the notes.

Based on the valuable experience gained from yesterday's accident, he made minor adjustments to his travel gear overnight.

First is the hand axe.

Although the tetanus-induced magic damage effect is indeed not bad, under the current conditions physical damage is clearly more important.

Therefore Ji Ming repaired and polished the axe; the blade is now bright and sharp, capable of breaking armor in one strike.

Then comes the Hidden Dragon Sting.

The delicate metal gloves made are really eye‑catching when worn on his hands; even hidden in his sleeves they can't guarantee not being noticed.

Therefore Ji Ming took out a pair of white medical gloves from the wardrobe to wear; this is both reasonable and allows him to directly pierce for a sneak attack when needed.

Right hand axe, left hand hidden sting, holding a scroll, plus a few bottles of the decoction waste liquid in glass to serve as stink bombs.

Everything is maxed out; all techniques are fully prepared.

Today there's no way I'll capsize and lose teeth!

After passing four streets, a shop not particularly conspicuous appeared in the city's corner.

Since it's the material shop Ji Ming often visits in his settings, it naturally isn't some famous large store.

Beaten repeatedly by life, he favors this low‑key little shop, since he only needs a fixed few kinds of materials anyway.

Pushing open the shop door, unlike the ever‑bright Lei Nuo Tavern, this grocery store named after a sick tree might be so poor it can't even afford to light a lamp.

Inside was pitch black; Ji Ming strained his eyes but couldn't make out the furnishings.

"It's you."

Until a hoarse, aged voice, broken as if it had swallowed charcoal, sounded.

Only after a few more candles were lit did he finally, by the dim firelight, see the shop's full appearance.

Tall dark wooden cabinets, neatly stacked with various goods; behind the central heavy counter sat a withered humanoid figure.

One eye was covered by cloth; beneath the black‑white streaked long hair lay a face full of scars and a pair of sharply pointed, rear‑facing ears.

That was actually an elderly half‑elf whose degree of disability could not be described; the beauty granted by its bloodline had long turned to nothing.

Have I encountered Zhou Tai from another world?

Ji Ming instinctively called up the system to check the shopkeeper's info, but the half‑elf's panel showed only a simple line of text.

【Target level too high, cannot access】

Even though I, an apprentice of over ten levels, can still view some parts, could this half‑elf be a master of level twenty or even thirty or above?

Ji Ming instantly raised his vigilance to the maximum, hesitated a moment, then slowly nodded.

"Hello, I've used up the materials I bought before; I'm here to replenish some."

The half‑elf coughed weakly twice, extended his thin left hand, and pointed off to the side.

Only then did Ji Ming notice that the right sleeve was also empty.

I don't know whether it was cut off or crushed in a serious injury, but the half‑elf's entire arm had completely vanished at the root.

"They're in the third cabinet to your left; go ahead and pick them yourself."

A remote shop, shabby décor, and a half‑elf covered head‑to‑toe in wounds, with a variety comparable to a stamp collection……

Behind this there's probably a whole side story brimming with betrayal and tears of blood.

I just don't know how to trigger it, nor what development will follow.

While thinking, he took out a burlap sack.

Most of the ingredients for the Revival Elixir are fairly common; only the Spirit Elixir Herb is special, making the formula very easy to reverse‑engineer.

To protect his livelihood, Ji Ming usually adds a few fixed interference items when purchasing materials.

For example, some materials used to make Coagulating Powder, and also some heat‑clearing herbs or soup‑flavoring spices.

Also because this shop is truly obscure, the recipe for the Revival Elixir has remained firmly under his control.

Anyway, the bought materials will eventually be used, so the somewhat well‑off Ji Ming bought a bit more this time.

He picked and chose until the sack was gradually filled, then Ji Ming shouldered it and went to the counter to settle the bill.

Standing face to face, when the half‑elf's features became clear, his wounds were truly horrifying.

Knife scars, wrinkles, and burn marks covered almost every inch of his skin.

Ji Ming dared only a single glance, because looking longer would make him feel phantom pain and itching all over.

He shifted his gaze without changing expression, raising his hand to signal.

"That's all, how much in total?"

The half-elf was clearly sitting far behind the counter, yet without even looking, he softly spoke a number.

"Thirteen silver coins."

Big business entails big costs.

It sounds expensive, but according to the medical journal, the price is actually fair.

Ji Ming didn't continue haggling; instead, he tied a knot at the bag's opening while casually asking.

"By the way, do you have materials for making scrolls here?"

The shopkeeper's remaining eye twitched, its cloudy purple pupil turning toward him.

"What quality do you want?"

"Just the basics, a friend asked me to inquire."

Fortunately, this joke doesn't exist in Yangyue World; the half-elf merely nodded slightly and then took out the various tools for making scrolls from behind the counter.

Thin, smooth parchment, black ink mixed with lapis lazuli powder, a pen made from the feathers of a flying crow beast...

When money comes quickly, it often goes just as fast.

To reduce costs, Ji Ming had already removed decorative items such as the wooden shaft head, wax seal, and personal stamp.

But after settling the bill, his pocket held only a pitiful three silver coins.

Never mind, wealth lost can be regained; upgrading is urgent.

"Thank you, hoping we can meet again safely next time."

Offering the sincerest blessings of Sunshine City, Ji Ming hoisted the sack and walked toward the door.

But just as he took a step, a hoarse call came from behind.

"Wait..."