Chapter 17: How Could the Opening Evil-Quelling Face‑Smear Lose?

"Sorry, it's true that this is the first time we've seen such wondrous techniques from the East."

It was the well‑read Da Si Ke who first came to his senses, diffusing the awkwardness with a compliment.

Then he clapped his hands, and together with the newly awakened adventurers, raised a round of applause.

"So this is a magic scroll?"

"Incredible, I've never seen anyone use one before!"

"No wonder all the major adventuring parties are scrambling for mages; when will we have a spellcaster of our own?"

Besides the youths' murmurs of amazement, there were also some more mature voices.

"Hey, I recall magic scrolls aren't cheap; can the captain afford it?"

"If not, we can all chip in; you wouldn't want to be left unaided when misfortune strikes you next time, would you?"

"I guess that's the only way..."

Ignoring the adventurers' chatter, Ji Ming shook his head unambiguously.

"Don't rush to celebrate; we've only temporarily suppressed the curse."

Having said that, he produced an Evil-Quelling Talisman.

"Whether it can solve the problem depends on its effect."

If the Calming Talisman serves to control, then the Evil-Quelling Talisman serves to output.

It is harmless to the human body, yet can strike the oddity with a heavy blow and eliminate its various adverse effects.

And real damage is often the most genuine damage in a game.

Thus, just as Ji Ming unfurled the scroll, he heard a fearful whimper emanating from beneath the parchment.

The curse sensed the scent of death, yet was immobilized by the Calming Talisman.

Don't rush; hurrying won't help.

With a sardonic chuckle, Ji Ming pressed the Evil-Quelling Talisman neatly atop the Calming Talisman.

The Calming Talisman's seal faced down, the Evil-Quelling Talisman's seal faced up.

As Ji Ming intoned the incantation, the two talismans formed a tiny exorcism array within a fingertip's space.

Amidst the flickering golden light, the young man began to tremble wildly, as if trying to shake the talismans loose.

But the two parchments clung to his cheek as if coated with glue, remaining unmoved no matter how he struggled.

Thus, eradicating the curse was merely a matter of time.

"I'm a professional doctor—how could the opening Evil-Quelling Face‑Smear lose!?"

Ji Ming stood aside, calmly awaiting the end of the exorcism.

Yet just as the bizarre ailment was about to be removed, the youth let out a muffled hum and violently spat a mouthful of black blood.

The black blood was extremely uncanny; though it didn't wet the parchment protected by three layers, it slowly crawled toward the inscribed seals.

Above his head, a faint black shadow materialized, visible only to Ji Ming.

It floated like a ghost in mid‑air, casting a venomous gaze at everyone.

A pock‑marked face, disheveled hair, a hooked eagle‑shaped nose beneath a set of foul‑smelling, uneven rotten teeth, and an ugly, tasteless black robe.

The stereotype was so clear that Ji Ming knew at a glance she was the cursed witch who had been beaten to death.

Though she wasn't the black‑silk big sister Ji Ming preferred, the witch was indeed a ruthless figure.

The curse was, after all, set by her drawing on her own soul, no wonder it was so clever.

The black blood slithered like a poisonous snake, seemingly aiming to corrupt and destroy the talismans.

But the forceful Evil-Quelling Talisman was not something it could sway.

The instant it touched the lapis‑gray, a blaze of golden flame erupted.

It seemed both angry and vengeful; all the black blood evaporated completely.

Ji Ming knew the talismans were now acting seriously, yet he watched with amused interest.

But for the adventurers watching, it was undeniably terrifying.

"Why did it suddenly catch fire!"

"My god, he'll be burned to death!"

"Are we sure this is normal?"

Da Si Ke was also uncertain, about to ask, when Ji Ming casually tossed out a line.

"Don't be afraid, it's just the final backlash; she's already been defeated."

The fact was indeed so; the affronted Evil-Quelling Talisman would not give up easily.

First capture the king of the thieves; it trembled and spread onto the witch.

The bright flame burned wildly, scorching her and eliciting a silent, agonized scream.

She gnawed her teeth in pain, hurling an incomprehensible tirade at Ji Ming.

Seeing this, Ji Ming tilted his head and let out a light laugh.

"Rebound."

Finally, the witch's soul, burned away, vanished with the curse in the flames.

"Ugh…"

The revived young man took a sudden breath as if newly born, inadvertently drawing in the ash of the burnt parchment.

"Cough, cough, cough!"

Hearing the vigorous yet full‑bodied cough, everyone present breathed a sigh of relief.

Da Si Ke straightened up and, with sincere respect, bowed to Ji Ming.

"Thank you again, Dr. Ji Ming; I apologize for the slanders and offenses my teammates and I have previously directed at you."

Ji Ming just gave a carefree smile.

"No problem; I was indeed not professional before, and it's fine if you trust my current medical skill."

"Your magnanimity is admirable."

Da Si Ke let out an approving exclamation with a look of conviction, then his tone shifted.

"Although I don't know what scrolls you're using, they must be incredibly precious."

His words rang powerfully, and he resolutely promised.

"But since I asked you to intervene, I will definitely pay; please feel free to name your price."

His words sounded very flattering, but as a captain, Da Si Ke was long past the hot‑blooded, impulsive age.

All of this, of course, was his own consideration.

Whether it's wound dressing or magical potions, Sunlight City has no shortage of healing doctors.

As long as you spend enough money, the vast majority of injuries can be cured.

But the bizarre are different.

Whether it's a physical body or a curse, even after entering Inner City, nine out of ten doctors are at a loss.

Even the remaining one might not be able to solve it; they just want to squeeze out extra consultation fees.

And the Ji Ming before us actually has the ability to deal with the bizarre!

Moreover, from his remark "from the East," this is probably another exclusive item.

A miraculous elixir that speeds healing, a wondrous scroll that handles the bizarre…

Just how many abilities does he actually have?

If this money can help the Wolf Pack Squad form a good impression of him in his mind…

Value! Absolute value!

Ji Ming fell silent for a moment, not expecting the captain to speak so definitively.

He silently calculated the cost, then mercifully multiplied it tenfold.

"Since you're a friend of Si Tong, I'll give you the cost price: the two scrolls together total ten silver coins."

Da Si Ke's eyes widened at the words.

"Ten... you just said ten, right? Are you sure they're silver coins?"

The surrounding adventurers all changed expression, each one wanting to speak but holding back.

Uh, could it be that the price was set too high?

It was his first time doing this kind of business, and Ji Ming had no confidence.

He was still pondering how to politely and gracefully offer a small favor.

"Doctor Ji Ming!"

He was immediately grasped by Da Si Ke's excited hand.

The veteran adventurer pressed his lips together, his tiger‑like eyes nearly brimming with tears.

"You are definitely Sunlight City's—no, the entire Black Forest Territory's most kind doctor!"

Damn.

Ji Ming's smile at the corner of his mouth froze.