Chapter 19: The Iron Rope Squad's Temporary Joining

As a bow and crossbow professional, Si Tong also knows some enhancement magic.

He furrows his brow not out of doubt or anger, but from the bewilderment of a "professional."

It's true that the natural elements in the air move in response to the two magical scrolls, but this method of guidance is unheard of to him.

Although… can it really work like this?

He subconsciously begins to flick his fingers, trying to grasp some principle from it.

If he were truly a magical prodigy, he'd have already become a noble sorcerer; why stay stuck in the bow and crossbow trade, miserable as it is?

After countless agonizing thoughts, he still finds no way; aside from marveling at the wondrous technique, he can only give up.

When his mind finally emerges from contemplation, the special exorcism before him reaches its pivotal stage.

The anti‑evil talisman locks onto the source of the curse, igniting without flame, launching a fierce all‑out assault.

Unlike the "fresh" soul nightmare technique, the curse on AdaiEr, though more vile and powerful, has already had its most dangerous part endured by her.

Even so, she involuntarily clenches her fists amid a roar, nearly sitting up as her body's sovereignty is wrested and contested.

So strong?

Ji Ming lets out a low exclamation.

"Miss Anna!"

Without needing his cue, Anna had already leapt forward with swift eyes and hands.

Under her suppression, none of this interferes with the exorcism's progress.

The talisman‑born flames sweep over AdaiEr's body, cleansing her curse as if in a bath.

Even as mere observers, Si Tong and the others feel their spirits cleansed, and the inevitable traces of resentment in the adventurers' hearts have lightened considerably.

Using a damp towel to wipe AdaiEr's face clean, Anna asks concernedly.

"How are you, AdaiEr, feeling better?"

The young girl blinks her reddened eyes, a hoarse voice squeezing out between her teeth.

"It feels like finally being released, if I don't end up dead…"

The room's atmosphere finally relaxes completely; Si Tong pounds his chest, then excitedly grabs Ji Ming's hand.

"Thank you, Doctor Ji Ming, you truly saved our companion!"

Da Si Ke crosses his arms, a look of relief on his face.

"Lately, the number of strange occurrences on the wasteland has been truly overwhelming; many unique beings are even foes that conventional weapons can't contend with."

"Now that Doctor Ji Ming has found a cure for the related ailment, that's good news for everyone in Sunlight City."

A successful merchant must have a keen business sense.

Just as Ji Ming is about to ask in detail, he sees Anna rise from beside AdaiEr's bed and give Si Tong's shoulder a push.

"Just leave me here to take care of things; you're the captain, go back and rest a bit."

Upon hearing that, Si Tong seems to want to say something, but finally just licks his lips.

"Hmm, I understand what you mean; you also get some rest…"

Then he begins to pack up the longbow and quiver nearby.

"The curse is lifted, but the patient's body is certainly still weak; remember to eat more and rest during this period."

The mission reward has been credited, and Ji Ming no longer has a reason to stay, so he descends the stairs together with the two squad captains.

When they reach a corner, Si Tong suddenly waves his hand.

"Da Si Ke, you go down first; I still have unpaid consultation fees here."

Da Si Ke looks back at Si Tong with puzzlement, but says nothing.

"Alright, I'll wait for you outside."

Ji Ming doesn't think Si Tong's action is merely about paying.

But relationships, you know, a little more talk never hurts, so he follows him to an empty balcony.

"This time truly has been a trouble for you."

Si Tong says, pulling a wallet from his chest and stuffing it into Ji Ming's hand.

"Do you all like to go all‑in?"

Ji Ming was about to be polite, but Si Tong forcefully closed his palm over it.

"Doctor Ji Ming, just accept this money; after all, I have an unspoken favor to ask."

Ji Ming raises his eyebrows, as expected.

"Go ahead, Captain Si Tong, no need to beat around the bush; I think we're already friends."

"Thank you for your friendship; then I'll get straight to the point."

Si Tong grabs his greasy, disheveled hair, and for the first time a look of helplessness appears in his eyes.

"Honestly, our squad's cash flow has never been great, and this time, to treat AdaiEr, we spent a lot of money…"

Ji Ming slightly parts his mouth, wondering if this sloppy uncle means to defer payment for now.

But he clearly just shoved the wallet over!

However, Si Tong isn't the type to read between the lines; he continues speaking to himself.

"We will certainly not delay your consultation fee, but at least for the short term, we can no longer accept any member suffering serious injuries."

"But as Captain Da Si Ke just said, the wasteland has been chaotic lately; making money inevitably means bumping into trouble…"

Ji Ming gradually discerns a hint and probes, saying.

"So Captain Si Tong hopes I can, as a healer, temporarily join your adventuring party?"

"Yes!"

Si Tong says it with absolute certainty.

But he might also feel he was really a bit impatient, and after speaking he gave an embarrassed smile.

Please consider it.

Ji Ming actually also really wanted to say a refreshing 'Good!'

After all, he had also been worrying about the closed‑test venue, planning when he could leave the city to try his luck.

But the lingering doubts and caution in his mind still made him calm down.

If possible, I'd like to, but I really don't know much about the area around Sunlight City—I'm afraid I'd hold you back…

It's fine, our team has Boli, he's a very skilled and reliable hunter.

Ji Ming remained silent for a long time, looking troubled.

That indeed sounds like something we can consider.

Ha.

It seemed he'd planned this early; Stone, grinning, pulled a slip of paper from his pocket.

This is an agreement I drafted together with Anna; please have a look and see if it's reasonable.

Ji Ming took the slip and read it carefully.

Even brothers need to settle accounts clearly; this is just to make the division of benefits clear in advance.

For example, all medicinal materials found go to Ji Ming; in case of danger he is to be protected first; and after success, the monetary gains are to be split, giving Ji Ming thirty percent.

As a healer, Ji Ming must fully treat any injuries teammates suffer during adventures, and when conflicts arise he must prioritize the team's collective interests.

Overall, it's advantageous for Ji Ming, and in this process he can also search for a suitable hill with peace of mind.

After another round of modest and humble refusals, Ji Ming agreed to Stone's request.

Stone was about to raise his fist in celebration when he suddenly heard the doctor's voice shift.

By the way, regarding AdaiEr, I also have something else to tell you.