Chapter 64: All Eyes on Me

Chapter 64: All Eyes on Me

Approaching the injured woman quickly, I attempt to clear my mind. It seems to help further. A fog is clearing from my mind.

Okay. Okay. I got this. Its not as b

She just finishes unwrapping the bandages and reveals her pale, forefinger-less hand holding a cleanly severed finger.

Gulp.

Alright, I may not have this.

How the hell do they expect me to deal with this?

Think James, think. What can I do?

Look closer.

Right, I need to look closer and intuit. This is clearly a test from them to see my abilities. Well, Im going to solve this! But not in the way they expect.

I can feel my head clear up completely, allowing me to fully focus on the issue at hand.

Seeing that the blood is still somewhat coming out and this seems to be a strangely recent injury, I can see that there is still a chance for reimplantation of the finger.

However.

I will need to make sure that: she doesnt lose too much blood; and I dont use high cost ingredients.

Almost immediately, I find something within those requirements, that will allow her to heal and reattach the finger within a week. There are other options that have shorter times to heal, with higher cost ingredients.

Hmm maybe I should use something that can use a long recovery time?

If it heals quickly, that could really gain attention. Maybe not for the better Does this area already have quick healing items, capable of reattaching limbs and destroyed parts?

They probably do. Though, they are likely quite expensive. Mostly used for cultivators or rich people. Most of them allow full healing within a day or much less. There are better items but those are unrealistic for this scenario.

For most injuries, being able to heal within a week to a month, an injury that would never have been healed is better than most people could ever hope for.

Especially, for those who are poorer.

Nonetheless, I could provide an option that works faster than their versions, which could change the current balance for those quick healing items.

I could make a lot more money doing that, than practically giving away this low-cost option. If I give this away now, there will be less reason to use the higher cost ones. Since, in the end, it will be healed similarly. And people could, if they understand the concept, make it themselves. Albeit, with reduced results.

Making it so, they wouldnt need my help to heal others.

If I were to willingly choose a higher cost item, it is likely they wouldnt treat this woman, based off the looks shes getting.

Sigh.

Within Shis hand, there is a sheet of paper, which she hands to me.

On the paper there is a note,

You have my word that nothing will be shared outside our organization. Our apologies for the incompetent and traitorous woman, who no longer represents our organization. Hopefully, these talismans and this small additional gift will allow you to forgive us for this error. Thank you for your help.

I will be sending a gift to your leader, that you all may find useful.

Once again, my apologies for our error.

-Wu Qing

In Shis other hand, is a clear orb reminiscent of the spirit stone I had received from the old man. However, this orb had more of a foggy interior to it.

Underneath that orb are a few pieces of paper with strange writing upon them. Almost automatically, I could tell that they were Talismans.

What type is the question.

If they responded this quickly. Does this mean theyre watching the whole time?

No. I think they started watching from when I entered this room. If I remember correctly. There was an informant that had run off earlier.

Was it a coincidence?

Either way, now I have to keep an eye out for what I actually do and think. I should assume that Im being watched right now. That I already have been watched.

Ill have to figure out what these Talismans are later.

Walking over to her, I make sure to look her in the eyes, gaining her attention.

Shi, can you hand those over to me?

I can see her visibly gulp. Walking over to me, practically vibrating as she hands it to me. Its pretty clear this is a not normal situation for her.

Information pours into my head as I can feel the stone in the Talisman touching my fingers.

My intuition tells me that these Talismans are offensive ones. Ones that allows me to shoot a giant fireball at whoever I choose without homing in on them and exploding in a large burst of fire. There are a total of five of them. Each could cripple a normal beginner level, foundation establishment cultivator.

The Foggy Orb is actually called a superior spirit stone, one that has a greater Qi content than a normal one.

Why is my ability activating automatically? Is it because Im nervous? And Im fearing for myself right now?

I take a deep breath. I focus on Shis face.

Since it looks like Im already having trouble, Im going to stick to the plan and only do simple alchemy. But there are too many variables going on right now. Too many things that Im unsure of.

Keep it simple, James. Keep it simple.

My eyes happened upon the injured woman. Her face still wracked with pain.

Alright, if I have the freedom to do this, then I need you two in the corner to do something for me. Grab me a piece of paper and something to write with.

The two women who brought the injured woman into the room jump in response to my words. Both women scramble out of the room in a panic. Quickly after, they rush back in with it.

I write down the ingredients I need and shoo them back into the corner, while I focus on the womans stump.