At that very moment, the system's voice roared in Jiang Chen's ears like a divine decree from the dawn of time—solemn and exhilarating, akin to the grand drums of ancient times:
[Special State Triggered: Medical-Martial Unity — Divine Healer's Battle Form Activated]
[Current Privileges: Combat Enhancement for 30 Minutes]
[Right Hand Enhancement Level: Iron Palm – Edge Unleashed]
[Skill Description: Capable of severing tendons and bones, slicing through force like a blade—beyond the endurance of ordinary humans]
Ah!
Jiang Chen shuddered.
The Divine Healer System transformed into combat strength!
In an instant, a searing force surged from his dantian to his limbs and bones. Jiang Chen felt a blazing fire raging within him—his once-dormant blood now howling in defiance. His right hand, in particular, grew abnormally heavy and hot, like it had been cast in iron. In his palm, a golden-red glow flickered faintly.
"Don't touch her!"
With a thunderous shout, Jiang Chen's pain vanished. His body, now agile and empowered, sprang from the ground with a perfect kip-up.
Just as Xu Wenbin's fist was about to land on Wen-xian's chest, Jiang Chen raised his right hand, fingers clawed like a hawk's, and caught Xu Wenbin's arm mid-air.
"Aaargh—!!"
Xu Wenbin felt as if his arm had been trapped in an iron vice. A sickening crack echoed from his bones.
With a cold expression, Jiang Chen curled his middle finger like a blade and jabbed directly into Xu Wenbin's left arm.
Crack!
A sharp snapping sound.
Wherever Jiang Chen's finger struck, bone shattered, though flesh still clung to it.
Xu Wenbin's arm hung limply like a broken willow in a storm, swaying weakly before drooping downward.
The surge of pain turned Xu Wenbin pale as sweat beaded across his face. He stumbled back a few steps, barely managing to keep from falling, clutching his mangled arm in disbelief and fury.
"You... you crippled my arm..."
Jiang Chen wiped the blood from his lips with his fingers. His gaze was ice-cold—like a negotiator unmoved by sentiment.
"You agreed to the wager. You lost. You don't need this arm anymore."
"You dare…?" Xu Wenbin seethed, now powerless. "Do you know who I am? Do you know my background?"
"Does it matter?" Jiang Chen replied nonchalantly.
At this moment, the fear and hesitation that once held Jiang Chen captive had vanished. The world seemed smaller, the people around him diminished. For the first time, he felt the confidence and sense of control that only true strength brings.
Xu Wenbin gritted his teeth, hatred burning in his eyes. "Just you wait. If I don't destroy you, then my name's not Xu Wenbin!"
He turned and fled in disgrace.
The surrounding crowd fell silent, the earlier jeering gone. Not a soul dared mock Jiang Chen now—even their postures turned respectful.
People were fickle like that.
They feared strength. Faced with someone as impossibly powerful as Jiang Chen, they submitted completely.
Those who mocked him earlier now cowered, not daring to lift their heads.
Jiang Chen scanned the crowd and plucked out a fat man—one of the most vocal mockers earlier. Like grabbing a chick by the scruff, Jiang Chen lifted the man off the ground with ease.
Terrified, the man collapsed in a kneel, shaking.
"You called me a fraud, didn't you? Wanted to beat me to death? Well, here I am. Go ahead."
Two others in the crowd barked at the fat man:
"How dare you disrespect the Divine Healer?"
"This bastard deserves a beating!"
The fat man, having witnessed Xu Wenbin's defeat, trembled violently. A wet patch had already formed in his pants. Dropping to all fours, he kowtowed twice and pleaded, tears in his voice:
"Great healer, please forgive me! A big-hearted man doesn't hold grudges—I was wrong!"
Wen-xian tugged Jiang Chen's arm gently and said,
"A good shoe shouldn't step in dog shit. Let him go. You're bleeding—we need to patch you up."
Jiang Chen pressed his toe against the fat man's shoulder.
"Fine, I'll let you go. But remember—there are people in this world you cannot afford to offend."
The fat man bowed repeatedly, kissing Jiang Chen's shoe: "Thank you, Divine Healer—I'll never dare again..."
Wen-xian pulled Jiang Chen's arm closer.
"Come on. Let's go to my place and get your wounds treated."
Jiang Chen shook his head. "You've got a kid at home to take care of."
"My mother came and took her already," she replied, holding onto his arm tighter.
He wanted to refuse, but her soft chest pressed against him, sending a warm current through his body. It was intoxicating—how could he possibly say no?
As Jiang Chen reached for his bulky medical pack, Wen-xian snatched it up and slung it over her shoulder. Her voice was full of concern.
"You're injured. Let me carry it."
The night breeze was cool as the two of them entered a narrow, quiet alley.
They stopped in front of a tiny courtyard.
Wen-xian unlocked the wooden gate with a key and led Jiang Chen inside.
The courtyard was barely ten square meters, and the rented room even smaller—only nine square meters or so, with a low ceiling. Jiang Chen had to hunch to avoid bumping his head.
But the room was clean and tidy. A wall calendar hung on the wall, and the bed was made with floral bedsheets and embroidered pillows.
The air carried a faint scent—Wen-xian's scent.
Jiang Chen took a deep breath, as if trying to etch it into his lungs. His thoughts drifted—he imagined resting his head in her warm, ample bosom.
"Sit," she said.
Wen-xian bent down and wiped off the bench with her sleeve.
Her lowered posture caused her shirt to lift slightly, revealing a glimpse of pale skin at her waist—like a glacier amidst lush valleys.
The sight stung Jiang Chen's eyes. He squinted instinctively.
Wen-xian seemed to realize he was staring and quickly tugged her shirt down, cheeks slightly flushed.
"No peeking. Sit still so I can treat your wounds!" she scolded softly, the affection in her voice unmistakable.