Chapter 1 Unparalleled Beauty

In the deep forests of northern Dragonia ... "Master, I'm back. Dinner tonight is a rabbit," Sherman Leif announced. Several wooden cabins dotted the rugged terrain. A youthful boy of around sixteen or seventeen, Sherman effortlessly navigated the uneven stones, carrying several plump rabbits toward one of the cabins. His name is Sherman Leif. He has lived here with his master since he was young, practicing martial arts, gathering herbs, learning medicine, and becoming literate under his master's guidance. Sherman pushed the door open, and the next moment, his expression changed drastically. He dropped the wild rabbit in his hands. On the cushion sat an elderly man, his head hanging low, breath completely gone. "Master, what happened?" Sherman exclaimed, rushing to check for a pulse, finding none. Desperately, he tried acupuncture, then channeled his vigorous true energy, to no avail. Grief overwhelmed him. He and Master had been inseparable since childhood, and the sudden loss was unbearable. Nearby, Sherman noticed a note and quickly picked it up: "Sherman, I sensed my end approaching days ago. After I'm gone, there are several tasks for you: Firstly, years ago, I saved the chairman of Faraway Group, who rewarded me with a five percent stake. It's now in your name. Seek him out once you leave the mountains. Secondly, I've located the 'Medicine King Bead'. It's with Ivana Pearson, daughter of a wealthy merchant in Riverton. I've arranged for your enrollment at Riverton University. Report by the 8th. Retrieve the Medicine King Bead—your key to advancing as Medicine King. Thirdly, do not bury me. Burn everything here." "Master, I will fulfill your wishes," Sherman vowed. After bowing three times, he turned and set fire to the cabins. Amidst the blaze, the 'deceased' Master suddenly opened his eyes, revealing a face of unparalleled beauty, free from the disguise of an old man's mask. She possessed luminous eyes that captivated all who gazed upon them, surrounded by an invisible force shielding her from the flames. Watching Sherman depart, a hint of reluctance flickered in her eyes. "I hope you grow swiftly. When the calamity arrives, no one can escape ... " ... An hour later, Sherman descended from the mountain. Clad in faded jeans, a t-shirt, and canvas shoes, he carried a cloth bundle with provisions and medical supplies. "Huh?" Sherman noticed an expensive car parked ahead. Two burly men, visibly tense, wielded short clubs, facing a beast over six foot long. The creature had the head of a donkey, the body of a wolf, and eyes filled with menace. Though skilled, the men trembled in fear at its ferocity. They dared not retreat, their boss behind them. "D*mn! What rotten luck, the fuel tank's leaking now!" cursed the man in the car. "If anything happens to the boss, we're done for!" The man in the car had immense power. If something happened to him, no one knew how much turmoil it would cause. "Grandpa, you have to hold on!" Inside the car, Ella Summer anxiously watched her grandfather, Jack Summer. Planning a relaxing outing together today, she hadn't expected his sudden illness, a leaking tank, and a predatory beast ahead. Ella felt an overwhelming sense of despair. Outside the car, the beast let out a deafening roar, making her heart skip a beat. Then came the screams. The two bodyguards were quickly knocked to the ground, their faces twisted in pain. The beast's razor-sharp teeth glinted menacingly, a horrifying sight. "What do we do now?" Ella sobbed, tears streaming down her face. Just as she was at a complete loss, a shadow flickered past the car window. Moments later, the beast let out a pained howl. Ella quickly looked out, and what she saw would be etched into her memory forever. The massive beast, as large as a tiger with a grotesque donkey-like head, had been sent flying by a single punch from a young man. Sherman dusted off his hands, his voice cool and steady. "A donkey-headed wolf. That's a rare one." The beast, blood dripping from its mouth, crouched low to the ground, its eyes glowing with bloodlust as it paced back and forth, calculating its next move. It could sense that Sherman was a formidable opponent. Sherman stomped his right foot against the ground, sending several stones flying into the air. With a swift motion, he grabbed them and hurled them like projectiles. Whizz! Whizz! Whizz! The stones cut through the air with a sharp sound. The beast, too large to dodge, was struck by the powerful blows. Each hit was precise and forceful, driving the beast into a panicked retreat. Finally, it turned tail and fled into the forest, howling in defeat. Sherman glanced at the two bodyguards, noticing their numerous wounds. He scanned the area and spotted some horseweed nearby. Plucking a handful, he crushed it and applied the paste to their injuries. This plant worked well to stop bleeding and ease pain. "Thank you!" "Are you a doctor?" one of the men asked. Sherman nodded slightly. "I've learned some medicine." Their faces lit up with hope. "Please, help our Mr. Summer! He's in the car!" Sherman nodded and approached the vehicle, opening the door. Ella, sitting inside, instinctively recoiled when she saw Sherman's rugged, wild appearance. "What are you doing?" she asked, her voice trembling. Sherman looked at the elderly man slumped in the seat. "I'm here to help him." Ella immediately objected. "No way! How could you possibly save my Grandpa? Don't make things worse!" Despite her gratitude for Sherman's earlier intervention, she couldn't trust him with something this serious. Jack's condition had been persistent for years, and even renowned doctors had failed to cure him. How could this wild-looking young man possibly succeed? Sherman tried to explain. "I traveled with my master for years, practicing medicine. My skills are solid—I've never lost a patient." Ella frowned. "Do you even have a medical license?" Sherman shook his head. "No." Ella's temper flared. "No? And you dare try to treat my Grandpa? Get lost!" Sherman's brow furrowed. He wasn't known for his patience. Back in the mountains, he had been a notorious troublemaker. If not for his master's strict teachings about not hitting women, he might have already retaliated. Suppressing his irritation, Sherman replied coldly, "Fine. Watch him die, then." He turned to leave. "Young man ... please ... help ... " The elderly man's weak voice stopped him in his tracks. Ella panicked. "Grandpa! He's just some wild kid—how could he possibly help you? What if he makes things worse?" Jack struggled to speak. "It's okay ... I trust ... this young man's ... skills ... Please ... " Sherman gave a slight nod. His master had always taught him to help those in need. He stepped back toward the car. But as he did, Ella lunged at him, flailing her arms. "You filthy savage! Get away from him!"