Chapter 733 - 40: Ripped Apart (Part 2)
Seeing that Paul could still speak normally, think clearly, and had no obvious wounds or bleeding, Chen Zhou felt slightly relieved and immediately ran to check on the state of the Three-headed Saw-toothed Tiger.
Tiger First had already gotten up by now, but was limping as it walked, looking somewhat listless.
Tiger Second also moved slowly, appearing more seriously injured, having lost its usual lively and active demeanor.
But compared to Tiger Third, these two were still considered fortunate—
By touch, Chen Zhou determined that Tiger Third’s spine was broken. Even if it could survive, it would likely be paralyzed in its lower body, which for a Saw-toothed Tiger would be fatal.
At this moment, Tiger Third lay weakly on the ground, its spirit disoriented, unable to even close its mouth.
Chen Zhou only knew its heart was still beating, seemingly retaining some consciousness.
He laid the black-robed man’s robe on the ground, moved Tiger Third next to a tree trunk, trying to prevent its body temperature from dropping, and turned to look at the dying black-robed man with resentment, wishing he could resurrect him just to kill him once more.
...
He helped Paul up, brought him to Tiger Third’s side, then checked Tiger First and Tiger Second again.
Even in their juvenile stage, Saw-toothed Tigers, as big cats, were physically stronger and more resilient than humans. Though the two little ones were not in great spirits, they were generally fine, likely needing just a few days to recover.
He glanced at the beacon still descending from the sky and frowned.
Now that Paul was injured and Tiger Third needed care, not only could they not continue exploring the terrain, but they also had to expend more energy taking care of the injured.
As for setting up traps, that was out of the question unless Paul miraculously recovered within two days, but how could that be possible?
After weighing the options, Chen Zhou figured it was best to take care of the injured first. As long as they arrived before the airdropped supplies landed, with his combat skills, taking the supplies from other challengers shouldn’t be too difficult.
Besides, as more challengers arrived, the situation in the central area would surely become more complicated. In such an environment, even if Paul participated, he might not be of much help, and letting him act independently might even be more convenient.
With this in mind, Chen Zhou made a silent decision and returned to Paul’s side.
...
Tiger Third lay within the black robe, limbs motionless, with only its chest rising and falling slowly, indicating it was still alive.
Chen Zhou petted its head, and Tiger Third struggled to open its eyes, trying to extend its tongue to lick Chen Zhou’s hand, but it was too weak. After struggling for a while, only its front paw moved a bit before it closed its eyes again.
"We must quickly get it some food, then make a simple brace to stabilize the injured spine.
If the damage isn’t too severe, there might be hope for recovery. Even if only one leg can move in the future, at least it can survive for a few more years.
Moreover, it’s still growing, with a stronger life force than adult tigers. Even with severe injuries, the situation might not be that bad."
Thinking positively, Chen Zhou spoke a few more words to Paul, and upon assessing his wounds, determined that Paul’s shoulder was dislocated and his kneecap was fractured.
A dislocation was easier to treat; with sufficient understanding of human anatomy and technique, one could reset the joint. But a kneecap fracture was much harder to handle.
However, even though a dislocation was easier to treat, Chen Zhou couldn’t do it.
His time in modern society was still too short, and his knowledge was only superficial, lacking depth.
He had no clue about the techniques to reset a joint. With his absurd strength, not only might he fail to put it back correctly, but he could also worsen the injury if he wasn’t careful, rather than improve it.
After much thought, Chen Zhou felt this matter should rely on that pair of ancient Rangers.
Traditional martial arts are often connected with traditional Chinese medicine, which is related to acupoints, meridians, and tendons. The Rangers likely know how to reset bones and may even practice acupuncture.
This thought brought Chen Zhou some joy.
Acupuncture can greatly aid in treating paralysis, and if those Rangers truly knew acupuncture, Tiger Third’s broken spine might even be saved.
If those two’s medical skills were exceptional, Tiger Third might indeed stand up again.
In a flash, Chen Zhou pinned all his hopes of healing Paul and Tiger Third on the Rangers. With thoughts of the challengers arriving around the Black Forest, including vicious ones like the black-robed man, Chen Zhou could only silently pray.
"You two better not get into any trouble!"
Before he could finish his thoughts, he heard a "crack," and turning his head, saw Paul covered in sweat, surprisingly having reset his own dislocated shoulder, now using one hand to brace against the tree trunk to try standing up.
"What the heck?"
Never expecting Paul to have such a trick, seeing his shaky state, Chen Zhou feared he’d fall back down and break his newly-set arm, so he quickly reached out to support him.
"I’m fine, Chen Zhou. Find me a stick for a crutch, and I can walk.
We can’t delay our plan; no matter what, I can’t be a burden!"
Paul’s eyes were firm, as if the pain wasn’t his own.
Grasping the tree bark tightly, he stood in front of Chen Zhou, appearing young but vaguely revealing the spirit of "The Gadfly," willing to endure hardship for the group, even heroically sacrifice himself.
...
"Better focus on healing first, or if you end up crippled, I’ll have to take care of you." Feeling the tension in the air, Chen Zhou said with a smile, then pointed to Tiger Third lying on the ground.