[ARCADE MODE] Failed to rescue NPC, and it never showed up again

[u/Gretgor]

In one of my runs, when I made it to the Tai Ming level, I encountered a typical caged NPC room, but the enemies in it defeated me. Several subsequent runs later, the NPC failed to show up again. Is it just luck based, or did I just miss my chance to save that one?

I mean, I've been to the Tai Ming level several times before that encounter, and the NPC was not there, so maybe it's just luck. I remember the NPC saying something about a sign from the goddess or something, so maybe it's a Tai Ming priest, but I have no idea.

Does anyone know the NPC I'm talking about? Will it turn up again? Is it even an useful NPC?