Dog Er noticed that the ape-like man's meridians were not completely numb, judging that his poisoning was not severe. He intended to knock the man unconscious for treatment, thereby reducing his sins. Suddenly, he heard two screams and saw the ape-like man struggling to fend off an attack from a man in white. Dog Er immediately thought of using the ape-like man to create a diversion. Dog Er circled the ape-like man rapidly several times, provoking his wildness, then leaped into the space between the man in white and Chong Yu Wu, darting behind the man in white.
The man in white seemed to see through her scheme and struggled to retreat, preventing her from passing. The ape-like man hopped closer, clawing at the man in white's chest and Dog Er's left shoulder. The three thus circled in the woods three times. The ape-like man suddenly climbed into the branches and, from another direction, leaped down to attack the man in white. The man in white sidestepped and kicked, and the ape-like man quickly retreated back into the leaves.
Dog Er watched Chong Yu Wu escape and turned back with a sigh. Seeing the man in white intently discerning movements, he heard fierce ape cries erupting from the surroundings, as if lamenting their inability to return home. With these cries, the ape-like man leaped from the trees and, like lightning, ambushed the two before vanishing again among the leaves and behind the trees.
Attacked intermittently in this manner, Dog Er and the man in white gradually developed a tacit understanding, defending themselves back-to-back. Dog Er glanced and saw him slowing his kicks, adopting a defensive stance. She assumed he felt pity for the ape-like man and couldn't deliver a killing blow, so she said, "He's just a pitiful person poisoned. Let's knock him out and treat him." The man in white's eyes brightened, and he said, "Then, let's compete. Whoever knocks out this monkey first."
While Dog Er was stunned and had no time to think, she continued to use her fingers as swords, attempting to press the ape-like man's vital points to make him faint. The man in white, however, gradually shifted from offense to caution, letting Dog Er bear the brunt of the defense. Dog Er was angered that he had proposed a competition yet shied away, and she disdained his shifty behavior. Suddenly, he pushed her, sending her towards the ape-like man's left rear side. The man in white somersaulted through the air, kicking out with both feet. Unexpectedly, the ape-like man turned and grabbed his legs. Dog Er saw him suddenly grow a "third leg," quickly kicking the ape-like man in the face. The ape-like man spat blood and fell backward onto the ground.
The man in white said, "Bind him at once." Dog Er immediately found several vines, joined them into a long rope, and, with the man in white, they bound him. The man in white observed her demeanor, her diligent actions, and her seamless cooperation, without suspicion. Dog Er examined the ape-like man's condition and asked, "Did your shoes or feet get poisoned?" The man in white admitted truthfully, "This man's entire body feels numb. If not for poison, how could he have been rendered unconscious?" Dog Er nodded in agreement and said, "Is this scorpion venom?" The man in white's eyebrows slightly rose, and he said, "Are you an expert in poisons?" Dog Er replied, "My mistress taught me some skills for driving away insects and preventing poison." Seeing the man in white's expression, Dog Er frankly said, "I am a maidservant." As she spoke, she took out a small bottle of royal jelly from her懷 and fed it into the ape-like man's mouth. When the man in white reached out, Dog Er handed him the emptied bottle. The man in white took it and sniffed it near his nose, saying, "Is this royal jelly?" Dog Er lowered her head to observe the ape-like man's reaction and replied, "Yes, but its neutralizing ability is limited. Your scorpion venom can only make him unconscious for a while. We need to find a way to expel the toxins from his body." Hesitating whether to return to ask her mistress for that black-armored flatworm, she heard the man in white say, "What difficulty is there in neutralizing mere madness-inducing medicine?" Dog Er was overjoyed and bowed deeply, saying, "I beg your grace, sir." The man in white stared at her and said, "The one who poisoned him... is your friend?" Dog Er shook her head, "Seven years ago in Changde Prefecture, I was bullied by ruffians, and he rescued me. Who would have thought that he later framed my mistress and lured poor farmers into a deep valley, forcing them to take medicine and become madmen?" The man in white sneered, "That ruffian's bullying was merely bait. You are foolishly mistaking a thief for a benefactor." Dog Er said helplessly, "I did receive a kindness from him once. Sir, please don't mind, and show some compassion to save this poor person!"
The man in white found her repeated pleas amusing and unconsciously wished she would ask a few more times. Dog Er saw his indifferent reaction and thought that as strangers, she shouldn't force him, so she stopped speaking and turned to squat down to observe the ape-like man's progress, calculating in her mind. The man in white felt a little lost and said, "What... what do you call yourself?" Dog Er replied, "You can call me Dog Er. May I ask your distinguished name, sir?" The man in white said, "My surname is... You can call me Brother Gu." Dog Er turned and saluted, "Dog Er is presumptuous. May Brother Gu be blessed." Brother Gu heard her call him even more intimately than Feng Di, and it was as if he had gained a younger sister. He saw her peeking left and right and asked, "Are you looking for a place to settle him first?" Dog Er replied, "Yes." Brother Gu secretly laughed: You silly brain, how hard is it to guess correctly? Dog Er continued, "It's going to snow soon." Brother Gu stepped forward, put a pill into the ape-like man's mouth, and couldn't help but look at Dog Er. Dog Er said, "Letting him take a sleeping pill to sleep longer is also good. There's a cave over there; I plan to build a frame to move him." As she spoke, she continued to look around at the trees. It turned out she was looking for timber! Brother Gu suddenly became a little annoyed and said, "There's no time. I'll carry him." Dog Er estimated that the snow would fall in at least an hour, so there should be enough time to build the frame, but she didn't want to go against his wishes, so she quickly retrieved her supplies and led the way.
Brother Gu followed Dog Er into the cave and felt the cold wind flowing in from all directions, so strong that he had to brace himself to stand firm. "Does that place look like a place to rest and heal? Could there be a trap? How did I become so lax with her!" As his guard rose, he heard Dog Er urge him, "Come here, quickly!" Cautiously, he approached and walked for a while along the winding path. Brother Gu's eyes lit up; ahead was a simply and orderly arranged stone chamber.
He looked around with admiration and said, "Whenever your mistress puts too much pressure on you, you hide here to catch your breath, don't you?" Near the manor, he had also created such a place, only lacking this simplicity.
Dog Er listened, bewildered, and said, "My mistress has never put pressure on me." She prepared this place merely to emulate "Xuan Yang Cave Secret Cultivation" for "escape." Dog Er continued, "Feel free to focus on detoxifying him here. I'll go start a fire, make tea, and prepare some food."
Seeing her agile figure, Brother Gu sat comfortably on the stone beside the grass couch, untied the ape-like man, and felt his pulse. "This poison has spread throughout the brain and internal organs; it's quite complex... Why not use the 'Yin Ti Ma' that Feng Di and I are developing? If the toxins can be condensed in several places within the body, they can be bled out one by one. Hey, since he's already been used as a test subject, what's the harm in trying one more?" Thinking this, Dog Er came over and offered tea. A warm aroma traveled from her throat to her chest. Brother Gu forgot the howling cold wind outside, and temporarily put aside the deceit and cunning of the manor, her ingratiating flattery "on orders," and the manor lord's excessive pampering since childhood...
"How is he?" Dog Er asked. Brother Gu took out a pill and instructed, "Mix it with water and give it to him. Once the toxins are condensed in several places in his body, bleed him to treat it." Dog Er bowed gratefully and quickly complied. Her sincerity was perhaps the "medicine" that dispelled Feng Di's constant gloom; capturing her would only backfire given her temperament. He needed to find a way to trick her into willingly coming to the manor. He understood that forcing a match was not good, just as the manor lord had meticulously trained him since childhood, intending for his daughter to have someone to rely on. But with Dog Er's "truth" meeting Feng Di's "kindness," it might be another story entirely.
Dog Er said, "He finished taking it, and there's no reaction." Brother Gu said, "Just wait a moment." Dog Er asked, "What kind of medicine is this?" Brother Gu replied, "This is made by Feng Di, and it's called 'Yin Ti Ma'." Dog Er said, "The name sounds strange." Brother Gu said, "It's a Turkic word meaning 'to condense'." He wanted to deepen her impression! "Feng Di is my own brother. My father's original intention was to name him Feng, but the manor lord, thinking 'Dragon Spring emerges from a deep valley,' named him Feng. Feng Di is not only a skilled physician but also excels in music and languages. He is tall..." Dog Er said, "Listen, it sounds like he's saying he's 'hungry.' I'll go make him some congee, and you eat something too." Brother Gu took the roasted flatbread from beside the fire and ate it. It was rough but tasted good... If the quiet and kind Feng Di had her company, he would surely enjoy the carefree life of parents living amidst mountains and valleys. Seeing Dog Er carefully tending to the madman, he couldn't help but worry that Dog Er would develop affection for him, and a murderous thought arose instantly. Dog Er said, "He's become a bit more conscious and has a good appetite." Brother Gu said with a cold face, "I'll go take a look."
Dog Er said, "Wait, he just fell asleep." Seeing his expression, he guessed that the food didn't suit his taste. He then thought, why not try making that dish for him to taste? He said, "See if this suits your fancy?" Brother Gu turned around and smelled the pot she had just made, emitting a slightly salty tea aroma that was quite attractive. Then he saw her holding a ball of dough in one hand and a knife in the other, slicing it into pieces and dropping them directly into the pot. The edges of the noodle pieces were thinner, curling up when heated, transforming into petal shapes, swirling in the dark tea. Dog Er served a bowl, and Brother Gu gently stirred it with a spoon. A milky white flower turned with it. He scooped a mouthful to taste. The saltiness of the tea masked the bitterness, making it more fragrant and delicious. The noodle pieces were soft and elastic. Brother Gu was overjoyed and said, "How did you come up with this?" Dog Er was surprised that he looked arrogant, but when he smiled, he looked very simple and honest. She vaguely said, "As long as it suits your taste," not daring to reveal that this was a royal dish from the last ruler of the Southern Tang.
Brother Gu was determined to take her back and said, "Do you know where I come from?" Dog Er shook her head. Brother Gu said, "I come from the Western Regions. The manor where I live, viewed from the outside, stands alone in the desert. In reality, it is filled with floating mist and lush greenery, with clear and beautiful deep valleys. When my father first arrived here, he was captivated by the wondrous scenery."
Oh no! Many Muslims live in the Western Regions. The tea contained powdered sun-dried pork. If he discovered this... Dog Er forced a smile and took back the bowl.
Only then did Brother Gu see her smile, thinking she must have been captivated by his description. Why was she turning away and silent? Brother Gu guessed it must be due to that treacherous scoundrel, so he decided to use him.
Dog Er served more fragrant tea, hoping to dilute the taste of the meat.
Seeing her diligently serving him, Brother Gu quickly collected his thoughts and sighed inwardly: "You must not be captivated by my handsome appearance. I am already entangled like a 'paper kite on a string.' My heart has been misplaced twice. You are truly to be pitied!"
Dog Er saw him seemingly savoring it and stared at him nervously.
Her affectionate gaze was indeed foolish. He almost reached out to caress her face but finally hardened his heart and said, "Do you know why I came here?"
Dog Er shook her head, secretly breathing a sigh of relief.
Brother Gu said, "To hunt down a pair of flower thieves. The two collude wickedly and shamelessly call their hiding place the 'Bei Lang Hills.' Their audacity grows daily; they even harbor malicious intentions towards the manor lord's daughter. If Feng Di hadn't discovered it in time, the consequences would have been unimaginable." Dog Er's gaze began to wander. Alas, my words always make people bored. You are like that, and she is even more so. Brother Gu got straight to the point: "I have been ordered by the manor lord to clean up. I led a large contingent from the Kunlun Mountains to pursue them here, and we are now heavily surrounding this mountain. It will not be difficult to encounter your benefactor again. The manor lord will be very interested in the madness-inducing medicine he carries. He will surely be captured and presented. At that time, his suffering will be unavoidable. How about this: you come to the manor, and I will let you rescue him. He might be grateful and comply with your wishes to cure all the mad people." He placed a tally token into Dog Er's palm and said, "When you reach Dunhuang, find the owner of the poplar forest's Zhang Pangzi cotton field. Once the token is verified, he will take you to the manor." Then he would arrange for Feng Di to greet her. Traveling thousands of miles, why wouldn't good things happen? Brother Gu continued to persuade her, "The scenery at the manor is fantastically unpredictable, unlike anything commonly seen in the Central Plains. You could invite your mistress to come along and enjoy the view."
Dog Er examined the camel-shaped tally token, inscribed with rows of strange characters. He, who had committed countless evils, deserved some suffering. Hearing Brother Gu's suggestion and thinking of the turmoil between Song and Jin, it wouldn't be bad for her mistress to have another "escape" for "secret cultivation" in the Western Regions. Looking up at his smiling face, she couldn't help but nod sincerely.
"Dog and woman!" suddenly came the ape-like man's furious roar. Dog Er's sword fingers struck several acupoints afterward, but she felt him become even more unresponsive, his strength increasing. She pondered that her feeding attitude just now was still relatively peaceful. Could it be that he remembered something? Brother Gu rushed over, repelling him with a series of kicks, and took Dog Er behind him. He wondered, "Could he also be in love with Dog Er?" The ape-like man seemed to realize that Brother Gu's legs were poisoned and agilely avoided them, using the stone wall to push off and attack his upper body. Brother Gu suddenly waved his hand, his fingers locking onto the ape-like man's right wrist and left arm. Just as he was about to kick him in the face, the ape-like man crossed his legs and sat on Brother Gu's neck, pinning him to the ground. Brother Gu curled his legs and twisted his waist upwards, trying to reverse the position. Dog Er saw them entangled and rolling towards the exit, crashing into sharp stones. Dog Er ran forward to stop them but accidentally pushed them out of the stone chamber.
Outside the chamber, a fierce wind blew through the passage, like several raging dragons fighting fiercely. The ape-like man, with his limbs wrapped around a stone pillar, used his rotational momentum to fly horizontally towards the rock face and attack Brother Gu, who was gripping the stone crevices behind him. Dog Er lunged to intercept but was blown away by the gale to another end. Brother Gu, who had originally feigned a weakness to lure the ape-like man into attacking, saw the situation and quickly patted the rock wall to gain momentum and rush forward to rescue. The ape-like man pursued. The two, taking advantage of the gale, exchanged several blows in mid-air, fighting further and further away. Dog Er followed them, dodging and running, but their figures gradually faded in the dark night and strong wind.
Dog Er searched for half the night without success. When the wind subsided a bit, she returned to the stone chamber and waited until dawn, but no one returned. Fearing she was delaying too long, she had no choice but to pack her belongings and return to Huanguang Cave. At that time, the weather was calm and clear. Dog Er felt that the ape-like man was also like the wind, sometimes wild and sometimes gentle, sometimes sorrowful and sometimes fierce. Emerging from the cave, the morning sun was dazzling, reminding Dog Er of Brother Gu's white clothes, which were equally dazzling yet warm and comfortable.
Speaking of hiding in the ventilation cave to avoid the snow, Dog Er noticed that Lin Chaoying's interest was waning. She understood where her heart was and thus briefly recounted a few more details. Seeing her nod, she changed the subject and asked, "Are we setting off tomorrow?" Lin Chaoying said faintly, "As you wish," and closed her eyes to practice her art.
Along the way, Dog Er did not encounter Brother Gu and his group again. The entire party seemed to have vanished with the wind and snow.