Luo Anguo’s leg showed significant improvement, and the whole family was immersed in joy, even happier than during Chinese New Year!
Luo Anguo became even more proactive. When the time came each day, without needing Mrs. Qin to remind him, he would prop himself up with his hands and move to the edge of the bed, ready for his rehabilitation exercises.
He requested several times to increase the training, but Beisitian informed him that the exercises should align with his physical condition, excessive training would increase bodily stress and not aid recovery; it might even cause harm.
Luo Anguo had long held Beisitian in high regard, and after hearing this, he no longer asked for more but followed Beisitian’s instructions step by step in his training.
Luo Anguo’s leg showed great improvement, which made Beisitian happy, but she had anticipated it. To fully recover, this was still insufficient!
Beisitian decided to venture into the mountains in a few days. Some herbs could be purchased at the pharmacy, but she believed wild ones were better, especially when used with talismanic water; compared to farmed ones, wild herbs could exert more medicinal effects.
This conclusion was something Beisitian couldn’t explain as it was derived from generations of Mystic Doctor experiments.
This trip into the mountains was estimated to take several days, so Beisitian needed to prepare.
She then went to the town the next day, intending to purchase some essential outdoor supplies.
There was only one store related in the town, but unfortunately, it was not fully stocked. Nonetheless, Beisitian was astounded by what she saw.
Tents, ropes, hiking boots, carabiners, etc.—in her previous life, there were never so many items; the most you’d bring outdoors were some dry food and a fire starter!
However, these items were indeed expensive, and Beisitian’s current financial status required mental preparation before buying a set.
As Beisitian was gazing at the dazzling equipment with wide eyes, a very familiar voice came from behind her.
Turning around, there was no mistaking it was Zhou Jiren.
"Mr. Zhou, how come you’re here?" Seeing the genuine surprise on his face, Beisitian concluded he hadn’t followed her.
She was somewhat sensitive towards Zhou Jiren now.
"I often visit these stores. My hobbies are outdoor activities, climbing, camping, and barbecuing," Zhou Jiren tried to dispel Beisitian’s concerns.
Beisitian raised her brow; these truly were hobbies of the wealthy. Villagers went into the mountains to fill their stomachs, while these people did it for enjoyment.
"And Miss Bei?" Having stated his purpose, Zhou Jiren wasn’t letting Beisitian off.
"I’m going into the mountains to gather some herbs," Beisitian didn’t conceal it.
"By yourself?" Zhou Jiren was quite surprised.
Beisitian nodded, "I’m a doctor; how could I need company every time I gather herbs?"
Zhou Jiren frowned, "No way!"
"What?" Beisitian asked him in shock.
Zhou Jiren’s expression turned slightly dark, "It’s too dangerous to enter the mountains now. Just after winter, many wild animals are frantic for food!"
Beisitian was silent; she was aware of this. However, Luo Anguo’s leg treatment had reached the critical stage, and the therapy couldn’t be interrupted here, or all previous efforts would be wasted!
Moreover, she wasn’t blindly going into the mountains; she had a dozen large wolf dogs for protection!
Talisman powder and these wolf dogs were her greatest assurance!
"Thank you for the reminder, Mr. Zhou. I have my wits about me," Beisitian smiled slightly, willing to accept Zhou Jiren’s goodwill.
Seeing Beisitian not taking him seriously, Zhou Jiren anxiously reverted to his original cold demeanor, looking stern as he was unsure how to persuade her.
No matter how smart one is, there’s always a time they might stumble. Beisitian hadn’t been into the mountains much; she didn’t know the dangers within!
Beisitian eventually bought a tent, ropes, and an outdoor knife. While not very effective for self-defense, having such a knife was indeed convenient in the wilderness.
With these purchases done, Beisitian needed to buy other things, so she bid farewell to Zhou Jiren.
Zhou Jiren watched her departing back, his face like a calm pool of water.
Unaware of Zhou Jiren’s thoughts, Beisitian went on to buy some matches and cold-resistant clothing before heading back.
After applying acupuncture to Luo Anguo tomorrow night, she would have completed three courses. It would be a suitable time to pause, and then head into the mountains.
After completing her purchases, Beisitian told Mrs. Qin and Luo Anguo about her plans, unsurprisingly meeting strong resistance from both.
Beisitian was prepared, showcasing the power of talisman powder and promising the presence of the wolf dogs, yet Mrs. Qin insisted on accompanying her.
There was no way Beisitian could let her come along; she herself had some experience in the forested mountains, but Mrs. Qin had none whatsoever. If she came along, she might end up being a hindrance.
"Little Tian’er, my leg’s recovery is beyond what I could have imagined; I’m already very satisfied, you shouldn’t go!" Luo Anguo said.
He had been a hunter, though entering the trade late, he knew some taboos well. Even if one wanted to enter the mountains now, there should be a team of at least seven or eight, each armed with guns. Beisitian, a young woman going in alone, was frightening just to think about.
Beisitian explained the current situation to Luo Anguo. If they missed this treatment window, recovery might become very difficult.
Upon hearing this, Luo Anguo’s eyes immediately moistened. He knew Beisitian was entering the mountains for his leg, and as an older person, he had limited years left. Beisitian was only just twenty, with a long life ahead—how could she take such risks for his disability!
Beisitian was resolute in her decision. While it indeed carried some risks, it wasn’t as dangerous as they feared. With a dozen wolf dogs by her side, even the fiercest wild animals wouldn’t dare approach!
After administering acupuncture to Luo Anguo, noticing his heavy heart, Beisitian comforted him, "Dad, I never do anything I’m not confident in. Just wait for my return."
Early the next morning, Beisitian packed her things, carrying a tent and a bundle, and ventured into the mountains.
By now, tender green shoots had emerged from the ground, a sign of spring’s arrival.
Past the North Slope, Beisitian headed towards the cave where Zhou Tian lived. Zhuangzhuang hadn’t come along this time, leaving no way to send messages in advance, and no wolf dogs to meet her.
This part of the journey posed no dangers, at times she could see shepherds waving their whips as they roamed.
Simultaneously, on the other side, Zhou Jiren also strapped on a large pack, instructing Ma Jian Country, "We must split up and enter the mountains; at any cost, find that person before Chongren!"
"Yes!" Ma Jian Country responded, accepting the order and departing.