"My method might cause forest fires, so we had to come find the rat demon for help," Xu Lanyan explained.
"You came to find the rat demon," the soul spirit exclaimed in surprise.
"Yes, can you tell us where the rat demon is? I want them to help us remove that demon barrier," Xu Lanyan said earnestly.
"Are you familiar with the terrain here?" the soul spirit asked.
Xu Lanyan shook his head. "Not familiar."
"Not familiar," the soul spirit mused, his eyes lowered. "Then this matter will be difficult to handle."
"Just take us there then," the black-clothed monster said, pointing at the soul spirit.
The soul spirit looked troubled. "No, you must have sensed the demonic energy. That guy is already displeased with me. If I do this, not only will I be captured, but you will all suffer as well."
"Then what should we do?" the black-clothed monster asked.
Xu Lanyan lowered his eyes and thought, "Never mind the rest, just tell us where they are."
"If I tell you, can you find them?" the soul spirit asked, not quite grasping Xu Lanyan's idea.
The black-clothed monster also looked confused and nervously asked, "What are you planning to do?"
"Tell me," Xu Lanyan repeated simply.
The soul spirit glanced at the black-clothed monster, then at Xu Lanyan's confident expression, and said, "The woodshed. But it's not like an ordinary woodshed; it's more like a guest room."
"You don't need to explain in too much detail. I'll have the dog-headed monster take me," Xu Lanyan revealed his plan.
Upon hearing this, the black-clothed monster laughed. "Brilliant! I didn't even think of this plan."
"You should really stop flattering me," Xu Lanyan said, glancing at the black-clothed monster before turning to the soul spirit. "Beat us up."
"Huh?" The soul spirit was taken aback. He looked at the black-clothed monster, who clearly didn't want to be beaten, and said, "This doesn't seem right."
"Hurry up, if we dawdle, we'll be discovered," Xu Lanyan urged impatiently.
"Then... I apologize," the soul spirit said, slowly raising his fist.
The black-clothed monster's face turned grim.
And so, the soul spirit used all his might to beat the two of them soundly.
Not long after, they returned to the dog-headed monster, battered and bruised.
"Big Brother, we're back," Xu Lanyan said, his face so swollen it resembled a steamed bun.
The dog-headed monster looked at them and exclaimed in surprise, "Are you Little Brother?"
"Yes," Xu Lanyan replied, stepping forward. "Big Brother, that soul spirit was too ruthless. I thought I could beat him, but who knew he had mastered demonic arts? It's terrifying."
"Brother, it hurts," the black-clothed monster said, squinting with one eye.
The other little monsters gulped when they saw their bruised faces. Some even stifled their laughter.
Then, the dog-headed monster took a small bottle from his sleeve. "Here, apply the medicine!" He handed the bottle to Xu Lanyan.
"Thank you, Big Brother," Xu Lanyan said, taking the bottle. "Big Brother, I'll never act impulsively again. It's too terrifying."
"Brother, you should have said this long ago," the black-clothed monster mumbled.
"Little Black, come here," the dog-headed monster beckoned to the black-clothed monster.
"Okay," the black-clothed monster replied, stepping forward.
"This medicine I have is a spirit medicine. It will heal wounds instantly, and your swollen faces will be gone in no time," the dog-headed monster said thoughtlessly.
"Big Brother, your words may not be pleasant," Xu Lanyan said while applying the medicine, "but this cool sensation is quite nice."
The dog-headed monster laughed. "Yes, it works very well."
"Brother, give it to me," the black-clothed monster eagerly extended his hand.
"Wait, I'll give it to you after I finish applying it," Xu Lanyan said, spreading the medicine generously.
A few minutes later, the injuries on Xu Lanyan's face had already improved significantly. The black-clothed monster looked at Xu Lanyan's face and quickly said, "Brother, you're all better. Give it to me."
"Here," Xu Lanyan handed the small bottle to the black-clothed monster.
The black-clothed monster took the bottle, weighed it in his hand, and asked displeasedly, "Why is it almost empty?"
"You're not as good-looking as me, so naturally, I had to use more," Xu Lanyan said, stroking his own face.
The dog-headed monster laughed. "In the past, my elder brother always treated me this way." He looked at the black-clothed monster. "This is called a brother's kindness to a younger brother. You should be happy."
The black-clothed monster gave an unnatural smile. "I still can't get used to this kind of treatment." He then began to apply the medicine.
The dog-headed monster smiled and turned to the little monsters roasting vegetables. "Brothers, we'll share it later."
"Thank you, Big Brother," they said in unison.
The dog-headed monster smiled with satisfaction.
Xu Lanyan glanced at the little monsters and deliberately said, "Uh, Big Brother, I wanted to tell you something."
"What is it?" the dog-headed monster asked, looking at Xu Lanyan.
"Well, this place isn't your territory, no matter what. If you casually arrange accommodation for us brothers, it might not be good. We were thinking, perhaps we could just make do in your woodshed. What do you think?" Xu Lanyan ventured.
"That might not be good," the dog-headed monster replied.
Hearing this, Xu Lanyan feigned disappointment. "I understand. We're just strangers to each other, and it's not appropriate to make such a request. In that case," he looked at the black-clothed monster, "we'll be leaving now."
Seeing Xu Lanyan's demeanor, the dog-headed monster couldn't help but smile. "Brother, you've misunderstood. What I meant was, you are my guests now. It wouldn't be right to have you stay in the woodshed. How about this, you can stay with us? It'll be lively."
"With... you all?" Xu Lanyan's mouth twitched. "What do you mean?"
The first little monster explained, "The rabbits here have arranged a big room for us. It's a dormitory-style room. Although it's a bit small, I don't think it will be too crowded for the two of you."
"Yes, we can even chat about demonic arts at night," the second little monster added expectantly.
The black-clothed monster remained silent, continuing to apply the medicine.
Xu Lanyan managed a stiff smile. "That would be too much trouble for you."
"What trouble is there?" the dog-headed monster said, glancing at the little monsters present. "That woodshed is where the criminal demons are held. It would be too undignified for you to stay there. Besides, the rabbits here are dumber than each other. If they mistake you for criminal demons and lock you up, it wouldn't be worth it."
"Aren't rabbits usually quite intelligent?" the black-clothed monster asked foolishly.
"These ones are different from the ones outside," the dog-headed monster replied patiently.
"So that's how it is," the black-clothed monster replied, glancing at Xu Lanyan.
Xu Lanyan hesitated for a moment. "Then, could you take me to see it?"
"What are you going there for?" the dog-headed monster asked with an awkward smile.