Outside the bamboo courtyard, Li'er was straightening her blue-green robe. Her fingertips brushed lightly over the bamboo pattern on her sleeve as she gazed beyond the valley at the churning deep sea, already planning her route to the Crimson Blood Cave Mansion. Spiritual energy quietly circulated around her. Just as she was about to form a hand seal and open the restriction, a furry figure suddenly sprang out from the bamboo grove and landed in front of her.
It was a monkey about as tall as an ordinary adult, covered in sleek, glossy, red-gold fur. Its eyes, however, were extraordinary: a clear, fiery red, like two dancing flames. It was the Fire-Eyed Water Ape, Hou Fei. Grinning broadly and baring two rows of sharp white teeth, he chattered eagerly, with a hint of slyness in his voice. "Gah gah! Big Sister Li'er, are you going out? Could you take me with you?"
As he spoke, Hou Fei hopped around Li'er, scratching his head and ears, his face full of anticipation. "I've been stuck in this lousy valley forever. I'm practically dying of boredom! Those little fish swim too fast and won't play with me, and those little shrimp and crabs are so weak I knock them out with one swipe. Not a single one can put up a fight. It's no fun at all. Hehe!"
Seeing him bouncing about, Li'er's eyes twinkled with amusement. She raised a slender finger and gently tapped Hou Fei on the head, chiding with a laugh, "That's because you never know your own strength. You've beaten all those little things so badly they're scared of you. Who would dare play with you?" She paused, her tone turning serious again. "I'm going out to take care of something important, not to have fun. What would you