A horse could run itself to death trying to reach a mountain in sight.
The mountain before them looked close, but actually reaching it proved an extraordinarily long journey.
As they walked, the white wolf introduced the area to Li Ping'an.
"Because of the environment, the people and demons here are all rather large and powerfully built, with formidable strength from birth.
"Children of twelve or thirteen can hunt ordinary wild beasts barehanded."
On the fifth day.
Only then did they cross the mountain that had remained in their sight all along, and sure enough, they saw signs of habitation in the distance.
The white wolf pointed that way. "See that? That's one of the human settlements.
"I can't get too close, so this is as far as I'll take you."
Li Ping'an cupped his hands slightly. "Thank you."
The white wolf waved a paw. "Don't thank me. Thank those three pills of yours.
"If they hadn't caught my interest, I wouldn't have helped you.
"But those villages are all very hostile to outsiders. Even if you go there, I'm afraid they won't accept you."
Li Ping'an said, "I only wish to stay a few nights."
The white wolf prepared to leave.
Halfway off, he suddenly turned back and handed Li Ping'an a bone whistle.
"I might be staying around here for the next few days. If you run into danger, feel free to blow this whistle.
"If you happen not to have been killed, and you're lucky enough that I'm nearby, you can scrape back your life.
"Of course, that comes at a price."
"Thank you."
The white wolf added, "This bone whistle isn't cheap to make, either. Asking you for one pill isn't too much, is it?"
Li Ping'an suddenly smiled. This sales tactic really was hard to