Cleaning the final layer of webbing proved to be a real struggle. This layer clung tightly to Xiao Shu’s head, back, hands, and legs, completely immobilizing his limbs and body. Moreover, ordinary branches couldn't dislodge it because the threads were directly adhered to his skin or clothing; forcing it would be like how I nearly flayed my own skin just now—Xiao Shu would need to shed a significant portion of his outer layer to be freed from the sticky filaments. If that were the case, I would have to immediately turn back and rush Xiao Shu to the hospital for treatment.

What was I to do? I tossed aside the web-covered branches and sank onto the ground, breathless and completely at a loss.

“Why have you stopped?” Xiao Shu asked. He remained bent over, folded near the ground, and spoke with noticeable effort.

“The remaining webs are stuck right to your skin, and I can’t pull them off. I tested it just now; this webbing is like 905 glue—if you yank it hard, it tears the skin right off with it,” I admitted dejectedly, feeling Xiao Shu’s plight was rather tragic, oscillating between being cocooned by silk and skewered by sharp objects.

“It’s fine, think of another way. I can hold on a little longer,” Xiao Shu encouraged me.

Just as I was racking my brain, those intestinal Gu worms deep within my gut began to stir and writhe again. I cursed viciously at my own abdomen, “Can’t you just settle down for a minute? I’m busy right now!”

A voice drifted into my mind, tinged with faint amusement, saying, “Hehe, don’t be so fierce! I intended to help you both.” It was clearly the hunchbacked old woman communicating through the intestinal Gu.

The moment I recalled how poorly Savior and Ali’s journey started—first facing that hag’s threats, then falling victim to the spider’s ambush—my anger flared. I muttered a bitter curse inwardly: Damn old crone, wait until I get back, and I’ll settle things with you.

She seemed to sense my thoughts from her end, sounding slightly annoyed and laced with a sharp edge, “Worry about keeping yourself alive first, or you won’t have the chance to come back and settle scores with me!”

That sarcasm, however, served as a sharp reminder: the Sea of the Undead was a perilous place. We had run into danger the moment we entered; who knew what bizarre things lay waiting for us deeper inside. If we had someone who knew the lay of the land to guide us, perhaps we could avoid some trouble.

So, I changed my demeanor, completely discarding my previous grumbling tone, and said to her with a forced smile, “I was impatient just now. Do you have any way to help Xiao Shu get rid of this spider silk?”

Perhaps my quick change in attitude confused her. She remained silent for a long moment before slowly saying, “A wise man submits to circumstances; that’s the right approach. We can cooperate well. Get some water from the Sea of the Undead and pour it over Xiao Shu. When you tear off the webbing, he won’t get hurt.”

Right, water from the Sea of the Undead! I slapped my forehead. How did I not think of that? The last time Xiao Shu was in danger in Miao Village, the Sea of the Undead suddenly appeared at the foot of the mountain, and Old He and I had to use every ounce of strength just to scoop a little water out to save him. It truly brought him back from the brink of death. If the water could heal a severe injury like piercing the body, dealing with minor superficial damage like this stuck webbing should be no problem at all.

With that realization, I hurried back to where I’d dropped my pack, retrieved my canteen, and gulped down the remaining half-bottle of water. Clutching the empty bottle, I set off toward the Sea of the Undead.