A'tang tells the doctor that he has come all the way to the city to find a doctor, but the doctor refuses to treat him. The doctor says that a'tang's back has been covered in scars from whippings and blades, and he can't see the original skin tone. He says that if the poison isn't suppressed, the poison thread will spread over his whole body. He tells Ruan that he's got good news: a'cheng still has half a year to live if he doesn't suppress the poison. The good news, says the doctor, is that he can make an antidote for the dream. The bad news, according to the doctor is that the poison has spread over the entire body. If the antidote is not made, he says, he'll only have a year left to live. Ruan asks the doctor if he has heard the stories of Dong guo, the wolf, the farmer, and the snake. Doctor Miao says that he hasn't. A'cheng is strong, but his body is covered with scars, which means that he must have been living a murderous life before he lost his memory. Dr. Miao suggests that the doctor leave the scar on the blade of his sword to him, and then he can use it to protect someone else.