When Chuchu clung to a protruding rock, she discovered a cave about half a meter square above her. The entrance was smooth and neat, clearly shaped by human hands. Who could live here? With the help of external light, she could vaguely see that there was a decent-sized space inside. It appeared to have neatly arranged stone beds, stone stools, and stone tables among other living necessities, raising even more questions in her mind. What purpose could this serve? It would be clear once she went in to take a look! With that thought, she pushed herself up and jumped inside.
Upon entering, she realized that this place was quite different; the sunlight from outside couldn't reach this depth. It was dark inside, with occasional dripping sounds echoing, yet the entire external space felt dry. Chuchu took out a flint and fire starter from her pouch to light up the area as she walked in. To her surprise, it turned out to be a small kitchen, fully equipped with stoves and cooking utensils.
The thick layer of dust indicated that the previous owner had not returned, and the new occupant only needed to clean it up and start a fire to make it livable. Inside the kitchen was a small water basin about half a meter square, and the dripping sound came from it. Strangely enough, the water inside was full yet very clean, seemingly drinkable. There were no visible pipes or chimneys; they must be hidden within the stone walls. This indicated that the hermit who lived here was quite skilled at living comfortably!
Thunderous Child! Could that legend be true?
It is well known that in ancient myths, immortals are often referred to as reclusive masters. Many are like dragons—seen at the head but never at the tail—leaving behind legends among the people. Some individuals indeed possess great abilities, honing their skills to perfection through rigorous training. As for how far this so-called perfection can go? Without witnessing it firsthand, it's merely a legend.
The beauty of nature is undeniable, but there is an essential difference between naturally formed shapes and those shaped by human hands. The arrangements inside the cave clearly indicated human intervention. The only oddity was the absence of wooden items; everything was made of stone. This area was rich in vegetation, making it easy for someone with such craftsmanship to create wooden products. So, was wood only used for firewood?
Chuchu couldn't shake off a strange feeling about this place; it felt familiar yet elusive in its oddness. After all, it was just an abandoned Stone House—what could be so strange about it? Deciding not to dwell on this issue any longer, she began searching for anything of value inside. After rummaging around without finding any evidence of the former owner's identity, she had no choice but to give up her search. She decided it would be best to hurry to the mountain peak; if she delayed any longer, it would be dark before she could return.
The cave entrance was only a few meters below the mountain peak; going up for a quick look and then returning was the priority. Everyone was waiting for dinner! Resolute in her decision, she quickly climbed out of the cave and jumped onto the peak. The unobstructed wind howled around her ears, filling them completely. However, Chuchu paid no mind because she was focused on another miracle.
Since ancient times, there has been a saying that as high as mountains rise, so too do waters flow; this moment proved that saying true.
Atop the mountain was a pool about five meters in diameter and one meter deep, filled with clear spring water. Several spots at the bottom bubbled up with water, proving that this pool wasn't formed by rainwater accumulation. The surface of the water reflected the blue sky with a rich depth, resembling a jade pool filled with nectar.
To her astonishment, there were fish in the water! They were small fish with nearly transparent bodies; their skeletal structures were clearly visible. When they suddenly spotted a large creature approaching, instead of panicking and fleeing, they all gathered together to adjust their angles and curiously observe Chuchu from outside the water.
Perhaps it was because they had no natural enemies; they simply didn't know that anything in this world could harm them.
Seeing the carefree and adorable Little Fish swimming in the creamy water, Chuchu suddenly felt uncomfortable with the dirt on her body. She quickly crouched down, looked around to ensure no one was watching, and removed all her burdens before jumping in. The cool water washed away all her fatigue, and she immediately felt much lighter.
The Little Fish that had scattered earlier regrouped and swam over to admire her snow-white skin. After some communication, they confirmed that if she had legs, she could probably do the splits on them!
Chuchu scooped up some water with her hands and saw the frightened fish darting around in her palms. She gently placed them back into the water, assuring them that she meant no harm. If only the world could be this way! After scanning her surroundings again and confirming there was no second human in sight, she suddenly smiled. How could there possibly be another person here? She cupped her chin with her hand and rhythmically tapped on her facial acupoints with her fingers. She felt a noticeable shift in her facial bones and slowly peeled off a mask.
When an ordinary person's face completely disappeared, what reflected on the water's surface was a flawless beauty that could captivate nations. It has been said that beautiful women throughout history are like renowned generals; they should not be seen with white hair. Ancient people resonated with this viewpoint, which led to the emergence of Disguise Technique.
Chuchu's family was well-versed in this art, taking their ancestral skills of disguise to the extreme. This technique could even alter one's height and weight using certain special tools, while simple facial modifications could be completed in no more than half a stick of incense. Young ladies typically stayed within their homes; if they sneaked out, they must not attract attention.
Especially for a stunning beauty like Chuchu, she would be the center of attention on the streets. However, with just a slight alteration, stepping out would make her appear as an ordinary person. Keeping a low profile has always been one of the most effective ways to protect oneself, as proven by many.
If at first it was merely for fun, then with her family suddenly facing disaster, it became a life-saving skill. Having narrowly escaped calamity, she relied on her family's craft to ensure her safety—an outcome no one could have anticipated. Over the years, she had never shown her true face to anyone, fully securing her safety. If she revealed her true identity, even without enemies seeking revenge, many would still worry about her.
Beauty! It can only be showcased when one is safe; how could a young woman influence fate in chaotic times?
Sigh!
With a melodious sigh echoing through the air, even the earth seemed to stir. Chuchu gazed at the true self reflected in the water mirror and suddenly felt as if it were someone unfamiliar from far away. What would Luzi think if he saw her like this? If she returned without restoring her disguise, how would he react? Would he be surprised? Or delighted? Perhaps he would simply smile lightly! After all, he was an experienced person who had traveled across nations; what kind of beauties had he not seen? Thinking of this made her shake her head involuntarily. Just thinking of him brought a sense of reliance to her wandering heart. It was a familiar feeling, reminiscent of returning home as a child and seeing family—a warm sensation indeed.
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