the sun veiling itself behind lazy

the cave, Chu Ling'er

the mountains wash over him. The air was crisp and wild, scented with damp earth and th

he former Chu Feng that now resided within him. He recognized some landmarks, places th

e had to go

as nearby, about a few kilometers from the fo

e into view, it was shallow and gen

tingly normal. C

flowed in reverse, or glimmered with golden light-something befit

is was

der his breath. "Maybe

hered by modesty in Ling'er's presence. In a

r cheeks a fiery red as she clamped her hands ov

nally did and was naked before her eyes, she was totally flustered. It was her first time seeing that

cool water, stretching out and feeling the d

t cheerfully, waving. "

e!" she stammered, still not looki

she felt a tug on her a

las

sputtering as she surfaced. S

ly. "You're already here, so

other,

h, a splash of water smack

ga

g water into her small palms and s

filled

ection, their laughter echoing through the gorge. The cold

clung to her body, outlining her developing figure, she felt no shame. She

was just fu

ard the edge of the lake, resting his elbows on th

odor that had clung to him lik

A start toward r

g who had holed up on the stone

s him

ght now, that didn't mean hope was lost. H

, mystical world, ther

ng out a routi

self. Then, as the sky brightened, he would set off into the forest

ke he coul

hunter's memories, he felt like he h

is

fe better for Chu Ling'er. Now,

you thinki

She leaned in close, her damp hair trailing softly acr

r face, now free of the soot and dirt, was more deli

flicked her gent

d softly, clutching her

ut how to fulfill m

she asked, nar

eng smiled. "Naturally, that means finding a way

. "I don't need you to... Your body'

e reached out and ruffled her hair just like he had in the cave. "You don't need to worry about

ing rashes on his skin, he didn't

nodded. He did seem more vib

xperience. I'll keep foraging for food-it's what I'm

your big brother is useless? Just wait. When I climb

d. She shot upright, sendin

only go to the edge of the mountain. Y

in the shallow areas of the mountain forest. Besides, I've got skills now. I can hunt s

. "The mountain is dangerous. I'd rather w

r closer. He rested her against his che

n't keep mooching off his little

ur manly pride before,

ed. "W-Well...

" Chu Ling'er protested, her

or sigh. "Ling'er, did you forget? I'm older than you. You're fiftee

she huffed withou

He rested his chin on her shoulder

e made up my mind. I'll be ca

ked suddenly, "Ling'er, have y

face him. She blinked, surprised. "Cultivate? Doe

" Chu Feng asked

hand in explanation. "Where would poor people find mone

ts with breathing technique-a way to absorb Qi into the bo

. "Do you know wh

hind her hand. "What,

ed in confusio

ed. "In fact... that's why my mas

..

idened in

the type of cultivation technique she was practicing: she practiced ice arts. She said

rred in stun

ally said. "Those with special spirit roots

'er just

that kind of spirit root. Honestly, I envy you. Th

she spoke, "if the process of cultivation is ho

brother? You can cu

Chu Feng said, his voice echoing in grief.

d her mouth. Then her express

"We don't have to chase cultivation. A

te, we must take that chance. I'll work hard and get you cu

nt to..." s

raised a hand

ady made up my mind. You just

rustration. It was no use arguing with this ne

ank. The evening sky was filled with stars now, and the wa

and slid beside him, both of them gaz

ard the stars, his heart f

this new world wa

-

e just as darkness settl

en high, its lig

. Instead, he lingered outside, hi

nge his plans all of a sudden; so tonight,

was the best time for catching game. Beasts

et himself killed, it would just be an area a little above th

on, at least somethi

ently, turning to Chu Ling'er, who looked ba

ed, then no

e at him, she ste

oth boulder near the cave's entrance. He

ll primitive... how did they hunt without steel?" he mur

his head. T

e cave. After a short while, he came

t a dull, rust-covered knife. The blade was chipp

uttered, weighing it in his

a steady

basics of hunting: lay low, stay quiet, st

he took a quick glance at the cave before