Carrying Sheng Cai'er in his arms, Lin Chen left the mountain path and followed a stream for a while. Its water was crystal clear, and thick shrubs and wildflowers lined its banks. Sunlight filtered through the leaves, scattering golden flecks across the surface.
Sheng Cai'er nestled quietly in his arms. Every so often, she looked up at his face, as if checking that he was still there, then lowered her head against his chest again. Her little hands clutched his clothes, never letting go.
Lin Chen glanced down at her and asked with a smile, "Are you hungry?"
Sheng Cai'er hesitated, then gave a small nod.
"Then let's find somewhere to rest." Lin Chen looked around as he spoke. "This spot will do nicely, with the mountains and the stream. Just a moment."
He found a flat clearing and set Sheng Cai'er down, letting her sit against a tree. She sat obediently with her little hands on her knees, her eyes fixed on him.
Lin Chen turned and gave a gentle wave of his hand. Nine-colored light streamed from his sleeve, rapidly weaving together on the ground.
Timber emerged from thin air, and bricks and stones stacked themselves into place. A small, elegant two-story house gradually took shape amid the light.
It had blue-gray roof tiles and white walls, with two little soul-powered lamps hanging beneath the eaves. A small courtyard lay out front, enclosed by a low wall and planted with a few unfamiliar flowering trees.
The whole process took less than half the time needed to drink a cup of tea.
Sheng Cai'er's little mouth slowly fell open. She stared at the house that had appeared before her as if by magic, her grayish-purple eyes filled with wonder. "This is..."
"Our temporary home." Lin Chen came back, bent