Shape-Stealing Skin-Painting was one of the creation divine abilities of Yan Shi's Creation. According to legend, it could grant Mechanism Puppets an awareness of their own identities and emotions approaching those of humans.
At first, Li Chen had not understood what that meant. As he saw it, no matter how a Mechanism Puppet's appearance changed, it remained the same Mechanism Puppet at its core. How could anything change?
But now, having witnessed their appearances change dramatically with his own eyes, his mind had relaxed along with them. It was as though he had inexplicably gained the security of being hidden within a boundless sea of people, and he dimly began to arrive at a new understanding.
Such things could indeed guide other people's perceptions and understanding, subtly distorting the interactions between oneself and the entire world.
At this thought, Li Chen suddenly asked You An, "Old You, tell me-if I never took off this mask, what would people think when they saw me?"
You An said, "Your craftsmanship is superb, little brother, and ordinary people don't know this person you invented. They'd certainly think he was here, rather than you."
Li Chen asked again, "What about his parents and family?"
You An said, "That definitely wouldn't work. They might mistake you for him at first glance, but a few questions and answers would expose you."
Li Chen said, "Then what if nobody who knew him was around? Or what if I could search his soul and seize his spirit, learn all his secrets, and imitate his expressions, speech, and every other detail? What would happen then?"
You An said, "You could probably take over his identity for real, couldn't you? Wait, little brother, you aren't actually planning to do that, are you?"
Li Chen laughed. "Of course not!"
Naturally, he