The cave they occupied was a secluded natural shelter, tucked away at a bend in the valley.
Its entrance was narrow, but the interior was spacious, with an irregular layout. The light inside was dim, but they had illumination Soul Tools.
The cave had a high ceiling, a level floor, and sturdy rock walls.
There was also a spring inside that supplied water, and they had built a simple cooking stove.
They used the cave's natural divisions to create functional spaces, such as a guard area and a resting area, meeting their basic survival needs.
That was one convenience of being a Soul Master: building anything was quick. Besides, there were traces of people having lived here before.
Inside one of the resting chambers.
Gao Cuilan stood quietly to one side, watching Ji Tiantian's meticulous movements. With a soft cloth in hand, Ji Tiantian gently wiped Yan Xiaolai's face, which was slightly flushed from his high fever.
Ji Tiantian's expression was focused and tender, as though she were performing a sacred ritual. Every movement was filled with care.
Moved by the sight, Gao Cuilan slowly approached and said softly, "Xiaolai's fever has lasted a full day and night. This really has been hard on you. Only with all your constant wiping has his temperature gradually come down."
Ji Tiantian gently shook her head. "It's what I should do. As long as he gets better sooner, this is nothing."
Seeing her exhausted yet steadfast eyes, Gao Cuilan could not help feeling sorry for her. "You've barely slept this whole day and night either, have you? Go get some proper sleep. I'll watch over him for you."
Ji Tiantian stubbornly shook her head, replying softly but firmly, "There's no need, Sister Cui Lan. I really am not sleepy."
Gao Cuilan gently drew