In Stone Village, the villagers were warm and simplehearted, and they welcomed the two newcomers with great friendliness.
Lin Fan gave himself a thorough cleaning, shedding his earlier bedraggled appearance. With swordlike brows and star-bright eyes, he looked radiant and full of vigor, with an air beyond the ordinary.
Yue Chan did the same. She loved cleanliness, and spending every day covered in dust and grime, her face blackened, had been unbearably uncomfortable.
She washed herself carefully and added a few simple adornments. In her pristine white clothes, she looked dignified and holy, her features exquisite and her skin like congealed cream, a little sprite who had fallen into the mortal world.
When she pushed open the door and emerged, she dazzled everyone. Without looking closely, it was hard to imagine she was the same cinder-covered girl who had just entered the village.
"What a lovely child, so fresh and delicate. She really is different from us," an auntie praised, a sincere smile spreading across her face.
The white-haired elder, Shi Yunfeng, was startled too. He had known the two were extraordinary, but seeing them now, he realized he had still underestimated them. These were practically two divine children!
Lin Fan laughed heartily and soon mingled with everyone, completely easygoing.
As for Yue Chan, the aunties' enthusiasm proved a little too much for her, bringing a faint blush to her cheeks. Still, she answered with charming smiles, poised and gracious rather than haughty.
"Huh? Where did that fatty come from?"
Suddenly, an ill-timed voice rang out, instantly silencing the lively gathering.
A child of about four stood nearby, studying them. His little face was fair and tender, as adorable as a porcelain doll, and there was something distinctly unusual about him.
The old village chief, Shi Yunfeng, hurried forward and