Chapter 15 - The Cave (2) (Rev.)

" I want to eat, I'm starving." Huang Jin cooked noodles, beat some eggs, cut some bacon from the vacuum package, and put some pickles, and sprinkled with sesame sauce and some salt. While Xun Wei was playing hoodlum and stealing kisses and biting Huang Jin's ears.

"You stop that. Arms off!" In response to him was a chuckle, a warm face close to him, a kiss landed on his cheeks. Xun Wei rubbed Huang Jin's shoulder with his chin and tried to kissed his exposed neck.

Huang Jin closed his eyes reached for his neck and pushed Xun Wei.

"Okay, okay, I'll stop," Xun Wei said playfully, laughing softly. He moved back slightly, giving Huang Jin some space to finish preparing the food. However, he couldn't resist stealing glances and admiring Huang Jin's cooking skills while waiting eagerly for the delicious meal.

As Huang Jin set the food on the table, they both sat down to eat. Xun Wei couldn't help but express his delight at the tasty noodles. "Mmm, this is so good! You really are a fantastic cook, Ahjin," he praised between mouthfuls.

Huang Jin blushed at the compliment, feeling a warm sense of accomplishment. "I'm glad you like it," he replied shyly, enjoying the moment of intimacy shared with Xun Wei over a simple and delicious meal.

"Let's eat quickly, so we can start exploring the cave early and head home soon," Huang Jin said, eager to continue their adventure together.

After finishing their meal, Huang Jin carefully inspected the wall to ensure there were no leaks to prevent any accidents. Once the second tunnel was secured, they continued their journey.

Walking along, they came across a ground covered with smaller rainbow rocks. Huang Jin used his power to collect and store all the stones in his dimensional space. Then, with a mere thought, he placed some of the rainbow stones in the spring lake, creating a beautiful sight.

Xun Wei expressed his concern about the thick fog obstructing their path at the entrance of the cave. In response, Huang Jin used his power to disperse the fog, gradually clearing their way. As they continued walking,

Huang Jin would occasionally use his abilities to store any fog that accumulated, ensuring they could see clearly. Finally, as they reached the end of the tunnel, they were relieved to feel and breathe fresh air.

Huang Jin noticed the thick fog and decided to take action. He raised his palm and summoned a small but violent tornado, which gradually grew larger and released the wind onto the ground.

With skillful manipulation, Huang Jin used the wind to disperse all the fog in front of them. As the wind grew stronger, it gradually cleared the area. Satisfied with the result, Huang Jin then stored the fog-filled tornado in his dimensional space.

The fog dispersed, and the tornado inside his space quickly disappeared.

He was amazed at what he saw because, in his last life, Huang Jin didn't see much of the land due to the thick fog. He couldn't determine where the property ended and what lay beyond it.

Now, with the absence of fog, they could see the land clearly, and the property appeared clean and the air was as clear as what was inside his dimension.

To Huang Jin's left, he could see a bamboo forest, a common sight in the tropical climate of the land. Surrounding the bamboo forest were trees of various shades of green, each with a unique leaf shape and size, ranging from small to large.

The forest was a mix of different tree types, some with smooth bark, others with rough, peeling, or rotting bark, creating a symphony of scents that mingled pine trees with the distinct aroma of the earth.

The ancient trees stood tall and majestic, disappearing into the sky. Their rough exteriors were softened by the gentle greenness of moss that had claimed them over the years.

Some trees were adorned with ivy, while others remained bare, showcasing the young shoots that had yet to find their companions. The scenery was captivating, filled with the wonders of nature's diversity and beauty.

The ground beneath their feet felt damp and soft from the late spring rainfall, creating a dark and moist environment. Brown leaves were scattered around, partially buried in the wet soil and occasionally marked by the tiny prints of rabbits and birds.

Amidst the peaceful ambience, the forest was alive with the rustling of small creatures scurrying under the thick ferns and over the brittle branches and twigs. A gentle breeze played with the leaves, creating a soothing melody. Birds flitted from tree to tree, filling the air with their cheerful chirping.

A small creek nearby added its voice to the symphony, its gentle flow concealed by the lush vegetation. The forest provided a haven for various animals that sought the creek to quench their thirst.

Sunlight filtered through the canopy above, casting polka-dots of light on the forest floor and illuminating dead tree trunks adorned with shelf fungus, offering a feast for the creatures.

Huang Jin's senses were awakened by the array of scents lingering in the air – sweetness, bitterness, and sourness all mingling together. Curious, he followed the enticing aroma and came across a mango tree, heavy with ripe fruits. As he continued his exploration, he noticed other trees surrounding the bamboo forest, some also bearing fruits, though he couldn't discern their types from the distance.

The sight before him filled Huang Jin with astonishment and joy. The abundance of life in the land brought him immense happiness, knowing that nature thrived in this secluded sanctuary.

The vastness of the land was more than enough to support a thriving community of one hundred or even more families. The fertile soil would provide an ample space to grow various vegetables and crops, ensuring a bountiful harvest.

Additionally, the lake, brimming with water, presented an excellent opportunity to collect and release an abundance of fish, ensuring a sustainable source of food for the inhabitants of the land.

With such ample resources and space, there was no need to seek out another location for their agricultural needs. This land truly held the potential to create a self-sustaining and prosperous community.

But they still need to check the end of the land and if there is a way out when they need to put a barrier on it. Thus, Huang Jin climbed the tallest tree in the forest and looked around.

After ascending the tallest tree in the forest, Huang Jin gained a panoramic view of the entire land. He observed that the back of the cave led to a flat area that gradually rose and connected to the surrounding mountains.

The entire property seemed to be enclosed by mountains, and Huang Jin noticed that the mountain barrier appeared to shimmer when illuminated by the sunlight. He sensed an energy fluctuation akin to that of his independent dimension, leading him to believe that even if they thoroughly explored the area, they would only encounter forests, mountains, and no visible exit.

It seemed as though the land was enclosed within a barrier, making it a secluded and self-contained space.

After landing from the tree. Huang Jin told Xun Wei what he saw.

" I can feel the energy on this land is the same on my dimension. So we don't need to explore anymore.

And the forest is very peaceful, and I can't feel any violent aura. So I think it's safe here. And I saw a big cabin on the edge of the forest near the creek. Can we check? " Huang Jin says.

Xun Wei listened attentively to Huang Jin's findings and nodded in agreement. "If the energy here is similar to your dimension and there's no violent aura, then it's indeed a safe and peaceful place," he said with a smile.

"Of course, we can check out the cabin near the creek. Let's go and see what's inside," Xun Wei replied, taking Huang Jin's hand and leading the way towards the cabin.

As they approached the cabin, they noticed that it was quite large and well-maintained. It seemed to be in good condition despite being in the middle of the forest. Xun Wei carefully opened the door, and they stepped inside. The cabin's interior was cozy and rustic, with wooden furniture and a fireplace.

"It looks like someone used to live here," Xun Wei observed.

Huang Jin nodded. "It does seem that way. Perhaps we can make this place our temporary home while we explore and settle in the land."

Xun Wei smiled and pulled Huang Jin into a warm embrace. "That sounds like a great idea. As long as I'm with you, anywhere can feel like home."

Huang Jin pondered, "Who once inhabited this place? When did they depart, and where did they go?"

Despite his curiosity, he discerned that the person who once lived here must be long gone, judging by the abundance of dust and cobwebs inside the dilapidated cabin.

"I believe the inhabitants of this place are either deceased or chose to abandon it," Xun Wei remarked.

"What is your plan now? Will you gather all the stones from inside the cave?" Xun Wei inquired.

They spent some time exploring the cabin and the surrounding area, making plans for how they would utilize the land and build their future together. With the tranquility of the forest and the excitement of their new journey, Huang Jin and Xun Wei felt a sense of hope and happiness, knowing that they had found a place where they could truly belong.