"Giggle, giggle... Slow down, slow down, don't run so fast." A silvery laugh escaped Yue'er's lips, carried by the breeze and scattered throughout the forest. Yue'er's petite form sat astride the lion's back, her hands clutching tightly to the thick mane at its neck. Though her small frame jolted slightly with each stride of the galloping beast, her little face was lit up with a joyful, delighted smile. At such a tender age, she had already cast aside last night's unease and worry. Now, perched atop the lion's back, she felt the speed of their flight through the forest and the cool breeze against her face, her whole heart soaring with the sensation. She had made up her mind: since there was no other way, she would simply have to hide as best she could. Once the little fox had replenished the spirit energy it had expended, it could carry her away from this place. In the meantime, as long as she remained well-hidden within the forest and avoided detection by the descendants of that Great Emperor Xiao Tian, she would be safe! The galloping lion delivered her to the edge of a woodland near a waterfall, announcing: "Mistress, this waterfall originates from mountain springs, and within it lies a spiritual spring. Bathing and cultivating within its waters greatly benefits one's cultivation. Should you wish to bathe, avoid the area directly beneath the cascading waterfall. The current there is far too swift, and the force of the water crashing down from such a height is too great. You are too small to withstand it. Bathe in the lower reaches instead." "Wow, this place is truly beautiful!" Yue'er gazed at the cascade. The water plunging from the heights resembled a celestial river cascading from the heavens. As it crashed onto the rocks below, it sent up a vast spray of water droplets. With the morning sun slanting down, a rainbow arched across the waterfall, creating a truly magnificent sight. Yue'er promptly leaped down from the lion's back. She dared not approach the base of the falls, for the torrent was truly formidable. The spray from the cascading water flew in all directions, and she knew that if she ventured near, she'd likely be swept downstream. Besides, her petite frame wouldn't withstand the force there. The lion grew uneasy about her safety, for its master was so small. Especially when it saw her removing her boots and preparing to enter the water, it was alarmed. Rushing forward, it seized her collar and began dragging her back. "Oh? Why are you biting my clothes?" Yue'er, who had been about to enter the water, was now being hauled back by the lion's grip on her collar. She turned her head and asked. Only after dragging her away from the water's edge did the lion release its grip. "Mistress, this water is too deep. You won't be able to stand. Go over there." With that, it seized her hem and pulled her towards a shallower spot. "Hehe..." Yue'er giggled, her beautiful eyes crinkling into crescent moons. "I can swim, you know! I can even hold my breath!" Her mother had taught them. She and her two brothers could all swim. Mother said if you couldn't swim and fell into the water, you'd drown, so she taught them. "The water's too shallow here. It's no fun." Yue'er looked at the spot the lion had dragged her to. It was a small area surrounded by rocks, with water only knee-deep in the center. So, she looked around and chose another spot: "I'll swim here! The water's deeper here. You just watch over me from the side. If any fierce beasts or people come near, just tell me." Yue'er moved to the back of the waterfall, where rocks blocked the flow, ensuring the cascading water wouldn't reach her.