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The Light That Lived
Chapter 7 Beneath The Mask

Chapter 7 Beneath The Mask

The days following Chi Chi's rescue were filled with quiet determination and tender care. Her family settled into a serene part of their sect, where nature's gentle whispers and the soft rustling of leaves provided a backdrop for her recovery. The burns on her face were a painful reminder of her ordeal, and though powerful medicines existed to heal scars, Chi Chi couldn't take them until she turned fourteen. Until then, her family focused on healing her heart as much as her body.

Lian, her second eldest sister and the best doctor in the cultivation world, insisted on treating Chi Chi herself. No other healer's hands would touch her precious little sister. Lian's gentle touch and soothing words became Chi Chi's comfort during the painful dressing changes.

"You’re so strong, Chi Chi. These scars will never define you," Lian would whisper, her voice filled with warmth and determination.

Despite her family's love, Chi Chi struggled with insecurity about her scarred face. She often avoided mirrors, her once vibrant eyes shadowed with sadness. Her family noticed this, and one day, they decided to take her to the renowned "Festival of Blossoms," a grand event celebrated in the cultivation world. The festival was known for its vibrant lanterns, mesmerizing performances, and delicious treats—a perfect distraction.

As they walked through the bustling streets adorned with colorful banners and the scent of sweet delicacies, Chi Chi's eyes slowly began to sparkle with curiosity. Her eldest brother, Jian, lifted her onto his shoulders to give her a better view of the performers juggling fire and dancers twirling in elaborate costumes. The streets were alive with music—flutes, drums, and stringed instruments blending harmoniously. Children darted around with painted faces, and vendors called out, showcasing intricate trinkets and magical artifacts.

"Hold on tight, Chi Chi," Jian chuckled, his voice a comforting rumble. "You see that juggler? I bet I could juggle like that if I tried."

Chi Chi giggled, her voice soft but genuine. "You’d probably drop everything, big brother."

Jian feigned a hurt expression, causing her to laugh even more.

Her third eldest sister, Mei, expertly bargained with vendors, buying Chi Chi the most beautiful mask, intricately designed with delicate patterns of silver and amethyst, matching her mesmerizing purple sunset eyes. The mask shimmered in the lantern light, its design reminiscent of celestial constellations.

"This is for you, Chi Chi," Mei said softly, fastening the mask gently over her face. "Not to hide who you are, but to remind you that you're as precious and unique as this mask."

Tears welled up in Chi Chi's eyes, but she nodded, clutching her sister's hand tightly.

They continued to explore the festival, engaging in various activities. They visited a fortune-teller who spoke in riddles, her tent filled with incense and mysterious glowing crystals. The fortune-teller held Chi Chi’s small hand, gazing into her eyes before saying, "You carry the strength of the stars, little one. Your heart will shine even in the darkest of nights."

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They participated in a friendly archery contest where Chi Chi's youngest elder brother, Wei, showed off his skills, effortlessly hitting bullseyes. He handed Chi Chi a tiny bow made of polished wood, guiding her hands and cheering when she managed to hit the target. The triumph in her eyes made her siblings beam with pride.

As night fell, they joined a lantern-floating ceremony, where they wrote wishes for Chi Chi's happiness and health on delicate paper lanterns. The lanterns floated into the night sky, their warm glow reflecting in Chi Chi's eyes. Her eldest brother whispered, "Each light carries our love for you, reaching the heavens."

Later, they stumbled upon a sweet shop with an array of colorful confections. Chi Chi's eyes lit up with excitement. The shop was filled with the aroma of caramel, honey, and roasted nuts.

"Look at all these sweets!" Chi Chi exclaimed, her voice filled with awe.

Her father, usually stoic and composed, smiled warmly. "Pick as many as you like, Chi Chi. Today is your day."

Her father, bought her an assortment of sweets—honey-glazed pastries, sugar-dusted lotus cakes, and her favorite, candied hawthorn sticks.

Chi Chi eagerly bit into one, her face lighting up with pure delight.

As they sat under the soft glow of lanterns, Chi Chi savored her sweets, her laughter blending with the festival's joyful sounds. Her family watched her, their hearts swelling with both relief and love. They played games with floating candles, made wishes, and even crafted paper animals enchanted to flutter like real creatures.

In the days that followed, they continued to create new memories. They organized kite-flying outings, with Chi Chi's kite soaring the highest.

"Look, it's flying higher than the clouds!" Chi Chi cheered.

"Just like you, little one," Jian replied softly. "Reaching higher every day."

They painted delicate ceramics, and even crafted music together, her siblings playing instruments while Chi Chi sang softly, her voice a fragile but beautiful melody. They crafted wind chimes from jade and crystals that sang with the breeze, and even hosted small tea ceremonies where Chi Chi served her family with a proud, shy smile.

One evening, as they gathered around a warm fire, Lian gently brushed Chi Chi's hair.

"Chi Chi, do you know why we love you so much?" Lian asked.

Chi Chi shook her head, her eyes curious.

"It's not because of how you look, or what you can do. It's because you're you. Your kindness, your bravery, your heart. That's what makes you special."

They played strategy games under the moonlight, her eldest brother patiently teaching her moves and tricks, while her youngest elder brother crafted a delicate wooden bird that chirped when touched, a gift that made Chi Chi beam with joy.

They ventured to a serene lake surrounded by weeping willows, where they sailed small boats decorated with flowers. Chi Chi leaned over the edge, her reflection mingling with the blossoms floating on the water, her mask resting beside her. Her siblings gently encouraged her, "Your scars tell a story of your strength, Chi Chi. You are more beautiful than any reflection."

One day, her family brought her to a hidden grove known as the Whispering Glade, a sacred place where the wind carried ancient melodies. They spread a blanket under the tallest tree, sharing stories of their childhood adventures, making Chi Chi giggle and forget her worries, if only for a moment.

Her father taught her simple cultivation breathing techniques to help calm her mind, his deep voice soothing as he guided her. "Feel the world around you, Chi Chi. Let the energy flow through you like a gentle stream. You are part of this vast, beautiful world."

Through these moments, Chi Chi began to reclaim her joy. Her scars remained, but they were now accompanied by countless memories of laughter, love, and the unyielding support of her family.

She was healing—not just in body, but in spirit.