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After a good night's sleep, Xiao Zhuzi, Fei Bao, and Xi Xi gradually calmed their emotions. The anxiety from their harrowing experience at Lava Lake had eased significantly, and they gathered their spirits to continue their adventure.
As Xi Xi shouldered her pack, she reminded her companions, "Friends, we used up too much fresh water while crossing Lava Lake. We only have one flask left, so we need to find a clean water source soon."
Although the Underground Cavern was quite humid, finding a clean water source was not easy. After some discussion, the three friends decided to set off, conserving their water while keeping an eye out for any sources along the way.
To their surprise, the journey ahead was unusually calm. There were no sudden dangers or difficult obstacles; it felt as if even the air had become gentler. The trio's spirits lifted, and they occasionally shared light-hearted jokes. In this relaxed atmosphere, Xiao Zhuzi suddenly stopped in her tracks and pointed at a damp rock wall, exclaiming, "Look! What is that?"
Curious, Xi Xi and Fei Bao leaned in closer to see several small Chong Chongs slowly moving along the wall. Their bodies were long and soft, with a semi-transparent quality that resembled droplets of living water. Under the faint glow surrounding them, these Chong Chongs appeared ethereal against the moist rock.
"We are Water Droplet Bugs," said the leader of the group in a slow and melodic tone that sounded like a long song. "We enjoy living in cool and humid environments. How did you come to this place?"
Xiao Zhuzi politely greeted the Water Droplet Bugs and explained, "Water Droplet Bug Leader, we are searching for Lonely Cloud Peak. Is it in this direction?"
"Lonely Cloud Peak," the Water Droplet Bug Leader mused thoughtfully, his voice still slow and melodic. "Yes, that's the right direction; it's not far from here!"
"Oh! By the way!" Xi Xi suddenly seemed to remember something and stepped forward eagerly to ask, "Water Droplet Bug Leader, is there a clean water source nearby?"
The Water Droplet Bug Leader's response filled the three friends with joy: "Of course! We Water Droplet Bugs cannot live without water. There are droplets seeping down from the ceiling of this cavern that are very clean and safe to drink."
As he spoke, he stretched out his body and deftly caught a droplet falling from above. The three little ones were amazed by his agility; they found it hard to believe that such a swift action came from someone who spoke so slowly.
Inspired by the Water Droplet Bug Leader, Fei Bao flipped over and gracefully flew toward the top of the cavern. Sure enough, he discovered a steady stream of clean water dripping through the cracks in the rocks. He carefully collected the droplets in his flask until he had enough to meet their needs. After thanking the Water Droplet Bug Leader profusely, they received parting advice to be cautious on their journey ahead.
The three friends continued through the Underground Cavern for most of the day and began to feel fatigued. Xiao Zhuzi especially felt weary; although Fei Bao and Xi Xi offered to carry her for a while, she insisted on walking since they both looked tired as well. By this point, her feet were sore, her little head drooped wearily, and her hair clung to her cheeks from sweat.
"Xi Xi, Fei Bao, let's take a break!" Xiao Zhuzi suggested as she wiped the sweat from her forehead with a pout.
Just then, Xi Xi raised her antennae alertly and said, "Wait! Don't you think it's getting warmer here than it was before?"
Fei Bao paused on a nearby stalactite to feel the air carefully before nodding. "You're right; it doesn't feel as cool as before."
This subtle change in temperature acted like an invisible key that unlocked terrifying memories for the three little ones: that dreadful Lava Lake with its scorching heat that nearly melted them away, the suffocating stench of sulfur, and those precarious rocks that seemed ready to collapse at any moment… These frightening images surged back into their minds like a tidal wave.
Xiao Zhuzi swallowed nervously and placed her hand on Xi Xi's back as she trembled slightly. "Do you think… we might encounter Lava Lake again?"
Fei Bao thought for a moment before saying to Xiao Zhuzi and Xi Xi, "You two wait here; I'll fly ahead to scout."
With that, Fei Bao spread his wings and cautiously flew forward. He held his breath at every turn, fearing he might see that terrifying Lava Lake at any moment. However, after rounding several corners, he was pleasantly surprised by what lay ahead: there was no sign of Lava Lake at all but rather a beautiful hot spring steaming gently!
Excitedly turning around at top speed, Fei Bao shouted back, "Xiao Zhuzi! Xi Xi! You won't believe it—there's an amazing hot spring up ahead!"
The initially frightened Xiao Zhuzi and Xi Xi quickly followed Fei Bao to the spring's edge. They gasped in awe at the enchanting scene before them—a hidden natural hot spring deep within the cavern that felt like an isolated paradise. The clear surface of the water rose with wisps of white steam; beneath it sparkled minerals visible through its depths. Soft moss covered the surrounding rock walls while large boulders jutted out from one corner of the spring where water flowed gently between them with a soothing sound.
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