"Water everywhere in this world is too impure to be consumed directly. Drinking impure water can lead to sickness, the development of chronic illnesses, and even mutations in the body like horns growing out of the head. And so, water needs to be purified first before it can considered safe for consumption." Ann explained.
"There are several levels to purified water," Ann continued. "Level 1 purified water costs the most. It's free of impurities and enriched with vitamins. It also has effervescence, comes in different flavors, and feels refreshing and fun to taste as the bubbles inside it burst gently on the tongue and the back of the throat when you drink it."
"Level 2 purified water is as safe to drink as level 1, but it isn't enriched with vitamins, doesn't have effervescence or any distinct taste. It tastes like ordinary water. It's cheaper than level 1 but still not something we can afford regularly.
"Level 3 purified water has minor impurities in it but not to the point of being harmful. If you have a healthy immune system, these impurities will be flushed out of your system when you sweat or answer nature's call.
"Level 4 purified water is better than unfiltered water but not entirely safe to drink. If you drink it for a long time, you'll get sick. Most people only dare to afford this type of water."
"When we were with our family, it was normal for us to drink level 2 purified water. Sometimes on special occasions, we would enjoy level 1 water. But now, we only dare to drink level 3 purified water. We would be drinking the lowest level purified water if we weren't worried about the damages it would do to out spiritual vessels."
Basically, what she meant to say was that they were so poor that they would be drinking level 4 water if they didn't have the talent for cultivation.
'What shitty circumstances I have been thrust into,' Sal sighed in his heart before his stomach grumbled loudly. At the same time, Ann's stomach also grumbled. It looked like they were both hungry.
Sal kept a straight face. Not only was he a man, but he was also hundreds of years old. He was way past the stage of feeling embarrassed just because his stomach protested in front of others.
The same couldn't be said for Ann, who was just a shy young girl.
She covered her face with her hands, but the tip of her exposed ears revealed what she was truly feeling at this moment. She was feeling extremely embarrassed because her stomach rumbled like thunder in the presence of her older brother!
"There is nothing to be embarrassed about, Little Sparrow. It is just the body's natural reaction to feeling hungry," Sal said to comfort Ann, who felt embarrassed after her stomach had growled loudly.
Ann, who had buried her face in her hands, looked up after hearing his words. Her face was flushed a deep shade of red. Even the dirt on it couldn't hide the crimson flush on her remarkable face.
"You're right, Big Brother. It was silly of me to get so worked up over it," Ann said with a shy smile, trying to laugh off her embarrassment.
Sal looked around and found nothing to eat.
Immediately, he turned to leave the shack.
Ann saw he was heading out and asked in a concerned voice, "Big Brother, where are you going?"
Hearing her words, Sal, who was standing next to the door of the shack, looked over his shoulder and replied casually, "To make some money and get us some food and clean water."
"This isn't your burden to bear alone," Ann said. "I will accompany you."
"No, you will do no such thing," Sal softened his tone as he continued, "You have just returned from the wilderness. You should be tired. Just stay home and rest."
"Okay, I will obey." Ann agreed, feeling tired to the bone. She was staying awake solely by her willpower. In this condition, even if she forced her decision and accompanied him, she would only be a burden. There's no telling when she might collapse from exhaustion.
"Ah," seemingly remembering something important, Sal quickly advised her, "Keep the door locked until I return. No matter what happens, don't open it for anyone other than me, or you would only be letting the wolves inside."
"I understand your concerns, Big Brother. Little Sparrow will do as you say," Ann replied.
Sal smiled, pleased by her obedient. Having a pig like teammate was the greatest problem he could've faced, but luckily Ann wasn't that stupid, saving him from a great deal of trouble.
Quickly, he opened the door and stepped out of the shack.
"Goodbye, Big Brother. Return home safe. I will be waiting for you." Ann waved him goodbye as he went away.
Once he was out of her sight, she closed the door to the shack and locked it. Then she moved away from the locked door and settled herself near the small window to wait for his return.
***
Will be combined with next chapter tomorrow