Seeing that Ha Tuo wanted to persuade her, Mother Ha added, "Listen to Mother. No matter what happens, protect your life and look after your younger sister. That’s all your mother asks."
Ha Tuo knew the odds were against his mother surviving the journey to Xiqiang City, but he couldn’t bear the thought of losing another family member.
Still, seeing the clarity in his mother’s eyes, he could only nod. "Yes, Mother."
While Ha Tuo and his family rested and planned their next steps, his comrades did the same. No one knew how many of them would make it to Xiqiang City, but none of them gave up.
As the moon drifted westward and the eastern horizon began to brighten, they resumed their journey, filled with hope for a better life.
A few hours later, Fan Wanming went to the training ground to find Feng Xiyan. Seeing that he was still practicing his sword skills, Fan Wanming waited patiently by the side.
After Feng Xiyan sheathed his sword and took the towel handed over by a soldier to wipe his sweat, Fan Wanming stepped forward and clasped his fists.
It was rare for Fan Wanming to seek him out early in the morning, so Feng Xiyan asked, "General Fan, it’s not often I see you here this early. Do you have something to report?"
Fan Wanming nodded and replied, "Great General, the temple of Fairy Bai was completed this morning. I came to ask about the golden statue. We don’t know what Fairy Bai looks like, and the craftsmen didn’t dare to sculpt the statue without permission."
When Feng Xiyan heard this, he pondered for a moment and said, "This general will ask Fairy Bai and see if she is willing to bestow us with her image."
"For now, have the craftsmen wait and ask the workers to clean the temple. Once this general has Fairy Bai’s permission and image, this general will let you know."
"Yes, Great General." Fan Wanming accepted the order and said, "Then this subordinate will take his leave."
Feng Xiyan nodded. "Alright."
After Fan Wanming left, Feng Xiyan handed the towel back to the soldier and returned to his tent. Before doing his morning prayer, he spent ten minutes bathing and changing into clean clothes.
When he was ready, he lit three incense sticks and knelt in front of the altar.
Holding the incense and lowering his head, he solemnly prayed, "Thank you, Heaven, for protecting my Feng Army and the common people of Xiqiang City."
After sincerely giving thanks, he stood and placed the incense in the burner. Then, facing the bronze mirror, he cleared his throat, straightened his clothes, and fixed his hair.
Making sure he looks neat, Feng Xiyan smiled gently and said, "Good morning, Fairy Bai. Are you there? Xiyan wants to ask you for a favor."
After saying that, he then stood quietly in front of the altar, waiting patiently.
At that moment, the antique mirror on Bai Hanyun’s bedside table lit up brightly. A second later, Feng Xiyan’s voice echoed in her bedroom.
"Good morning, Fairy Bai. Are you there? Xiyan wants to ask you for a favor."
After the voice faded, Bai Hanyun stirred slightly but didn’t wake up. Just as she was slipping into deeper sleep, the antique mirror glowed even brighter, and Feng Xiyan’s voice echoed again, louder this time.
"Good morning, Fairy Bai. Are you there? Xiyan wants to ask you for a favor."
Two seconds later, Bai Hanyun moved and grabbed a pillow. Using it to cover her head and ears, she muttered something before falling asleep again.
After a brief silence, the antique mirror glowed again. This time, golden light filled the entire room, while Feng Xiyan’s voice repeated endlessly.
"Good morning, Fairy Bai. Are you there? Xiyan wants to ask you for a favor."
"Good morning, Fairy Bai. Are you there? Xiyan wants to ask you for a favor."
"Good morning, Fairy Bai. Are you there? Xiyan wants to ask you for a favor."
"Good morning, Fairy Bai. Are you there? Xiyan wants—"
By the fourth repetition, Bai Hanyun finally woke up. Pulling the pillow away, she sleepily sat up and leaned against the bedpost.
Yawning, she rubbed her eyes before opening them. As soon as she did, she squinted against the light and grumbled, "Why are you glowing so brightly this early in the morning?"
As if it understood her, the antique mirror slowly dimmed.
Sensing the light fade, Bai Hanyun opened her eyes again and looked at the antique mirror. Pouting, she asked, "What’s wrong with you? Did you eat something weird?"
Just then, the antique mirror repeated Feng Xiyan’s voice once more.
"Good morning, Fairy Bai. Are you there? Xiyan wants to ask you for a favor."
Now fully awake, Bai Hanyun understood the reason for the light show. Reaching out to the bedside table, she picked up the antique mirror, tapped its frame twice, and waited for the surface to clear.
Seeing through the antique mirror’s surface, she saw Feng Xiyan waiting for her and said, "Feng Xiyan, I’m here."
On the other side, Feng Xiyan noticed her hoarse, sleepy voice. A second later, his ears reddened slightly as he replied, "Good morning, Fairy Bai. Have I disturbed you?"
"No, it’s alright. You said you needed a favor. What is it?" Bai Hanyun asked curiously.
Feng Xiyan explained, "Fairy Bai, the temple we built for you was completed this morning. But since we don’t know what you look like, we can’t craft the golden statue. If you don’t mind, could you show me your appearance?"
Bai Hanyun felt a mix of emotions when she heard his request.
It was strange to be worshipped, and it felt almost like she was already dead. But it was also hard to explain to Feng Xiyan that she wasn’t a goddess or a fairy.
Bai Hanyun had tried before, and he hadn’t believed her. So, for now, she had no choice but to accept the title.
After hesitating for a moment, Bai Hanyun said, "I don’t have any good pictures right now. How about I contact you later after I print one out?"