Bai Niangzi had an epiphany. She was preparing to make her second attempt at transforming into a dragon.
I asked her, "Do you know where my friend is?"
Bai Niangzi smiled. "I was just about to tell you, even if you hadn't asked. She's over there. Go take her with you."
I headed in the direction she indicated and found Qianqian lying on the ground.
"Don't worry. She's only asleep. You can wake her."
I gently nudged Qianqian and called her name.
Qianqian woke up quickly. She looked at me blankly. "Xiaobai!" Then a smile appeared on her face.
But she immediately asked, "Where is this? How did I get here?"
I gave a bitter smile and told her, "This is the spiritual realm. Have you forgotten? You must have fallen asleep."
"Asleep?" She narrowed her eyes, then said, "Right, I ran into that old woman. She nearly killed me. Then, then..."
"I saved you from her. I was busy with something important, so I put you to sleep." Bai Niangzi picked up where she left off.
Qianqian froze for a moment before saying, "I remember now. You saved me."
Bai Niangzi was still smiling. "All right, take her and leave. Xiao Qing, you should go with him too. Remember, you must protect him."
Xiao Qing seemed somewhat unwilling. She wanted to remain by Bai Niangzi's side.
But Bai Niangzi shook her head at her. "Only by following her can you receive a great opportunity. Otherwise, you won't be able to advance any further. I know what you're thinking, but you cannot go on like that. Remember, only with him will you have a future."
I was about to refuse, but Bai Niangzi said, "Mr. Jiang, Xiao Qing can be willful at times, but rest assured, she bears no ill