Birdsong rang clear and sweet through the woods.
Bright sunlight slipped through the window and crept onto the bed, falling between the woman's long lashes and silver-white hair.
She lay on the bed, sleeping with unusual tranquility, as peaceful as a little girl.
Xiao Mo sat on the edge of the bed, quietly watching the sleeping woman as he gently held her hand.
After an unknown length of time, Xiao Mo carefully tucked her little hand beneath the quilt. Only after neatly arranging the covers around her did he rise and slowly leave the room.
Outside, Fuchen and Li Sisi were waiting for him.
"From now on, I'll have to trouble you both to take good care of Ruxue." Xiao Mo clasped his hands and bowed solemnly.
"Please rest assured, Mister Xiao." Fuchen nodded. "Not only will we look after Miss Ruxue, but after some time, I'll have Sisi bring Xiao Qing back as well."
Li Sisi stepped forward, worry on her face. "Brother Xiao, are you leaving for the Great Wall now to take part in the War between Humans and Demons?"
"Mm." Xiao Mo glanced back, his eyes resting once more on the sleeping woman inside. "The sooner I go, the better. Otherwise, I'm afraid I won't make it in time."
Li Sisi seemed to want to say something more. Her lips moved, but in the end, she closed her mouth.
Xiao Mo took a step back. "I'll take my leave, then."
Fuchen nodded in reply. "Take care, Mister Xiao."
"I'll do my best."
Xiao Mo gave a faint smile and bowed once more. Then he turned around, his figure transforming into a streak of light as he sped toward the Great Wall.
"Master, Mister Xiao... will he really be able to accumulate enough merit on this journey?"