With a bang, flames shot into the sky.
The earth seemed to quake and the mountains to shake.
A tall pagoda collapsed with a thunderous crash, sending billowing rings of dirt and dust into the air. The lingering flames danced and burned, as though celebrating victory in this battle.
Xia Wanwan stood on high ground, the firelight flickering across her little face, making its resolute expression shine all the brighter.
She gazed ahead without a trace of fear.
Then she turned toward the masses of Hezhou City, her heart a tangle of emotions.
Was it over?
Not yet!
As long as the people of Hezhou City could still have children, an endless stream of baby girls would continue to die over the coming decades, or even centuries.
Even if abandoning them now weighed on their consciences.
Even if they had enough money to raise them.
Even if...
Their preference for sons over daughters was etched deep into their bones. Since their thinking could not be changed, she wondered whether reality itself could teach them a painful lesson.
Xia Wanwan looked up at the sky, an idea forming in her heart.
Only Heaven could help her with this!
But with this body of hers, just two and a half years old, how could she make the Heavenly Secrets manifest?
Xia Wanwan narrowed her big eyes and let out a deep sigh.
"Wanwan."
A gentle call sounded behind Xia Wanwan.
Her drowsiness vanished at once, and she turned to look.
Mother was walking slowly toward her from behind, smiling tenderly.
"Mother!!!"
Xia Wanwan spread her arms and ran toward her on pattering little legs, into the hot, warming mountain wind.
Liu Wan crouched down and caught the little baby in a full embrace.
She rubbed her gentle face against her daughter's chubby