The Rebirth of Bai Qi: The Way of Qi

After Bai Qi's meeting with Samon ended, he watched the envoy take temporary lodging in his tent.

He sighed deeply, and as he waved goodbye, the lingering melody of the strings seemed to foreshadow an upcoming journey.

This thought was etched into his mind, and he knew that he had to delve deeper into it this time.

Inside the campsite, the morning sun had already spread out, turning the surrounding tents and the gradually darkening ground golden.

The birdsong and fragrant flowers awakened everything in the gentle morning breeze. Bai Qi decided to put his worries into practice at this moment.

He summoned Han Fu and Situ Yan, since the two had always been his helpful companions and trusted partners on this journey.

Han Fu is renowned for her military strategy and possesses exceptional talent. She excels at controlling the battlefield and exudes the fearless spirit of a female general beneath her fluttering blue robes. Situ Yan, on the other hand, is sentimental, meticulous, and adept at listening to the voices of others.

With her shimmering, misty waters, she will surely guide the final turning point in a subtle and delicate way.

Bai Qi and his two companions gathered in the central tent. The tent was simply decorated, and although the tables and desks were filled with maps and weapons, the heavy atmosphere was concealed by the rosy morning light.

Han Fu's gaze seemed to be questioning, while Situ Yan also took a corner of her long robe and occasionally stroked the sandalwood with her hand, as if she wanted to listen to the deeper meaning of the prophecy.

"General Qi, is the matter you inquired about today not from the envoy of the Great Xia?" Han Fu asked with a hint of inquiry.

“Exactly.” Bai Qi sighed softly, his eyes deep, as if he were sleepwalking in an uncertain future.

He turned his head slightly and looked out the window, where the distant green mountains seemed to hide countless secrets.

After a long silence, Bai Qi spoke again: "What the messenger said is closely related to my resurrection and the preordained destiny of my past life."

Today, I have decided to travel to its source myself, and I must take both of you with me.

Bai Qi's resolute decision was not without precedent. He was no longer afraid of this test of fate—no matter how tortuous the future might be, he would face it with unwavering resolve and wisely uncover the truth.

Han Fu and Situ Yan looked at each other for a moment. After a long while, Han Fu calmly said in his uniquely steady tone, "The Great Xia is far away in the Western Regions. If the general wishes to explore its source, he does not know which way to go."

However, Situ Yan and I are willing to accompany them and explore together.

"I am deeply grateful." Bai Qi nodded slightly, a warm feeling welling up inside him.

He knew that those around him could share his hardships, but this sincerity was hard to repay.

At a separate table, Bai Qi spread out a map drawn by the envoy of the Great Xia Dynasty and began to analyze it in detail.

He traced his fingertips downwards, searching for undulations among the intersecting mountains, as if he had glimpsed a certain fitting trajectory.

"This area... is mostly located on the western border of the desert, and is said to have been inherited from an ancient western tribe."

Bai Qi pondered for a moment, then slowly sketched out a path for stealth.

Han Fu and Situ Yan nodded solemnly, without saying a word, but they made a silent promise to each other to explore the source of the forgotten prophecy in the shadows of history together with Bai Qi.

The following day, the sun shone brightly and the sky was cloudless. Bai Qi led Han Fu and Situ Yan on horseback.

They rode swiftly with light reins, raising dust in the wind, their neighing sounds blending together.

As Bai Qi rode on his finest steed, he saw that although the Qin region was vast, it could not compare to the expansiveness and mystery of the Great Xia realm. Only an unexplored journey lay between them.

They hadn't traveled far, their baggage simple, when they arrived at a border town in the Central Plains. The city gates stood facing each other, one open to the east and the other to the west.

The city walls are steep and shrouded in the falling apricot blossoms, with the buildings projected behind them, as if holding a commanding position.

Upon entering, they carefully observed each other's words and expressions. Bai Qi and his companions walked through the streets and alleys, new to the desolate landscape, unaware of praise or criticism.

The streets and alleys were a chaotic mess, yet no one was there to greet them; they could not avoid the path they were on. In an instant, all sorts of things were in disarray, and pedestrians stood still, their eyes fixed on the ends of the narrow lanes.

As we traveled to the heart of the city, the landscape resembled a high plateau, with the houses occasionally adorned with vibrant colors.

Here, everyone followed the same instructions as before, and separately managed the affairs of the barbarian households, which were filled with goods from Wuxi.

After searching around, the group rested briefly in a quiet little house in the city.

The stage allows for complete freedom of movement, while the edge of the platform offers panoramic views.

Bai Qi relaxed in his room, casually sweeping the plants on the table, and directed the water and wine to be added to the soup, which was already clear.

Han Fu carefully observed the people around him, while Situ Yan played the zither and composed her own words.

The inn was empty except for the sounds of string and wind instruments, which seemed to be playing the dreamlike melody in Bai Qi's heart.

After the three of them sat down, Bai Qi was lost in thought. He looked out the curtain, as if every scene of daily life outside the window could be described and recreated before his eyes.

Given this, a certain resolve within him emerged, adding a touch of solemnity to his gaze.

Situ Yan played the zither under the moonlight, and the melodious music flowed into Bai Qi's heart like water, allowing some of the deep-seated doubts and sorrows to be released.

Her piano playing was characterized by its gentleness; the tone lingered in the air, and along with a faint floral fragrance, it invaded Bai Qi's senses.

During this brief pause, a middle-aged man with a capable appearance and exotic attire seemed to be drawn over by the lingering music.

He walked lightly towards Bai Qi and the others. Bai Qi had seen countless figures in his eyes and knew that he was born fearless, so he calmly went to meet him.

The man bowed slightly, his attitude humble, yet his face revealed a hint of sternness.

His voice was melodious and smooth, clearly indicating that he had been educated: "My name is Hekar, and I have traveled here from Bactria."

"These are all renowned generals of Qin, why have you come here?"

Bai Qi was slightly moved upon hearing this. Although he was already on guard, he still gave him the proper courtesy: "Prime Minister Hekar is too kind. We came here only because we heard of the rumors of an alliance and a friendly situation."

Now, by demarcating these boundaries, we intend to seek mutually beneficial cooperation with the nobility.

Hekar nodded slightly, his face showing pleasure, and then said, "I have been visiting the west and the southeast for several days. I have long heard that General Bai Qi is no ordinary person, and his demeanor is even more impressive than the rumors suggest."

If he has no interest, please join us for a meal in the main hall. It is a pleasure to know you, but a long journey is uncertain.

The group readily agreed and followed Hekar to the center of the main hall.

The hall is spacious and airy. When the lights are first lit, the ancient charm and the radiant light illuminate the entire room.

Hekar then spoke in his usual refined manner: "General Bai travels on a vast and boundless road, his soul dwelling in extraordinary circumstances."

Although I am not as knowledgeable as the messenger about the White Gate's restrictions, I have heard of the prophecy divination given that evening.

Bai Qi's eyebrows twitched slightly, his face gentle: "What Lord Hekar said..." But seeing his polite manner, it was something Hui Zi could not forget.

Although Su has once again informed the old and sent away the ancient, the house is now in a place of comfort and satisfaction.

As the lights in the hall gradually came on, Hekar, along with Bai Qi, Han Fu, Situ Yan, and others, hosted a sumptuous meal of Western Region dishes for his friends. Amidst the clinking of glasses, everyone was deeply impressed by the unique local customs and the memories of their past encounters.

Hecarte carefully discerned its color, until he could see it without even trying. He explained in detail how he obtained it, and how it was due to the opportunity presented by Bai Qi.

“Our Great Xia people have a prophecy: ‘The light of a lone lamp cannot eclipse the bright moon, and its extinguishing may not necessarily extinguish its flame. Therefore, the cauldron was cast on a star in the sky.’”

Hekar paused briefly, noticing that Bai Qi had regained his focus. He pointed to the windowsill, reminding Bai Qi of Samon's words from the previous day, stirring up a wave of emotion within him.

Hecar also said: "In the past, dreams, regardless of wealth or poverty, high or low status, did not lead to death. Why is it that the ignorant can recognize the truth and interpret it?"

Although I once argued that he knew better, this was a troublesome situation for the traveler from Qianxi, and he should be allowed to leave.

Upon hearing this, Bai Qi seemed to find it ambiguous, but knowing that Hecar might be keeping secrets, he ordered Hecar to reveal the two inner voices.

Hekar pondered for a long time, then traveled all over the vast plains seeking a name, and the vast expanse of land seemed to be filled with the sounds of a zither.

This memory is unclear for a moment, but the person in charge has already sealed his name.

Time slipped through his fingers like quicksand, and Bai Qi, as if gazing at an outsider, pondered the fluctuations of the distant heavens and earth and the intertwining of future destinies.

He gradually became engrossed in the ancient story Hechara had described, savoring its meaning.

If these words can truly serve as guidance, they may offer him more direction, thereby lifting a veil over his destiny.

The night was long and drawn out. Bai Qi seemed to be sitting quietly in thought. Flowers swayed outside the corridor. The moon was bright and the stars were few. It was as if the wind was gently asking the blue sky.

He rarely inquired about matters of the autumn, waiting for them to be resolved before expressing his own sorrow.

However, at the beginning of this prophetic journey, even though we are still far from the truth, Bai Qi's determination and faith have only grown stronger.

He knew that once this journey began, the causes and effects would be endless and intertwined, and the unexpected journey would unfold here, continuing to reveal a grand picture of destiny.