They say, “A short separation is sweeter than a new marriage,” and truly, it feels quite the same before setting out on a long journey.
Although Han Cheng had already told himself more than once that he’d be leaving early the next morning and traveling long and hard for some time, when the moment finally came, all he could think was: “It’s worth it.”
Summer morning, outside the walls of the Green Sparrow Tribe.
The sky was already bright, though the sun had yet to rise. Normally, people from the Green Sparrow Tribe would have already started working in the cool air around the area. But today, few could be seen toiling.
It wasn’t that everyone was sleeping in. Rather, they had all gathered outside the gates of the tribe to see off the Divine Child, Han Cheng, and the warriors who were setting off to expand the residential area at Tongshan (Copper Mountain).
Han Cheng was holding little Pea, chatting with the shaman and his senior disciple, giving them a few last instructions.
Baixue, now a mother, had none of last night’s wild energy. She stood quietly beside Han Cheng, meek and gentle as a little white lamb.
She didn’t speak. She looked at Han Cheng with tenderness in her eyes.
She no longer followed Han Cheng everywhere he went. As he prepared to leave for Tongshan this time, she didn’t ask to go with him.
Now, she had responsibilities: taking care of little Pea and teaching the weaker women in the tribe how to raise silkworms, spin thread, and weave cloth.
She had her duties, just like Han Cheng and the warriors, leaving to build and protect the copper settlement. Her work was just as vital to the tribe’s development.
Han Cheng had told her so, and she believed it with all her heart.
In truth, Baixue believed anything her Brother Cheng said—like when he once told her that even patched-up clothes looked good on her.
Han Cheng bent down and planted a kiss on little Pea’s cheek. The child, still drowsy from being dragged out of bed by Baixue, turned away with a sleepy scowl.
Han Cheng passed the boy into Baixue’s arms, ruffled her hair, and smiled:
“Take good care of yourself and our son. I’ll be back.”
It was a warm and sincere goodbye, but his playful wink afterward added a layer of teasing only she could understand. Her sadness at their parting was instantly eased.
With a simple farewell, Han Cheng walked to the front of the group, raised a hand, and called out. He was the first to set off.
The others followed, leading their deer, carrying supplies, and saying their goodbyes to the rest of the tribe.
Their desire to contribute to the tribe by venturing far and working hard helped ease the sorrow of leaving home and kin.
Under the watchful gaze of their people, they lifted their packs, raised their heads, and with firm steps, followed their Divine Child beneath the fluttering Green Sparrow banner, heading into the distance.
This journey would see them build a proper settlement at Tongshan, produce a steady supply of copper for the tribe, and guard their precious copper mines.
Many couldn’t quite express these thoughts in words, but they all felt it in their hearts. The emotions surged in their chests like a battle cry.
Like warriors heading out to win glory, wealth, and peace for their people, the Green Sparrow Tribe’s development team set out toward the land they were destined to shape.
Watching the team disappear into the distance, the Eldest senior disciple finally turned away from the vanishing banner and shouted the command.
Something had stirred in everyone’s hearts. The people left behind immediately picked up their tools and got to work with more drive and purpose than ever before.
It was as if they didn’t want to be outdone by those going off to labor for the tribe in far-off lands.
That’s life: sometimes it surprises you with moments that stir your soul and fill you with energy.
You can’t see or touch it, but you feel its power — it gives you strength and courage to keep striving, stay true to your path, and move forward.
At noon, the blazing sun scorched the earth. Even the occasional breeze felt like a blast of hot air.
After several days of travel, Han Cheng and the others finally arrived at Copper Mountain.
After nearly a year of transporting ore from the mountain to the tribe, a rough trail—half-trampled, half—cleared—had formed between the two places. It was a true path carved through the wilderness.
Now that there was a path, the journey went much faster, saving nearly a whole day of travel.
At high noon, the sun’s glare made the copper veins in the mountain gleam, casting a metallic shimmer that reminded Han Cheng of the phrase “Niushan Zhuozhuo” (bare and radiant like a polished mountain).
He wiped the sweat from his brow, only for more to bead instantly.
One look at the mountain told Han Cheng all he needed to know—he was tired, thirsty, and hungry. The work could wait. He ordered the workers to rest in the shade.
They avoided the old caves, which were uninhabitable unless they were smoked out thoroughly.
As soon as Han Cheng gave the order, everyone exhaled in relief. The journey had been exhausting for all of them.
After a short break, some fed the deer, others gathered firewood, and some cooked lunch. Everything ran smoothly and efficiently.
After their meal and two bowls of dried bamboo leaf tea, the team leaned against tree trunks and napped, avoiding the worst heat of the day.
Once refreshed, they got back to work. Some cleaned up the old Flying Snake Tribe’s caves, which would serve as the Green Sparrow Tribe’s temporary shelter.
Others began chopping nearby trees in preparation for building and charcoal-making.
Han Cheng wasn’t idle either. He led Heiwa, Third Senior Brother, and others around the mountain to find the best location to build their smelting furnaces.
On the road to realizing a dream, fatigue is inevitable. When you’re tired, rest. But once you’ve rested, get back up and keep going.