Shansier leaned close to Bai Yuan's ear, whispering, "Dao Xuan Tianzun does not like to manifest his power in other places. He only intervenes personally here in Gaojia Village."
Bai Yuan's entire body stiffened. "What? Is that true?"
Shansier:"I cannot say for certain, but... that's how it has been so far. Otherwise, have you heard of Dao Xuan Tianzun's deeds anywhere else?"
Bai Yuan froze solid, his bravado instantly deflating.
Without Dao Xuan Tianzun's direct protection, he was far less keen on leading men deep into the pitch-black mountains in the middle of the night to rescue Wang Er. He had no personal connection to that rebel. Why take such a risk?
He didn't want to go!
But he'd already made the grand promise. To back out now would make him a man whose word was worthless the moment it left his lips. If word got out, people would say Master Bai of the Bai Family Fort was an oath-breaker. The "Propriety" part of the Six Arts of a Gentleman would have to be crossed right off.
Bai Yuan turned on Shansier, fuming. "Why didn't you tell me earlier?!"
Shansierspread his hands. "Why are you yelling at me? Unless... you're scared?"
The word "scared" hit Bai Yuan like a pressure point. He instantly smoothed his expression back to aloof calmness. "Hmph! Scared? I, Bai Yuan, am a cultured gentleman, accomplished in both civil and martial arts, proficient in the Six Arts. Would I fear a mere few dozen bandits? Gao Chuwu, Zheng Daniu, Li Da, Gao Yiyi! All able-bodied young men in the village! Put on your armor, take your weapons, and follow me! You, from Wang Family Village, called White Cat, right? You lead the way. Hmph! Would I be scared? I would be scared? Hah... Ahem... Li Da, do you have any spare armor? Fetch a set for me as well."
Everyone: "..."
Gao Chuwu grinned widely. "I don't mind. Last time we went to the county seat, it was Wang Er who escorted us. Now that he's in trouble, we should save him."
Zheng Daniu grinned too."I'll do whatever you tell me to do."
"Then let's go!"
Steeling himself, Bai Yuan led a group of Gaojia Village's toughest fighters, torches in hand, up into the mountains.
Li Daoxuan felt a twinge of worry. But considering their gear and the robust physiques they'd developed from eating their fill with meat, oil, and salt every day, he figured it wasn't worth excessive concern. Let them have their adventure.
Well, nothing much to watch in the box for now.
Li Daoxuan stretched. Time for me to sleep too. Oh, right. Before bed, he should upload the eighth episode of "Daily Life in the Miniature World" that he'd edited earlier to Douyin.
Click upload. Sleep!
---
Before dawn, Li Daoxuan was woken by his phone.
Having stayed up late watching the night battle, he'd only slept a few hours. This call was extremely unwelcome. He didn't want to answer it, but since he was already awake, not answering felt like a waste.
A little annoyed, he picked up. "Hello, who is this?"
"Hello.May I ask if you are the creator of the Douyin account 'Daily Life in the Miniature World'? I am the Sales Manager of Ningyang Toys Co., Ltd. I'd like to discuss a potential business collaboration with you."
Li Daoxuan glanced out the window. It wasn't even dawn yet. Pitch black. Calling to talk business at this hour? What kind of person...?
Sensing his displeasure from the brief silence, the caller immediately explained, "My apologies for the timing. I was just worried someone else might snatch this opportunity, so I wanted to contact you as soon as possible."
The man was direct. Hearing this, Li Daoxuan's irritation faded. "Alright, understood."
The caller continued,"I won't waste your time. I'll be straightforward. We'd like you to produce a video using our company's building block toys and include a shopping link to distribute our products in the video..."
Li Daoxuan chuckled inwardly. Here it comes. I've been waiting for this. His tone, however, remained flat. "What's my cut?"
"25%of the sales revenue."
Li Daoxuan didn't know if this rate was standard, only that Douyin would take 5%, leaving him with 20%. It seemed workable. Might as well make some money on the side.
"I'd need to see your company's products first," Li Daoxuan said. "They have to be suitable for the 'miniature world' theme. Don't send me some oversized toy that doesn't fit."
The caller chuckled."Don't worry, they'll be perfect. Our company specializes in micro-scale toys. All small items, perfectly suited for a miniature world theme. I guarantee you'll be satisfied."
"Alright then,"Li Daoxuan agreed. "Send me some samples to look at."
"We'll dispatch them via SF Express immediately,overnight delivery. You see, that's precisely why I contacted you before dawn."
After exchanging a few polite words,Li Daoxuan hung up.
The call ended, but sleep was now elusive. He got out of bed.
Outside, the first hint of dawn was breaking. Li Daoxuan absentmindedly ordered congee and cold noodles for delivery, then his gaze habitually fell on the diorama box by his bed.
Inside the box, dawn was also just breaking.
The first person up in Gaojia Village was actually Teacher Wang.
The village had been up fighting all night, men and women alike, and everyone was exhausted, sleeping in for a rare change. Only Teacher Wang, who hadn't participated in the battle but had cowered in his little room, was the first to rise.
A poor scholar, he hadn't developed any habits of being waited on. He cooked himself a bowl of porridge, sprinkled in a few strips of salted chicken and some fresh vegetables, and ate a satisfying breakfast.
Teacher Wang then began organizing his teaching materials.
Yesterday's lessons had been canceled due to the battle preparations. Today, he had to teach the children properly. Otherwise, how could he face eating such good food?
Watching his earnest, responsible demeanor, Li Daoxuan smiled. Yesterday, introducing the "Seventh Set of Radio Calisthenics" had been a spur-of-the-moment joke. But going forward, he needed to seriously consider the issue of education. He would have to start with this teacher, using him as a conduit to spread some modern educational concepts.
Ancient scholars could be terribly rigid. Getting one to accept a new teaching method would be very difficult. He'd have to think of a way to convince him, to make him accept it willingly and sincerely.
Just as he was pondering this, the children began to wake up.
Led by Gao Yiyi, a group of children bounced into the courtyard where Teacher Wang lived. The moment they saw him, the bouncing stopped. They lined up properly and offered a deep bow. "Greetings, Teacher!"
It seemed children feared their teacher, regardless of the era.
Gao Yiyi also smiled at him. "Teacher Wang, I would also like to learn to read and write with the children."
Teacher Wang nodded,about to begin the lesson, when he suddenly remembered something. He looked up towards the distant watchtower.
Li Daoxuan knew what he was looking for. He couldn't help but smile. He opened his phone, extended it into the box, and let it hover above the watchtower. Starting now: the Seventh Set of Radio Calisthenics... First section, Stretching Exercises...