As the sun rose over Urumqi, the sky was painted in a soft orange-red hue, with a thin mist like a veil enveloping the ancient yet modern city. The air carried a hint of autumn's chill, and by October, Urumqi had already begun to feel a bit cold.
Li Ya stood on the platform of the intercity train station, gazing at the distant, towering arched glass windows, her heart filled with mixed emotions. As a native of Yining, she was familiar with every street and alley of her hometown, but the sight of Urumqi now made her feel both familiar and strange.
"Wow, there are so many people! It's like a sea of humanity. I've never seen so many tourists!" Li Ya exclaimed excitedly to her companions, Mu Ran and Shi Kexin, as she dragged her luggage. Her voice was filled with wonder and joy, as if a child experiencing an amusement park for the first time.
"Yeah, these past few months, because of the show 'To The Wonder,' Yining and Altay have become popular tourist destinations," Mu Ran nodded, responding. Her tone carried a similar sense of amazement and surprise.
Unlike Li Ya and Mu Ran's excitement, Shi Kexin, a seasoned travel writer who had spent years on the road, appeared much calmer. He stood to the side, quietly observing the crowd, his eyes reflecting a sense of tranquility and composure.
"There must be even more. This is October, the off-season for tourism. If you wait until next June, when the grass is lush and the sky is blue, the whole city will look like a painting. Then, there will be even more tourists," Shi Kexin said with a smile. His voice carried a worldly calm, as if no amount of excitement could surprise him.
Li Ya and Mu Ran exchanged glances, feeling a sense of admiration for the seasoned traveler. For Shi Kexin, such scenes were nothing out of the ordinary; he always carried an air of calm, as if nothing could shake his composure.
"I wonder if the effects of the Eternal Flower being shattered have already spread beyond that valley. If things are not ideal, the consequences could be dire..." Li Ya's voice trailed off, and she swallowed her words. She felt a vague sense of unease, but she didn't want her worries to become reality.
"It's okay, Li Ya. As long as we do our best, everything will be fine," Shi Kexin gently patted Li Ya's shoulder, offering words of comfort. His voice was filled with encouragement and reassurance.
Li Ya felt a warmth in her heart at Shi Kexin's concern. After five or six months of traveling together, their bond had grown steadily. Shi Kexin's companionship made her feel safe.
During the 51-minute wait for their connection, the three sat on the platform chairs, discussing their upcoming journey.
"This time, after we part ways, we'll be heading in different directions," Mu Ran said. "Li Ya is going to Tianshui in Gansu, I'm heading to Tengchong in Yunnan, and Shi Kexin is off to Harbin in Heilongjiang."
"Yeah, parting ways is a bit bittersweet," Li Ya said softly, her voice tinged with a hint of melancholy. Her eyes betrayed a sense of unease and hesitation.
"Even though we're temporarily splitting up, our goal is the same," Shi Kexin said firmly. "No matter what difficulties we face, we must stay in touch and support each other."
Li Ya nodded, feeling a surge of warmth in her heart. She knew that Shi Kexin's reassurance was not just comforting words, but a silent form of support.
"By the way, Li Ya, what do you think about the fragment in Tianshui?" Mu Ran asked.
"I suspect that the fragment in Tianshui might be related to the Maijishan Grottoes," Li Ya replied. "The Maijishan Grottoes are a treasure trove of Buddhist art, and the lotus is a symbol of Buddhism. The petal might be hidden beneath the base of a Buddha statue."
"Makes sense," Mu Ran nodded. "What about the fragment in Tengchong? I'm not too familiar with the situation there."
"The fragment in Tengchong might be related to the Hot Sea Hot Spring," Shi Kexin added confidently, drawing on his experience as a seasoned traveler. "The Hot Sea Hot Spring is a famous attraction in Tengchong. The place where the hot springs bubble might be where the fragment is."
"What about the fragment in Harbin?" Li Ya asked.
"Harbin is known for its Ice Festival. The place where the ice sculptures are might be where the fragment is hidden," Shi Kexin speculated.
The three of them chatted back and forth, discussing their respective destinations and possible clues, and the atmosphere gradually became more relaxed.
"Actually, I've been wondering, what exactly are the fragments of the Eternal Flower?" Li Ya suddenly asked. Her eyes were filled with curiosity and confusion.
"Maybe it's a form of energy, or a symbol," Mu Ran mused.
"Whatever it is, we must find them," Shi Kexin said firmly.
Li Ya nodded, feeling a surge of strength. She understood that this journey was not just about finding the fragments of the Eternal Flower, but also about protecting the future of Yining.
The train slowly started to move, leaving Urumqi and heading towards Tianshui.
Li Ya sat on the lower bunk, gazing out the window at the rapidly passing scenery, her thoughts drifting far away.
She thought of Yining, of the Baituula Mosque, and of the Eternal Flower.
"The Eternal Flower has been shattered... Yining's beauty is about to fade... The natural environment will rapidly deteriorate... Disaster will follow..." The voice from her dream echoed in her ears, making her feel a sense of unease.
"Is the Eternal Flower really in trouble? If so, what will happen to Yining's future?" Li Ya's heart was filled with worry. She knew that the Eternal Flower was not just a legend; it was intricately connected to Yining's natural environment, history, culture, and its people.
"If the Eternal Flower is really shattered, then all the beauty of Yining will be gone," Li Ya felt a sense of helplessness. She didn't know how to face this terrible reality.
"Maybe I should tell Shi Kexin and Mu Ran," Li Ya decided that when the opportunity arose, she would share her concerns with them.
Meanwhile, Shi Kexin sat in another carriage, gazing out the window, lost in thought. He thought of Li Ya, of her love for Yining and her hope for the future.
"Li Ya, don't worry, I will find the fragment in Harbin and save Yining," Shi Kexin said silently in his heart. He understood that this journey was not just about finding the fragments of the Eternal Flower, but about protecting the Yining in Li Ya's heart.
Mu Ran sat on the hard seat in the corridor, looking out the window, her mind also filled with thoughts. She thought of Yining's cultural heritage, of the traditional cultures that were on the verge of disappearing.
"Mu Ran, you must find the fragment in Tengchong and protect Yining's cultural heritage," Mu Ran said firmly in her heart. She understood that this journey was not just about finding the fragments of the Eternal Flower, but about protecting Yining's cultural heritage.
As the train left Urumqi, the scenery outside gradually became more desolate.
Li Ya looked out the window at the vast Gobi Desert, feeling a sense of desolation.
"Is this the scenery of the Great Northwest? It's really different from Yining," Li Ya thought to herself.
She thought of Yining's green mountains and clear waters, of the golden wheat fields, of the blue sky, the white clouds, and the green grasslands.
"Yining, I will find the fragments and save you," Li Ya said firmly in her heart.
Mu Ran sat on the hard seat, looking out the window, her heart also filled with mixed emotions. She thought of Tengchong, of the mysterious Hot Sea Hot Spring she had yet to see.
"Tengchong, I'm coming," Mu Ran said in her heart. She knew that the fragment in Tengchong was a huge challenge, but she was not afraid.
Shi Kexin sat on the lower bunk, looking out the window, he thought of the Harbin he had visited many times, of the world of ice and snow.
"Harbin, I'm coming," Shi Kexin said in his heart. He believed that the fragment in Harbin must be hidden somewhere in the ice sculptures.
The train continued on its journey, and Li Ya, Mu Ran, and Shi Kexin each immersed themselves in their own thoughts.
After more than twenty hours, the train finally arrived at Tianshui Station.
Li Ya, Mu Ran, and Shi Kexin gathered their belongings and got off the train, standing on the platform.
"Take care," Li Ya said to Shi Kexin and Mu Ran. Her voice was filled with concern and blessings.
"Nice to have met you," Shi Kexin said with a smile. "We will succeed."
"The future of Yining depends on us," Mu Ran said firmly.
Li Ya and Shi Kexin parted ways with Mu Ran outside Tianshui Station.
Shi Kexin's destination was Harbin, and he needed to go to Maijishan Airport, while Mu Ran was headed to Tengchong, and needed to take the high-speed train to Xianyang, Shaanxi, and then fly to Harbin Taiping Airport.
Li Ya watched as Shi Kexin and Mu Ran left, feeling a sense of reluctance.
"I hope we all succeed," Li Ya said silently in her heart.
She took a deep breath and turned towards the bus stop in the direction of the Maijishan Grottoes.
Li Ya walked down the streets of Tianshui, looking at the passersby, feeling a sense of confusion.
She didn't know what she was about to face, but she knew that she had to find the fragments of the Eternal Flower.
"Maijishan Grottoes, I'm coming," Li Ya said firmly in her heart. She believed that as long as she persevered, she would be able to find the fragments and save Yining.
Meanwhile, Mu Ran and Shi Kexin also embarked on their respective journeys.
Mu Ran boarded the No. 1 bus, heading towards Tianshui South Station to take the high-speed train.
Shi Kexin headed towards Maijishan Airport. He believed that the Harbin Ice Festival was a place full of wonders. He didn't know what he was about to face, but he was full of confidence.