The old turtle glided steadily to shore.
Bai Yujun, holding a paper umbrella, led her horse onto the riverbank and nodded back at the River God.
"Thanks."
"You are too courteous, Exalted Goddess. Such a trifling matter is not worth mentioning. This Minor God shall take his leave."
After politely backing away, the enormous old turtle slowly sank into the deep water until even its shadow vanished from sight.
Resting the umbrella on her shoulder, Bai Yujun gazed at the hazy mountains veiled in mist and rain. She knew riding a horse would be inconvenient on the road ahead. Fine roads were one thing, but crossing mountains and ridges would only be slow. She had to find a new mount in advance.
She mounted her horse and slowly followed the mountain path choked with wild grass.
The rain gradually stopped.
The sky clung to the blue-green peaks, while mist rolled away and clouds gathered like rivers.
She had thought the damp fog might thin out, but the rain had soaked the dead leaves on the ground. Once the sun shone down, steam-like mist rose up again.
The scene was somewhat eerie.
Deep in the ancient forest, a Little Girl rode slowly through the fog, utterly relaxed and at ease.
Fortunately, the sunlight was fierce. Before long, the white mist drifted lightly into the sky and became clouds overhead.
It was getting late, so Bai Yujun urged her horse onward.
The sooner she crossed the mountain pass, the better. Otherwise, she would have to spend the night in the damp mountains after the rain.
As she traveled, a sudden roar like muffled thunder rang out from the forest. The deep beastly bellow swept over the hills like wind.
Roarrr...!
Flocks of startled birds burst into the sky.
It was highly recognizable—a