Cat's Preference for Self-Reliance

Mirror Island Lake God had a slender, graceful figure. A white veil covered her face, obscuring her features, yet deities possessed an ethereal bearing of their own; her elegance was still beyond comparison with mortal women. At this moment, she stood upon the water as if walking on solid ground.

"I am merely an old friend who has come to seek counsel from Mirror God. Mirror God's formality and courtesy only leave me at a loss."

"Taoist priest, please come to the lake for a talk."

Mirror Island Lake God smiled faintly and changed her form of address. She looked at him, then at the little girl on the boat, and made an inviting gesture.

"I would be disrespectful to refuse."

The Taoist priest raised his hand again and returned her salute.

The little girl raised her hand too, cocking her head as she scratched behind her ear.

"Whew..."

Mirror Island Lake God exhaled a breath of white mist.

That breath settled over the little girl and Song You alike. A hazy vapor instantly rose before their eyes, rippling outward in rings.

When they came back to themselves, they were already before an elegant pavilion.

Who knew how many years ago it had been built? Entirely wooden, it possessed the charm of antiquity. Above them was a transparent barrier, holding back the immense weight of the lake waters, revealing a world apart.

It was nighttime. No matter how bright the stars, their light could not reach beneath the lake. Yet from the little path outside onward, jade lamp pillars stood everywhere. Pearls embedded in the pillars gave off a faint white glow, while the pavilion itself was brilliantly lit. Many graceful maidservants moved back and forth within it, fluttering like butterflies.

"Mm..."

Three Flower Lady seemed to have forgotten most