"Extreme Yin, you have traveled far and surely are weary in body and mind. I will arrange a residence for you, where you may rest for a few days. Afterward, Qing Lian can take you around and show you the Willow Serpent Clan properly," said the Crimson-Scaled King.
Song Wen clasped his hands, about to respond, but Qing Lian beat him to it.
"Why arrange any residence? Wouldn't it be fine for Extreme Yin to stay in our cave abode?"
Song Wen was taken aback and hastily said,
"Miss Qing Lian, that would be inappropriate. I am, after all, an outsider, and a man besides. Staying in your honored cave abode may be inconvenient."
"What inconvenience could there be..."
Qing Lian looked utterly unconcerned, but before she could finish, the Crimson-Scaled King interrupted her.
"Qing Lian, do as Extreme Yin says. He has only just arrived in an unfamiliar place and must have many concerns. Living alone will also let him feel more at ease."
"But..." Qing Lian still seemed somewhat unwilling.
"It is settled." The Crimson-Scaled King turned and flew outside. "Extreme Yin, follow me. I will take you to the guest quarters."
"Miss Qing Lian, farewell."
After bidding her farewell, Song Wen moved to catch up with the Crimson-Scaled King.
"Wait for me, I'm coming too," Qing Lian's voice called from behind him.
After leaving the cave abode, the Crimson-Scaled King led Song Wen along the foot of the mountain until they arrived before a cave abode on the shaded side of a high peak.
This cave abode, like the Crimson-Scaled King's, had been built by the water. Even the open ground outside, the waterside corridors, and the pavilions were exactly the same.
"This cave abode was originally prepared for Qing Lian, but that girl insisted on living