"You're such a rascal!"
Yi Shuyuan's voice sounded beside Hui Mian, who looked up at him.
"I never used to be this cheeky. I learned it all from spending so much time with you, sir!"
Yi Shuyuan smiled. If that's what you're going to say, I'll have to find a chance to teach you a lesson!
"Sir, that smile of yours scares me a little. Can we pretend I never said that?"
Hui Mian was clearly feeling guilty, but Yi Shuyuan's attention had already shifted to the distant surface of the West River.
Divine light flickered faintly in the river, guiding the current toward them, only to fade as it drew near. A layer of mist rose from the surface, bearing the Water God Yao E, Jiang Zhuer, and the Yaksha slowly upward until all three stood upon the river.
Yi Shuyuan was inwardly surprised, while astonishment showed plainly on Hui Mian's furry face.
This was Lady Yao E?
Neither Yi Shuyuan nor Hui Mian had visited Lady Yao E's temple, so they did not know what her statue looked like. Still, they certainly had not expected Lady Yao E's appearance to be so distinctive.
"Yao E pays her respects to Immortal Elder Yi Daozi!"
The woman in green upon the river bowed first, and her two subordinates followed suit.
Even Yao E dared not show Yi Daozi the slightest discourtesy. This was not because of the former Kaiyang Water God's death, but because, back when the Heavenly Gods and Dragonkind had fallen out over the floods, Yi Daozi had been able to stand between the Heavenly Emperor and the Dragon Lord.
Yi Shuyuan collected himself and returned the greeting with clasped hands.
"My greetings to you. Since Lady Yao E has returned, I take it the Water Gods in