The woman clasped her hands formally and bowed deeply.
"I am Wang Ying. Greetings, Senior, and thank you for saving my life."
Jin Si had no choice but to slide down from the building. Now that he had studied a little, his mind worked better than before, and he understood basic etiquette. He could hardly keep lying there while someone bowed and thanked him. He circled the wooden building twice, then stood steadily before Wang Ying with all four paws on the ground.
"Don't call me Senior. It sounds terribly awkward. Someone else used to go on about seniors and juniors too, but once we got acquainted, we started calling each other Fellow Daoist."
Wang Ying looked briefly startled, then nodded in agreement.
"As you wish, Fellow Daoist."
He flicked his tongue out in satisfaction. That form of address sounded much better.
"There's really no need to thank me. Pillowstar Mountain arranged it all."
Wang Ying shook her head, her tone sincere.
"Whoever arranged it, you were the one who helped me, Fellow Daoist. I know whom I owe this kindness to."
He swished his tail, unbothered. Many Daoists were like this, terrified of owing anyone even the smallest favor. Even if the other party was a snake or a flood dragon, it sat uneasily on their conscience. They always wanted a chance to repay the debt before they could feel at peace.
Since that was the case, he would find something for her to do as soon as possible and let her repay the favor, so she would not have a debt weighing on her mind.
He thought for a while, but there really was nothing for her to do at present. It could wait.
Remembering his duties as the building's keeper, he gave her a few earnest instructions.