In truth, the affair was not entirely beyond reason. On the surface, it seemed that Jun Tai, the "Music Deity" obsessed with music, could not bear to part with the Dragon Lady's exquisite melodies and had been forced to change his stance. Beneath that, however, the Rain Master Divine General had a mind of his own and had long tired of his lord Meng Zhang's ambitious ways. "What is too rigid is easily broken." Jun Tai had not been wholly unprepared for the South Sea's present predicament. This was also why many thought his conduct unusual: he did not readily fall in with Meng Zhang's various schemes. Beyond this, there was another important factor, one outsiders could scarcely have known-Jun Tai and Boyu, the Dragon God's Eldest Crown Prince, got along exceedingly well. One was gentle and warm as jade, the other refined and graceful; they had always recognized a kindred spirit in each other. Now that the Four Rivers advocated placing Boyu in charge of the South Sea, Jun Tai naturally had no objection.
Enough of these digressions. Xing Yan and his companions were naturally delighted to have accomplished such a great undertaking. With no desire to linger, they headed straight for the Cloud Pass of Emerald Trees. Xing Yan led the way, Qiong Rong followed, and Lingyi walked slowly behind them, cradling her zither.
Persuading Jun Tai had taken considerable effort. They had set out that morning when the sun first rose, and by the time they returned, it was already sinking in the west. On their journey back through the misty waters, Xing Yan saw layers of evening fog gradually rising from the sea. The white, gauzelike mist caught the reflected light of the slanting western sun, revealing bands of delicate rainbow hues. Meanwhile, the white clouds