As her laughter faded, the goddess composed herself and addressed Xing Yan and his companions:
"In truth, I share a deep affinity with this little sister. So, not counting today, return here in three days, and I shall help you brother and sister reach Kunlun!"
Overjoyed at her words, Xing Yan hastily cupped his hands and bowed deeply, thanking the goddess for her immense kindness. Yet beneath his delight, he considered her words more carefully, and a trace of bewilderment arose. He blurted out:
"May I ask your honored name, Goddess?"
Xing Yan asked because the grief and joy that had swept through him earlier had thrown his thoughts into such turmoil that he had failed to hear Xi He introduce herself. Xi He, perceptive as ice and snow were pure, naturally understood. Although she had already given her name, she turned slightly and dipped in a courteous bow at his question. Showing not the slightest disdain for a mortal, she answered softly with a woman's customary courtesy:
"I am Xi He. I have long dwelt in the Sweet Abyss at the southeastern edge of the sea. I have only just awakened from a long sleep, for I sensed in a dream that an old acquaintance had met with calamity, and came to offer aid."
"..."
At the goddess's words, Xing Yan suddenly broke into a drenching sweat. He remembered a passage from an ancient book: "Beyond the southeastern sea, among the sweet waters, lies the kingdom of Xi He. There is a woman named Xi He, who bathes the suns in the Sweet Abyss. Xi He is the wife of Di Jun and the mother of the ten suns."
Vaguely recalling the goddess's origins, Xing Yan pondered what she had just said. His astonishment only deepened his uncertainty. He