Now, the young Xing Yan had shouldered a worry as vast as the heavens and prepared to bid farewell to the Shangqing Palace. He went to ask its leader, True Person Ling Xu, for permission to take in little Qiong Rong-but who could have guessed it? The world was full of surprises: Ling Xu agreed without hesitation!
At this welcome news, the boy was truly beside himself with joy. The moment he stepped through the gates of Shangqing Temple, he called excitedly to Qiong Rong:
"Come on! Let's go home!"
"All right!"
His words came lightly, and her answer was just as brisk. Following her Brother Xing Yan as he hurried ahead, the girl charged down the mountain. Qiong Rong was delighted too. Her cheeks glowed red, and several strands of hair with a golden sheen fluttered constantly before her face in the wind blowing toward them.
But just as they reached the entrance to the stone path leading away from Flying Cloud Summit, the boy suddenly stopped and slapped his forehead.
"Oh! I was so happy I lost my head! I forgot we still have to register you at the Affairs Administration Hall!"
"Qiong Rong, let's go to the Affairs Administration Hall first!"
"All right!"
The little girl had already dashed ahead. At Xing Yan's words, she gave another clear, bright answer, turned around, and charged after her brother once more.
Afraid that a long night might breed troublesome dreams, the boy led Qiong Rong to the Affairs Administration Hall and hurried anxiously to find Master Qingyun. After explaining the leader's decision, he asked him to enter Qiong Rong in the register. However, they did not specify that she was a disciple of his, the master of Four Seas Hall. To tell the truth, even if Xing Yan was