The Sage River was still the same Sage River, and the myriad whirlpools upon its surface still spun as before. Only now, the sun was already high in the sky. Its golden light shone upon the river, making golden snakes dance wildly and leaving one dizzy at the sight.
"Alas..." Xin Xin was reluctant to pull her hand from Xiao Hua's. Lowering her head to look at the river, she sighed. "The four of us agreed to enter the river, yet only two returned! Though both you and I gained something, sorrow still fills my heart!"
"Yes..." Xiao Hua nodded. "Since the path you and I took was correct and we ultimately found the Profound Water Palace, then Cihui and Master Guzhen must have taken the wrong path. I fear they returned to the west long ago! Those who have passed are gone; those who remain alive must live even better. Xin Xin, I still have urgent matters to attend to. I fear I cannot accompany you to seek them..."
"I... I never intended for you to come with me!" Xin Xin said with slight annoyance, flinging her hand free of Xiao Hua's. "Having come this far, I... I still do not even know your name! How could I dare ask you to accompany me?"
"Well..." Xiao Hua was rather embarrassed and said with an ingratiating smile, "I actually told you earlier. You simply did not pay attention, did you?"
"Oh? When? How... how did I not know?" Xin Xin was stunned.
Xiao Hua smiled. "Hehe, my name is Xiao Hua—Xiao as in Xiao Hua, Hua as in Xiao Hua. Had I not told you long ago?"
"Xiao Hua? Little Flower?" Xin Xin could not help laughing. Raising her fist, she thumped Xiao Hua's chest several times and said coyly,