The Sage River was still the same Sage River, and the myriad whirlpools upon its surface still spun as before. Only now, the sun stood high in the sky, its golden brilliance shining upon the river, turning it into a wild dance of golden serpents that made one's eyes swim.
"Alas..." Xin Xin reluctantly withdrew her hand from Xiao Hua's, lowered her head to look at the river, and sighed. "The four of us agreed to enter the river together, yet only two returned! Though you and I both gained something, sorrow still fills my heart!"
"Mm..." Xiao Hua nodded. "Since the path you and I took was the right one and we ultimately found the Profound Water Palace, then Cihui and Master Guzhen must have taken the wrong path. I fear they have long since returned to the west! The departed are gone, but the living must live all the better. Xin Xin, I still have urgent matters to attend to, so I fear I cannot accompany you to search for them..."
"I... I never intended for you to come with me!" Xin Xin said with slight indignation, flinging Xiao Hua's hand away. "Having come this far, I... I still do not even know your name! How could I dare ask you to come with me?"
"This..." Xiao Hua said sheepishly, forcing a smile. "This humble one actually told you earlier, but you simply did not pay attention?"
"Oh? When? How... how did I not know?" Xin Xin froze.
Xiao Hua smiled. "Hehe, this humble one is named Xiao Hua—Xiao as in Xiao Hua, Hua as in Xiao Hua. Had I not told you long ago?"
"Xiao Hua? Xiaohua??" Xin Xin could not help laughing. Raising her fist, she lightly punched Xiao Hua's chest several times and chided, "Does