The giant beast clearly remembered her, immediately assuming a puppy-like posture upon meeting, wagging its head and tail, stirring half the river into noisy splashes. She knew it was inviting her for a swim, but as her body hadn’t fully recovered, she couldn’t play around like that, so she whispered, "I’ll come find you to play in a few days."

After saying this, her brows suddenly furrowed, and Qi Zai, who was following beside her, also raised its long neck and turned to look at a certain spot in the woods, eyes full of vigilance.

Someone walked out of the woods slowly, dressed in simple gray clothes, looking not yet thirty years old, with a broad nose and deep-set eyes. His hair was slightly curly, and his gaze at her was tinged with excitement, yet he maintained proper etiquette, bowing deeply:

"Are you Ning Xiaoxian, Lord Ning?"

In her memory, she had never seen this person before, so how could he recognize her at a glance? Ning Xiaoxian curiously asked, "Who are you? And how did you recognize me?"

This was an admission. She no longer liked to hide; besides, the Bashe Forest was now her home. Why should she hide her identity when meeting visitors in her own home? It made sense; they were near the palace district for hosting guests, and since Qi Zai was landing here, it was easy for her to encounter Hidden Stream visitors.

The man, seeing that she didn’t deny it, visibly relaxed, smiled and said, "I am a disciple under Great Master Qing Yue of the Mirror Sea King’s Mansion, ranked third. You can just call me Ding San." His gaze shifted to Qi Zai, and he continued, "This must be the very famous Mr. Qi from the Hidden Stream. Besides Lord Ning, who else could make Mr. Qi willingly carry them on his back?" Originally just a nickname, once Qi Zai made a name for himself, everyone respectfully called him "Mr. Qi," and this title quickly spread.

So he was someone from an acquaintance’s entourage. Ning Xiaoxian couldn’t help but smile, "Is that so? Qi Zai’s mate often takes human form, aren’t you afraid of mistaking them?"

The man coughed lightly and awkwardly said, "Well, actually, I’ve seen Miss Ning’s portrait at the mansion."

Even Qi Zai found this strange. Why would the Mirror Sea King’s Mansion have her portrait? Ning Xiaoxian suppressed her curiosity and asked, "Three years have passed; how is Huangfuming?"

Ding San lowered his head, "Mr. Huangfu often mentions you, never forgetting you even for a moment."

Ning Xiaoxian rolled her eyes playfully, then gestured at her chest with her palm, saying, "Is he still so short?" During the three years she was in slumber, it was the time when little boys hit growth spurts. It’s likely that even if Huangfuming were standing in front of her now, she might not recognize him.

"Ahem!" Ding San’s mouth seemed to curl slightly, yet he quickly suppressed his smile, "The young master has changed drastically over these years; if you meet him, you will surely be pleasantly surprised." He lowered his brows and eyes, hiding his flickering gaze.

Despite the woman standing gracefully and still since his appearance, his sharp eyes noticed that while her body seemed unhurt, the light in her eyes was weak, indicating her injuries had not fully healed. It seemed the Hidden Stream wasn’t lying about her recent awakening. Before his visit, the young master specifically instructed him to find out where the Shaking Heaven God had hidden this Miss Ning, and now that she’d woken up on her own...

He discreetly glanced at Qi Zai nearby; if only this high-level Bird Demon weren’t around, if only they weren’t in the demon’s stronghold, the Bashe Forest. Now was when this woman’s body was at its weakest. If... the young master would be very pleased.

Seeing Qi Zai watching him intently, Ding San’s thoughts raced, yet his expression didn’t change as he continued, "I’ve heard news of your awakening over the past few days, and tried several times to seek an audience, but was politely refused by the Foreign Affairs Hall. I am set to return to the Mirror Sea this afternoon, so meeting Lord Ning before leaving is truly a delightful surprise."

He took out a Jade Pendant from his jacket and said, "Mr. Huangfu didn’t expect you to wake up, but he entrusted me to give you this gift. I only saw the Foreign Affairs Hall people a few days ago and was fretting over how to hand it to someone by your side. Now, perfect timing, please accept it?" He sensibly handed the jade to Qi Zai.

Qi Zai took it with its beak. The jade pendant was of the finest mutton-fat jade, flawless across its entire surface, warm to the touch, and if sold at the Treasure House, would cost no less than six or seven thousand taels of silver. Yet a few red threads, like silk or snakes, wound through its center, appearing strangely enchanting.

"What is this?" The smooth jade turned in her hand, and it was unclear whether the jade was prettier or her hands more lustrous. Ding San watched her slender, dexterous hands, quickly lowered his gaze, not daring to look further.