When the Poplar Blossoms Fall, the Cuckoo Cries

"You won't regret it?"

"I won't."

The young man tilted his head back and let a drop of water from the River of Oblivion fall into his eye. In an instant, countless scenes flooded into his vision. The memories held in every drop surged into his mind like a breached dam.

Clutching his head, he groaned in pain. He shut his eyes, trying to stop the endless torment, but to no avail.

"This is the pain you must bear," the ferryman said calmly.

With a bang, the door was kicked open. A group of young officers barged in, every one of them looking murderous.

The officer at their head grinned wickedly and hooked an arm around Bai Ziyi's neck. "Well, look at you, kid. Got some nerve, bullying our esteemed Ninth Prince!" He waved a hand. "Get him, boys! If he dies, it's on me!"

"What's your name?"

The young man in white smiled faintly, then turned to leave. "Xia Sixian."

"Oh, Xia Sixian." The woman repeated the name softly.