“But what are rain-sheep?”
“They are the thunder-rams,” replied the woman.
And when he looked more closely he noticed that these sheep walked around in proud, savage fashion, quite different from ordinary sheep.
Liu I added: “But if I deliver the letter for you, and you succeed in getting back to the Sea of Dungting in safety, then you must not use me like a stranger.”
The woman answered: “How could I use you as a stranger? You shall be my dearest friend.”
And with these words they parted.
In course of a month Liu I reached the Sea of Dungting, asked for the orange-tree and, sure enough, found it. He loosened his girdle, and struck the tree with it three times. At once a warrior emerged from the waves of the sea, and asked: “Whence come you, honored guest?”
Liu I said: “I have come on an important mission and want to see the King.”
The warrior made a gesture in the direction of the water, and the waves turned into a solid street along which he led Liu I. The dragon-castle rose before them with its thousand gates, and magic flowers and rare grasses bloomed in luxurious profusion. The warrior bade him wait at the side of a great hall.
Liu I asked: “What is this place called?”