Lin Xiao looked at Ling Xi very seriously at this momenthe noticed she was already nodding off, half-asleep. There was no way he would let her drift off now, they hadnt gotten to the bottom of things yet. Without hesitation, Lin Xiao gave Ling Xi a sharp pat to wake her up.
Zhang Nu, watching Lin Xiaos obvious dig-your-own-grave move, couldnt help but find it amusing. He certainly wasnt going to help Lin Xiao out of this one.
Tell Zhang Nu the information we got. This is something you should explain, Lin Xiao ordered calmly.
Hearing Lin Xiaos words, Ling Xis drowsy look instantly turned into a grumpy pout.
We went up the mountain behind the town, and they said there really is a powerful YaoGuai here, she began. But that YaoGuai isnt in the mountainsits right in the town.
Zhang Nu and the others were stunned. Just how strong must that YaoGuai be, to live right under everyones nose without leaving a single trace? And the strangest thing: it hadnt been exposed at all. Did that mean this YaoGuai was actually harmless?
If the YaoGuais been hiding here in town for so long, and no rumors have spread at all, Zhang Nu asked. Does that mean its a good YaoGuai? Maybe its never done anything to hurt people?
The others looked at one another and then slowly shook their heads. None of them could say for sure if that was enough to trust it. If this YaoGuai really was malicious, surely there would have been signs by now. But just as Ling Xi saidthe whole town seemed completely unaware.
So maybe this YaoGuai really hadnt harmed anyone, just like her.
We cant be certain, Zhang Nu said. If we want to know the truth, we should keep an eye on things for now. If nothing suspicious turns up, well know theres nothing to worry about. But if the YaoGuais just very good at hiding, then wed better stay alert.
Ling Xi nodded firmly. If that was the plan, then there was no point worrying about it tonight.
Theyd come up with a clear course of action, and the night was already deep. If they didnt rest now, none of them would be able to get up tomorrow.
Alright, everyone understands the situation now, Zhang Nu said. Lets all get some rest. Were staying under the patrons roof, dont let him see us sleeping in late tomorrow.
Everyone agreed, heading back to their rooms at once. But though they lay in bed, they didnt fall asleep right awaytheir minds were still turning over what Lin Xiao and Ling Xi had discovered.
Maybe this YaoGuai really was one of the rare harmless ones, just like Ling Xi herself. They had just never come across one until now. Thinking that over, they each slowly drifted off.
By dawn, everyone had risen, and they even shared breakfast with the patrons family.
After breakfast, Zhang Nu still didnt notice anything strange. But Lin Xiaos sharp eyes soon fell on the patrons sonthe child from the patrons first marriage.
The moment Lin Xiao saw the boy, his gaze locked on him. This child didnt act like other children his agehe shouldve been lively and energetic, but instead, he just sat there, perfectly still, looking as if he were bored with everything around him.
Why did a child so young have eyes that looked so tired of life? Was he unusually mature for his age? Lin Xiao had no idea. He only knew the patrons current wife seemed like a good mother. Nо
Zhang Nu, noticing Lin Xiaos intent stare, followed his gaze, but all he saw was the boy. He couldnt figure out what Lin Xiao was thinking.
Lin Xiao, what are you looking at? Did you find something wrong? Zhang Nu asked.
Lin Xiao nodded slightly. He had found something that didnt sit right.
Look at the patrons son, Lin Xiao said quietly. Dont you think theres something odd about him?
Zhang Nu studied the boy but saw nothing out of the ordinary.
Lin Xiao, dont go imagining things, Zhang Nu said carefully. Thats the patrons son, hes just a child. Theres no way a YaoGuai would use a child as a disguise. If a YaoGuai wanted to hide, why choose a kid?
But Lin Xiaos thoughts were just the opposite. Zhang Nu believed children were unsuitable for hiding, Lin Xiao believed they were perfect for it.