No one would ever expect that a YaoGuai might actually possess a childs bodya child who should be pure and innocent by nature. But precisely because children are so pure, theyre also the easiest targets for a YaoGuai to inhabit without raising suspicion. .

Better to guard against others than not, and never mean harm, but never lower your guard, Lin Xiao said seriously. In this house, everyone is a suspect. We have to watch carefullyand a child is the best hiding place. Who would think to look for a YaoGuai in a child? A childs mind is easy to take over.

Zhang Nu had to admit Lin Xiaos reasoning was compelling. The more Lin Xiao explained, the more likely it seemed this really could be happening just as he described. But if the patrons son was possessed, how were they supposed to deal with him?

Then how do we test it? Zhang Nu asked. We have to find a way to test each person, to rule them out one by one. Otherwise, well never find the real YaoGuai.

Lin Xiao agreed, but he also looked troubled. Youre right, but finding a way to test them all is going to be difficult. He paused, brows furrowed. I cant think of a good plan yet.

Zhang Nu could only nod helplessly. If even Lin Xiao couldnt come up with something, then it wasnt likely any of them could. After all, this whole suspicion had come from Lin Xiao in the first placeit made sense that he should be the one to find a method.

Lin Xiao, you thought of this, so youll need to think of a solution too, Zhang Nu said. Or maybe tonight, when we gather again, we can talk it through properly. No matter what, we have to figure out how to expose this YaoGuaiwhether its good or bad, we need an answera closure.

Lin Xiao nodded in agreement. At that moment, his eyes drifted toward Ling Xi, who, unsurprisingly, was already restless again. She couldnt sit still for even a moment. Before he knew it, Ling Xi had skipped over to the other side of the courtyard and was playing with the patrons son as if they were already best friends.

Lin Xiao found himself secretly impressed by Ling Xis gift for getting along with anyone. She could make friends with anyone, anywherea talent he himself did not have. Even with Zhang Nu and Liu Hai, he always felt a bit stiff and awkward. Only with Ling Xi did he truly relax, and yet he still enjoyed teasing her.

Meanwhile, Zhao Yang and Liu Hai, noticing Zhang Nu and Lin Xiao whispering, quietly sneaked up behind them.

What are you two talking about now? Liu Hai asked. What arent you telling us?

Zhang Nu jumped. He hadnt expected Liu Hai to appear out of nowhere. Liu Hai was getting sneakier by the day.

Dont do that again, Liu Hai. You nearly scared us to death, Zhang Nu muttered. Were just talking about the YaoGuaiwho it might be possessing.

Hearing that, Zhao Yang and Liu Hai both perked up. If they could find the YaoGuai quickly, theyd be thrilledonly by finding it could they earn their reward and finally move on. There were still so many places they hadnt seen yet, they couldnt stay stuck here forever.

Then, do you have any leads? Any suspects? Zhao Yang asked eagerly. As long as we watch them carefully, well spot the YaoGuais slip eventually.

Zhang Nu could only shake his head. No real suspect yet, he said honestly.

But Lin Xiao did have one: the patrons son. Even so, he didnt share it. He still felt it was unlikely, and there was no point worrying Zhao Yang and Liu Hai without proof.

Seeing Zhang Nus answer, Zhao Yang and Liu Hai both slumped a little in disappointment. If they didnt even have a single suspect, then this was going to be harder than theyd thought.

Well, Liu Hai sighed dramatically, putting on an air of wisdom he didnt really have. This is getting interesting. Whoevers behind this is really good at hidinggood enough to fool even you lot.

In truth, he didnt understand any of it. He didnt even know for certain whether there really was a YaoGuai in the patrons house.