Once Lin Xiao and Ling Xi discovered something so important, they knew they had to tell Zhang Nu and the others immediately.

We need to hurry back and find Zhang Nu. This isnt a small matter, Ling Xi urged. If those YaoGuais are allowed to keep running amok in the village, the entire population could suffer.

Lin Xiao nodded and looked at Ling Xi with surprise. He felt she hadnt been the type to meddle in others affairs in the pastbut now, something in her had changed. Still, no matter what, she was Ling Xi, and he would always protect her.

Then lets go find Zhang Nu right away, he said.

Ling Xi nodded in agreement, and the two quickly made their way back to the meeting point. However, even as night fell, Zhang Nu and the others had yet to arrive. An uneasy premonition crept over Lin Xiao.

Ling Xi, we cant wait any longer. If Zhang Nu and the others havent returned by now, something must have happened to them.

Ling Xi was startled by Lin Xiaos words. She knew his intuition was usually spot onso hearing him say this filled her with unease.

What do you mean? Why havent they shown up yet? Are you saying something happened to them, or… have you sensed it?

Lin Xiao looked grim. Im sure something went wrong. I just dont know where it happened.

Ling Xi frowned deeply. If even Lin Xiao couldnt pinpoint the location, how would they find Zhang Nu?

As they were growing more anxious, Liu Hai suddenly walked in from outside. Ling Xi blinked in surprise and glanced at Lin Xiao as if silently asking, Whats going on?

Lin Xiao saw her look, but couldnt explain anything. No matter how he phrased it, it would sound off. Still, something didnt feel right.

Liu Hai came back maybe your intuition was wrong? Zhang Nu and the others might show up soon, Ling Xi suggested.

Lin Xiaos brow creased. He didnt like being doubtedespecially not by Ling Xi. She should trust him completely. Her remark made him feel unacknowledged.

Youre questioning my instincts?

Ling Xi quickly shook her head. Yet despite her denial, she could feel a creeping sense of danger.

Im not doubting you. But if your intuition was right, then how is Liu Hai here?

Lin Xiao didnt have an answer. Either his senses had failed him or this Liu Hai was an imposter.

My instincts are rarely wrong. That must mean this person… isnt the real Liu Hai.

And so, Liu Hai found himself suddenly suspected without reason. Ling Xi and Lin Xiao exchanged serious looks. They had no idea what was happeningor who, exactly, had taken Liu Hais place.

Then lets test him, Ling Xi proposed. Well find out if hes really Liu Hai.

Lin Xiao agreed, though he wasnt sure how they could pull it off. But how?

Ling Xi suddenly remembered all the things Liu Hai had said to them during the lantern festival. She had a plan.

Leave it to me. Ill figure out if hes real or not.

Confident in her approach, Lin Xiao nodded and stepped back, trusting her to handle it.

Ling Xi approached Liu Hai, wearing a worried expression. Liu Hai, youre finally back. Wheres Zhang Nu? Didnt he come back with you?

Liu Hais face twisted into a look of irritation.

Zhang Nu isnt back yet? We split up, remember? You and Lin Xiao went one way, and I was with Zhang Nu and Zhao Yang.

Ling Xi glanced at Lin Xiao in confusion. She hadnt known theyd split into multiple groupsshe had assumed everyone was together. Her plan to test Liu Hai suddenly seemed flimsy.

Zhang Nu wasnt with you? I thought he was. He and Zhao Yang still havent returned.

Upon hearing this, Liu Hais face turned anxious as well.