As the three of them continued searching the mountain, determined not to leave without uncovering the truth, Lin Xiao suddenly reached out and stopped Zhang Nu and Liu Hai in their tracks. Both Zhang Nu and Liu Hai turned to look at Lin Xiao, immediately realizing that he had sensed something.
With his eyes closed, Lin Xiao appeared to be concentrating deeply, as if he were attuning himself to the surroundings.
“Head south,” he finally said.
Without hesitation, Zhang Nu and Liu Hai nodded and followed Lin Xiao’s lead.
As they moved further south, they didn’t notice anything particularly unusual—until they stumbled upon a breathtaking bamboo pavilion nestled among the trees.
The structure exuded an ethereal beauty, as if it belonged to a celestial realm rather than a secluded mountain. Mist wove through the bamboo stalks, giving the place an otherworldly serenity.
“What is this place?” Zhang Nu murmured. “Why would such a refined residence be hidden up here?”
Liu Hai shook his head, just as puzzled.
Before either of them could investigate further, a graceful young woman emerged from the bamboo forest. She had a striking and radiant beauty, her delicate features framed by the soft glow of the afternoon sun.
However, the moment she laid eyes on them, her expression darkened, shifting from warmth to wariness.
“Who are you?” she asked sharply, her posture tense. “Why are you here?”
Zhang Nu hesitated for a brief moment, momentarily caught off guard by her beauty. But he quickly snapped out of it, reminding himself of where they were.
“We should be asking you that question,” Zhang Nu countered. “Who are you? Are you a YaoGuai?”
The young woman’s expression shifted into one of outrage, her cheeks flushing with indignation.
“What kind of question is that?! Who walks up to a stranger and immediately asks if they’re a YaoGuai?” she snapped. “Do you not have any manners?”
Realizing how blunt and accusatory he had sounded, Zhang Nu softened his approach.
“My apologies,” he said sincerely. “I didn’t mean to offend. We’re just trying to understand what’s going on here.”
“May I ask for your name? Do you live here?”
The woman eyed them suspiciously before nodding, though her wariness did not wane.
“My name is Ling Xi,” she finally introduced herself. “I have lived here my entire life.”
She studied them carefully.
“Who are you three? And why are you wandering around this mountain?”
Zhang Nu noticed her guarded stance and knew they needed to earn her trust.
“We mean no harm,” he assured her. “My name is Zhang Nu. These are my companions, Liu Hai and Lin Xiao.”
“We came here because the villagers at the foot of the mountain believe a monster has been terrorizing them.”
“They sent us to deal with it.”
At the mention of YaoGuais, Ling Xi’s expression stiffened further, and her gaze became evasive.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” she said quickly. “There are no YaoGuais here. There is nothing for you to find. You should leave.”
Zhang Nu narrowed his eyes. Her reaction was too unnatural. It wasn’t just apprehension—there was something she was trying to hide.
“Are you sure?” he asked, watching her carefully. “You’re saying there are no YaoGuais at all?”
For the briefest moment, Ling Xi’s eyes flickered with panic, betraying her. But she quickly steeled herself, crossing her arms defiantly.
“Of course not,” she said stubbornly. “I have no reason to lie.”
“If you’re looking for YaoGuais, you’re wasting your time. I suggest you leave.”
Zhang Nu and Liu Hai exchanged glances. She was lying.
But why?
Before they could press her further, Lin Xiao, who had remained silent until now, suddenly spoke up.
“You’re a YaoGuai, aren’t you?” he said flatly.
Ling Xi’s entire body stiffened. Her hands clenched at her sides, and for a split second, fear flashed in her eyes. She had been told since childhood—if she was ever discovered, she would be hunted. Just like all the others.
“I… I am not a YaoGuai!” she stammered, taking a step back. “You’re making baseless accusations!”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about. Just go!” her voice wavered slightly, betraying her growing panic.
She turned on her heel, trying to leave. She couldn’t stay here any longer.
But Lin Xiao moved faster. Before she could slip away, he stepped in front of her, blocking her path.
“I’m not here to harm you,” he said calmly. “I just need you to answer a question.”