"Actually, sensing this danger is simple. Don't you think that flame appeared far too conspicuously, and that the process of collecting it went far too smoothly?"
Faced with Zhao Xingyuan's question and the Little Foxes' puzzled, admiring gazes, Bi Fan spoke calmly.
Hearing Bi Fan's words, Zhao Xingyuan thought back over what had just happened and realized that things had indeed been just as Bi Fan said. Admiration welled up in him, but then another question arose. "Big Brother Bi Fan, your caution has certainly saved us a lot of trouble. But that was only a highly intelligent flame. Surely all this was just a coincidence?"
Although contradicting Bi Fan's view like this might seem somewhat disrespectful, Zhao Xingyuan still spoke his honest thoughts, unable to believe it.
"Of course, a highly intelligent flame wouldn't be capable of scheming, laying plans in advance to trick the people trying to collect it. But what if this flame possessed intelligence no less than a human's?"
Hearing Zhao Xingyuan's words, Bi Fan didn't take offense at his doubt. Instead, he spoke with a hint of amusement.
Those words sent a chill down Zhao Xingyuan's spine, and cold sweat poured from his forehead.
"If... if this flame has a complete intelligence no less than a human's, then everyone who came to collect it this time is probably doomed."
Zhao Xingyuan still found Bi Fan's speculation hard to believe, but even the mere thought of that possibility made him shudder.
"Right, they're doomed. So, do you believe me or not?"
Although Bi Fan and Zhao Xingyuan got along well, their relationship wasn't all that deep. Having said this much, Bi Fan had already repaid the favor Zhao Xingyuan had done him aboard the Flying Boat.
Whether Zhao Xingyuan believed him or not was no longer