You Have Something You're Hiding from Me, Don't You?
The next day, as a faint light began to spread across the sky, Bi Fan opened his eyes from meditation.
Through the thin morning mist, he saw a graceful figure standing not far away, her back turned to him. He knew who it was without needing a closer look.
He rose quietly and walked over to the girl. Seeing her gaze fixed on the distant horizon, lost in thought, he couldn't help asking, "What's wrong? Something on your mind?"
Ling Xiaoxiao turned her head and studied him for a moment before suddenly breaking into a smile. "Nothing at all. I was just spacing out."
Bi Fan's brows drew together slightly. For some reason, her forced, carefree smile made him uneasy.
She's never acted like this before. This little girl must be keeping something from me, he thought in silence.
He immediately stepped in front of her and looked at her gravely. "Little girl, you're hiding something from me, aren't you?"
Ling Xiaoxiao froze for a moment, then lifted her head with a smile. "What are you talking about? Did yesterday's beating knock you silly? What could I possibly be hiding from you?"
"You definitely are." Bi Fan fixed her with a piercing gaze and spoke with absolute certainty.
Ling Xiaoxiao hesitated, then pouted and sighed. Knowing she couldn't keep it from him, she said softly, "I think I sensed the presence of the Devil Race."
"The Devil Race?" Bi Fan frowned, but wasn't too surprised. "Haven't those people always wanted to seize the resources of the Heavenly Emperor Treasure Pagoda? It's not that strange for them to show up nearby, is it?"
Ling Xiaoxiao paused, then smiled and punched him lightly on the shoulder. "Exactly. What's there to make such a