The Giant Snake at the Door

Lu Huan had actually never been asleep.

She lay beside the fire, her eyes half-open and half-closed, but her ears were pricked high, catching seven or eight parts out of ten of the conversation over there.

The moment she heard the words "wild boars," she suddenly rolled over and sat up, calling loudly in that direction:

"Don't worry, that herd of wild boars has already been killed by us. You don't need to take a detour."

The moment those words came out, the expressions of the people over there changed in unison.

They had kept their voices extremely low while speaking, needing to lean close to each other just to hear clearly.

Yet from such a distance, that little girl had heard every word distinctly. How could that not leave them startled and suspicious?

They all gripped their weapons, their faces full of wariness.

Shen Hui, however, raised a hand and lightly patted the back of Lu Huan's head, his tone carrying a trace of admonishment.

"Go to sleep. We still have a journey to make at dawn."

Lu Huan shrank her neck and gave an "Oh."

She said no more, lay back down on the spot, and fell asleep as soon as she closed her eyes.

Shen Hui looked up and saw those people staring as though facing a great enemy. He smiled faintly and cupped his hands.

"Forgive her, everyone. This poor Daoist's junior sister speaks her mind and means no harm. Her ears are simply a little sharper than most."

The leading young man's expression shifted slightly, but he quickly suppressed it and returned the salute.

"Traveling at night, one sees soldiers in every blade of grass and tree. If our words just now caused offense, I hope Daoist Master will be magnanimous."

"No matter."

Shen Hui