Recalling that scene, Xiao Yan stepped forward to stand beside Yao Lao. Pointing at Xiao Yi's nose, he joined the denunciation as though they shared a common enemy.
"Did you hear that? Even Teacher doesn't trust you! You set this place up like this, then suddenly dragged me over, yet you won't even explain what you're planning. If there's nothing fishy going on here, I'll write my name backward!"
Yet faced with the master and disciple's combined pressure, Xiao Yi merely set down his teapot at a leisurely pace. Its base met the stone table with a clear, light clink. He calmly met their suspicious gazes, the corners of his mouth curling into a smile that practically begged for a beating.
"Heaven's secrets must not be revealed. Once you explain the magic, it stops working."
That affectedly profound remark nearly made Xiao Yan stamp his feet in anger, but Yao Lao's illusory body stiffened slightly. He gave Xiao Yi a searching look, thoughts racing through his mind.
This brat acts outrageously and hardly ever says anything serious, but looking back, he always seems able to see through mysteries ordinary people cannot comprehend. Whether it's those unheard-of "theories" or the bizarre insights he occasionally displays, they all prove he's anything but ordinary. Perhaps... he really does have some special method?
At that thought, much of Yao Lao's anger and wariness dissipated, replaced by a complicated curiosity. Having lived so many years, he considered himself widely experienced and knowledgeable, yet Xiao Yi's very existence was an enormous mystery. Moreover, he had a faint sense that if he missed this opportunity, he would never have another in this lifetime. Thus, he decided to trust the brat just this once.
"Fine, I'll indulge your nonsense today! But if you're merely making fools of us...