In all her decades of life, Xinyi had never felt quite so disillusioned.
It was really Ling An's harmless appearance that had "deceived" her.
Perhaps if she could see Ling An's true form, she would not have thought that way.
Then again, she would probably have felt even more disillusioned.
Faced with a living, conscious, superpowered Tacet Discord, even someone with Xinyi's experience would probably struggle to stay calm.
What Ling An had just said made him feel somewhat unfamiliar to her.
She forced herself to settle down and said gently, "Then, the Glory of Treading Light..."
Even if he wanted to collect his payment, he needed proof.
"Well..." Ling An hesitated.
"It's all right. Even if you really haven't slain the Glory of Treading Light, I won't hold it against you."
Seeing Ling An hesitate, Xinyi instinctively assumed he was afraid she would expose his lie, and gently tried to reassure him.
After all, he was an honored guest brought by Changli. It would hardly be appropriate to scold him.
Her many years of experience had long since taught her to remain composed in unexpected situations.
She had seen plenty in her time, including young people who liked to boast, but most had simply been motivated by vanity.
She could understand that.
Under her gentle gaze, Ling An spoke.
"No, no, no. I think you've misunderstood. It's not that I don't have proof. I'm just afraid bringing it out will scare you."
"Scare me?"
Xinyi pursed her lips slightly and smiled.
She had overseen Mt. Firmament for years, and her experience far surpassed that of ordinary people. What could possibly scare her?
Surely this little cat could not teleport the Glory of Treading Light right in front of her?
Seeing Xinyi's confidence, Ling An looked around and sighed helplessly.