Shen had remained quiet throughout the whole exchange between their party and the bandits who had come into the shop, playing the distant, aloof exorcist who dealt not with men, but with things beyond the ken of the mortal world.  He did, however, take note of the glowing ball of light that suddenly appeared in the inn after all the lights went out with the peal of thunder.<br/><br/>It took only a few seconds for Shen to summon up the knowledge needed in order to identify it.  His hand gripped Li's arm, which was at one of his weapons.  "That would be unwise, Brother Li.  Let it go."  Once that was resolved, he continued.<br/><br/>"Scholar Wu is right.  This is a Yao - an animal that has bathed in starlight for a thousand years.  However, this is not just any Yao...but the Yao-fox.  Female, beautiful, and mischief makers.  However, offending them is highly unwise - they possess powerful magic and Tao.  So unless one wishes to end up as a fox, or other animal, themselves, it is best to be on good behavior."