"He planned all of this. We... we only acted because we had no choice. Every grievance has its culprit, every debt its debtor. Shi Pojun has already fled, so go after him quickly. We are merely insignificant side branches, irrelevant minor characters.
Spare my life. I, Chang Guwu, swear upon my inner demons that I will not reveal a single word of what happened today, nor will I ever become your enemy again."
Chang Guwu spoke at a breakneck pace, washing himself completely clean and pushing all blame onto the already-escaped Shi Pojun, trying to secure a sliver of survival for himself.
Beside him, Huang Jiugao's crimson soul fire flickered wildly. Its face, condensed from demonic qi, was filled with anxiety and terror, and it hurriedly rasped:
"This matter has even less to do with me. From beginning to end, all I wanted was to leave this damned place. That woman trapped me with the Boundary Separation Technique and forced me to act. Only then was I compelled to attack you. I can give you half the treasures I have amassed. Let me go, and we shall keep to our own wells and rivers!"
The two had lowered their stances to the utmost. Not a trace remained of the arrogance and ruthlessness they had displayed while besieging Chen Fei. All that remained was fear of death and the instinct to survive.
Chen Fei's gaze was as calm as an ancient frozen pool, without the slightest ripple. Chang Guwu's excuses did not sway him, nor did Huang Jiugao's offer tempt him.
"Side branches must be pruned as well."
Chen Fei looked at Chang Guwu, his voice even. "Since you chose to act, you should have been prepared to bear the consequences. Shi Pojun was the mastermind, and you were his accomplices.