"Is repairing the Immortal Ruins' array the only way to leave?"
The Golden Baleful Patriarch murmured under his breath, continually scrutinizing Su Shi'er before him, his eyes heavy with suspicion.
"If you do not believe me, you can investigate when you wish to leave. You will naturally find out. This is not something anyone can conceal.
"However..."
Su Shi'er changed tack.
"I came for the Immortal Pillar here, but I do have some requests.
"If we join forces, defeat this Gray-Robed Elder, and break his Magic Array, I must have first claim to the belongings he leaves behind and anything needed to repair the Immortal Pillar.
"Furthermore, after the Immortal Pillar is repaired, you must remain here for a time and guard it.
"You may leave only after I have repaired the Immortal Ruins' array."
"Heh heh, you certainly have plenty of conditions, Fellow Daoist Hou!"
A keen light flickered in the Golden Baleful Patriarch's eyes, and his expression grew grave.
"If you are unwilling, I certainly will not force you."
Su Shi'er answered composedly, his tone calm and unruffled.
"If my judgment is correct, you have no suitable candidate for this Immortal Pillar other than me. Had I not happened to be here...
"You... would have found a way to lure me here, would you not?"
The Golden Baleful Patriarch did not rush to accept or refuse. Fixing his burning gaze on Su Shi'er, he suddenly posed a question of his own.
"I never speculate about things that have not happened.
"But repairing the Immortal Ruins' array concerns whether every fellow Daoist who entered the Immortal Ruins can leave safely.
"You are a decent man, Fellow Daoist Golden Baleful. If your own safety were truly at stake, I imagine you would not refuse."
Su Shi'er shrugged, his tone as