When Chen Shi'an returned to the Demon Hunting Camp's base...
In a room deep within the City Lord's Mansion, Xiang Chuxiong sat upright in a high-backed chair, with Yun Feng standing to one side.
"Master, this was already settled. Why did Elder Tian change his mind? What is he trying to do?"
Yun Feng frowned, displeasure showing on his face.
Xiang Chuxiong raised his eyelids slightly. "Chen Shi'an suddenly reached Martial Dao Entry-Rank. Naturally, Uncle Tian wants to choose the stronger of the two of you to represent our Windrise Stronghold at the Gathering of Heroes.
"Are you afraid of losing to Chen Shi'an?"
Yun Feng curled his lip. "Lose to him? He only just reached Martial Dao Entry-Rank. How could he possibly beat me?"
Xiang Chuxiong followed up, "Then what are you unhappy about?"
Yun Feng shook his head. "Those are two different things. This means Elder Tian doesn't trust me."
Xiang Chuxiong chuckled. "This Gathering of Heroes is crucial to our Windrise Stronghold. It's only right for Uncle Tian to be cautious."
Yun Feng said gravely, "Master, let me speak frankly. Elder Tian's arrangements don't just mean he distrusts me. He's guarding against you, too!"
"Silence!"
Xiang Chuxiong's expression darkened, and he snapped, "Stop spouting such unfounded nonsense!"
Yun Feng hurriedly cupped his hands in apology, then said cautiously, "Master, it's just the two of us here, so I didn't hold back. I only wanted to speak my mind.
"There are plenty of ways Elder Tian could choose the stronger of Chen Shi'an and me to attend the Gathering of Heroes, yet he insisted on tying it to the position of Deputy Commander of the Demon Hunting Camp.
"Clearly, he doesn't want me to become Deputy Commander of the Demon Hunting Camp. He doesn't want you to take