Chen Shi'an returned home that evening.
He sat alone beneath the Old Willow Tree in silence, cultivating the Great Evolution Saintly Art all night.
When dawn was about to break, he began busying himself in the courtyard.
Before long, the once-tidy courtyard was a shambles, as though bandits had paid it a visit.
After clearing away the relevant traces, Chen Shi'an left this home that had once been filled with laughter as the first rays of sunlight fell upon Windrise Stronghold.
He pulled the door shut, took one last look, then swiftly turned and strode away without looking back.
He knew very well that, having left this time, he probably would never return.
It was still early when he returned to the Demon Hunting Camp. After putting his belongings in order, Chen Shi'an practiced his blade technique in camp.
By the time he was drenched in sweat, his subordinates began returning one after another.
Once everyone had arrived, Chen Shi'an bathed, changed into clean clothes, and gathered them all in his tent.
He first handed each man a pile of cultivation supplies, then said gravely, "You were chosen to join the Demon Hunting Camp because you all have considerable talent for cultivation. As long as you cultivate diligently, your future achievements will be far from meager. Don't squander that talent."
Pi Hou grinned. "Boss, you've spent money on us again. How embarrassing."
Chen Shi'an gave him a sidelong glance. "If you're embarrassed, give it back."
Pi Hou chuckled. "Taking back something you've given away isn't your style, Boss."
With that, he clutched the supplies tightly to his chest, as though afraid Chen Shi'an would take them back.
Chen Shi'an shifted his eyes slightly, slowly sweeping his gaze over his subordinates. "I know every one of your backgrounds. Like me,