If anyone in Windrise Stronghold could discover the whereabouts of Su Qingrou and the others, it had to be Tao Yaoyao.
After returning from the Hundred Flowers Pavilion, Chen Shi'an felt a little more at ease.
He had barely settled into his seat in the main tent when someone came calling. It was Qianshan Xue.
"Sister Qian, I acted rashly today." Knowing why she had come, Chen Shi'an admitted his mistake first.
Qianshan Xue said softly, "After what happened to your family, I understand.
"But you must trust that the stronghold will give you a satisfactory answer.
"The most important thing for you now is to advance your cultivation and prepare for the Gathering of Heroes."
Chen Shi'an nodded. "I understand."
Qianshan Xue sighed softly. "I've been at Master's side since childhood. No one knows his temper better than I do.
"This time, he's invested a great deal of effort in you. If you fail to place in the top hundred at the Gathering of Heroes, he'll certainly take his anger out on you.
"When that happens, I won't be able to help you."
Chen Shi'an's expression grew solemn. "Thank you for the reminder, Sister Qian. I'll work hard and strive to become a Second-Rank Martial Artist within three months."
After a moment's hesitation, Qianshan Xue took a porcelain bottle from inside her robe. "Master obtained twenty Origin-Strength Pills from the Four Seas Trading Company on this trip and gave me three. Take these for now."
With that, she held the porcelain bottle out to Chen Shi'an.
Chen Shi'an waved his hands repeatedly. "Sister Qian, Origin-Strength Pills are far too precious. I already have ten..."
Qianshan Xue simply pressed the porcelain bottle into his hand. "You need them more right now."
Chen Shi'an still tried to refuse. "I know you're