Chen Shi'an's eyes flickered, his expression shifting repeatedly. He looked as though he were waging a fierce inner struggle.
After waiting roughly six breaths, Dong Fengwu grew visibly impatient and raised his voice slightly. "What else do you have to worry about?"
Chen Shi'an cleared his throat and bowed respectfully to Dong Fengwu. "It is an honor for me to receive your favor, Commander Dong. Naturally, I would be more than willing to serve under you."
"However, I still have many ties back in Windrise Stronghold."
Dong Fengwu frowned slightly. "You mean your family?"
Chen Shi'an nodded. "And some friends. Along the way, several friends have shown me great kindness. Without them, I might have died in the Desolate Ruins long ago.
"Naturally, I must repay their kindness.
"I am now the deputy commander of Windrise Stronghold's Demon Hunting Camp, which has given me just such an opportunity."
Dong Fengwu added, "It won't be too late to repay them once you've established yourself in Desolate Suppression City."
Chen Shi'an shook his head. "That may be true, but I have already made promises to them. If I came to Desolate Suppression City, I would certainly be breaking my word."
Dong Fengwu waved a hand. "What of it? You can repay them twice over, or many times over, in the future."
Chen Shi'an sighed softly. "As human beings, we must put faith and honor first. That is the foundation on which we stand."
Dong Fengwu lifted his eyelids slightly. "Are you saying you intend to refuse my goodwill?"
Fear appeared on Chen Shi'an's face, and he waved his hands repeatedly. "I would dearly love to stay and serve under you, Commander Dong. It is only that I must return to Windrise Stronghold first and repay all this kindness."
Dong Fengwu's brows knitted