Hesitation still lingered on Chen Shi'an's face, but his breathing had clearly quickened.
Xiang Chuxiong waited for six breaths. When Chen Shi'an still gave no answer, he sighed.
"To think that Commander Chen, a man in the prime of his life, would prove so disappointing in courage.
"Forget it. I, Xiang Chuxiong, misjudged you, even laying my heart bare to you.
"Go on, then. Tell Tian Wenguang about my plans. Perhaps he'll credit you with a service and reward you with a few more scraps when he opens the Martial Saint Treasury."
Chen Shi'an flushed at these words and said gravely, "There's no need to goad me, City Lord. I'm in! Sainthood in the Martial Dao is right before my eyes. If I don't take the gamble now, what better time will there be?"
Delight spread across Xiang Chuxiong's face. "Good! Excellent! Commander Chen, I wasn't wrong about you after all!"
With that, he raised his teacup. "Here's to a happy partnership and victory the moment our horses arrive!"
Chen Shi'an also raised his teacup and drained it, then asked, "City Lord, what exactly is this Martial Saint Treasury you mentioned?"
Xiang Chuxiong hesitated briefly, then said in a low voice, "The Fu family of Azure Sun Stronghold holds the key to the Martial Saint Treasury. Their City Lord, Fu Nantian, is currently locked up in the Water Prison. He knows where the key is.
"As long as we can pry his mouth open, we can find the Martial Saint Treasury."
Pleasure appeared on Chen Shi'an's face. "Since he's already been captured, getting him to talk must be easy."
Xiang Chuxiong remained noncommittal. "There are certainly ways to pry his mouth open. It's just not time yet."
Chen Shi'an thought for a moment. "It has to be before we deal