Chen Shi'an cleared his throat. "Tian Wenguang and Xiang Chuxiong turned on each other, and both died."
It took Fu Nantian quite a while to compose himself. Then he burst into laughter. "That old devil Tian Wenguang is finally dead! Good riddance!
"He committed so many evil deeds, and retribution finally caught up with him!"
Chen Shi'an continued, "Now, no one in Windrise Stronghold will trouble you anymore. You can leave whenever you wish."
As he spoke, he held the Jade Pendant a little closer to Fu Nantian.
Fu Nantian still did not take it. Only after hesitating for a full ten breaths did he say gravely, "Young friend Chen, I have lost my cultivation, and Yingying is only an Acquired Second Stage Martial Artist.
"Even if we can leave Windrise Stronghold now, crossing the Desolate Ruins to reach Hundred Miasma Forest under our own power would be harder than climbing to heaven."
"That is indeed a problem."
Chen Shi'an frowned.
After a moment's silence, he continued, "How about this? I'll send a squad of my subordinates to escort you to Hundred Miasma Forest."
Fu Nantian considered it briefly, then shook his head. "Young friend Chen, quite a few people in your Windrise Stronghold must know about the Martial Saint Treasury. I'm worried..."
Chen Shi'an waved a hand. "Rest assured, City Lord Fu. Every one of my subordinates is utterly loyal. There will absolutely be no problem."
Fu Nantian sighed softly. "Young friend Chen, people's hearts are hard to fathom, and treasure can sway them. All the more so when it is a Martial Saint Treasury."
Chen Shi'an said nothing more, assuming a thoughtful expression.
For a time, silence settled over the room.
Hesitation appeared on Fu Nantian's face. His lips moved, and he opened his mouth several times, but