Fu Nantian concocted a story, broadly recounting his experiences over the years and how he had escaped, before asking quietly:
"What's the situation in the forest now? Is Qianfan doing well?"
Zhang Honglin nodded and said with a broad smile, "The young City Lord is doing very well. Under his leadership, we've steadily grown stronger over the years, ambushing and killing quite a few people from Blackwater Stronghold, Flowing Stone Stronghold, and Windrise Stronghold.
"Now that you've returned, City Lord, our Azure Sun Stronghold will surely rise again!"
At this, both Fu Nantian and Fu Yingying looked delighted.
Fu Nantian quickly said, "Honglin, lead the way. Take us to Hundred Miasma Forest now."
Zhang Honglin hesitated briefly. "The path into Hundred Miasma Forest is difficult. Your dantian has been destroyed by those villains from Windrise Stronghold, City Lord, and the young miss is a little frail.
"Wait here for me. I'll return to Hundred Miasma Forest and ask the young City Lord to send experts to escort you and the young miss."
Fu Nantian nodded. "That works too."
Zhang Honglin cupped his hands and bowed to Fu Nantian and Fu Yingying, then turned and strode away.
As he turned, he glanced at Chen Shi'an with an inscrutable look.
Although the look vanished in an instant, Chen Shi'an caught it precisely.
Chen Shi'an gave nothing away, keeping a faint smile on his face.
Zhang Honglin moved swiftly. In the blink of an eye, he crossed the barren stretch of ground and disappeared into Hundred Miasma Forest.
"Father, this is wonderful. You don't need to worry anymore. Elder Brother still controls Hundred Miasma Forest," Fu Yingying said delightedly.
Fu Nantian nodded. "After all these years apart, Qianfan can already hold his own."
At this, he cupped his hands slightly toward Chen Shi'an.