Liu Qingyi fell silent for a moment. "Master, do you know that among the many strongholds in the Desolate Ruins, our Windrise Stronghold ranks only in the lower middle in strength?
"Trying to dominate the Desolate Ruins with Windrise Stronghold as your foundation would be as difficult as climbing to heaven.
"Also, although you placed fourth at the Gathering of Heroes,
"the strongholds that participated were only those bordering or near the Sacred Martial Dynasty. They represent only a small fraction of the many strongholds in the Desolate Ruins."
Chen Shi'an nodded. "Of course I know all that.
"But success rests on human effort.
"Here in the Desolate Ruins, we should rise from humble beginnings and soar into the clouds!"
Liu Qingyi paused briefly, then bowed to Chen Shi'an with her hands clasped. "Master, with your ambition to reach the clouds, I swear to follow you to the death!"
Chen Shi'an smiled faintly. "Just follow me. No need to talk about dying.
"All right, you may leave too. Now that you have the Great Sun Heaven-Burning Palm, your cultivation should improve rapidly. Spend this time cultivating diligently."
After Liu Qingyi left, Chen Shi'an left the Three-Killing Battalion and went to the City Lord's Mansion.
"Shi'an, you pushed me into the City Lord's seat, then dusted off your backside and disappeared.
"You were gone for more than half a month. Where did you run off to?" Xiang Li complained as soon as he saw Chen Shi'an.
Chen Shi'an hid nothing. "I escorted Fu Nantian and Fu Yingying back to the Hundred Miasma Forest and helped them open Bai Qitian's Cultivation Grounds."
"The Martial Saint Treasury has been opened?" Surprise appeared on Xiang Li's face.
Chen Shi'an nodded, took out a tea set and two works of calligraphy and painting, and offered