Gu Qingyao knitted her brows tightly, helplessness and powerlessness showing in her eyes.
Then she bowed respectfully to Chen Shi'an. "Master, please lend us your aid."
Chen Shi'an raised his eyelids slightly. "You think far too highly of me. This concerns Desolate Suppression City. What room is there for me to interfere?"
Gu Qingyao shook her head. "Don't be modest, Master. I know everything you've done since returning to Windrise Stronghold.
"Xiang Li is now the City Lord of Windrise Stronghold, but you hold absolute authority, Master."
"And what of it?"
Chen Shi'an lifted his head slightly. "Our Windrise Stronghold isn't much different from your Flowing Stone Stronghold in strength. Your Flowing Stone Stronghold can't contend with Desolate Suppression City, and neither can our Windrise Stronghold."
Gu Qingyao added, "Master, you rose from the lowest ranks of Windrise Stronghold, yet took control of it in such a short time.
"I've never seen such methods and strength in my life."
Chen Shi'an gave her a sidelong glance. "How old are you, anyway? How many people have you even seen in your life?"
Gu Qingyao's expression remained unchanged as she said gravely, "Since you could take control of Windrise Stronghold, Master, you must have a way to help our Flowing Stone Stronghold resolve its crisis.
"Besides, I suspect you came here precisely because of the matter concerning our Flowing Stone Stronghold."
Chen Shi'an gazed into Gu Qingyao's eyes. "I did indeed come here because of the matter concerning your Flowing Stone Stronghold.
"But before I take action to resolve it, you must first make a decision yourself."
"Me?"
Confusion appeared on Gu Qingyao's face.
Chen Shi'an nodded. "Desolate Suppression City isn't a solid slab of iron internally. If you take charge of Flowing Stone Stronghold, a little maneuvering will be enough to