And so, at dusk the next day, just after setting up a camp to rest, Chen Shi'an approached Zhao Shiqing. "Elder Zhao, finding a place to relocate the sect isn't something we can accomplish overnight.
"We may have to spend some more time feeling our way through these mountain forests. I'm your junior, young and full of energy, so scrambling around in these woods is nothing to me.
"But I feel bad making you wear yourself out alongside me.
"How about this? When we continue searching the mountains tomorrow, you won't have to follow me the whole time.
"Whenever you reach a spot, you can stop and rest.
"I'll search within twenty li of you, and once I've finished, we'll move on to the next place.
"That way, you won't have to scramble through the mountain forests with me.
"Besides, I might move a little faster searching the mountains alone."
Zhao Shiqing was clearly tempted, but after a moment's thought, he shook his head again. "We're already deep in the Desolate Ruins, and you aren't very familiar with the terrain. If you encounter a Demon Beast, how will you protect yourself?"
Chen Shi'an smiled. "Elder Zhao, you can rest assured. I'm a Second-Rank Martial Artist, after all. Against ordinary Demon Beasts, I still have some ability to protect myself.
"Besides, you're a Fifth-Rank Martial Artist. I'll be within twenty li of you, so even if I encounter any danger, you'll be able to get there in time."
Zhao Shiqing still hesitated, and Chen Shi'an continued, "Elder Zhao, although I'm only a Second Grade Early Stage Martial Artist, my fighting strength isn't something ordinary Alchemists can compare with. Even Gu Yuetian, who was at the Second Grade Late Stage, was no match for me.
"If I had no ability to protect