The Serpent's Bite

Zi Yin watched the exchange, the tension in the air was palpable. He knew Zhan Sheng was a master at reading people, and he could see that the Devil Venerable was not easily swayed by Chen Shu's attempts at deflecting. The truth seemed to be slipping through her grasp, and Zi Yin couldn't help but wonder what she was hiding and why.

Chen Shu's jaw tightened. "My lord, I deeply regret any misunderstanding. I shall be more diligent in the future and report any matters that may require my absence."

Zhan Sheng's eyes bore into her, seemingly weighing her words carefully. "See that you do," he said firmly. "I trust that General Chen Shu will not let such discrepancies occur again."