3242 Chapter Purpose

Zhen Hua did not show the slightest expression, but still feigned surprise as he said, "Oh? I wonder what suggestions the Ancient Tower Master might have??"

Gu Yuena looked directly at the former, replying neither humbly nor arrogantly, "Forgive my bluntness, the decline of the Blacksmith Association to its current state is due to the turmoil across the Continent, leading to the loss of advantage for Forging Masters!"

"Secondly, it's the absence of large-scale commissions from any forces; the association cannot operate, nor can it earn sufficient funds!!"

Zhen Hua did not refute this but instead continued, "Ancient Tower Master, what you said is not wrong, however, personally speaking, the fundamental reason for the gradual decline of the Blacksmith Association should be that most people have chosen to join the flourishing Spirit Pagoda, right?"

"In other words, the downfall of the Blacksmith Association is entirely due to the influence of the Spirit Pagoda, and this point, you surely cannot deny?"

Feeling somewhat guilty, Gu Yuena involuntarily clenched her fists…

"Indeed, that's true, but those Forging Masters who joined the Spirit Pagoda have received far more generous rewards than before!!"

"And that was their own choice; the Spirit Pagoda merely provided the opportunity!!"

Zhen Hua had no intention of arguing and simply inquired further, "So… Ancient Tower Master, you have said so much, yet you have not mentioned any suggestions that could save the Blacksmith Association"

Gu Yuena no longer concealed her real thoughts, "I hope to fully integrate the Blacksmith Association into the Spirit Pagoda, to have both coexist!!"

Although saying this might be seen as kicking someone when they're down, after all, she was once a member of the Blacksmith Association!!

"Join the Spirit Pagoda? Indeed, doing so could alleviate the difficulties of the Blacksmith Association and even restore it to its former glory; that's not impossible!"

A glimmer of hope showed on Gu Yuena's face, "Does that mean you agree?"

If she could persuade him so easily, that would be great!

However, Zhen Hua decisively rejected, "Forgive me, but I refuse!"

"From the moment I became President of the Blacksmith Association, it has existed and operated independently. It simply cannot join any faction so easily, even if it means disappearing from the Continent eventually!!"

This scene aroused an inexplicable anger in Bi Ji, who coldly said, "President Zhen Hua, aren't you being a bit too greedy?"

"The Pagoda Master is doing this to save the Blacksmith Association. Otherwise, with the strength of the Spirit Pagoda, there is absolutely no need…"

Gu Yuena frowned, seemingly surprised by the interjection, and immediately shut her down, "Bi Ji, be silent!!"

Seeing this, Bi Ji had no choice but to forcefully swallow her words…

"Sorry, Pagoda Master, I just couldn't stand it…"

Gu Yuena knew she spoke those words out of concern for her and waved her hand, "Bi Ji, wait for me outside."

Bi Ji naturally did not dare to defy her further, sighing, "Yes, Pagoda Master!"

After that, she glared fiercely at Zhen Hua, then turned and left the reception room…

Only after her presence had faded did Zhen Hua stroke his beard, saying self-deprecatingly, "As expected of the notorious ferocious beast, if it weren't for you, the Pagoda Master here, I fear she would've already attacked and torn me apart, right?"

Gu Yuena immediately responded, "Teacher, Bi Ji was somewhat rude, I apologize to you on her behalf!"

Zhen Hua interrupted without hesitation, "No need, you are the Spirit Pagoda's master, and I am just a dying man, I cannot accept such apologies."

But this time, Gu Yuena spoke with utmost seriousness, "Teacher… there's just the two of us now, no need for this, right?"

"Regardless, you will always be my teacher!"

These words, sharp as a steel needle, pierced directly into Zhen Hua's heart…

His resolve softened…

A sigh of helplessness, "Gu Yue, you actually shouldn't have come back!"

Long ago, I had severed ties with her. This was something known by all forces on the Continent!

But now, she was once again in contact with me, as the President, which wasn't good for either of us!

Gu Yuena's eyes hardened, "Teacher, although you don't acknowledge it, I was once a member of the Blacksmith Association and I don't want to see it decline!"

"Please, agree to my request!"

Her reaching out to the Blacksmith Association wasn't to engulf it, but merely to maintain its operations by leveraging the reputation of the Spirit Pagoda!

Of course, she could directly provide funds, but knowing Zhen Hua's character, she knew he would definitely not agree!!

Zhen Hua naturally knew she hadn't come to swallow the Blacksmith Association but couldn't help having some doubts...

"Gu Yue, this matter is very serious. Although the Blacksmith Association has already, I still need to consider the other Forging Masters!"

Gu Yuena had clearly already thought of this and once again proposed, "Teacher, how about this, let the members of the Blacksmith Association decide whether they want to merge into the Spirit Pagoda, what do you think?"

"And I can swear in the name of the Tower Master that unless necessary, the Spirit Pagoda won't interfere too much with the Blacksmith Association!"

Zhen Hua propped his chin, musing, "Hmm... if that's the case, then maybe it really could be achieved!"

I don't have many years left, and indeed, need to entrust the Blacksmith Association to another trustworthy person!

Moreover, as she had said, the Spirit Pagoda wouldn't overly interfere with the Blacksmith Association, which was all benefit with no detriment!

"Alright, I'll discuss this matter with the rest of the Blacksmith Association. However, whether they're willing or not, I'm not sure!"

Only then did Gu Yuena breathe a sigh of relief, "Teacher, that's enough!"

As long as these conditions are stated, surely no one would refuse!!

After a pause, she once again addressed Zhen Hua, "Teacher, to be honest, you're really not suited for playing such a heartless role!"

Zhen Hua was momentarily stunned, then a trace of relief appeared, "Really? It seems you realized it long ago..."

He couldn't hide anything from her!

.....

The next day!

Looking at the core members of the Blacksmith Association before him...

Zhen Hua spoke solemnly, "What do you think about the conditions offered by the Spirit Pagoda??"

Upon hearing this, everyone voiced their opinions...

"This... could it be an attempt to swallow up our Blacksmith Association? It always feels like there's an ulterior motive!"

"Hmph, is there even a need to think about it? Definitely they want to deceive us into joining the Spirit Pagoda and later oppress us with thunderous means. By then, it will be hard to even break away!"

"It shouldn't be that bad, I heard the Spirit Pagoda's master is President Zhenhua's disciple..."

"Exactly, to become President Zhenhua's disciple, her character should not be bad, and it might actually be a good choice!!"

"What's wrong with a merger? Are you oblivious to the current state of the Blacksmith Association? If we don't seize this opportunity, we might not have another chance!"

"I too am in favor of joining the Spirit Pagoda, it's good for both parties!!"