Chapter 3243: To Join or Not

Watching the unceasing debate between the two sides as their momentum slowly became overwhelming, Zhen Hua, as the President, cleared his throat and said, "Quiet down, everyone. The reason I've called you all here is to discuss how the Blacksmith Association should develop in the future, not to argue!"

"If you have any opinions, state them one by one!"

Hearing this, the members with differing views all calmed down…

One of the "Elders" from the Blacksmith Association took a deep breath and then spoke up, "President, although the Blacksmith Association has fallen on hard times, once we join the Spirit Pagoda, it will be difficult to break away in the future!"

"It's true that Gu Yuena has said that the Spirit Pagoda will not interfere with the internal affairs of the Blacksmith Association, but what if one day she goes back on her word, or if she dies, will the upper echelons of the Spirit Pagoda still honor these promises?"

Furthermore, although Gu Yuena is the President's disciple, the relationship between them has long been severed, making it hard to trust her!

Another "Elder" who had spent most of his life at the Blacksmith Association stroked his beard and chimed in, "Exactly, the Spirit Pagoda is now controlled by ferocious beasts; do you really expect us to trust them, President?"

"I share the same view, even if the Blacksmith Association were to disappear from the Continent, we absolutely must not join the Spirit Pagoda!"

"We members of the Blacksmith Association should have some backbone and not give up our dignity just because the Spirit Pagoda offers a bit of benefit!"

Zhen Hua looked at these Elders who proposed rejecting the integration with the Spirit Pagoda…

He nodded and said, "You do make some points, but if the Blacksmith Association truly disappears from the Continent, it would be disastrous for thousands of Forging Masters!"

"They will lose their jobs and will find it extremely difficult to even survive!"

Upon hearing this, the faces of the Elders changed to various shades of disbelief and embarrassment…

Obviously, they also knew that what he said was not unfounded…

Without the Association, the Forging Masters would become the very bottom of society!

On the other hand, the "newcomers" of the Blacksmith Association showed expressions of joy and excitement…

They could clearly have a better future; why should they give it up willingly?

"The President is right, what use is dignity if even the Blacksmith Association can't survive?"

"As Forging Masters, we make a living with our skills; if the Association disappears from the Continent, how are we to feed our families?"

"It seems the President also supports the Blacksmith Association's integration with the Spirit Pagoda. Why can't these old stubborn ones understand? Do they want us all to starve to death before they are satisfied?"

"Joining the Spirit Pagoda means our income could increase several-fold. I haven't earned money in a long time; I don't want to miss this opportunity!"

Hearing this, the Elders of the Blacksmith Association became somewhat anxious…

"You young people... are truly vulgar, as Forging Masters willing to be exploited by the Spirit Pagoda!"

One must know, Forging Masters used to hold a very high status!

In an instant, the conflict between the two sides intensified once again…

Seeing this, Zhen Hua could only let out a helpless sigh…

"It seems your opinions cannot be unified, but I have an idea; please listen carefully..."

…

Back at the Spirit Pagoda, Bi Ji was still feeling indignant and couldn't help but mutter, "My Lord, I really don't understand why you indulge that human named Zhen Hua so much. Even if he was your teacher, he shouldn't be allowed to treat you like this!"

She knew that even they, as ferocious beasts, could not speak to him in such a tone…

A human, now being so bold, how could she not be furious!

Gu Yuena glanced at her and said, "Bi Ji, when I first integrated into human society and even successfully joined the Spirit Pagoda, my teacher provided me with a certain amount of help!"

"Furthermore, I can see that his true intentions are not like this!"

The teacher, he must be considering the interests of the Blacksmith Association, which is why he would embarrass himself!

Bi Ji frowned, "Even so, he still..."

But Gu Yuena interrupted her before she could finish, "Enough, Bi Ji, I'm feeling somewhat tired today, I'll go rest now!"

"If the teacher sends any messages, inform me immediately!"

With that said, she didn't wait for a reply and turned to leave...

Watching her departing figure, Bi Ji could only respond in a low voice, "Yes, Your Majesty!"

Just then, Di Tian, who happened to walk by, saw Bi Ji's unpleasant expression and asked, "Bi Ji, what happened? Could it be that Her Majesty is still angry about the incident last time?"

If that's the case, I wouldn't mind apologizing again...

Bi Ji shook her head, denying, "Di Tian, it's none of your concern, it's because of the Blacksmith Association!"

Di Tian's gaze turned cold in an instant, "The Blacksmith Association? Do you need me to deal with it?"

He vaguely sensed some clues...

It's most likely the doing of that man known as "Teacher" - Zhen Hua!

Bi Ji was jolted awake, hastily interjecting, "No, the situation is already headache enough for Her Majesty because of the Blacksmith Association, your involvement would only complicate matters further!!"

Di Tian was also tactful enough not to intend to meddle any further, "Alright, I understand. If anything comes up, be sure to tell me!"

...

The federation!

Listening to Ao Rui's report, Guan Yue couldn't help but raise her eyebrows, "Hm?? Gu Yuena personally went to the Blacksmith Association? Is this true?"

The other party nodded in affirmation, "Hall Master, our people have witnessed it with their own eyes."

"Do you think the news about Zhen Hua severing his teacher-student relationship with Gu Yuena might be false??"

He couldn't believe that so many years of teacher-student relationship would be broken off so easily...

Guan Yue shook her head, "I understand Zhen Hua for who he is; if he publicizes that he has severed ties with Gu Yuena as teacher and student, then it is most definitely not a joke!"

"However, why would Gu Yuena suddenly go to the Blacksmith Association... What could be the reason..."

Ao Rui suddenly thought of something and exclaimed, "Wait... Hall Master, could it be that Gu Yuena is planning to take over the Blacksmith Association?"

"I've heard that the Blacksmith Association is currently in a very difficult situation, and its internal members are already contemplating joining the Spirit Pagoda!"

It's no exaggeration to say that as long as Zhen Hua gives the word, a huge number of Forging Masters will join the Spirit Pagoda!

Guan Yue propped her chin on her hand, musing, "Hmm... It's not out of the realm of possibility, but for the Spirit Pagoda to take over the Blacksmith Association, it won't be that simple!"

"Those Elders won't easily agree to it!"

Honestly, he wasn't too worried about the Blacksmith Association becoming a part of the Spirit Pagoda!

However, upon hearing all this, Ao Rui remained somewhat concerned, "Hall Master, I will make a trip to the Blacksmith Association; we must clarify all this. Otherwise, it could potentially bring more threats to the federation!!"

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