Blacksmith Association!!
A man hurriedly burst into the lounge, anxiously exclaiming, "President, the first War God from the War God Hall, Ao Rui, requests an audience!"
Hearing this, Zhen Hua, who had been deep in thought, snapped back to reality…
"War God Ao Rui? What brings him here?"
The former shook his head and repeated, "War God Ao Rui did not say why he has come. Do you… want to see him?"
Zhen Hua hesitated for a moment before making a decision, "If War God Ao Rui has come in person, of course, we must meet him. Otherwise, we might offend the federation!"
"Go and bring War God Ao Rui here!!"
It seems that the federation has discovered the secret contacts between the Spirit Pagoda and the Blacksmith Association!
This visit is probably not for anything good!!
"Yes, President."
After a brief acknowledgment, the association member turned and left...
Before long, Ao Rui stepped into the lounge...
"President Zhenhua, it has been a long time indeed. My abrupt visit is inexcusable. Please forgive me," he said.
Although he uttered no harsh words, his eyes were exceptionally sharp...
Zhen Hua was not intimidated by the other's imposing manner and gestured, "Not at all. It is we who are somewhat remiss in our hospitality. Please take a seat!"
The former, seeing this, did not hesitate to sit down across from him...
Only then did Zhen Hua speak again, "War God Ao Rui, may I know the purpose of your visit?"
Ao Rui did not immediately state his purpose but courteously replied, "It is like this, the Hall Master has heard that the Blacksmith Association is not faring well, so he sent me to understand the situation!"
"If you have encountered any difficulties, the federation can provide some assistance!!"
Upon hearing this, Zhen Hua couldn't help but sigh, "Ah, Hall Master Guan is too kind. The situation of the Blacksmith Association is indeed dire; most of our members have lost their main sources of income, and even within the association, we are barely able to maintain operations!"
Ao Rui pondered, "Has the Blacksmith Association's situation really gotten to such a point? May I ask how you plan to handle it, President Zhenhua?"
Zhen Hua shook his head without revealing any critical information...
"Please don't make fun of me, War God Ao Rui. To tell the truth, I am also not sure what to do. Perhaps, this is just the Blacksmith Association's fate," he said.
Seeing that his counterpart had not disclosed any useful information, Ao Rui was naturally not content to drop the matter...
He continued to probe, "President Zhenhua, that doesn't sound like you!"
"You once aspired to make the Blacksmith Association an indispensable force on this continent!"
Zhen Hua showed a wry smile, "Ah... plans cannot keep up with changes. Given the current situation, the chances of the Blacksmith Association's survival are indeed slim!"
Ao Rui narrowed his eyes, "Is it because there are no commissions to forge weapons and armor?"
Zhen Hua paused, "Hmm... that is one factor, but the greater reasons are probably the prevalence of soul tools and mechas!"
"Of course, as a Divine Craftsman, my ceasing to forge might also bear a significant responsibility!"
Ao Rui pursed his lips, "President Zhenhua jests. Forging is physical labor, even for Titled Douluos. You're getting on in years; it's normal!"
Zhen Hua nodded in acknowledgment, "If War God Ao Rui can understand, that is good indeed."
Knowing that continuing the conversation would be meaningless, Ao Rui got straight to the point, "By the way, President Zhenhua, according to the news I received a few days ago, it seems that Gu Yuena, the master of the Spirit Pagoda, came to the Blacksmith Association!"
"That should be correct, right?"
The other party, evidently anticipating this point, responded coolly, "The federation is indeed well-informed. Gu Yuena did, in fact, come to the Blacksmith Association a few days ago!"
Ao Rui raised an eyebrow, "Oh? President Zhenhua actually addresses the Ancient Tower Master by name. Should I take it that you're truly her mentor?"
The former naturally understood the implication and waved his hand, "That's all in the past now. Ever since she was expelled from the Blacksmith Association and became the Spirit Pagoda's master, she is no longer my disciple!"
"Whatever she does has nothing to do with me!"
Ao Rui feigned a sigh of relief, "With those words from President Zhenhua, that's enough for me!"
"However... I'm personally very curious about what the Ancient Tower Master came here to discuss with you!"
"After all, as you know, the situation between the Spirit Pagoda and the federation is quite tense at the moment, so..."
Zhenhua was not annoyed but replied indifferently, "I understand what War God Ao Rui means. There's no harm in telling you what we discussed!"
Immediately after, he recounted the details of the negotiation with Gu Yuena...
After listening, Ao Rui's eyes widened, "So, the Blacksmith Association is planning to merge into the Spirit Pagoda??"
"President Zhenhua, this is no trivial matter. You must make your decision carefully!"
Ao Rui had initially thought the Spirit Pagoda was only in preliminary contact with the Blacksmith Association, but it turned out they were already planning to integrate!
For the federation, this was a disaster!
After all, no matter how down-and-out the Blacksmith Association was, it still had at least thousands of Soul Masters and a huge arsenal of weapons!!
Zhenhua shook his head, explaining, "War God Ao Rui, I didn't want to do this either. That's why I let the members of the Blacksmith Association decide for themselves!"
"However, given the terms offered by the Spirit Pagoda, it's difficult for them to refuse, as no one wants to miss out on this opportunity!"
"Unless, the federation can offer better terms, there might still be a chance to change everything!"
On that point, he was not lying!
As long as the federation offered better terms, the members of the Blacksmith Association might change their minds!
Ao Rui propped up his chin, musing, "This... may I know what terms the Spirit Pagoda has offered? Although I cannot decide, I will discuss it with the Hall Master upon my return!"
Even though he said that, he knew one thing for certain!
No matter what, he had to bring the Blacksmith Association to the federation's side!!
Even if it meant paying a hefty price!!
Zhenhua also realized that the former was determined to win over the Blacksmith Association...
He did not hide it any longer, "The terms offered by the Spirit Pagoda are not small..."
After speaking, Ao Rui did not show any emotion...
Clearly, the terms were within his expectations...
"President Zhenhua, I understand the specifics now. I will consult with the Hall Master upon my return to the federation!"
"We will definitely offer better terms, ensuring that the members of the Blacksmith Association are not shortchanged!!"
Zhenhua just nodded in agreement, "That would naturally be good. I won't keep you any longer then, please feel free!"
Whether it was the Spirit Pagoda or the federation, as long as they could offer a good deal to the blacksmiths!
Whichever power they wanted to support, he would not interfere too much, as this was his right!!
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