Chapter 604 Spreading the Word
"My point's pretty straightforward: you hang onto the Sacred Wood for now, and give it back once Linda hits Grandmaster level. I believe the Ladies Guild still has that level of integrity, right?" Ethan said with a grin.
"Aren't you worried we might not return it?" Melissa asked, curious.
"If that's the case, then I guess I misjudged you," Ethan replied calmly, shaking his head, no threats or anything, just looking straight at Melissa.
"And what's your angle? I don't buy that you'd help us out for nothing," Melissa asked, frowning.
"He wants to take on the ML Guild and needs our backup," Patricia cut in before Ethan could answer.
Hearing this, Melissa frowned even more, clearly weighing the pros and cons. "Can we wait until Linda finishes her training?" Melissa suddenly asked.
"Sorry, can't wait that long," Ethan shot back without hesitation.
"But as you can see, the highest level we have is just late Master, which is only Patricia and me. You know the ML Guild has a mid-level Grandmaster. Even with the person by your side, are you sure you can win?" Melissa was even more troubled by Ethan's blunt refusal.
The Sacred Wood was an offer Melissa could hardly refuse, but accepting it meant they had to help Ethan against the ML Guild. With a Grandmaster by Ethan's side, they had to consider the consequences of backing out.
Patricia looked torn. She wanted to spill that Ethan was the ZF Guild Leader but had promised to keep it secret, so she just worried silently. If Patricia were in charge, knowing Ethan's background, she would've agreed right away. From any angle, Ethan seemed like the winning side.
"Forget it. If it's too tough for you, let's pretend I never brought it up. I can find other sects willing to team up. If I hadn't promised Phoenix not to go on a killing spree, wiping out an ML Guild wouldn't have been such a hassle." Ethan sighed and stood up, ready to leave.
"You're leaving?" Melissa's eyes widened. Even in negotiations, there should be some back and forth. But he was so impatient when she hadn't even given her final answer.
"I have no time to lose, and I don't like making things hard for others. I also hope the Ladies Guild won't make things hard for me in the future. I genuinely want to be allies with you," Ethan explained seriously.
"And this Sacred Wood..." Melissa looked at the half piece of Sacred Wood in her hand, looking conflicted.
"Don't sweat it. Since I said I'd lend it to you, I don't want to add any strings. Think of it as a gesture of friendship. If you can help me, great. If it's too much, I won't use the Sacred Wood to pressure you," Ethan said with a carefree smile, understanding Melissa's dilemma.
"Alright, you're straightforward, and the Ladies Guild won't turn down a friend," said the most unexpected person—Deborah, who had been the most displeased with Ethan earlier.
Everyone turned to look at Deborah. "Deborah, Melissa hasn't decided yet. Why are you jumping the gun?" One of the women immediately pulled Deborah aside, giving her a helpless look.
"I admit, I didn't like him at first, but his words just now hit home. I apologize for my earlier behavior," Deborah said casually.
Ethan couldn't help but laugh. Deborah was starting to remind him of Bonnie. Compared to Margare, these two seemed more like sisters.
"Don't worry about it. I'm not one to hold grudges. But I'm surprised you agreed to help me," Ethan said with a nod and a smile.
"The Ladies Guild never owes favors. Even if I had taken your Sacred Wood, I wouldn't have shortchanged you. Once Linda's done with it, I'll return it. I also await your orders as a form of compensation. But since you gave us the Sacred Wood, I don't know how to repay you," Deborah explained seriously.
"Alright, say no more. Deborah's right. The Ladies Guild doesn't owe favors or take advantage of others. Whatever you need to deal with the ML Guild, as long as it's within our power, we'll do it," Melissa interrupted, making a decision. Patricia finally breathed a sigh of relief.
"Then I thank you all in advance." Ethan's smile grew even brighter. This tactic of retreating to advance had an unexpected effect.
"You're welcome. Since we took your Sacred Wood, we owe you this favor. What do you need us to do?" Melissa asked directly.
"You should have heard Patricia talking about the events concerning Vast Mountain just now. The ML Guild seems to be looking for something significant there. I don't need you to fight; just spread the word," Ethan stated his condition.
"Is it that simple?" Everyone except Kenneth looked puzzled. It seemed too easy.
"Yes. But I know little to nothing about hidden sects like you. So spreading the word is best left to you. Within two days, I want all nearby hidden sects to know there's a treasure on the Vast Mountain," Ethan explained seriously.
"But we don't know what the ML Guild is looking for on the Vast Mountain," Melissa reminded, frowning.
"No need to know. It's the vague information that will pique these sects' interest the most. The treasure on the Vast Mountain could be anything, depending on how the rumors spread. But one thing is certain: I want all hidden sects' attention on the Vast Mountain," Ethan reminded seriously.
"Alright, we'll help with this," Melissa decided after a few seconds of eye contact with Ethan. No matter what, this was Ethan's request. Whether it was difficult or easy, they just had to execute it. Such a simple task was better for them.
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