Lou Gao wore a righteous expression. Though he was usually rather unrestrained in temperament, he remained sufficiently serious when it came to matters like this.
Hu Liena was not angered by this. She merely continued with a smile:
"President Lou Gao, that is truly a misunderstanding of my intentions."
"We invited the Blacksmith Association to join Spirit Hall because we wished to secure a bright future for the Blacksmith Association."
"You surely know that the world is in turmoil these days. In the future, the Blacksmith Association will inevitably find itself caught in chaotic times and unable to protect itself."
"By joining Spirit Hall, not only would you no longer have to face powerful enemies like us, but you would instead receive our protection."
"President Lou Gao, even if you do not consider yourself, should you not at least care about the future generations of your school?"
"Put plainly, isn't that still a threat?" Lou Gao sneered mockingly upon hearing this.
"If we do not join you, we become enemies of Spirit Hall?"
"So what if we become enemies? Our Blacksmith Association relies on our own skills!"
"At worst, we can join some other faction. We still will not fear you! I have said it already: no matter what faction we join, we will never have anything to do with your Spirit Hall!"
"President Lou Gao, aren't you being far too optimistic?" Hu Liena narrowed her eyes as well.
"Even the two great empires of the world would find it difficult to contend with Spirit Hall!"
"Even if you want to find a way out, what path is left for you?!"
"How about..." Hu Liena was still speaking.
But the next moment, a calm voice came from outside. "How about joining my Tiancheng Sect instead!"
"My Tiancheng Sect just so