While Dustin did not react to Aidan’s invitation, Jackson suddenly became excited.
“Dustin, why are you silent? Hurry up and agree! This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!” Jackson prodded Dustin eagerly.
Aidan Ridge was the Sandscale. He was one of the five most powerful martial artists in the Southwest and on par with Jackson’s master, reaching the level of a grandmaster.
Every year, countless martial artists vie to become Aidan’s disciples. However, his disdain for ordinary weaklings, due to his proud and unpredictable temperament, kept him a solitary figure.
Unexpectedly, the proud Sandscale had chosen to take on a disciple of his own accord today.
“Thank you, Mr. Ridge. However, I have no intention of taking on a master. “Dustin declined while shaking his head.
“Young man, I don’t just take in anyone. You should think it over.” Aidan raised an eyebrow in surprise.
Due to his status, there were countless people eager to become his disciples every day. He didn’t expect to be refused outright.
“Dustin, opportunities like this are rare. If you accept Mr. Ridge as your master, the Frostwing Sect and the Drakes Dominion Order will never dare harm you. Hurry up and agree!”
Jackson urged Dustin anxiously.
Jackson believed Dustin must have declined due to his unfamiliarity with Aidan’s strong reputation. Apprenticing under a grandmaster was an enormous opportunity in the martial world.
Considering that Aidan had never taken on a disciple before, accepting the offer meant Dustin would be a true disciple with limitless prospects.
“Thank you, Mr Ridge, for your kind offer, but I genuinely have no intention of having a master.” Dustin shook his head once more.
“Dustin! You really … Ugh!” Jackson was both frustrated and anxious as he stomped his feet. Since Dustin had provoked both the Frostwing Sect and the Drakes Dominion Order, he would be in constant danger if he had no powerful backing.
Accepting Aidan’s offer would not only guarantee his safety, but his martial arts cultivation would also skyrocket. It was a win-win situation.
He couldn’t understand why Dustin was so stubborn, especially when he had openly hinted at the advantages.
“Alright, if you’re unwilling to be my disciple, I won’t force it. I can certainly find another worthy disciple. It seems like fate is not upon us,” Aidan remarked indifferently.
He had given Dustin two chances, which the latter didn’t seem to appreciate. With his status, he couldn’t beg someone to be his disciple.
“Let’s put this matter aside for now. Let’s talk about the person inside instead.”
Aidan changed the subject and continued, “I believe you should be aware that the person inside is a highly coveted prize. Major forces will be fighting for him.
“With the few people you have here, I doubt you can keep him safe. However, it will be different if I join you.”
“Are you proposing a deal?” Dustin caught on quickly.
“More or less.” Aidan nodded. “I can ensure your safety and assist in handling various challenges. The only condition is that you share information with me.”
“Share information?” Dustin raised an eyebrow.
Rather than making a decision on his own, he looked at Grace. Since Grace was leading the team, he didn’t want to overshadow her authority.
“No problem,” Grace replied with a smile.
“We are short on manpower and will be stronger with your assistance. So, why not?”
As a martial arts grandmaster, Aidan was considerably powerful, and in crucial moments, he would be an asset.
However, Grace valued Aidan’s reputation even more.
As one of the top five most powerful martial artists in the Southwest, the name Sandscale carried enough weight to deter any troublemakers.
With Aidan by their side, she would face fewer troubles, so she chose a temporary alliance.
“A wise choice.” Aidan nodded in satisfaction.
“When we enter the oasis and get a hold of treasure, I assure you that your contributions will be duly rewarded. You won’t find yourself at a disadvantage.”
“In that case, we appreciate your generosity,” Grace responded with a subtle smile. Her primary focus was on the Dracan essence. She didn’t mind relinquishing the other valuable treasures to him.
One hour later, Ryan regained consciousness. Following Dustin’s treatment, his mental state had returned to normal, and the earlier agitation seemed to have subsided.
“Ryan, how are you feeling? Is your body improving?” Grace brought him a glass of warm water.
“Thank you. I’m feeling much better now.” Ryan nodded, holding the glass of warm water in both hands and drinking it in one gulp.
After traveling for a day and night through the desert, he was tired and thirsty.
“Ryan, I know this may not be the best timing, but we have some questions for you.”
Observing Ryan’s calmer demeanor, Grace delved into the matter, “What exactly is inside that oasis? What did you see?”
Ryan shuddered involuntarily at her question, his expression betraying lingering fear. Fortunately, it wasn’t as intense as before, and he managed to keep his composure.
“Monsters… There are numerous monsters inside the oasis. Anyone who ventures in is devoured by those monsters!” Ryan’s voice quivered slightly.
“Devoured?”
The expressions of those present shifted.
Many who explored the oasis were divine-level martial artists. If even they succumbed, the strength of the monsters within must be unimaginable.
“Tell us more. What did these monsters look like, and where did they come from?” Dustin pressed on. 1
“There were all sorts of strange creatures, and their numbers were overwhelming. It’s impossible to defend against them. Nobody knows where they come from.” Ryan swallowed, visibly shaken.
“Is there anything else besides the monsters?” Jackson interjected suddenly.
Having come on his master’s orders to search for treasures, he was fearless in the face of danger.
If Ryan confirmed the presence of treasures, the Embersteel Order would deploy highly skilled experts to explore the oasis.
“I understand what you’re trying to ask. Like you, I entered seeking treasures,” Ryan admitted candidly.
He added, “To be honest, there are countless treasures inside the oasis. However, the problem is that formidable monsters lurk near these treasures. Once you get close, there’s no chance of surviving!”
