Aidan raised an eyebrow, commenting, “Let’s be clear-we’re just fellow explorers with our own goals. We’re not allies, and even if we were, why do we have to share both good and bad times?”
Jackson hesitated, momentarily lost for words. It dawned on him that the rumors about Aidan’s unpredictable nature were indeed true.
“Mr. Ridge, state your conditions. If it’s something we can accommodate, we won’t turn you down,” Grace replied promptly. She sensed Aidan’s longing for some sort of benefit.
“Great!” Aidan grinned, impressed by her quick understanding.
He went on, “I can help you in getting out of this situation and guarantee your safety. However, in return, I’d need you to give me the Dragon Rope.”
“What? The Dragon Rope?” Jackson frowned at the unexpected mention. The Dragon Rope could restrain even grandmaster martial artists, making it invaluable. Aidan’s request at this moment appeared to exploit their vulnerable situation.
Hence, the unexpected behavior from such a respected grandmaster martial artist was truly disheartening.
“Why? Are you not willing to part with it?” Aidan spoke calmly.
He added, “Little Miss, the Dragon Rope is just an object. You hand it over, and I’ll ensure everyone’s safety. It seems like a fair trade, doesn’t it?”
“You-” Dustin was about to say something, but Grace raised her hand to stop him.
She turned to Aidan and said, “Alright, you have a deal. As long as you help us, the Dragon Rope is yours!”
“Hehe… Well, you’re one sharp cookie. I love striking deals with sharp individuals like yourself. So, we’ve got ourselves a deal!” Aidan grinned widely.
The Dragon Rope meant a lot to him, and he saw it as a valuable asset for facing tough opponents down the road.
“Mr. Ridge, the ball’s in your court now. “Grace nodded respectfully.
“No need to fret, just a handful of vines. Let me show you how I deal with them!” Aidan confidently declared. As he spoke, his hand swiftly moved to grasp his weapon.
His weapons were the unique crescent- shaped dual blades known for their unusual but razor-sharp design.
“Begone, foul creature!” he yelled. He charged toward the golden vine with his dual blades.
“The Dragon Rope isn’t your average possession. Why are you giving it away? “Dustin expressed his concern.
Despite Grace’s wealth, he knew acquiring such a precious item wasn’t easy.
Grace casually dismissed. “The situation right now is a bit uncertain, so it’s best not to show your cards just yet. Plus, it’s only a Dragon Rope, and I don’t mind letting it go.”
As they had just entered the oasis, she could tell different factions would start competing for dominance down the line.
If Dustin revealed his strength too soon, he might attract unwanted attention from all sides. In the bigger picture, sacrificing a mere Dragon Rope meant nothing.
“Sure, you’re in charge. I trust your plan,” Dustin conceded without further argument. He understood she had a plan, and his role was to assist, not to question every detail.
“Everyone, gather up! Prepare to break through!” Grace, watching Aidan confront the golden vine, quickly decided to instruct the group to form a defensive formation and prepared to charge forward.
