All the disciples, both the outer and inner ones were shocked by the news.
Those who had wanted to join the Misty South Faction decided not to proceed with their plans to become a member of it for the time being. Those who had already joined the faction began to feel hesitant about whether they should stay there or quit the faction. But they did not make a move, instead waiting to see what would happen in the next. Although Caleb and Elvis were defeated, they were curious whether Autelan and Bertha would stand up and fight.
...
Ricky, Autelan and other core members of the faction were already gathered in a room. They were discussing about what action they should take to prevent further deterioration and restore the reputation of the Misty South Faction.
"I'm sure Caleb and Elvis lost their fights on purpose! I watched them very closely when they fought. And my conclusion is that they did not try their best at all!" Edgar said angrily as he hit the table with his fist and stood up.
"What's more, we gave them the Beast Fire. They had three days to refine the Beast Fire and they should have succeeded it! But they didn't use it at all!"
"I know! I know! How could they have really wanted to help and fight for the Misty South Faction!?" Autelan exclaimed angrily. "They probably offered to join and help us earlier because they wanted to improve the faction's strength. That way, they could lose the fight deliberately when they went up against others as the disciples of our faction. How cunning they are!"
"They are quite smart, aren't they? At least, their trick worked. I have planned to take advantage of them. But unexpectedly, they played tricks on us!" Ricky also echoed with a dark look coming over his face. Deep inside his heart, Caleb and Elvis were now among the list of his enemies. He would hunt them down until the last days of their lives.
They played nasty tricks on him, and he would make them pay for their behavior. Sooner or later, he would show them just what the consequences were for what they had done to him and the Misty South Faction.
"Ricky, I feel so sorry for your loss. I mean, the Beast Fires you gave them!" Edgar said in anger again. They had played a bit of a gamble and wasted the precious Beast Fires. It was a big shame to all of them, who dearly loved the Misty South Faction.
"Yes, you should feel sorry. Giving Caleb and Elvis the Beast Fires was a wrong decision. You should have given those fires to me and Agnes!" The moment Edgar finished his words, another familiar voice spoke out complainingly.
Everyone turned around and saw Bertha and Agnes walk in.
"Bertha, Agnes! I'm so glad to see both of you! You finished your cultivation and here you are!" Heather stood up and greeted them with a radiant smile. Apparently, the three women had already gotten to know each other and seemed to get along well while Ricky was away.
"Yes, here we are! But it seems that somebody has already forgotten us. He shared his precious fire with other people but not us!" Bertha pouted with a fierce expression as she glared at Ricky with her beautiful eyes.
Immediately, Ricky realized what Bertha was referring to.
"Hi, Bertha. It's been a long time! There's no way I would forget you. I promise!" Ricky responded with a grin. Then, he took out a flame of Beast Fire and gave it to Bertha. Bertha changed her expression, seeing that Ricky was earnest about this.
"Not bad! That's a good boy!" She took the Beast Fire from his hand, grinning.
"Don't worry, Agnes. I've also saved a flame for you. But your strength is not strong enough to take it and it will be overwhelming for you to refine the Beast Fire. So I'll keep it for you for the time being. I'll talk to Elder Samuel to see if he can help you to refine the fire!" Ricky turned to Agnes and said sincerely.
"Thank you so much, Ricky!" Agnes said excitedly.
"Give me the share you prepared for Agnes! I'll bring it to our master and talk about it with him!" Bertha said.
"Okay, no problem. Thank you for your help!" Ricky was glad to hear Bertha volunteer to do this. This way, he would not have to go and talk to Elder Samuel and could focus more intently on the matter at hand. He took out another flame of Beast Fire and passed it the Bertha.
Bertha was a casting master, as well as a warrior at the peak of the ninth grade of Blood Purification. So she was able to handle two flames of Beast Fire quite easily. That was also why Ricky was so confident that the fires would not harm her.
"Agnes, let's leave now. We should go to Master Samuel's place. He will help us refine the Beast Fire!" Bertha suggested to Agnes, beaming.
"Leave? Now? At this crucial time?" Ricky blurted out in surprise upon hearing Bertha's words. How could she be so unsympathetic to leave now? The Misty South Faction was in a dangerous situation at the time!
"Yes, we are leaving now. What? Are you planning to make the girls fight in the arena for you?" Bertha rolled her eyes at Ricky before she dragged Agnes and Heather away.
Watching the three ladies disappear into the distance, Ricky could do nothing but shake his head helplessly.
"Ha-ha! Ricky, it seems that among all the inner disciples, there is always someone who can win over you, like Bertha!" Autelan burst into laughter, so did Edgar.
Ricky shrugged his shoulders and said, "Well, as you can see, she always knows how to leave me speechless." The light atmosphere permeated for a little while. But then they settled down and began to discuss about the matters at hand.
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