Doris was firm with what she said. It seemed like that as long as Ricky agreed, she would provide him with all the resources he needed in spite of the objections from her clan.
Meanwhile, Tina also looked at Ricky expectantly and hoped that he would said yes.
"Uh...." Ricky was suddenly lost for words. He felt utterly confused.
Those conditions that Doris was offering were alluring. More than that, Ricky trusted Doris and he knew that she would surely fulfill her promises.
However, he knew it was not the way he should practice his martial arts. He despised practicing in a safe and comfortable environment with access to a sea of available resources. If he practiced that way, he would not be able to make great accomplishments in martial arts.
The road he was trudging was sure to be full of difficulties, threats, challenges, and above all, hopes.
To him, it didn't matter that he might die in the end. It was his choice, and he knew in his heart that he would never regret choosing the more difficult but promising road to practice his martial arts.
Besides, he didn't want to give all of this up in the Realm of Wildness. There was no way he was going to leave before all matters had been properly settled.
Unlike other warriors, he did not believe that warriors like himself had to face everything all alone and give up everything they had. In all his years practicing martial arts, he had learned the hard way that warriors also needed friends and family. Otherwise, why would the legendary gods even fight against all of those evil monsters for justice?
He thought about it well. Then he turned to Doris and said to her seriously, "Doris, I am sincerely thankful for your kindness, but every warrior has his own way of practicing martial arts, and for me, I have to face every obstacle that comes my way either by myself or with my friends. So..."
He trailed off. He knew that he did not have to finish his sentence for Doris to understand what he was trying to say.
After hearing Ricky's words, both Doris and Tina fell silent.
"Ricky, I think you misunderstood me. You will never be able to surpass a spiritual emperor by yourself in only forty years. Besides, I take the safety of my family very seriously. I could never risk Tina's life." Doris let her words settle in before she continued emotionally, "You might think that I am a selfish woman, but I never meant to insult you or your way of practicing the martial arts."
"Doris, I appreciate your honesty and kindness. I know that you are not the only one who does not believe that I can defeat a spiritual emperor in forty years," Ricky replied lightly.
"However, I vow to become a warrior who can surpass an innate spiritual emperor within forty years. I know what I am doing right now, and I know I will fulfill my promise. You can trust me on that," said Ricky firmly and confidently with a determined look in his eyes.
Upon hearing this, both Doris and Tina were awed by his determination and confidence.
Then, the three people looked at each other.
"Ricky, I believe in you, but I still want you to come with me no matter the cost," said Doris. She was determined to persuade Ricky to come to her clan, and she was willing to do almost anything for it to happen.
She believed that Ricky's words were sincere. However, she was sure that even Ricky, who was a talented warrior who could challenge someone three levels higher than him, still could not surpass a spiritual emperor in forty years. She had already met some talents as good as Ricky in the past, and none of them was able to do what Ricky was planning to do.
Even the most talented warrior could only defeat a spiritual emperor after practicing martial arts intensively for about 200 years.
"Doris, Ricky has already made up his mind and chosen his own way. There is no need for you to talk any more," Tina said worriedly when she noticed Doris getting more emotional.
"Tina, I will never give up as long as there is still even the slightest chance for you," Doris interrupted Tina before she could finish her sentence.
"Doris, you still don't believe me. In that case, please give me ten years," Ricky said in a deep and serious voice when he saw the disbelief in Doris' face.
"What will you do in those ten years?" asked Doris, confused.
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