Aberardus was stunned by the sudden voice. When he looked over and saw that it was Ryu, he was shocked for a moment seeing him by Ryza's side, but he immediately lit up afterward.

In the split moment between Aberardus noticing Ryu and reacting, dozens of gazes landed on Ryu, each backed by the momentum of a supreme expert. And yet, Ryu seemed unmoved by it all, his expression still filled with the same calm smile.

Before anyone else could react, Aberardus grinned wildly and laughed.

"Ryu! Ancestor, we have to thank this young man. If not for some timely help he gave me, I wouldn't have succeeded."

Aberardus' words stunned those listening. They had been fully prepared to lash out against a junior speaking out of turn just moments ago, but now they weren't quite sure of how to react.

Aberardus led his Ancestor over with the posture of a filial grandson. He gave Ryza a confused looked, but she simply looked away, not quite knowing what to do in this situation either.

Ryu cupped his hands toward old man Hastam.

For him, this was actually a great showing of respect. He almost never bowed to anyone. If it wasn't his grandparents, parents or master, he hardly spared many others even a look. But, for Sky Gods and Peak World Sea Realm experts, they felt that Ryu's actions were far too casual. Even the usually amiable old man Hastam couldn't help but furrow his brows slightly.

Aberardus, who pretty much expected these things from Ryu, could only smile bitterly. This boy really knew how to get under people's skin, and it didn't even seem to matter who the target was.

In truth, Aberardus knew that Ryu wasn't so reckless, he had obviously spoken out for a reason. Though Ryu's words seemed harmless, he had seamlessly cut through the momentum that True Sky God Arcus and Wynhorn had been building up. In just a breath, all the pressure on Aberardus had vanished and the tense atmosphere disappeared in a puff of smoke.

If it was anyone else, Aberardus might think that it was a coincidence. But, with Ryu, if all the experiences before weren't enough to prove it, he was certain after this last year. If not for Ryu, he might have never stepped into the Sky God Realm in his lifetime To think that he would actually touch upon the True Sky God Realm and become one of the pre-eminent powerhouses of the martial world. He honestly felt like he was in a dream.

What he did know, though, was that if he had anything to say about it, no one would touch a hair on this boy's head. He had wanted to take Ryu in as his own disciple for a long time, but it was ironically after becoming a True Sky God that he realized just how unworthy he was.

However, in his heart, Ryu would always have a place. The moment he had thoughts of taking Ryu in, he might as well have become a second son to him. As far as he was concerned, Ryu was family.

"Don't mind him, Ancestor. The brat is a bit abrasive but he has a good heart."

Hearing these words, old man Hastam raised his brows and eventually nodded.

Aberardus smiled and looked back toward True Sky God Arcus and Wynhorn. He clasped his fists and bowed lightly. After all, though they should have about the same strength now, they were still his seniors. It was best that he showed them their due respect even though they were on the opposing side of his beliefs.

As far as Aberardus was aware, True Sky God Arcus was firmly on his opposing side while Wynhorn had been far more neutral. Likely to prevent the bending and breaking of the Armament Guild she felt that it might be best if she acquiesced. But who knows, things might change now that Aberardus was in the picture.

It could only be said that Ryu's actions had truly thrown a wrench in the plans of a lot of people.

Both Arcus and Wynhorn didn't seem to react like this was a huge matter. Both smiled and gave Aberardus his due respect back.

"This is truly a boon for our Armament Guild. I never expected that we would be able to rise to the level of the Necromancy and Merchant Guilds by now having three True Sky Gods. This is excellent." True Sky God Arcus smiled brilliantly.

"I agree with Jan, this is a great boon for us. With the coming troubles we'll have to face, this sort of help will be like coal in the dead of winter."

Wynhorn's voice was quite sweet, though slightly hoarse, maybe due to the years of pretending to be a man. Jan's own was also quite amiable, but the hidden meanings beneath their words couldn't have been more different.

While Jan seemed to be just as encouraging, his words subtly reminded them that their strength was only now on par with the other two pre-eminent Guilds And yet, hadn't many of their members still defected to the side of the Martial Gods? It was a reminder that nothing had changed with this.

On the opposing side, Wynhorn seemed to remind them both that they needed to stick together and that just because the Arcus Clan wanted to side with the Martial Gods, didn't mean their safety was suddenly guaranteed.

Aberardus smiled, pretending not to understand the double meaning in both of their words. If he was a False Sky God, he would have to weigh his options far more heavily. But, now that he had strength, he had no intention of bowing his head. He could protect his people now.

"I will have to apologize to two seniors, I have only just broken through and have yet to consolidate some things. I may have to retreat for a while."

Wynhorn smiled. "Of course, that is to be expected. If there's anything we can do for you, please let us know."

"Ah, about this."

"Hm?" The two True Sky Gods looked curiously.

"This junior of mine has greatly admired senior Wynhorn and Supreme Blacksmith Arcus for a very long time. I wonder if you two could do me the favor of hearing out his proposal?

"I know that senior Wynhorn can make the decision for herself, but I hope that senior Jan will pass on my words?"