The Purple River Lord's smile gradually faded.
His cheerful expression slowly disappeared, replaced by one of deep thought. He looked at Aksai for a long time.
Several times, he opened his mouth as though he wanted to refute him. The words almost came out. Yet every time, they stopped at his lips.
His gaze drifted toward the rising sun.
The battlefield remained silent except for the soft sound of the morning breeze.
After what felt like a long while, he let out a weary sigh.
"Little brother Aksai..."
His voice had become much quieter than before.
"Are you asking me to surrender to the Empire's invasion?"
He turned toward Aksai.
"Do you really think they'll spare me if I do?"
Aksai slowly shook his head.
"No."
The answer came without hesitation.
"Old Purple, I'm asking you to give up your claim over the resource sites currently occupied by the Purple River Sect."
He calmly continued,
