Aksai paused briefly before adding further.
"I'll personally write a letter to Old Purple for you to give to him. Hopefully, you two can help each other and survive the imperial invasion together."
Shuan nodded deeply.
"Thank you, Lord Aksai."
Aksai waved his hand.
"Go."
Shuan bowed once more before returning to the Seven Stars.
Aksai watched him leave silently.
He had given Shuan everything he could.
The rest of the road… Shuan would have to walk by himself.
Ruan was the next person Aksai looked toward.
"Ruan, come forward."
The elderly-looking Expert stepped out from the Seven Stars and stopped before Aksai.
Ruan didn't speak immediately.
He seemed to be organizing his thoughts, his weathered face carrying a rare trace of hesitation.
Aksai waited patiently.
"What have you decided?"
Ruan took a slow breath.
"My Lord, I have a request before I answer."
"Go ahead."
"I wish for my family and Shuan's family to be moved to a safe place."
