Siya’s eyes were practically burning holes through Aksai.
If looks could kill, Aksai would’ve been a charred husk by now.
She wanted to scream, to lash out, but the restrictive runes sealing her mouth kept her from doing more than shooting daggers with her gaze.
What right did Aksai have to even suggest such a thing? she fumed internally.
Haitin, while still surprised, processed the idea quickly. He wasn’t a man driven by extreme emotions, especially when it came to matters like these.
He was practical, and Aksai’s suggestion, though unexpected, wasn’t entirely off the mark. In fact, it made sense from a strategic point of view.
“I… didn’t consider that option,” Haitin admitted after a pause. His mind raced through the implications.
A marriage alliance with the Sun Ocean Lord’s daughter would create a powerful link between the demonic faction and one of the most formidable Core Formation Lords.
Even if the Sun Ocean Lord wasn’t an open ally, this union could keep him from acting directly against Haitin’s interests in the Wild Devil Lands. And perhaps even give him leverage in future dealings.
Aksai noticed Siya’s reaction and gave a faint chuckle. “Relax, Lin Mei… err… I mean Siya. It’s not as bad as it sounds. It’s a strategic move, not some fairy-tale romance. By marrying into the demonic faction, you become untouchable to most parties—including your own father.
Don’t forget, it was your father who threw you into this mess without considering your well-being. He intended to use you as a pawn to gain access to the Wild Devil Lands.
If Haan Di had been allowed to do as they wished, your father’s goals would have been achieved. But what would’ve happened to you then? You’d either be dead, or worse, in a far more precarious position.”
Aksai’s words made Siya shudder slightly. She realized how naive she had been, failing to consider the full consequences when she acted on her own. She had never been caught in such a complicated situation before.
Siya couldn’t help but glance at Haitin now. She had heard plenty about the so-called “demon star”—that he was not only talented but also a notorious womanizer.
Siya wasn’t opposed to marriage itself. However, she had always imagined her partner as someone who would be devoted solely to her.
She dreamed of someone more powerful and talented than herself, but also kind and gentle. In short, she had the typical fantasies of a maiden who had yet to experience the complexities of real relationships.
Haitin, however, was far from her ideal husband material. In fact, she was a little afraid of him. He was indeed more powerful and talented than her, but could she imagine him being gentle and caring?
Siya would sooner believe the planets were flat than hope for tenderness from someone like him.
Aksai could tell what was going through Siya’s mind. He pressed his lips together before speaking again.
“Silly girl, what’s wrong with your future husband? He is talented and has a deep background. Don’t you think you should be grateful to brother Haitin for saving you?
Even though he did it to protect his own interests, he handled the situation better than Haan Di would have,” Aksai said calmly.
It wasn’t that Aksai was trying to convince Siya with his words. From start to finish, he hadn’t even considered her opinion. As far as he was concerned, she was weak and captured, so her say in the matter was irrelevant.
Aksai wasn’t angry at Siya for ignoring his advice three days ago and choosing to return to Rai City, attempting to enter Haan Di’s territory. Nor did he think her current anger or other emotions were exaggerated or misplaced.
But just as Siya and her captured teammates had acted in their own best interests, Aksai would do the same. He couldn’t stop them from pursuing their goals, and likewise, they couldn’t stop him from pursuing his. It was a fair deal on both sides.
Aksai’s goal at this point was to get out of the situation without falling out with the entire demonic faction. Haitin had first thought that Aksai’s captured teammates would become his shackles. He could then manipulate Aksai into giving him Heretic Talismanic Inheritance.
However, Aksai had made use of the captured teammates to gain Haitin’s trust and favor. He had really turned a curse into a blessing. It actually made Haitin believe that gaining Heretic Talismanic Inheritance from Aksai would not be the best outcome. He would rather have Aksai work for him as one of his most trusted subordinates.
The reason Aksai addressed Siya was not to sway her but to ensure Haitin grasped his perspective. He knew someone like Haitin would understand his point of view, just as Aksai had understood Haitin’s earlier.
Haitin chuckled at Aksai’s words. He had to say that Aksai could really find the light at the end of the tunnel. People like Haitin and Aksai were very adaptable in that they would always make the best choice in any given situation no matter how absurd it might sound to others, including their allies and enemies.
This was some sort of natural talent that couldn’t really be cultivated. One needed a certain kind of mindset, an ability to ignore the distractions and focus on the goal.
Haitin rubbed his chin, weighing the pros and cons.
“It’s a bold plan, brother Aksai. But what makes you think the Sun Ocean Lord would agree to such a union? After all, he’s not exactly fond of demonic cultivators.”
“That’s precisely why it could work,” Aksai replied smoothly.
“It isn’t about the righteous or demonic faction. If he sees it as a way to secure a foothold in the Wild Devil Lands without risking a full-scale conflict, he might just take it.
Besides, with Siya’s safety guaranteed, he won’t need to charge in recklessly. It’s not about love or alliance, but mutual benefit.
He gets to keep his daughter safe and gain influence in this territory,” Aksai said as he caressed his chin in contemplation.