Aksai’s words hammered into Siya’s mind like nails.
“If those who are dead had been given the same choice I’m giving you right now, do you think they would have been as indecisive as you? I doubt it.
It’s a simple marriage alliance. What’s the big deal? Do you think your virginity or the thoughts of having the perfect partner are more important than the fate of the Wild Devil Lands, Haan Di, other regions, and countless cultivators living in them?
Look at the dead bodies of the captured teammates once again. It was you who opposed my idea of going to Jaishin Lake as a team first. It was your unwillingness to go with my plan that gave the other teammates several ideas. It wouldn’t be wrong to say that you are part of the reason why they are dead.
Of course, you can blame Haitin for putting up such a difficult condition. You can even blame me for carrying out the execution. But can you really absolve yourself from the responsibility of first starting the spark?”
This time, it was Haitin who perked up his ears and listened closely to Aksai. At first, he thought that Aksai was blaming him for the deaths of his teammates. But hearing his words he felt that he was blaming the way Dadangar worked.
Only the strong had the right to carry out their own definition of what was right. Currently, it was Haitin who had this right. As such, Aksai had to follow his will to a certain extent. However, it was clear that Aksai wanted to swap places with him in the future.
‘This man… he is interesting,’ Haitin smiled when he understood the meaning behind Aksai’s words. He felt like he had met someone similar to him and at the same time someone who was something more than him– someone who was completely different from him in some aspects.
Siya clenched her fists tighter, her nails digging into her palms. The anger she felt was now mixing with a deep, gut-wrenching fear. He wasn’t wrong. In this cruel, unforgiving world, survival often trumped ideals. But that didn’t make it easier to swallow.
Aksai’s tone softened only slightly as he spoke.
“It seems the Sun Ocean Lord has sheltered you far too well. He gave you the luxury of indulging in your romantic fantasies, no matter how noble or right you think they are.
But let me ask you: are your ideals more important than your life? Than survival?” His words pierced through the fog of confusion and anger that clouded Siya’s mind.
Her eyes drifted back to the bodies of Rong and Bai, and the reality of what Aksai was saying began to sink in. If she refused this “offer,” would her fate be the same as theirs?
She had seen Aksai kill without hesitation. That cold efficiency, that absolute certainty—it scared her. But what frightened her even more was the realization that, in this world, ideals were often crushed under the weight of power.
Aksai wasn’t done. “And let’s not forget,” he added, his tone still sharp, “staying with the Sun Ocean Lord as his daughter might not be the best choice for you at this point. He’s already shown that he’s willing to treat you like a pawn. What makes you think he won’t do it again?”
Siya flinched at his words. Deep down, she knew it was true. Her father’s actions had already proven that she was nothing more than a tool in his grand schemes. But hearing it laid out so bluntly made her stomach twist in knots.
Aksai pressed on, his words relentless.
“No matter what you think of brother Haitin, he won’t let you suffer. At the very least, he’ll make sure you have the rights and respect that come with being his partner.
Don’t forget, Haitin is a young lord of one of the three major demonic sects. The treatment you’ll receive as his partner will be no less than what you had as the daughter of the Sun Ocean Lord. In fact, it might even be better.
Honestly, I envy people like you. You’re not strong enough. You’re not even sharp enough to survive on your own in Dadangar. And yet, here you are—able to survive and form new connections just by existing.
Isn’t that better than those who died? Isn’t it better than someone like me, who has to bear the responsibility of killing someone bound to cause trouble in the future?
You think the world is unfair. I agree with you. Because if it weren’t unfair, you would’ve died before our teammates. Why do you get to survive and thrive in the future right after being captured by the demonic faction? Why do you get to break free from your father’s restraints simply by marrying a talented person?
You are like the protagonist of some fantasy stories, turning misfortune into a fortuitous encounter. People like you don’t understand how lucky you are. Born with great background, good talent, and repelling troubles just because of your status.
Can I marry someone to get rid of my future troubles? Hurry up and sign me up for a sweet program like that.”
Siya looked at Haitin, who stood silently to the side, watching the exchange with a cool, unreadable expression.
Despite everything, he hadn’t tried to force her hand or speak harshly. Instead, he had allowed Aksai to do the talking, and though she hated to admit it, Aksai’s words were starting to make sense.
Her mind raced. Could she really trust Haitin? Could she live with the knowledge that she had been forced into this alliance, that her life was being decided by others?
But then, was her father really any better? He had already shown that her happiness was a distant concern for him, eclipsed by his ambitions.
Siya closed her eyes, taking in a shaky breath.
After a while, she opened her eyes again, and this time, when she looked at Aksai and Haitin, there was a new understanding—begrudging, but real.
“Fine,” she whispered, her voice barely audible. “I’ll do it.”