Silard received the message Mu Lei had sent over, and his expression grew complicated.
"Take a look!"
He forwarded the information to Flash Thunder, but his heart felt heavy.
He knew Mu Lei must have objections.
Not only had they failed to carry out Mu Lei's original strategic plan, they had instead been dealt a blow by the other side and had no choice but to ransom one person back. Mu Lei had likely also seen through his desire to save Raya.
Flash Thunder took it and read it without much expression, then looked at Silard. "Who are you planning to ransom?"
"Raya! After all, she's the strongest!"
Silard gave the answer—one that did not surprise Flash Thunder.
A faint smile appeared on Flash Thunder's face. "You decide."
Silard was helpless as well. He had originally intended to obtain intelligence from Raya and the other two, then engage Tianli Sect in a tug-of-war and find a way to stall for time until the beast tide erupted. At that point, neither side would have the energy to spare.
However, Tianli Sect did not play by the usual rules. Perhaps their previous terms had all been a smokescreen; their true goal was to force them to ransom someone.
"We need half a month to prepare!"
Silard returned to the reception hall and looked at True Monarch Qingshui.
Qingshui said calmly, "No. Ten days at most. Otherwise, this discussion is off!"
"Damn it!"
Silard gritted his teeth, nearly drawing his blade and chopping Qingshui into mincemeat. He forcibly suppressed his anger. "Fine. Ten days. We'll exchange supplies and hostages at Cold Snow City!"
"Agreed!"
True Monarch Qingshui nodded and looked at Silard. "Can you decide which one you are choosing now?"
Silard looked at the three of them, a troubled expression appearing on