Wang Yuan paused, his gaze shifting from Daoist Fencang's face to Su Qinghan's.
"Valley Master Fencang is right. Wei Ping keeps changing sides. He deserves to die.
"Tower Master Su is right as well. We need Jadewater Marsh's waterways."
He rose and walked over to the complete map of Cloud Province in the hall, placing a finger on Jadewater Marsh.
"Give Wei Ping one day."
"If he comes to Chiyan Valley in person within that day to surrender and hands over the waterway charts of Jadewater Marsh and the full roster of his Water Troops."
"The Bitao Sect can retain its organization, and he can remain its sect master, but from now on, they will obey the allied army's commands."
"But once that day is up—"
Wang Yuan withdrew his finger from the map, his tone as matter-of-fact as if he were discussing something already decided.
"Surrender and live, refuse and die."
Daoist Fencang stretched his lips in a grin and argued no further.
Su Qinghan nodded slightly, a glimmer of understanding surfacing in her eyes.
Leaning against the low couch, Situ Lie watched Wang Yuan's slender, straight-backed figure and suddenly gave a quiet chuckle.
"One day?" he repeated, his voice low but clear enough for everyone in the hall to hear.
"That old bastard Wei Ping probably won't even be able to wait an hour."
Wang Yuan turned to look at Situ Lie.
"You think he'll come, Sect Master?"
Situ Lie smiled, his expression revealing a penetrating understanding of his old peer.
"With Wei Ping, where I fall short of him is that I can't fight tough battles. Where he falls short of me is that he can't withstand pressure."
"You've given him a day, but he won't hold out for even an hour."
"Just wait. Before dark, there'll