The ninth level of the Yin Ruins, the Mechanical Empire's fortress.
In Purple Wing's room, Purple Wing, Yu Lei, and Hazy Moon were drinking together. Judging by their expressions, however, this was clearly more than a casual drink.
Yu Lei rubbed a finger along the rim of his goblet, his brow slightly furrowed. His voice was tentative. "Purple Wing, do you think he'll agree to meet you? We've fought them so many times before. They probably won't dare trust us, will they?"
Hazy Moon's expression was solemn as well. "That's what worries me too. Even if we propose cooperation, would they dare believe us?"
"We won't know unless we try!"
The Purple Winged Blade Emperor swirled his wineglass and looked out the window at the gray clouds. Then he abruptly drained his glass. "We have no way back. If we can't win his support, we're still incapable of opposing the empire on our own!"
Yu Lei suddenly tightened his grip on his glass, his gaze sharpening. "What the hell is there to fear? We have twenty-odd War Emperors now. We may not have an overwhelming numerical advantage, but I don't believe the empire would really fight us to the death. The losses would weaken the empire itself!"
"Ridiculous!" Hazy Moon raised her eyes toward him, mockery on her cold, elegant face. "Don't you know how the empire operates? Better to kill the innocent than let anyone slip away. The Elder Council and the Twelve Divine Authority Families will never allow anyone to oppose them... never!"
She stressed those last words again, unease and apprehension plain in her eyes. She pressed her lips together, and her longing for freedom firmed her resolve once more.
Yu Lei's pupils contracted at her words. The flash of fear in his eyes showed that the