Xue Muyao paused for a moment, her gaze meeting Yun Lintian's.
"I admit defeat," she said, her voice filled with newfound respect.
"You can kill me now," Xue Muyao said calmly, her voice devoid of fear. "But I have one request."
Yun Lintian raised an eyebrow. "What is it?"
Xue Muyao's expression turned serious. "My people, the people of the Endless Snow Kingdom, they are innocent. They were forced to submit to the Lord of Chaos. I ask you, when the time comes, to spare them. Protect them from the chaos that is to come."
Yun Lintian looked at her for a moment, his eyes searching hers. He could see the sincerity in her plea, the genuine concern for her people.
He shook his head. "I have no intention of killing you. I understand your situation, the difficult choices you had to make. And I will not harm your people. I give you my word."
