Reymon straightened his back and gathered what little Aurous Qi he still had.
His voice spread across the silent remains of Red Springs.
"All of you… leave the city," he said, trying to speak clearly.
"This battle… it has already ended. And it has ended in our defeat. I… I accept the loss on behalf of the entire Hall. Now… Wait for me outside."
Many heads turned to him with disbelief and shock. His words felt like sharp blades to their hearts.
Reymon hesitated for a second, then added, "If I do not return by the end of the day… go to the Hall's headquarters. Discuss among yourselves and choose your next leader."
A heavy silence followed. Some elders shouted at him right away.
"Grand Master! Don't stay! Come with us!"
Others, filled with rage and hate, pointed at Aksai with bloodshot eyes.
"We will stay and fight him! We will buy you time! Grand Master, escape!"
Reymon's expression twisted with frustration and sorrow. He roared back at them, his voice shaking the air.
