Aksai stepped in front of Ruan again, meeting his eyes directly.
"It is the universal law across the boundless cosmos that the risks come with rewards. And these rewards should be worth taking the risks for you.
After all, you will still gain something precious from it—an extended life. Living for two hundred years will no longer be a problem for you. You'll have the strength to protect your family and see your sons grow with your own eyes."
Ruan's lips trembled slightly. His hands, rough and calloused from years of labor, clenched unconsciously.
Aksai studied him for a moment longer before speaking again, his tone turning heavier. "Now the question is—how badly do you want it?"
He began pacing again, the faint echo of his steps filling the silence. "The procedure I'm talking about won't be easy. It will hurt you, more than you can imagine. Without firm determination, it will fail. If your resolve wavers even once, your body will collapse before the process completes."
