Zi Liyuan purposefully intimidated the two Dwarf elders, naturally with the idea of coaxing them into submission.
He never expected, however, to scare them silly, to the point where they couldn't even beg for mercy.
This left him momentarily embarrassed.
Fortunately, Lao Tie, who had followed, was formidable, placing a long knife to the left and right of the two Dwarf elders, which after a pitiful scream from them, finally brought back a semblance of normality.
"Great Lord of Death, having violated your mining territory, we are willing to offer compensation. We earnestly implore your magnanimity to spare our kin. Our entire Dwarf Race is willing to become your subjects, serving you loyally!"
The elder finally regained his wits, and at the same time, came to understand that if the other side truly wanted to eliminate them, they would have done so already, without needing to see them in person.