Chapter 70: The Devil’s Bargain and a Glimmer of Divinity

“Lili! Lili!”

Caught in an embrace she could not control, Bai Yu fought back the urge to cry out, desperately hoping to awaken Lili’s conscience.

“What is it, Master?”

Lili’s eyes seemed to sparkle with tiny hearts, leaving Bai Yu to wonder if her own vision was playing tricks on her. How could such whimsical shapes possibly appear in someone’s gaze?

“Why do you call me Master? Lili… what exactly is your intention?”

Though pinned beneath Lili, Bai Yu endured the shame and finally vocalized the question that had long weighed on her mind.

Despite an inexplicable sense of familiarity, Bai Yu simply could not recall ever encountering a deity from beyond this world.

“Oh, so Master wants to know that, huh? But I can’t tell Master yet~”

Lili extended her small tongue, tracing circles on Bai Yu’s skin. The ticklish sensation made Bai Yu instinctively recoil, wanting to push Lili away.

Yet, her body was powerless, bound by a strange, inexplicable constraint; she could not move at all.

“Why…?”

Stifled by Lili’s evasive words, Bai Yu felt an inexplicable sense of betrayal. It was clear Lili had been deceiving her all along. All that talk about everything being fine once they left the dream? Utter falsehoods. Bai Yu’s own body, she mused, felt like the only truth.

Overwhelmed with injustice, Bai Yu was on the verge of tears. Yet, she reminded herself, she had once been truly resilient—and even if that wasn’t entirely the case now, a core of stubbornness still remained!

‘How could she simply yield like this?’

However, Lili, seeing straight through Bai Yu’s thoughts, smiled faintly before gently wiping away her tears.

“Master, don’t cry~”

“You lied to me, saying you’d spare everyone in the city if we left the dream. It was all false, waaaah.”

Bai Yu covered her face, refusing to lower her hands, no matter what.

“And besides, I wasn’t crying! One day, I’ll definitely be the one pinning you down. Just you wait!”

Bai Yu declared, her voice trembling with conviction.

“I didn’t lie to Master at all! Master was the one who secretly consumed the divinity used to create the dream. Master was clearly the one who broke the rules, and now Master is accusing me of lying.”

Lili pouted, a hint of displeasure coloring her expression.

Her body shifted away from Bai Yu, no longer merely draped over her, but now she sat fully on Bai Yu, like a small duck, pinning her beneath.

However, Lili’s diminutive form was remarkably light, causing Bai Yu no discomfort whatsoever.

“Still, it seems Master truly needs divinity right now. Consider it a gift for Master, then.”

Lili gently removed Bai Yu’s hands from her face, revealing her cute little feet.

Even with her eyes reddened from unshed tears, Bai Yu’s delicate features remained exquisitely unchanged.

“Hmph, even if you say so, I…”

Bai Yu stammered. Despite the dream’s tumultuous course, she had ultimately gained the most, acquiring not only numerous abilities but also divinity, a rarity in this world.

Not to mention all the intimate experiences she had shared with Cecilia within the dream.

Yet, Bai Yu felt Lili probably didn’t know about these things. Otherwise, given Lili’s personality, Bai Yu imagined she would be furious.

‘From this perspective, she had undoubtedly profited.’

Still, Bai Yu could never retract her words. Lili had initiated all of this; Bai Yu herself had done nothing.

“Has Master come to a realization? If Master behaves well, I won’t be stingy with my rewards.”

Bai Yu felt Lili was truly a little devil. If Lili weren’t exploiting her at this very moment, she would be quite willing to sign a master-servant contract with her.

After all, Lili was not only powerful but, as the ruler of dreams, possessed the power to control its rules. If Bai Yu could gain Lili’s help, returning to her original world would be much easier.

“Sign a master-servant contract? Bai Yu, are you certain?”

Lili’s smile faded, and she spoke to Bai Yu with an unprecedentedly serious tone.

“I am. My current world is already in ruins. Even if I return, I would only be barely surviving. If I can help Lili fulfill her wish, I believe she will also help me return to my original world. This is better than doing nothing at all.”

Bai Yu stated firmly.

Lili fell silent for a moment, then slowly said, “Though I can sense your true feelings, are you truly content to be pinned beneath me for life?”

“Content.”

Bai Yu answered without a moment’s hesitation.

“Heh, Bai Yu, it seems you still don’t understand me.”

Lili’s usual smile returned as she looked at Bai Yu.

“What do you mean?”

Bai Yu asked, somewhat puzzled.

“Do you know what my act of exploiting your divinity represents?”

Lili inquired.

“No.”

Bai Yu shook her head.

“Then allow me to explain it properly.”

As Lili said this, Bai Yu already guessed what Lili meant by “exploiting divinity.”

Indeed, what Lili referred to as exploiting divinity was precisely that, in the literal sense.

Exploiting divinity meant Lili used her ability to extract Bai Yu’s divinity from her body.

However, this act, apart from making Bai Yu physically weak, caused her no harm. Moreover, the divinity extracted by Lili could also be used to nourish Bai Yu, allowing her to recover.

“Do you understand now? I exploit your divinity not because I desire it, but because only by doing so can I weaken your body and prevent you from resisting.”

Lili explained.

“So that’s how it is. Doesn’t that mean I can refuse you?”

Bai Yu asked.

Lili shook her head, stating, “Not quite, Bai Yu. As long as you remain in my dream, no matter what you do, you cannot escape my grasp.”

“I see. So, I have no chance at all?”

Bai Yu asked, a hint of despair in her voice.

“A chance? Of course there is.”

Lili nodded, then said, “If you want me to let you go, all you need to do is find my true name.”

Lili looked at Bai Yu, a devilish smile once again gracing her face.

“True name?”

Bai Yu asked, somewhat perplexed.

Lili explained, “That’s right. I’ve signed a contract with you. The terms of the contract state that I can exploit your divinity without limit. But if you can find my true name, I will grant you one wish.”

Lili spoke with a smile.

“One wish?”

Bai Yu queried.

“Indeed, any wish you desire, as long as you can discover my true name.”

Lili affirmed.

“And if I can’t find it?”

Lili chuckled, “Then you’ll never leave my dream for the rest of your life.”

Bai Yu took a deep breath, surprised that this devil had actually left her a lifeline.

She gave a wry smile, realizing she had fallen into the devil’s hands.

However, she had a premonition that she would surely find Lili’s true name.

After all, she was also a transmigator, imbued with a protagonist’s halo.

Just as Bai Yu was pondering how to find Lili’s true name, Lili suddenly stood up from Bai Yu’s body, pointing at Bai Yu’s nose.

“Bai Yu, don’t you forget, you are my s*ave now.”

Bai Yu’s face darkened; she hadn’t expected the devil to turn hostile so quickly.

Lili observed Bai Yu’s expression, a triumphant smile spreading across her face.

“Bai Yu, I warn you, don’t even think about escaping, or you will suffer a terrible death.”

Lili threatened.

Bai Yu remained silent, knowing that nothing she said now would be of any use.

Lili looked at Bai Yu, her smile returning. She said, “Bai Yu, I’ll make sure you understand the consequences of betraying me.”

With that, Lili departed from Bai Yu’s dream, leaving Bai Yu alone on the ground, staring blankly at the ceiling.

Bai Yu sighed, resigning herself to a life of servitude.

Bai Yu didn’t know how much time had passed before she finally stood up from the ground.

She looked around, realizing she had returned to the real world.

Bai Yu felt a pang of confusion; hadn’t she been in a dream?

Could it be that her recent experiences were all false?

Bai Yu shook her head, refusing to believe that her recent ordeal was merely an illusion.

She examined her body, finding no changes whatsoever.

Bai Yu frowned. She recalled Lili exploiting her divinity, so her body should have been weakened.

Could it be that Lili hadn’t exploited her divinity after all?

Bai Yu was perplexed.

She carefully sensed her body, discovering a peculiar new power within it.

This power was immense, yet Bai Yu had no idea what it was.

Bai Yu pondered for a moment, then decided to ask Lili first.

Bai Yu opened her eyes, finding herself still in bed, with Lili’s adorable sleeping face beside her.

Lili was sleeping soundly, and Bai Yu couldn’t bear to disturb her.

Bai Yu quietly got out of bed and walked to the window, gazing at the night outside.

She took out her phone, opened her browser, and searched for information about divinity.

Soon, Bai Yu found what she was looking for.

Divinity was an incredibly powerful force, one that only gods could possess.

Those imbued with divinity could control all things in heaven and earth, even create worlds.

Bai Yu was somewhat shocked; she hadn’t realized divinity was so potent.

She glanced at Lili again, a sense of awe blossoming in her heart.

Lili possessed divinity; what exactly was her true origin?

Bai Yu thought for a moment, deciding not to disturb Lili yet, but to ask her once she woke up.

Bai Yu walked back to the bedside, gazing at Lili’s cute sleeping face, and a strange sensation arose within her.

Lili’s sleeping face was beautiful, captivating Bai Yu.

Bai Yu reached out, intending to touch Lili’s cheek.

Just then, Lili suddenly opened her eyes, startling Bai Yu.

“Bai Yu, you’re awake?”

Lili sat up, smiling at Bai Yu.

“Yes, I am.”

Bai Yu awkwardly withdrew her hand.

Lili looked at Bai Yu, a playful smile on her face. She said, “Bai Yu, were you trying to touch my cheek just now?”

Bai Yu’s face instantly flushed. She hadn’t expected Lili to know what she was thinking.

“I wasn’t!”

Bai Yu vehemently denied.

Lili chuckled, “Bai Yu, you’re lying.”

Lili reached out and touched Bai Yu’s cheek, saying, “Your face is all red.”

Bai Yu’s face reddened further; she was at a loss for words.

Lili found Bai Yu’s shy demeanor amusing.

Lili suddenly leaned close to Bai Yu’s cheek and said, “Bai Yu, I’m going to give you a punishment.”

With that, Lili kissed Bai Yu’s cheek.

Bai Yu froze, astonished that Lili would kiss her.

Lili looked at Bai Yu’s stunned expression, a triumphant smile on her face.

“Bai Yu, don’t you dare lie to me again.”

Lili declared.

Bai Yu nodded, unsure what to say.

Lili looked at Bai Yu, a satisfied smile on her face. She said, “Bai Yu, aren’t you very curious now why I exploited your divinity?”

Bai Yu nodded.

Lili chuckled, “It’s actually quite simple: I wanted to make you stronger.”

Bai Yu was somewhat confused. Hadn’t Lili exploited her divinity to weaken her?

Lili noticed Bai Yu’s puzzled expression and explained, “Bai Yu, although the divinity within you is powerful, you cannot control it. I exploited your divinity precisely so you could gain control over it.”

Bai Yu was somewhat shocked; she hadn’t expected Lili had done it for her own good.

Lili looked at Bai Yu’s astonished face, a smile gracing her lips. She said, “Bai Yu, you should be able to feel the power within your body now, shouldn’t you?”

Bai Yu nodded. She could indeed feel the power within her body now.

Lili chuckled, “This power is the divinity you now control. Once you can fully master it, you will become a true god.”

Bai Yu felt a surge of excitement; she hadn’t imagined she could become a god.

Lili looked at Bai Yu’s excited expression, a smile on her face. She said, “Bai Yu, what you need to do now is to diligently cultivate and strive to master this power as soon as possible.”

Bai Yu nodded, knowing she had to work even harder from now on.

Lili looked at Bai Yu, a gentle smile on her face. She said, “Bai Yu, remember this: I will always be your Lili.”

Bai Yu’s heart warmed; she hadn’t expected Lili to say such words.

Bai Yu reached out and embraced Lili, whispering in her ear, “Lili, thank you.”

Lili held Bai Yu, a blissful smile on her face.

The two remained tightly embraced, savoring the tender moment.

It’s not like I can make an exception and let those trapped in the dream go, you know.

Lili’s eyes darted around, as if she had thought of something amusing.

“What… what are you going to do?!”

Bai Yu’s internal alarm bells immediately rang, and the cowlick on her head stood on end. She had an ominous premonition that Lili might do something peculiar to her.

“Master just needs to relax, hee hee…”

Lili’s small face flushed crimson as she slowly leaned closer to Bai Yu.

****

In the sky above the outside world, the three Dragon Summer Nation guardians still stood foolishly.

“Old Li, what exactly is going on? How did the Divine Favored suddenly disappear? And that Outer God, did she appear for a moment? Could she have taken the Divine Favored with her?”

The Bald Man asked nervously. If even the Divine Favored had failed, how could the three of them, mere mortals, possibly resist the power of a god?

“Don’t talk nonsense! The Divine Favored is probably fighting fiercely against the Outer God right now. How can you say such inauspicious things!”

The Woman beside him was clearly displeased, indignant at the Bald Man’s behavior, which she saw as boosting the enemy’s morale while undermining their own.

“No, no, I was just speaking casually. It’s just that so much time has passed without any movement. Shouldn’t a battle between gods be earth-shattering?”

The Bald Man scratched his bald head.

“No, the Divine Favored must have her own plans. We’ve never seen a god before, so how can we casually judge a battle scene? We just need to wait patiently for the outcome here.”

The Captain took a deep breath. His words resonated with the other two present, and they both nodded.

****

Meanwhile, Cecilia, who had woken up at home, also realized that, apart from herself and Bai Yu, no one else had escaped the dream.

Although she initially wanted to go directly to Bai Yu, it was clear Bai Yu had more important matters to attend to at the moment.

While she didn’t know what method Bai Yu would use to make the Outer God leave, she believed Bai Yu would surely succeed.

However, for some reason, a strange feeling lingered in her heart, making her feel a little uneasy. ‘This must be a misconception,’ she thought.

Cecilia shook her head, trying not to dwell on those thoughts, and then focused on processing what she had gained from the dream.

It wasn’t just Bai Yu; Cecilia had also learned many valuable things from this dream experience.

Foremost among them was the wealth of combat experience—true, practical experience that could bring about earth-shattering changes in her fighting abilities.

Then there was the Starlight Swordsmanship of the Morning Glory Family. She frowned, considering she also guarded a family in her current reality.

Moreover, this family had arranged an unbreakable engagement for her!

Due to the issues with her spiritual core, her mother’s dying wish, and her own steadfast principles, she could not simply accept such an engagement.

But now, everything was completely different. Previously, she had utterly detested this engagement.

Now, however, this engagement left her with a complex mix of emotions, unsure how to approach it.

One could only say this might be fate, and perhaps she was fortunate in a way.

Nevertheless, she could never forgive her original family.

As for the duel she had discussed with Bai Yu, she had long since planned how to execute it.

Indeed, she had never considered any other ideas. This so-called duel was, more than anything, a special ritual formed by her spiritual core.