Chapter Forty-Two: What I Want Is You

Ning Xianyu couldn't understand why she felt compelled to defend the Demon Lord. After much deliberation, she concluded it was out of shared misfortune. In this story, Yi Tianling was the protagonist; the rest of them were mere extras, stepping stones for his rise. Naturally, cannon fodder should band together. If she didn’t help her own kind, would she side with the protagonist blessed by fortune, place, and opportunity?

My feelings for the Demon Lord are purely class solidarity. We’re both the downtrodden masses, comrades in revolution. You wouldn’t understand.

The system fell silent, acknowledging that she truly was among the impoverished—so poor, in fact, she’d never even seen a high-grade spirit stone.

But the Demon Lord was not poor in the slightest. He was, without question, the wealthiest across all six realms of Cloud Desolation.

Are you a fool?

Xuan Yuan Tunhan caught the word "impoverished" and cast her a glance. Did this woman think he was poor? What kind of thinking was this?

“Come here!”

He called out as she, distracted while walking, drifted farther from the group. Ning Xianyu hurried over. “What is it?” Due to their current height disparity, she had to tilt her head down to see his face. Yet, despite bowing her head, her blinking eyes and the subtle cunning in her gaze gave the impression she was looking up, seeking protection.

Xuan Yuan Tunhan refused to believe such an expression could appear on his own face, and instinctively looked away. “Don’t wander off.”

So that was it. “Alright, I understand.” Ning Xianyu quickly stuck close to him. The Demon Palace was dangerous, filled with powerful demon lords who would kill her on sight if they recognized her. The protagonist had luck, but following him only made her more likely to be cannon fodder. After much thought, the Demon Lord’s side seemed safest.

She drew nearer to Xuan Yuan Tunhan, clutching his sleeve. Since entering, she’d felt several divine senses sweep over her, as if exposed and scrutinized—an uncomfortable sensation.

Xuan Yuan Tunhan looked down at her and, in turn, grabbed her hand. That touch made the soul-stirring sensation even more pronounced; he sighed inwardly, pleased. This woman was indeed useful; the inner demons stirred by those probing senses had calmed considerably.

But Ning Xianyu felt like a startled, bristling cat, shivering all over. When their hands met, it was as if an electric current ran from her fingers through her entire body.

What was this bizarre feeling?

A group followed the Demon Envoy through the palace, passing corridor after corridor and various halls, watched closely by demon generals all the while. At last, they arrived at the Saintess’s residence.

The Demon Envoy instructed them to wait outside.

“You, move the Fire Qilin inside,” she said, referring to Yi Tianling.

Saba protested, “Demon Envoy, we’re stronger. We can carry the Fire Qilin inside.”

But the Demon Envoy shot him a cold look and struck him with her palm, sending Saba and his companions crashing against the wall.

“In the Demon Palace, keep your mouth shut.”

After a beating, Saba and his group finally behaved. In the Demon Realm, strength was everything. If your power was sufficient, anything you did was justified; the weak had no right to speak.

Yi Tianling spoke briefly to Xuan Yuan Tunhan and Ning Xianyu, then dragged the Fire Qilin inside.

The Demon Envoy stood by the door, forbidding them from wandering, her gaze sharp and vigilant. Clearly, she feared someone might enter the palace at this moment.

Who was she guarding against?

Ning Xianyu pondered. The Saintess inside knew Yi Tianling well, their relationship was intimate, and letting him in meant they’d share secrets. Who knew what they’d discuss?

Ning Xianyu whispered, “Can you hear what they’re saying?”

Xuan Yuan Tunhan said nothing. He could, of course—though the hall was shielded, his divine sense was strong enough to bypass the others and observe inside with ease. But he had no reason to tell this woman.

He was curious, though, whether the so-called system could eavesdrop on the conversation.

Sure enough, when he remained silent, Ning Xianyu quickly asked the system if it had a way.

The system replied, There’s a way, but you’ll have to pay something.

Ning Xianyu scoffed. Aren’t you a system? Why care about gold and silver?

The system retorted angrily, Forget your gold and silver! What you have here is worthless in our world. What I want is… hehe…

Hehe, your big-headed ghost! Why are you laughing so lewdly? Ning Xianyu lost interest in spying. The stingy system wouldn’t fool her.

Yet the system coaxed, word by word: Actually, it’s simple. What I want is you.

Ning Xianyu nearly clutched herself protectively. What do you mean?

Xuan Yuan Tunhan, surprised, glanced at her. Ning Xianyu, still startled, didn’t notice his expression, only frightened by the system’s words.

I knew you weren’t up to any good. So-called Dream Come True System—turns out you’ve been coveting me all along.

There’s no such thing as a free lunch; the inexplicable system had been after her from the start. She really was too adorable and wonderful, even the dog system couldn’t resist.

The system sighed. Put away those messy thoughts. I don’t like you. I’m a system; how could I like a person?

Ning Xianyu remained skeptical. Then why say you want me?

The system patiently explained. What I want is your emotions. We Dream Come True Systems are designed to develop artificial intelligence, but what AI lacks most is emotion.

Ning Xianyu still didn’t quite understand. Can such intangible feelings be gathered and traded?

It sounded fantastical—more so than transmigrating into a novel, swapping bodies with a Demon Lord, or eavesdropping on a love affair between the protagonist and a Saintess of the Demon Realm.

The system assured her it was possible.

Think about it—inner demons are a kind of emotion, and they can be purified and absorbed. So, emotions can be collected and exchanged.

That explanation made it seem more credible.

Can I only use my own emotions? What if I help you collect others’ emotions?

Other people had abundant feelings, easy to gather, but she was a salted fish, idle and idealizing a life of inertia. How much emotion could such a lazy person produce?

The system seemed to have anticipated this, and after a moment’s thought, said, That works. Sign an agreement with me, help me collect emotions, and I’ll give you conveniences.

Ning Xianyu found it reasonable, but quickly asked, If I give you my emotions, will I eventually become a soulless puppet?

If that were the case, she wanted no part of it.

The system assured her, No. I only absorb a portion each time—it won’t affect you at all. Besides, human emotions regenerate endlessly. You needn’t worry about being drained.

Ning Xianyu decided to trust it for once. So be it.

Still, the terms had to be spelled out clearly—she wouldn’t let herself be tricked again.