Chapter 84 System wants to step up the relationship?! (1)
Zhang Wei seethed with an overwhelming surge of anger as he discovered the cruel prank the system had played on him. Yet, with admirable self-restraint, he managed to suppress his fiery emotions, maintaining a facade of composure.
"System," he uttered through clenched teeth, his tone laced with an unmistakable warning, 'you had better provide me with a compelling explanation for toying with my very being... or else.'
Although Zhang Wei refrained from articulating the second half of his threat, the system could keenly sense the storm brewing within him, the tempest of his intentions.
But the system, with blatant disregard, proceeded to propose something entirely unexpected.
[Host, it is time for us to delve deeper into our relationship], it declared with an almost audacious confidence.
Zhang Wei's brows furrowed in perplexity, his face mirroring his utter bewilderment. 'Deepen the relationship? Is this some sort of ill-conceived proposal?'he muttered incredulously.
Within an instant, Zhang Wei's mind became a blank canvas, his expression frozen in a mixture of shock and disbelief.
The notion of the system suggesting a personal connection sent a shiver down his spine.
[Host, please do not misunderstand. What I mean is that I desire our relationship to transcend the boundaries of mere professionalism and venture into a more intimate realm.]
*Bam!*
Zhang Wei's mind exploded with a maelstrom of thoughts, each one vying for attention amidst the chaos.
What misunderstanding?
Wasn't the very purpose of deepening a relationship to traverse the path towards intimacy?
Confusion gripped him, leaving him momentarily speechless.
Caught between the allure of accepting the system's proposal and the potential disappointment that would follow its rejection, Zhang Wei found himself at an impasse, struggling to find the right words.
In an attempt to decipher the system's intentions, he cautiously probed, his voice laced with skepticism, 'Are you intoxicated, System? Or perhaps you sent this message astray, reaching the wrong recipient?'
Zhang Wei's mind, racing with conjecture, entertained the notion that the system must had a secret lover and sent the message to him by mistake.
The system remained enigmatic, its silence echoing throughout the ether.
The profound stillness enveloped them both, plunging them into an awkward abyss where words failed to bridge the growing chasm between them.
Finally, after an interminable silence, the system mustered the courage to clarify its intentions.
[Host, the items I presented to you earlier can be provided without cost. My purpose is merely to propose a mutually advantageous arrangement between us.]
Zhang Wei exhaled a breath he hadn't realized he had been holding, relieved at the assurance that the items were indeed free.
Yet, a crease formed between his brows as he grappled with the system's second proposition.
The system sought a personal pact?
Intriguing possibilities swirled in Zhang Wei's mind, his lips curling into a subtle, knowing smile.
'So, you have finally decided to reveal your hidden fangs,' he mused, recognizing the system's insatiable desire to extract something from him.
Aware that there was far more at stake than met the eye, Zhang Wei resolved not to trust this capricious and unreliable system until he comprehended the intricacies of the intricate web spun around him.
[Host, I implore you not to defame me unjustly. Rarely do I engage in activities that would endanger the one who possesses me.]
Zhang Wei remained unconvinced, unable to fully place his faith in the system's assurances. It indirectly admitted to putting its host in perilous situations, fueling his skepticism.
Bound in an intricate and convoluted relationship, Zhang Wei grappled with his options. Abandoning the system was not yet a viable course of action, for the complexities of their connection demanded further exploration.
Releasing a deep sigh, he reached for his cigarette, drawing in a lungful of smoke. In this clouded haze, Zhang Wei prepared himself to hear the system's elaborate explanation, steeling his resolve to unravel the truth hidden beneath their peculiar entanglement.
In a sudden and unexpected turn of events, the Book of Destiny burst forth from Zhang Wei's chest, causing him to startle. He swiftly composed himself, feigning surprise at the sight before him.
[Host, as you can clearly see, the system is an embodiment of the Book of Destiny, a celestial treasure. Since you are but a mortal, the system has fused entirely with your being, bestowing upon you the power to shape your own destiny. As for myself, I am but a spiritual entity that has taken form over the ages, merely serving as a conduit for communication.]
Zhang Wei adopted a complex expression, a mixture of contemplation and understanding, his head slowly nodding in acknowledgement.
[Now, Host, as you are aware, I am one of the nine heavenly treasures. It is crucial to note that all of us treasures were forged by the hand of the original supreme ruler.]
The system continued its exposition, and Zhang Wei harbored a pressing question that demanded confirmation. 'And what about the dragon bloodline?'
[Yes, Host. The dragon met its demise at the hands of my master, or rather, it willingly sacrificed itself. Although my master possessed great power, she was unable to overcome that divine entity.]
Zhang Wei's discerning eyes caught a significant detail. "She?"
According to the ancient myths, the supreme ruler was often depicted as a male figure.
[The myths are antiquated, Host. Over time, history becomes altered, and the true facts become obscured. Nevertheless, the supreme ruler vanished suddenly one day. Yet, that is not the complete truth.]
[In her quest for knowledge, my master discovered a means to access the dimension from which the divine serpent descended upon our sacred land. With an insatiable curiosity, she delved into that vortex, embarking on an investigation that would render her vanishing without a trace. Rumors even circulated, suggesting that the vortex led to the very gates of Heaven!]
'Heaven? And what of the three heavenly planes?' Zhang Wei found himself somewhat amused by the narrative.
Had there emerged two distinct heavens now?
[Host, the three heavenly planes are merely designations for our humble realm. In comparison to the grand tales of hell and Heaven, they hold no significance whatsoever.]
'Stories of hell and Heaven?' Zhang Wei's intrigue heightened.
[I possess limited knowledge on the matter, Host. Even amongst celestial beings, information regarding hell and Heaven remains scarce, much like it does for mortals. It is said that individuals are divided between these realms based on their karma.]
"Foolish," Zhang Wei muttered under his breath. If one's fate was predetermined by their actions, what purpose did this self-imposed prison serve?
He adamantly refused to embrace such a notion, suspecting that hell and Heaven held secrets beyond what met the eye.