Tai Yu was in no hurry. He had no intention of discussing the matter further with Shi Fan, because he had a better plan:
"You want to take the path of an 'Illusory Nightmare Vessel.' That is your freedom, and I will not stop you. But you have seen the current situation. All the items you need are in my hands. You cannot get around me, and there is nothing you can do about me.
"Unless you can summon the guide from the Illusory Nightmare Domain behind you and have them contend with me, there is little point in struggling any further.
"We are, after all, old acquaintances. Though my memories are not especially clear, and yours are not entirely trustworthy either, that is still more reliable than being complete strangers... How about we take things a step further on that basis?
"You do as I say, and I will be your guardian of the path. What do you think?"
Guardian of the path—pleasant words, but everyone understood what they really meant.
Tai Yu did not conceal it, either. His intention was this:
No matter what Shi Fan thought, unless she abandoned the path of the Illusory Nightmare Domain and gave up on constructing an Illusory Nightmare-aligned vessel, Tai Yu would ensure that her "path of Illusory Nightmare" remained under his watch and control.
For her sake, and for his own.
First, he genuinely wanted to help Shi Fan.
An Uploader attempting to pursue the Illusory Nightmare path was essentially charging headlong into the Abyss ruled by the Six Heavens God Calamity.
Since he had encountered her, it was only proper and natural to lend her a hand.
Second, as a Great Monarch destined to delve deeply into the Illusory Nightmare Domain, it was equally natural for him to bring