Using Primordial Creation Energy to strengthen demigod vessels sounded pretty cool and mysterious, but the process wasn't nearly as cool as you might imagine—especially when the subject was a chatty little snake.
"Cough, cough. If I die, find yourself a good man in the Astral Realm and marry him."
Lying in the strengthening pod, Mannis rubbed his tail against Liji's hand and drew out the words with a false air of "putting his affairs in order":
"I'd been thinking that, no matter what, I couldn't let you put horns on me again. But after being exposed to knowledge from another world, I realized I can't be a bastard even when I'm about to die. So if something unfortunate happens, do whatever you want.
"I buried some treasures in my old lair. Think of them as my inheritance to you."
"Can't you say something more positive?"
Liji's face was full of feigned concern. She said disapprovingly:
"I told you, I came back to your side this time because I'm not after anything you have. I just wanted to make up for hurting you when I was young and foolish. I'm the princess of Yunlan Heaven, with a divine father and a divine uncle. Why would I care about your little pile of junk?
"Besides, the things buried in your lair are all the leftovers you didn't want. Don't think I don't know. I just didn't want to point out your little scheme.
"So stop finding fault with me at every turn.
"Be good!
"Everything will be fine this time!
"After all, Lord Murphy is renowned for his kindness and benevolence. With him personally strengthening your vessel, nothing strange is going to happen."
"I'm saying, the two of you have carried on your double act long enough. Stop taking digs at me."