Lili thought Shen Tang was saying she didn't know her own limits. He shook out the wrung-out clothes and put them back on. "You're right, my lord."
With that, he stood and made to leave.
Shen Tang called out to stop him. "Lili, wait—"
"Does my lord have any other orders?" Lili's words were humble and respectful, but his expression said otherwise.
"Do you really want a Martial Spirit?"
Lili found the question laughable.
"My lord, I remember Madam saying that questions with no chance of being answered are meaningless. Is my answer really important?"
How could he not want a Martial Spirit of his own?
Who wouldn't want to seize an opportunity to change their fate?
But he didn't deserve one. That was all.
Shen Tang seemed not to hear the mockery in his words. Her expression solemn, she said, "It's important. Very important."
Seeing her like this, Lili was both angry and exasperated. His temper flared, and he began taking her seriously. "I want one. I'd pay any price."
"Any price?" Shen Tang said, a hint of amusement in her voice.
Lili hesitated, then pressed his lips together and added,
"Anything but Madam."
At this point, Lili no longer wanted to stay. But Shen Tang's next words were startling. In a calm tone, as if discussing the weather, she said, "Why would I want your Madam? The price isn't that high. All you have to offer is your loyalty—loyalty from the bottom of your heart. I might really be able to make your wish come true."
Lili's gaze turned faintly sharp, his expression unreadable, his lips curling as if in a smile. "Loyalty? To you? Has my lord forgotten? I'm already a servant you bought, so of course I should be loyal to you."
"It's late, and you