He looked at Sam. "There's no doubt that you're the vessel Lucifer chose, but a vessel isn't just a cup that can be used whenever he wants. There's also a rule here: both parties have to be willing."
"What do you mean?" Excitement appeared in Sam's eyes as he immediately pressed for an answer, sitting up straighter.
"What it means is," Wu Heng explained, "if Lucifer cannot obtain Sam's voluntary, wholehearted consent, then even if he forcibly takes over his body, he won't be able to merge with it perfectly, much less wield the full power capable of overturning the world order."
"In that state, he is destined to lose this 'championship match' between Heaven and Hell."
He paused, giving everyone time to process the information. "So, the demons' primary strategic objective right now is not simply to capture Sam. It is to use every possible means to lure, deceive, and coerce him—until Sam willingly opens his heart and accepts Lucifer."
"Things are still far from beyond saving."
At those words, Dean's eyes lit up. He abruptly slapped his thigh and cut in, trying to dispel the heavy atmosphere in his own particular way.
"Oh, I get it! It's fucking like dating and getting married!"
"It's all about mutual affection and willing consent. You can't force a twisted melon to be sweet. Who knew this kind of thing was even fucking protected by 'law'?"
As he spoke, he gave Sam an extremely strange once-over, his gaze full of teasing absurdity, and forced a smile onto his face.
"Sweet little Sam, who knew you were such a hot commodity? Even the Lord of Hell has been 'in love' with you for ages!"
That terrible analogy instantly pulled Sam partway out of his heavy mood. He rolled his eyes speechlessly and snapped