"Bibi Dong, a defiled woman like you-what god besides me would grant you a Divine Trial?"
"Stop holding yourself above everyone else. Everything you possess can only exist through your dependence on me!"
Purple light twisted wildly in the mirror, and a chilling aura nearly solidified, pressing relentlessly against Bibi Dong's mind.
Her whole body trembled slightly, not from fear, but from utter rage and humiliation.
"Complete my Divine Trial, and I will bestow my godhood upon you. Remember, this is my gift to you!"
The purple light in the mirror receded like a tide, leaving only those final, icy words reverberating through the air.
Bibi Dong stood where she was, her fingertips white from the force of her grip, her chest heaving.
A gift?
She sneered inwardly, complex emotions churning in her eyes.
Ever since she entered Spirit Hall, her life seemed to have been swept along by all kinds of "gifts."
Yet all those so-called gifts had ultimately brought her nothing but deeper shackles.
She slowly raised a hand and stroked her cheek. The skin beneath her fingertips was still smooth, yet she seemed to feel the scars carved deep into her soul.
Meanwhile, after leaving the Inner Hall, Su Yu headed straight for Hu Liena's room with light steps. "Nana! I'm back!"
He stood outside the door and called out, a note of elation in his voice.
A rustling immediately came from inside, followed by the creak of the door being pulled open.
Hu Liena ran out excitedly, the hem of her red dress lifting in a jaunty arc with her movements, her face filled with joy. "Brother Su Yu!"
"Hey! Nana!"
Seeing her running toward him, Su Yu smiled and opened his arms.
Hu Liena plunged into his embrace, carrying the delicate fragrance unique to a