019 A Partnership Formed

"If I am not mistaken, the reason you cannot monitor me around the clock without any blind spots is that you lack sufficient energy!"

[Judgment incorrect. The system has sufficient energy stored...]

"It seems I guessed right."

Qu Zhanyi shifted into a more comfortable position. She leaned back against the headboard with her legs crossed, looking exceptionally pleased with herself.

"Brother 17, it would be better for both of us if you were just honest."

[Warning...]

"Do not underestimate me! I am the daughter of the Demon Emperor of the Nine Heavens and Ten Worlds; how could I fail to see through your clumsy tricks?" Qu Zhanyi dropped the playful tone, her voice stern and cold.

The system fell silent again. The buzzing static became somewhat erratic, much like a magician whose sleight of hand had been exposed. Qu Zhanyi was in no rush. She had already obtained the answer she wanted, and she had enough patience to wear the other party down.

In this silent standoff, the system eventually lost its composure.

[In response to the host's series of uncooperative behaviors, the system issues a final warning: Please comply and complete the tasks issued by the system, otherwise, you will be resealed and imprisoned for eternity.]

Qu Zhanyi nearly burst out laughing. This fellow really wouldn't shed a tear until it saw its own coffin.

"But you cannot do that, because you need me. If I am not mistaken, whether you can successfully 'reform' me and reach a cooperation with me is a matter of life and death for you as well."

Hearing her confident tone, the system seemed to lose all its strength and leverage.

Qu Zhanyi pressed her advantage. "Tell me, what are you? Tell me the truth about this world!"

The system went quiet, but the buzzing in her mind did not vanish. This meant the entity was thinking, weighing the pros and cons. Qu Zhanyi felt excellent. She leisurely peeled an orange, humming a little tune as she ate. Once she finished the orange, she launched another attack on the system.

"It has been a long time; you should have considered it enough. Answer my question."

[Within the scope of its authority, the system can answer the host's related questions.]

Qu Zhanyi immediately turned serious. "What are you?"

['Villain Reformation' System No. 1070.]

"Does that mean there are 1,069 others like me? Who are they?"

[Outside the scope of authority, the system cannot answer your question.]

"How can I obtain the authority?"

[Once the host completes the reformation, you can obtain the highest authority to view the system.]

"I understand. But now, please tell me the truth about this world. Do the gods and demons really not exist?"

[Yes. Since the birth of the system, this has been a materialistic world.]

"When were you born?"

[The system has no concept of time and cannot define the time of its own birth.]

Qu Zhanyi understood. This 'system' was likely no different from the 'magic puppets' of the Demon Realm—it lacked the ability to think or possess autonomous consciousness. It only acted according to pre-set instructions. If that was the case, there must be someone behind it pulling the strings.

Qu Zhanyi tilted her head back and looked up, as if she could truly see that 'mischievous' fellow, and demanded, "What are you, and what is your purpose in dragging me here?"

The only reply remained the buzzing static. The person behind the curtain seemed determined not to engage in a conversation with her no matter what. With no other choice, Qu Zhanyi had to focus on the present.

She continued to question the system. "If I complete the assigned tasks and accumulate enough morality points, I can obtain all the 'Cursed Keys.' Is that true?"

[Yes. The system's purpose is to help the host's soul regain its freedom.]

"Fine, we can cooperate. I won't ask the questions you refuse to answer, but I have three requirements."

[Please state them, host.]

"First, this is a partnership. I am not your servant."

[The system notes this and will improve its methods in future cooperation.]

"Second, I always pay back those who wrong me. You had better judge for yourself what you should and should not interfere with."

[The system cannot satisfy this condition. When the host threatens the safety of others, the system must intervene.]

"You can't stop me at all." Qu Zhanyi reached under her pillow and pulled out a pile of medicine boxes and bottles. "You can observe what's around me, right? Look at these things. In these past few days, I've made two trips to the pharmacy. Not to mention the pesticides and paraquat available on the market..."

She then pulled out a disassembled smartphone. "And I have a bold idea: you cannot reseal me at all, at least not to where I was before."

[Judgment correct... However, when necessary, the system has the authority and ability to deprive you of your mobility.]

"I believe that. But as I said before, whether you can reform me and achieve cooperation is a matter of life and death for you, too."

[Correct.]

[The system will submit an application to obtain new permissions. On the premise that the host does not take the lives of others, the system can provide the host with information to help complete the reformation tasks.]

"That's better. My third condition is that I want elixirs—elixirs that can refine the body and the mind."

[The system cannot satisfy the host's request. Reiteration: This is a materialistic world.]

"There must be something to strengthen the body and nourish the spirit, at least."

[As the host's morality points rise to each stage, the reward channels will open accordingly. You can earn morality points by completing tasks to redeem the items you desire.]

[New task issued: Please complete the rectification of Queluo Middle School and turn it into a sanctuary for students; Task difficulty: Intermediate; No time limit for this task. Good luck, host!]

"I understand."

"Brother 17, pass a message to your master for me: Tell Him that one day I will drag Him out and pour a bucket of overnight filth into His mouth."

[I am sorry, the system cannot understand the host's meaning.]

"Just pass it on exactly as I said."

"Also, give me back my 'Cursed Key' and my morality points."

With the cooperation established, Qu Zhanyi naturally demanded her points back. The system reverted to its usual mechanical demeanor.

[The host can earn morality points and lottery chances by completing tasks. The prizes in the Tian-Shu Mall include the 'Cursed Key' you need. The host may also accumulate morality points to redeem the 'Cursed Key.']

"Listen carefully, I am talking about *my* 'Cursed Key,' the one I already obtained."

[Please, host, abide by...]

Qu Zhanyi's patience ran out. She said coldly, "That is a rule you set unilaterally. I do not agree."

['Cursed Key' returned. Morality points will not be restored. I hope the host will take this as a warning.]

The system ultimately chose to take a step back. Qu Zhanyi was sensible enough not to entangle it further and accepted this so-called punishment.

"Tell me honestly, what are the odds of winning the 'Cursed Key' in the Tian-Shu Mall?"

[One in nine thousand...]

"One in *how many*?"

Qu Zhanyi picked at her ear, doubting for a moment that she had heard correctly.