The Master's Authority is Challenged!

"Playing Games in a Dream?!"

Little Xier's amber eyes sparkled with excitement as she bounced in place, her childlike enthusiasm radiating from her. In the Fairy Tale Forest, she had long transformed from a "legally cute little girl" into a "legally mature little girl." As always, she had no resistance to anything involving her big brother, and the closer, the better.

Cough, cough!

Yi Bai quickly cleared his throat, adopting a stern look to dissuade Xier from any mischievous ideas.

"Serious matters first. We're dealing with a fierce god, and everything else can wait until after that issue is resolved."

He especially didn't want any surprises after waking up... and there was that massive succubus still lounging around him. If she caught even the faintest scent of vulnerability, his authority as the master could very well be undermined. Plus, knowing Lilith's personality, if she noticed any shifts in his body while he was asleep... who knew what kind of strange behavior she might engage in?

Sure, Yi Bai was the master of both Lilith and Iris, but that didn't mean he enforced strict rules. Lilith was perfectly capable of sneaking a bite when the master wasn't looking... especially in a moment like this.

"A fierce god?!"The mention of anything related to gods immediately shifted the expression on Yuanmeng's face, even in her dream form, a flicker of concern flashing across her features.

"Yes, it involves a fierce god—more specifically, an avatar of one of their rules." Yi Bai sighed, a touch of frustration creeping into his voice. He'd already left a lasting impression on the Greed God once, but for the true Star God, that was but a fleeting moment.

"I've handled the godly shrine that was involved, but that's not the real issue. The real problem is... I can't get into the horror game."

"In the real world, the shrine is suppressed and can't wield its full power," Yi Bai explained. "But once the game begins, if I'm forced into it..." His voice trailed off as he thought of the true danger.

Even the weakest of the shrines could control the Red Ghosts, unleashing power that even Lina and Principal Quell couldn't easily resist. The thought of the full might of a high-tier shrine in that realm was terrifying.

"Do you think the Greed God is so powerful that this shrine can easily wreak havoc?" Yuanmeng asked, her voice laced with concern.

"Exactly. The most terrifying part is that once I enter the game, the godly shrine's influence will become far more difficult to escape." Yi Bai ran a hand through his hair, frustration mounting. "But if I can deal with it in the game, maybe... I can shake off the Star God's long-standing plans for the world. But that's a long shot."

"How can I help you, Husband?" Yuanmeng's voice was soft, but the worry was evident. She clearly wanted to do something for him.

Yi Bai smiled gently, trying to reassure her. "For now, I need you to contact Countess Rose of the Netherworld City. She may have some insight into dealing with this situation."

Yi Bai trusted Countess Rose deeply. While she might not have all the details about the Greed God, as a fellow bearer of a fierce god's bloodline, she certainly had the know-how to deal with these shrines.

"I'll go right away!" Yuanmeng replied, her dream-body shimmering with urgency.

Before she left, Yi Bai turned to Xier, who had been quietly watching the exchange. "How's the fishing going? Any bites yet?"

"Mama's helping me with it," Xier answered seriously. "We've caught several Red Ghosts who were corrupted, but..." She sighed. "Unfortunately, the moment Mama touched their shrines, they self-destructed—there was no chance to contain them."

Yi Bai's expression darkened, realizing the implications. So the Greed God learned his lesson... that's not good.

He had hoped to surprise the Greed God with a little gift, but it seemed any such plans would be much harder now.

As Yuanmeng's presence faded, her dream-world collapsing, Yi Bai took one last moment to ask, "Xier, any last words before we go?"

"Big Brother..." Xier's voice trailed off as her form flickered, fading into the dream's dissolution.

Yi Bai smiled softly, reaching out to pat her head. "Next time, I'll bring you a present."

"Yay... Thank you, Big Brother~" Her voice, now faint, crackled like an unstable signal, her image becoming a blur.

Finally, the dream shattered, and Yi Bai awoke. He immediately sensed something was off.

"You're awake?" Lilith murmured, her voice thick with sleep.

Iris was still immobile, her expression empty, a blood slave in all but name, her body acting as an unrelenting pillow for him.

Yi Bai's eyes narrowed, realizing what had happened. Someone had dared to challenge his authority in his sleep.

Unforgivable.

He had to show them why the flowers bloomed so red.