Chapter 156: God’s Favor (5)

Chapter 156: God's Favor (V)

Qiao Mai relied almost entirely on her instincts to speak those words.

She couldn't pinpoint exactly what was "off" about Wei Yuan, nor could she sense any imminent danger. Much like most of the members of Rong Hua, she felt lethargic, her mind continually replaying blissful scenes from the dreamland. Even while conversing with her friends, their focus involuntarily lingered in the dream realm.

Evening was approaching, a time for prayer. What kind of beautiful dream awaited her tonight?

They resembled machines beginning to corrode from the inside, no alterations visible on the surface, yet internally becoming increasingly difficult to operate.

Merely four sessions of prayer in the dreamland had corroded them to this state.

Qi Chanyang, who had only entered the dreamland once, now fully awakened, felt his skin crawl at the sight of Wei Yuan and the others.

This instance dungeon was truly terrifying. It lacked an overtly horrifying boss, and even offered a relatively superior environment with no concerns about food and clothing, along with benevolent NPCs. Four days into the instance, they hadn't encountered any danger, even the weather had been fair.

Moreover, the daily trio of fixed tasks fostered an unimaginable sense of stability and routine, something that was hard to resist.

Qi Chanyang believed that when they first entered the instance, confronted with the "No historical clearances" warning, they were all highly alert.

The perilous nature of a level-five instance required no explanation; as veteran players, they all understood it clearly. With Wei Yuan's meticulous nature, it was implausible for him not to perceive the dangers lurking within the dreamland.

Yet, despite their vigilance, they found themselves ensnared in pre-set traps.

Qi Chanyang introspected - had he not witnessed Wei Yuan's condition, would he have succumbed to the allure of the dreamland during the evening's prayer session?

Even though he reminded himself countless times yesterday that something was wrong with the dream, an evident issue that needed no proof, he could recognize the anomaly.

But who could bear to refuse the fulfillment of their lingering regrets in the dream? Who could remain unmoved upon encountering dearly missed loved ones? What was their purpose for returning to the real world if not to reunite with those they cherished? The satisfaction derived from the dream effortlessly shattered their psychological defenses.

Was this instance... truly of a difficulty level appropriate for the general populace?

How many regular players could resist the enticement of the dreamland upon entering this instance?

With this realization, cold sweat drenched Qi Chanyang's back.

He glanced at Wei Yuan, quietly inquiring to Zhang Daoan beside him, "Shall we still attend the temple prayer tonight?"

Though it was a requisite daily task, essential for augmenting their divine power - without which finding all the Godchildren would prove immensely challenging - the prospect of entering the temple for prayers felt increasingly perilous, potentially leading them to a point of no return, lost in the dreamland.

Zhang Daoan surveyed the surroundings.

"Yes," he uttered, his voice tinged with what seemed like a sardonic chuckle, "going together is better than someone sneaking off on their own."

Sneaking off...

Qi Chanyang initially wanted to object, stressing the evident dangers, but as his gaze swept across the room, he noticed the players who had previously vowed not to succumb were now growing increasingly restless, frequently glancing at the clock hanging on the wall.

What they were anticipating was clear as day.

But even at this point, there are still those voicing out: "The dream realm is dangerous, we must exit earlier tonight."

It seems that it is only lip service, as the members of Ronghua have essentially lost their sense of danger.

Like those in a deep slumber, who wouldn't awaken even if their feet were burning.

Regardless of their thoughts, time inexorably approached evening, and one by one, they headed towards the temple after dinner.

Arriving at the temple, there were still a few minutes before the prayer would start, Zhang Daoan first looked towards the wall.

On the wall, where there were originally eight candlesticks, evenly divided on either side, now one was missing on the left, replaced crudely by a candle on the windowsill.

As expected.

Everything that happened today was orchestrated by Zhang Daoan.

He had wandered around the city during the day, quickly identifying the unsettling aspects of this city.

Too "blissful".

Here, the "bliss" resembled a fictitious fairy tale, everyone devoted to their work, farming or running shops, constantly praising the deity without a trace of complaint, turning into fervent disciples of the god.

However, the living conditions of the common residents in Qiming City were not favorable, with instances of insufficient food being common, even witnessing children begging on the streets amidst no famine or disasters.

If the god truly existed and was benevolent, why would he allow his people to go hungry?

Yet, this incompetent deity garnered a multitude of devotees, with everyone in Qiming City wearing a smile.

It didn't seem to be a matter of coercion either.

Indeed, each individual appeared genuinely content and happy, and after a stroll around, Zhang Daoan realized there were no elderly people in the city.

When he subtly inquired about it, the respondents looked confused.

"What is an old person?"

Zhang Daoan elaborated, saying “elderly refers to those advanced in age”, but the inquired individual just exhibited a face of indifference.

"There is no concept of age in Qiming City."

It seemed like another clue that might unveil the truth.

Furthermore, aside from the god's servants, the wealth of all the people in the city was more or less the same, portraying a scenario of equal poverty, even among the bustling merchants on the streets, none appeared more affluent than others.

If one were to say that this equality stemmed from divine faith permeating throughout the land, it didn't explain why all residents were still humans.

Humans possessed a range of emotions and desires, embodying both good and bad characteristics, just like the scum Zhang Daoan dealt with in the morning, who didn't particularly seem devout to the deity.

Given that humans are inherently competitive and prone to vanity, why then was there such uniformity in their wealth? It was simply unimaginable.

The city brims with mysteries, and so does the deity.

What was the deity holding in the mural they witnessed under the dome last night? What is the nature of the dreamscape they entered?

Everything remains in the realm of the unknown; even Zhang Daoan cannot easily draw conclusions.

He does have a nascent speculation, but at present, it leans more towards a guess than a hypothesis, with scant clues and evidence, necessitating further exploration.

However, as for tonight...

Zhang Daoan glanced at the time.

“Manager Xie,” he inquired, “Can you extract yourself from the dreamscape swiftly?”

“Yes, I can.”

“After you manage to do so, please move me out of the temple.”

Xie Fangcheng paused momentarily, “Do you suspect an issue with the candles?”

“Indeed. Seven candles are ample to illuminate the entire temple, yet the deity's servants insist on adding an extra candle even without a proper candlestick, an action that defies the norm.”

Hearing this, Xie Fangcheng hesitated slightly, “You are risking your own safety here.”

The exact role of the candles remained unclear to them - whether igniting them facilitated entry into the dreamscape or whether it was essential for exiting it.

Zhang Daoan was prepared to use himself as a test subject.

“This instance is far from straightforward,” Zhang Daoan paused briefly, “It is not a scenario where one can easily succeed with the aid of others.”

Escaping the dreamscape, in simple terms, necessitates Wei Yuan and the others to "awaken" by themselves.

Constant indulgence might lead to serious psychological repercussions even upon exiting the instance.

Xie Fangcheng looked at him, unable to resist giving him a pat on the shoulder.

This young man might have a sharp tongue, but he indeed was a good person!

As their conversation unfolded, the time swiftly reached five forty.

The candles on the wall abruptly ignited in unison. Before Xie Fangcheng could utter a word, he was drawn into his own dreamscape the moment he closed his eyes.

This time, he couldn't help but let out a surprised "eh".

During the previous encounter, he found himself in an office upon opening his eyes; this time, the setting had changed... he was in a restaurant, a feast laid out before him.

Xie Fangcheng sampled a dish, finding that the flavor matched his memory of the restaurant’s food.

Turning his head, he saw Zhang Daoan sitting beside him.

Not just seated there, Zhang Daoan was engrossed in a thick stack of documents. Noticing Xie Fangcheng’s gaze, Zhang Daoan greeted him with a friendly nod and a genuine smile.

"I am almost done, only three pages left. I've arranged them in order for you; you can just submit them directly."

After saying this, they adjusted their glasses, "Is there enough food? I've also ordered a few servings of sweet and sour pork loin."

Clearly very attuned to his preferences.

Xie Fangcheng felt utterly elated!

See, this is what you call being considerate!

This young man... he absolutely must be recruited to the Underworld Bureau! He must be secured!!

With him around, even working twenty hours a day wouldn't be daunting!!

As Xie Fangcheng mulled over this, he turned his head once again.

— How come it's his boss again!!

The boss seemed quite pleased as well.

"Little Xie, your friend here is excellent. I think we should have him join your finance department, working under your wing from here on. You two would make a great team, making the work feel less tedious."

Although what he said wasn't bad... but does he need to be the one saying it?

At this moment, Xie Fangcheng once again felt a surge of infuriating indignation.

Damn it, did the boss think he was doing him a great favor, possibly presenting it as a kind gesture?

Wishful thinking!!

If the person wanted to stay, couldn't they take the civil service exam themselves??

With their intellect, acing the civil service exam would be a given, right? Why do you need to step in and say anything at all!!

Frankly, given Xie Fangcheng's corporate drudge instincts, anything the boss said was bound to be wrong! Who on earth can't craft a proper dreamscape?? Why must he repeatedly see his boss in it??

Engulfed in this fury, Xie Fangcheng once again opened his eyes.

This time he was prepared; as he opened his eyes, his hand swiftly moved, instantly grabbing hold of the ghostly entity hovering near his nose.

The instant he grasped it, Xie Fangcheng couldn't help but exclaim, "Damn it".

Slippery.

It felt like touching some kind of viscous fluid within a body, both slimy and nauseating, causing Xie Fangcheng to grit his teeth involuntarily, restraining himself from flinging the thing in his hand away.

This thing was indeed difficult to catch. Xie Fangcheng's reaction wasn't slow by any means, yet he hadn't managed to grab it yesterday.

It was only after getting a hold of it that Xie Fangcheng realized what it was.

"A Dream Recall Fish... How could this thing be in the instance? And its transformation is quite drastic, isn't it?" Jie Fangcheng muttered to himself.

The Dream Recall Fish is a species found in the River of the Underworld. Its singular purpose is to delve into people’s memories and reproduce them vividly.

In the past, it was frequently utilized as an auxiliary tool by newcomers in Old Cui's department, whose operational abilities weren't exactly stellar, essentially serving as a form of cheat code. Now with the "Judged Yet?" system, a fully automated reincarnation process wasn't just talk. Once a person passed on, it would automatically fill out forms regarding their deeds, link up to the "Judged Yet?" system, and even provide a "Reincarnation Suggestion". Hence, the demand for the Dream Recall Fish has significantly declined, being used only in controversial situations.

Jie Fangcheng, however, was quite familiar with it.

Steaming or boiling the fish would produce a rich and appetizing aroma, although it couldn't be consumed. He often caught a couple to use as aromatic enhancers.

But the Dream Recall Fish in his hands was clearly not a fish anymore. Whether modified by the system or through some other means, it had gained the ability to create dreams for others.

Wasn't this a skill exclusive to nightmare creatures? It was usurping their role, indeed.

While inwardly scoffing at the situation, Jie Fangcheng knocked out the hard-won modified, viscous Dream Recall Fish and stuffed it into his pocket.

Then, he turned to Zhang Dao'an beside him, reaching out to casually sling an arm over his shoulder, intending to carry him out of the temple in a princess hold.

Yet the moment his hand extended, with a blink of an eye, he found himself once again in Zhang Dao'an's dream.

...Why was it a classroom setting yet again???

Jie Fangcheng complained internally.

Just how obsessed was Zhang Dao'an with lecturing him!

At the lectern, Zhang Dao'an was already standing there.

But unlike last time when Zhang Dao'an kept lecturing, this time he remained silent, simply gazing towards the individual seated in the front row.

In the exact middle of the first row, "Jie Fangcheng" sat, dressed in a t-shirt and jeans, resembling a regular college student. He even had a notebook and a fountain pen neatly arranged before him.

It seemed very much like him... but it wasn't.

Zhang Dao'an's eyes hidden behind the glasses, he suddenly spoke, "The student in the first row, please stand up and answer a question."

Floating in the air, Jie Fangcheng initially wanted to leave quickly to carry him out, but hearing Professor Zhang say this, the hand that was about to reach out froze in place.

Perhaps... he should stay to hear the question before leaving?

Jie Fangcheng was genuinely curious about what kind of reaction Zhang Dao'an expected from him in his heart.

The inquired "Jie Fangcheng" in the first row let out a surprised "ah", and then...

Then he rose to his feet timidly, his face flushing crimson.

Zhang Dao'an asked, "What did I cover in the last lesson?"

The questioned "Jie Fangcheng" had a soft and feeble voice, appearing as if he could burst into tears at the slightest pressure.

"I... I am not sure..."

Jie Fangcheng, suspended in the air: ??

Huh??

A semblance of a smile seems to grace Zhang Dao'an's face at the podium.

"Fascinating."

Jie Fangcheng: ??????

What??

Zhang Dao'an continued, “Is it indeed shaping in real-time according to the imagery conceived in the depths of my current state of mind?”

As he finished speaking, the previously fragile and tearful "Jie Fangcheng" abruptly underwent a change in demeanor.

"Jie Fangcheng" slammed the table, his voice booming and deafening, "Are you seeking death, young man? Daring to question me??"

Jie Fangcheng in the air: ...

Jie Fangcheng: 6 (Chinese internet slang indicating speechlessness or disbelief).

It seemed Zhang Dao'an had gained complete control over his dream, able to mold the "Jie Fangcheng" in it according to his whims and feelings.

If he wished for the dream version of him to be a delicate flower, so it would be; if a rough and brash brute was desired, it transformed accordingly - a very AI-like human creation.

Jie Fangcheng couldn't bear to watch any longer.

He should leave, yes, leave. Observing a figure resembling himself switching between whining and laughing was somewhat uncomfortable.

As these thoughts crossed his mind, Zhang Dao'an on the podium sighed softly, seemingly out of nowhere.

"But to craft such a despicable counterfeit within one's dream..."

Bang —

In the next second, the loud "Jie Fangcheng" in the first row exploded into countless fragments.

At the podium, Zhang Dao'an was splattered with fresh blood, remnants of the corpse pooling at his feet, a head - now unrecognizable - rolled to a stop beside him.

There he stood, embodying the very essence of a malevolent specter in that moment.

Zhang Dao'an removed his blood-splattered glasses, summoning a handkerchief leisurely from thin air, and began to clean his lenses gently.

He then tilted his head slightly, his gaze drifting to an unknown point.

— "Such disrespect is, indeed, a grave transgression."

As the “Jie Fangcheng” within the dream met a violent end, Zhang Dao'an's dream sequence prematurely came to a close.

The scene before his eyes shifted, the first thing he noticed was a face uncomfortably close to his.

Jie Fangcheng was embracing him, assuming a posture as if intending to lift him in a bridal carry, but hadn't lifted him yet, only looking at him with a strange expression.

Zhang Dao'an, waking to find this face in his arms, momentarily found his breath halted.

...Is this a dream too?

Just as he was about to regain his composure, the astute Professor Zhang finally perceived something amiss.

Jie Fangcheng's peculiar expression, coupled with that incredulous gaze...

Zhang Dao'an looked at Jie Fangcheng once again.

"You... entered my dream?"