Chapter 165: God’s Favor (14)

Chapter 165: Divine Favor (Fourteen)

Only after spinning this lie did Jie Fangcheng find it somewhat peculiar.

If it were before, he would most likely directly ask Zhang Daoan why the version of him in the dream seemed possessed, uttering such strange phrases.

However, compared to feeling embarrassed about dreaming of his close friend confessing something of that sort to him, or candidly discussing such a dream with his close friend, Jie Fangcheng felt the latter was slightly more awkward.

He stood up, feigning nonchalance.

"The sky hasn't brightened yet, shall we go back and sleep a bit more?"

After uttering those words, Jie Fangcheng fell into a suspicious silence for a moment.

Zhang Daoan seemed to be in good spirits. When Jie Fangcheng said this, he nodded with a smile, "Sure."

Although the two had experienced countless years in the dream, in the duplicate world, it had only been a moment. The state they were in when they entered the dream was exactly how they were when they exited.

While they communicated sporadically on the way there, the atmosphere on the way back was so silent that they resembled two taciturn assassins.

Calling them assassins wouldn't be too far off, as Jie Fangcheng had been ruthless in his actions, leaving no one in the Divine Servants team standing.

As he walked, approaching the God-Residence Tower, he suddenly blurted out after a long silence, "Now that all the Divine Servants have been killed, what are we going to do about meals?"

It must be mentioned that this simulation world was incredibly lavish and opulent, with luxurious accommodations and delectable food.

The Divine Servants treated the players as messengers of the gods, catering to almost all their requests, making them extremely useful NPC aides.

Of course, meal preparation was also one of the responsibilities of the Divine Servants.

Now that the NPCs are gone, who will provide for the meals in the coming days?

As he pondered this, Jie Fangcheng couldn't help but glance at Zhang Daoan.

Jie Fangcheng didn't have any particular expectations; he simply thought that this young man seemed quite versatile, potentially a promising candidate for culinary duties.

Professor Zhang did not disappoint, nodding calmly, "I have some cooking skills."

Jie Fangcheng breathed a sigh of relief.

However, after the relief, he felt a bit uncomfortable, unable to pinpoint what exactly felt odd.

Once they reached their dwelling, Jie Fangcheng awkwardly scratched his head, "So... good night?"

"Good night," Zhang Daoan responded, his expression unchanged.

Early the next morning, Jie Fangcheng woke up quite early.

He wasn't sure if it was because of that dream, but in the slumber he had caught up on in the wee hours, his dreams were filled with images of Professor Zhang. One moment, Zhang was commenting on being "jealous of other relationships", and the next, a line of Zhangs were adjusting their glasses, calmly asking, "Manager Jie, what did you dream about me?"

The dream was incredibly abstract.

The silver "Back-to-Dream Fish" remained an enigma, yet since it entered Jie Fangcheng's body without causing any discomfort, it most likely wasn't a modified version found in the duplicate world but possibly a native fish from the underworld.

But, were Back-to-Dream Fishes ever silver? Weren't they vibrantly dark with a myriad of colors?

Finding it hard to comprehend, Jie Fangcheng decided not to dwell on it.

However, upon rising early and opening the door, Jie Fangcheng saw Zhang Daoan leaning against the wall, waiting for him.

"Why are you up so early?" Jie Fangcheng asked, puzzled.

Zhang Daoan handed him something he was holding.

"I just threw this together casually; give it a try and see if it's to your taste."

A portion of pancake with a decent presentation—it indeed looked quite appetizing.

After taking a bite, Jie Fangcheng nonchalantly gave a thumbs up.

"Not bad at all, it could give Aunt Li a run for her money."

Zhang Daoan raised an eyebrow but didn't comment.

After finishing the pancake, Jie Fangcheng habitually looped an arm around Zhang Daoan’s shoulder in a brotherly manner, only to pause abruptly and retract his arm with a hint of awkwardness.

"Let's move, let's check on Wei Yuan and the others."

Zhang Daoan glanced at him but didn't call out his hesitation.

The two of them paused simultaneously as they entered the hall.

The main hall of the Divine Residence Tower was bustling with individuals—members of the Ronghua and Shinigami Guilds, as well as independent players—all gathered together.

Everyone seemed somewhat excited, engaged in lively discussions with one another.

"Did you have the dream too last night? Could it be some sort of sign?"

"A god... Is there really a god? Look at this, an item I've always wanted to purchase! I found it beside my pillow when I woke up!"

"Has something like this happened before? I have a strange feeling about this..."

"What's so odd about it? The system has authenticated that these are legitimate items that can be taken outside! Indeed, infinite games shouldn't exist, but gods are indeed watching over us!"

"The members of the Shinigami Guild are the real exaggerators!"

Jie Fangcheng's attention shifted.

The very individuals who were rational and soberly indulging in anime series yesterday were now each holding a laptop.

In this technologically backward simulation, the surreal sight of everyone possessing a laptop was stark, drawing nearly every player's attention.

Yu Yizhou, the guild leader, wore an expression of sheer bliss.

"Who wants to be the leader of the Shinigami Guild after we exit this game?" he asked.

Apparently, with the acquisition of the laptop, Yu Yizhou was preparing to retreat into a reclusive life of infinite gaming marathons.

Guild? What guild? Never heard of it, huh.

The surrounding Shinigami players were heaping abuse on him.

"Old Yu, what are you thinking? With laptops in hand, who would want to remain a player? Might as well disband the Shinigami Guild."

"That's not acceptable. But perhaps we could rename it to 'Anime Research Institute'? I've wanted to mention this for a while—the name 'Shinigami' is rather adolescent, isn't it?"

"Hey, watch your tongue, young man! The anime 'Bleach' was a hit before you were even born!"

Amidst the clamor of the group, it was Nie Shuangshuang who first spotted Jie Fangcheng and his companion.

She ran over to them, bubbling with excitement.

"Look!"

Nie Shuangshuang produced her "Phoenix Feather" twin blades from her grasp.

This weapon had been with her the longest, once the most powerful in her arsenal.

But during last year's nationwide raid, Nie Shuangshuang transferred the weapon to Zhang Dawu. By the time it returned to her, the "Phoenix Feather" had already suffered damage.

Despite its wear, the exterior still boasted beauty; the twin blades, red as roaring flames, exhibited fine crimson lines flickering along their sleek bodies.

Yet, something was distinctly different.

As the one who had wielded it for the longest time, Nie Shuangshuang felt this change most profoundly.

Now, the label indicating damage on the "Phoenix Feather" had disappeared, and both blades had transformed. Swinging them created the illusion of genuine flames dancing in the air.

Beaming, Nie Shuangshuang handed the transformed twin blades directly to Jie Fangcheng.

Jie Fangcheng cast a downward glance at them.

"They've been restored?"

"Yes!" And that wasn't all...

Suddenly, the illusion of flaming roses sprang up beneath her, swiftly engulfing the entire Divine Residence Tower in the blink of an eye.

Nie Shuangshuang's signature skill: "Blazing Rose".

In her prime, the blooming rose could nearly cover half a city, with layers of flames cascading grandly, truly embodying the essence of the "Blazing Rose".

After her skills were downgraded, the "Blazing Rose" could hardly fill a room, with not only its span reduced but also its flames significantly weakened.

As the flower bloomed abruptly, the crowd within the Divine Residence Tower remained unfazed. It was evident they knew Nie Shuangshuang wasn't truly intending to incinerate them, merely putting on a demonstration. Her mastery over the skill was flawless, posing no threat to her allies, especially since she had already uncontrollably demonstrated it once before.

"My 'Heart of Flames' has reignited!!"

Nie Shuangshuang's exhilaration was genuine and palpable.

Since the extinguishing of the Heart of Flames, her prowess had dwindled to a fraction of its original might. Now, as she reclaimed her peak state, it held immense significance for the "Mad Rabbit".

Jie Fangcheng and Zhang Daoan exchanged a glance.

Zhang Daoan inquired, "Is this the 'divine blessing' you all have been talking about?"

Although Nie Shuangshuang is not the most rational girl around, she embodies a characteristic common among most players, which is a propensity to believe in whatever comes their way, no matter how fleeting.

In the players' hall, there are numerous statues of gods crafted by the players themselves, and it has become a habit for many to pay their respects before embarking on a new dungeon adventure.

If the queue in front of Guan Gong is too long, most people would just proceed to worship other figures such as the Jade Emperor; a practice that embodies both devotion and a lack of it.

However, within the dungeons, no one dares to worship the "gods" found within, for who knows what these entities truly represent.

It's already against common sense for players to pray daily upon entering this realm, and now, Nie Shuangshuang brings up the deity of this dungeon with genuine reverence on her face.

"Yes, it is this compassionate deity who understands the hardships we've endured. Even though we are not its followers, it is still willing to forgive our insolence," she affirmed.

Hearing such words coming from the hot-tempered Nie Shuangshuang was astonishing, prompting Xie Fangcheng to examine her from head to toe.

Apart from the discussions about this deity, Nie Shuangshuang seemed to be her usual self.

"Hehe," she chuckled sheepishly, before earnestly adding, "Xie brother, I know you have many questions, but perhaps you could undertake more tasks, accumulate more divine power. Only the devout believers are graced by its benevolence. Once it fulfills your wishes, you'll realize its true existence."

Nie Shuangshuang was initially a skeptic, but that changed last night when she encountered the deity in her dream at the temple.

This deity had long silver hair and held a gem-encrusted scepter, overseeing the earth and Nie Shuangshuang from amidst the clouds.

For a moment, Nie Shuangshuang felt an overwhelming sense of reverence and awe in her dream, finding herself kneeling involuntarily, her gaze fixated fervently on the deity.

The deity listened patiently as she recounted the pains she had experienced since joining the game, expressing sympathy for her trials and infusing her with a surge of divine power with a gentle wave of its hand.

Waking up the next day, Nie Shuangshuang was initially skeptical. However, after repeatedly verifying the restoration of her equipment and skills, even putting each one to the test, she finally dared to believe that everything had indeed returned to her.

Uncharacteristically meticulous, Nie Shuangshuang used the game system to verify the authenticity of her restored items time and time again, only to find that they had genuinely been repaired.

With the restoration of her weapons and skills acknowledged by the system, it seemed undeniable that this "deity" was a true god, wasn't it?

After excitedly showing off to the two, Nie Shuangshuang joined the equally ecstatic Qiao Mai, and the two girls began whispering excitedly about something.

As for Wei Yuan, who seemed slow and on the verge of being replaced just yesterday, he now appeared radiant, holding his beloved restored "Gift of the Thick Earth" with an expression of joyful excitement.

This just didn't add up.

Xie Fangcheng exchanged a glance with the adjacent Zhang Daoan.

Zhang Daoan seemed rather unsurprised by the unfolding situation.

Unable to contain his curiosity, Xie Fangcheng inquired, "Do you have any idea what's going on here?"

Zhang Daoan shook his head, then nodded slightly.

"What's going on, then?"

Yet, Zhang Daoan chose not to elucidate.

"Let's discuss it tonight."

Jie Fangcheng could only nod his head somewhat bewilderedly.

Every player received something they had been yearning for; some got precious items they had wanted to buy for a long time but were reluctant to spend on, while others obtained items that may not be valuable but held significant meanings.

The affluent individuals each possessed a plethora of items and abilities that were either "damaged" or "downgraded", yet now everyone has reverted back to their status from a year ago.

If previously everyone had to constantly remind themselves daily that the dream was unreal, urging not to let the illusions dominate their reality.

What about this time?

These benefits are tangible, aren't they? The restoration of items and abilities happened right before their very eyes! Isn't this the work of a god?

Admittedly, not every player enjoyed these benefits.

Jie Fangcheng, Zhang Daoan, Qi Chanyang, and Yan Xiaohua were among them.

Qi Chanyang also experienced that dream, but being someone who had been through such a perilous situation before, he remained very vigilant. Once in the dream, he did not wait for the "god" to speak, he resisted the deity's suppression forcefully, expelling the uninvited "god" as the master of the dream.

Now, observing the excitement and joy of the surrounding players, not a trace of regret was found on his face, only worry prevailed.

"This is not right."

This definitely wasn't right. A god inside the instance? A deity witnessed their hardships and extended a helping hand towards them?

If it indeed was such a compassionate deity, why was there a need for offerings of NPC blood? Why coerce them into praying at the temple, weaving for them a hallucination so engulfing that it becomes irresistible?

If it truly were a deity... why treat these outsiders so well, yet disregard the other citizens within the city of Qiming?

This was evidently a trap!

Before the arrival of Jie Fangcheng and his companion, Qi Chanyang had fervently tried to persuade others, but not a single person heeded his words.

They had already received tangible benefits, and the influence of the previous dream still lingered.

Yan Xiaohua understood it even better.

She was panting as Jie Fangcheng listened and nodded, "Indeed, that is the case."

Qi Chanyang quickly asked, "What is Xiaohua saying?"

"She said, 'Gods should not intervene in matters of the underworld; this constitutes a dereliction of duty and could lead to legal repercussions.'"

Qi Chanyang, who had been tensely strung all along, "..."

This explanation was indeed very reliable.

"So, what should we do?"

Zhang Daoan looked at the excited players around them and shook his head.

"Now, persuasion seems futile. They were already influenced by the dream realm, and their bodies harbor those modified 'Dream-Return Fish'. To expect them to awaken to the truth through mere words is highly unlikely."

"Then..."

Zhang Daoan sneered with a trace of irony: "A benevolent god?"

Saying this, he stepped in front of the crowd.

"Everyone!"

His sudden appearance gradually halted the ongoing conversations among the crowd.

The affluent individuals exchanged brief glances with each other.

The stance of Jie Fangcheng and Zhang Daoan towards the deity was quite apparent; both considered this god to be a malevolent entity.

The affluent ones used to share this belief, but after yesterday, they had all deeply experienced the sensation of true "faith".

What was Zhang Daoan going to say now? Was he about to admonish everyone once again that this deity was fake, malicious even?

If that's the case...

Zhang Daoan surveyed each person with a scrutinizing gaze.

"Everyone has received blessings from the benevolent deity, haven't they?"

The crowd, uncertain of his intentions, began nodding in agreement, some even attempting to persuade him to join their faith.

"A benevolent deity will not forsake any of its followers, even those who had doubted him in the past!"

Zhang Daoan smiled, "Honestly, we are a group of outsiders. In terms of this instance, we are mere passersby. It is indeed unprecedented for a deity NPC to treat us, the players, so well. But since the deity is compassionate, I believe we should spread the deity's radiance even further."

A chorus of applause erupted.

The players didn't expect him to utter such words. Wei Yuan, the individual with the most abundant divine energy who had felt the most significant impact in the dream yesterday, clapped so fervently that his palms turned red.

Zhang Daoan pressed his palms downward in a calming gesture, gradually quieting the applause.

"This deity NPC has lived in this instance for thousands of years. In terms of devout faith and closeness of relationship, the residents of Qiming City are its closest companions. Therefore, I propose that we spend the morning assisting the residents with various tasks!"

Everyone paused for a moment, then realized that his suggestion made sense.

This benevolent deity had bestowed upon them, the transient visitors, numerous gifts. Besides deepening their faith, offering tributes, and praying fervently, they could also repay this kindness by assisting the residents of Qiming City!

"Yes, yes! Let's spend the morning helping the residents more!"

"In the afternoon, while searching for the divine child, let's also make an effort to assist them."

Zhang Daoan gestured with both hands in a placating manner once again.

"If each of us scatters to help individually, it might lead to wastage of manpower. Instead, let's set up a tent in front of the God's Residence Tower later, allowing the residents in need of help to approach us themselves."

"Furthermore—we found that the divine servants were exceedingly disrespectful to the gods. Last night, Manager Jie and I visited the temple and discovered that they had stolen the blood that the residents had offered to the gods."

Blood offered to the gods?

Indeed.

The residents of Qi Ming City offer blood as tribute to the gods.

Why would a benevolent deity require blood?

Before anyone could react, Zhang Dao An had already drawn his conclusion.

"These divine servants are indeed vile. We've executed them on the spot. I believe it's crucial to inform the residents of Qi Ming City about this."

The players weren't sure what he was up to. They had a vague sense that something wasn't quite right, but couldn't pinpoint what it was.

The death of the divine attendants didn't really matter; with the reputation the players had built in Qiming City, the residents adored them regardless.

No worries, if Zhang Daoan wants to announce it, let him. It doesn’t matter much.

"Does anyone have any objections?" Zhang Daoan asked.

The crowd shook their heads.

"Alright, let's get to work after we eat."

After he spoke, the players dispersed—some to eat, others to experiment with their new items and skills.

Jie Fangcheng couldn't help but ask, "What are you planning?"

Zhang Daoan shook his head again, "I'll tell you tonight."

Everything Zhang Daoan had done seemed to have no purpose.

In the morning, the players easily borrowed a tent from a nearby resident's home and set it up in front of the Divine Residence Tower.

Zhang Daoan's centralized assistance approach was indeed efficient. Previously, players roamed the streets and offered help when they saw someone in need.

Now with a designated assistance point, the city's residents came of their own accord, saving players the trouble of wandering aimlessly.

The NPC in charge of task distribution in the tent was swarmed the moment players mentioned they were Divine Chosen, each eager to assist.

Order reigned in the tent throughout the morning.

Meanwhile, the news of the death of the divine attendants had spread throughout Qiming City.

In a city of faith, the divine attendants were the highest-ranking commanders. Upon their death, the residents seemed less sorrowful, more circumspectly disseminating the news.

—Were the divine attendants really dead?

After fulfilling residents' requests during the day, the players remembered that the temple was dangerous at night, so no one went there to pray.

Of course, this was also partly due to Zhang Daoan's statement: "A benevolent deity won't mind where His devout believers pray."

The players obediently stayed within the Divine Residence Tower, directing their prayers toward the engravings of the gods on the walls.

This time, nobody entered a dream state during their prayers.

Perhaps it was because the temple did indeed have a dream-inducing function, or perhaps because tangible rewards were more enticing than virtual ones.

With their desires met in reality, the players found it hard to feel the same satisfaction in dreams.

Moreover, while Zhang Daoan's method was effective, it entailed helping residents all day long. By the time they finished praying in the evening, everyone was exhausted.

As the players gradually retired for the night, it was only in the wee hours that Zhang Daoan finally sought out Jie Fangcheng.

Xie Fangcheng was mystified by everything that had happened today, extremely curious what An Dao'an was up to.

Upon seeing An Dao'an, he was first asked a question.

"Manager Xie, can you control entering your dreams?"

"Huh?" Xie Fangcheng scratched his head. "Never tried, let me try."

Having said that, Xie Fangcheng closed his eyes.

Two to three minutes later, he opened his eyes a bit awkwardly.

"Can't do it."

Manager Xie wasn't adept with mystic arts, clearly this active dream control wasn't his forte.

An Dao'an nodded: "Then like this - after you fall asleep, I'll try entering your dreamscape.

Xie Fangcheng was puzzled: "What do you mean?"

"You still have a 'dreamfish' inside you. After physical contact I can enter your dreams. I need to tell you something there."

"Is that so?" Xie Fangcheng didn't fully comprehend but still trusted An Dao'an's words.

He must have discovered something else...

Suddenly, inspiration struck Xie Fangcheng.

"...After physical contact you can enter my dreams?"

How did he know that?? He had collapsed entering the dream in the early morning, and An Dao'an had supported him right?

Xie Fangcheng vaguely recalled when he had entered An Dao'an's dream, the other had been completely oblivious. He had just been a spectator unable to communicate anything to the dream version...

So how could An Dao'an be so certain in saying he "had something to tell him in the dream"?

Has he actually tried it??

"?? Did you enter my dream??" Jie Fangcheng asked, his eyes widening in disbelief as he stared at him.

Zheng Dao'an admitted it intentionally, nodding at this moment: "Yes."

"Then..." Manager Jie revealed a bewildered look amidst his shock.

Zheng Dao'an merely smiled, "Manager Jie, I hope you dream of me again tonight."