In the silence, Ji Jue's fingers trembled, then trembled again.

With difficulty, he turned his head.

After the dragon dispersed, the familiar figure sleeping within the crystal.

Within reach.

"Her problem..."

"The resistance and contradiction between consciousness and nature are indeed rare."

Hua Xujun grinned: "Such exceptional talent, to the point where one's soul finds it hard to fit, instead suppressing one's nature... Heh, it's like a stone meant to hatch a heavenly calamity wants to bloom—a true rarity."

"Is it difficult?"

"Effortless."

Hua Xujun casually waved a paw: "It's just about reconciling the repulsion within the soul and body. If we don't demand a change in essence, but just want to ease the conflict, a dream is all that's needed.

But really, Ji Jue, is this truly what you want to ask?"

"..."

Ji Jue closed his eyes, took a deep breath, finally making up his mind, he raised his head with determination in Hua Xujun's smile: "Can I make requests about the content of the dream?"

"You can."

Hua Xujun nodded, full of expectation: "Isn't this a dream too, Ji Jue? The Paradise acknowledges all desires and yearnings. Since it's the reward you deserve, feel free to make your request.

As for traces and aftereffects, there's no need to worry, dream infiltration leaves no marks. Moreover, with my personal touch, she'll unconsciously become just how you desire, in any form!"

"Alright, then..."

Ji Jue paused for a moment and slowly said: "Let her grow up healthy in a sound family.

With a loving mother, a righteous father, a mischievous sister who causes trouble, and a... brother who gets caught up in things but loves everyone.

So there might be occasional arguments, occasional worries. But after the arguments, they can sit at the same table to eat, and during worrying times, there's someone to confide in.

No need for great joy, no need for great sorrow, just to grow up safely, like..."

Ji Jue was stunned for a moment at the end, and couldn't help but laugh in the pause, sighing with relief, telling him: "like any ordinary person."

This is good.

This is enough.

"That's all." He bowed his head: "Thank you."

Tsk!

Hua Xujun's smile froze on his face, utterly unmasked disappointment.

Did I come here for this?

Embarrassing fool, serves you right to get beaten up once you leave!

You had your chance, yet you couldn't take it!

He shook his head, finally reminding: "Dreams will end, Ji Jue, no matter how beautiful, they all awaken."

In your dreams, you grant her all the illusions, but upon opening her eyes, there's ultimately nothing before her. Neither the peaceful everyday life of an ordinary person nor the fragments of happiness as miraculous as they are, will stay with her.

All there is to see is devastation.

After a brief sweetness, all that's left is bitterness and anguish surpassing previous ones.

"I know."

Ji Jue nodded: "I deeply understand."

In the continuous, life-and-death chaos of Central Earth, weary souls see the secluded peace between the Thousand Islands as a fable and legend.

In the resource-scarce island city-states, where gradual death awaits if not plundered, the ordinary people, long accustomed to exploitation and hunger, look to the stability and prosperity of the Federation and Empire.

In the Federation's wilderness, the ever-struggling, displaced scavengers see the urban spectacle as Paradise, while within the city, those drained by endless rat races glancing upwards are briefly lit by the celebration and decadence above the glass ceiling.

Perhaps it's different, yet it's all the same everywhere...

No Forgetful Country, no Ideal Country.

Such a cruel world, the only thing left is this softness within dreams.

But at least, in dreams, this tenderness and happiness are real, without rejecting anyone's tears and vulnerability.

At least, a night's peaceful sleep.

Ji Jue turned back, looking at the serene sleeping face within the amber-like crystal.

So peaceful.

None of the cheerful and sincere nature of the past, nor the appearance of feigned determination and resilience.

Perhaps, this is her true self.

Ji Jue wanted to look a little longer.

"There's nothing wrong with a dream destined to end, and being a bit weaker doesn't matter. I believe that, without a heart of stone, she can still face this world, face the life she chooses.

So, let her rest well for a while and have a good dream."

Hua Xujun remained silent, examining closely.

Unreserved in his observation.

Penetrating disguise and lies, witnessing the truth... It is because of this that he can detect the tide-like desire rising within Ji Jue's heart, the desires and yearnings suppressed by reason, the swirling luck and impulse, even the words spoken without any insincerity.

This benevolence and vulnerability, deliberately suppressed beneath indifference and detachment.

Even an indescribable foolishness!

Otherwise?

Should I praise him instead?

This sickening and irritating feeling, it's like watching fine jade mixed among piles of trash... stubborn and depraved!

Having extended kindness for once, only to find it was no better than feeding it to the dogs!

The Paradise offer was shoved right before him, yet this fool pretended not to see.

If he understands that sweet dreams are the sole refuge, then why hesitate?

To experience the wonders of Paradise, why deliberately resist?

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