As soon as the words fell, the room plunged into a deathly silence.

The first to break the silence was not Mr. Sun, but the female disciple standing by.

The female disciple, with features as delicate as a painting, frowned slightly upon hearing Qin An's words: "What do you mean by this, sir? The Zhang mansion has consulted all the physicians in Xunyang Prefecture, and they all diagnose Miss Zhang with Sleeping Illness. Why is it that only you assert this is not a disease?"

Mr. Sun also showed doubt on his face, but he had great faith in Qin An, knowing his capabilities, so he refrained from asking directly.

Qin An slowly withdrew his hand and uttered two heavy words: "Dream demon."

As soon as he spoke, the already tense atmosphere seemed to freeze instantly.

Mr. Sun frowned tightly and said: "Dream demon? What is that?"

The female disciple was even more bewildered.

Qin An, with a calm expression, explained: "The medical texts document a false sleeping illness that seems like a disease but is actually caused by a pseudo-god, this pseudo-god named the dream demon, transformed from sleep, can cause a person to sink into a dream realm from which they cannot extricate themselves, eventually exhausting their vitality in illusion."

Mr. Sun was greatly curious and exclaimed: "Such a pseudo-god, I have practiced medicine for decades, yet this is the first time I have heard of it. Mr. Qin is indeed knowledgeable and talented."

Qin An did not respond, his expression growing more serious.

The reason he knew about the nightmare was that his medical profession had reached the tenth level, mastering all the medical secrets of the Pulse Condensation Realm.

This intangible and invisible pseudo-god hidden in dreams is by no means easy to exterminate.

The female disciple was puzzled, but upon seeing Qin An's shining silver badge, she recognized his noble status and did not question further.

Qin An gathered his thoughts and asked: "Mr. Sun, who is in charge at the mansion now?"

Mr. Sun replied: "Naturally, it is the Patriarch of the Zhang mansion. Does Mr. Qin already have a solution?"

Qin An nodded slightly and said: "I have some ideas, but implementing them is quite challenging and involves certain risks, so I need to discuss them in detail with Mr. Zhang."

Upon hearing this, the female disciple stepped forward two steps: "Please wait here for a moment with Mr. Sun, I'll immediately send someone to invite the Patriarch over."

Before the words were completed, footsteps sounded at the door.

"No need to invite, I have already arrived."

Qin An looked towards the source of the voice, raising his eyebrows slightly.

At the door, a middle-aged man with an elegant demeanor stepped inside.

This man was dressed in magnificent clothing, with long whiskers floating on his chest, and white hair at his temples.

He resembled not a noble patriarch, but a learned scholar.

Mr. Zhang approached and saluted Qin An: "May I know how to address this gentleman?"

As Mr. Zhang spoke, he glanced at the female disciple.

The female disciple understood and quietly left the room, gently closing the door.

Qin An introduced himself.

Mr. Zhang sincerely said: "So it's Mr. Qin, forgive me for not welcoming you properly, your reputation precedes you, may I know if there is a solution for my daughter's illness?"

All those words praising his reputation were mere pleasantries.

Qin An did not believe his fame had spread throughout Xunyang Prefecture, as he had only recently become a Silver Prefecture General.

But Mr. Zhang's courteous words were flawless, making one feel as though bathed in a spring breeze.

Qin An pondered for a moment and said: "To treat this illness, one must enter Miss Zhang's dream. However, the dream realm is dangerous, and entering it will certainly entail risks. If the dream demon cannot be eradicated, it could endanger Miss Zhang's life. There are advantages and disadvantages; weighing them is up to Mr. Zhang's decision."

Mr. Zhang's fingertip slightly trembled as he asked: "How does one enter the dream?"

"Fall asleep using Sleeping Incense and then use an array to induce the pseudo-god within the dream, thus entering the young lady's dream."

Qin An paused briefly and then changed his tone: "However, entering the dream involves many private and dangerous matters, so is Mr. Zhang willing?"

He had come for the demon pill, and since he could acquire two demon pills, Qin An certainly would not waste time.

If Mr. Zhang agreed, Qin An would immediately arrange the matters to enter Miss Zhang's dream and slay the dream demon.

But the intricacies and dangers must be clearly explained.

The dream demon is exceedingly peculiar, and the changes within the dream realm are numerous, even he cannot guarantee the perfect and flawless slaying of the demon.

All of this requires Mr. Zhang's consent, as Mr. Zhang is the one controlling this event.

Mr. Zhang pondered slightly, a trace of determination in his eyes, and nodded: "Please arrange it immediately, even if my daughter dies at the hands of the dream demon, I will not blame Mr. Qin."

Qin An said no more, turning his gaze to Mr. Sun: "Mr. Sun, do you carry Calming Incense on your person?"

Mr. Sun nodded slightly and took out a piece of green incense from his sleeve: "This incense is related to sleep, of course, I carry it at all times, but how will the materials for the array be gathered?"

Qin An looked around the room full of Luminous Pearls: "These Luminous Pearls are materials for the Awakening God Array, and can also be used to form the Calming God Array, it's just a bit of rearrangement."

Upon hearing this, Mr. Zhang was secretly surprised.

Unexpectedly, this Silver Prefecture General from the Evil Extermination Bureau in front of him knew both medicine and array skills.

Yet he had never heard the name Qin An.

"Perhaps a new Silver Prefecture General, it seems the Zhang family's intelligence is lagging." Mr. Zhang secretly thought: "When this is over, I should investigate a bit, maybe establish a good relationship with him."

Thinking this, Mr. Zhang saw Qin An casually walk around the room, moving large Luminous Pearls, completely changing their original positions.

After the time of one incense stick, the Sleeping Array was completed by Qin An.

Qin An stopped, feeling the undulating array power in the room, and took the Calming Incense handed to him by Mr. Sun in his left hand, instructing.

"After entering the dream, one is not fully asleep, and external disturbances can awaken us, so no outsider should interrupt."

"Mr. Zhang, you should take care of this matter first."

If entering the dream would not wake him, Qin An wouldn't do this.

After all, once in the dream, any danger outside is unpredictable.

Qin An wouldn't place danger in others' hands.

This state of being able to awaken with external disturbances fits Qin An's intentions.

Upon hearing this, Mr. Zhang quickly agreed and then stepped outside the door.

About half an incense stick later, he returned to the room and locked the door.

"Rest assured, sir, I have instructed the mansion's elite to guard the surroundings, ensuring no one disturbs us, leaving no room for error," Mr. Zhang said.

Earlier Qin An mentioned us with two words, he naturally knew that he would be included in this dream journey.

As a major family in Xunyang Prefecture, Mr. Zhang's power is at the Outer Elixir Realm.

This realm, though far from the top families of Xunyang, due to the heroic deeds of the Zhang residence in earlier years, even those top families dare not easily offend them.

Qin An nodded and said, "The patriarch is Miss Zhang's father, and dreams are quite mystical things. Perhaps the call of family can make Miss Zhang wake up faster."

After speaking, Qin An turned his gaze to Mr. Sun, asking, "Will Mr. Sun join us in the dream?"

Mr. Sun pondered slightly and nodded, "Since the illness is recorded in medical classics, there must have been predecessors who encountered it. I've never encountered it, so I wish to broaden my horizons today."

"There will be danger," Qin An reminded again.

Mr. Sun laughed loudly, "Even the treacherous waters of deep mountains couldn't scare me when picking herbs, why would I fear this dream? To hear of the path in the morning and die in the evening—this danger is nothing worth mentioning!"

Qin An nodded slightly, took out a fire starter from the side, and lit the Calming Incense.

As the Calming Incense was lit, a peculiar fragrance pervaded the entire room.

The surrounding Luminous Pearl Array shimmered with dazzling light, turning dim as the Calming Incense ignited.

The room fell into darkness, as if no light could penetrate.

Mr. Zhang felt slight surprise and then turned his gaze to Mr. Sun beside him.

Mr. Sun had his eyes closed, as if sensing something.

Before Mr. Zhang could inquire, a faint sleepiness spread through his body.

This sleepiness was strange; though in deep sleep, he remained acutely aware of the surrounding breeze.

Were someone to seize this opportunity to attack, they would be able to wake up instantly.

"Truly a marvelous array, Mr. Qin's potential is extraordinary," Mr. Zhang thought to himself.

At this moment, the drowsiness peaked but cleared in an instant.

The surrounding darkness faded, and Mr. Zhang found himself amidst a scenic forest.

Not only Mr. Zhang, but Qin An and Mr. Sun stood beside him as well.

Mr. Zhang, touching the tangible leaves, couldn't hide his astonishment and asked, "Mr. Qin, have we entered the dream now?"

Qin An nodded, "Naturally, we've entered the dream. This should be the place Miss Sun has been preoccupied with. Let's follow this narrow path ahead and see."

In the woods ahead, there was a very small, narrow path.

The path was steep, but together with the surrounding verdant woods, it had a unique charm.

Mr. Zhang surveyed the area slightly, his pupils shrinking, "How could it be this place?"

Qin An furrowed his brows, "What place?"

Mr. Zhang regained composure and explained, "This is the resting place of my deceased wife! Young Miss's mother died early, and she's buried here. On memorial days, I would come here with my daughter to pay respects. If truly so, there might have been an anomaly during the recent visit, attracting the dream demon Pseudo-God as Mr. Qin mentioned."

Qin An raised an eyebrow, his gaze sharp, "Once the mysteries are seen, they'll naturally be solved."

Subsequently, he and Mr. Zhang ceased speaking and proceeded down the narrow path.

Mr. Sun continually followed alongside them, curiously observing everything around.

...

As they delved into the dense forest along the narrow path, a sudden mist rose from the once calm woods.

The mist initially was thin, but grew thicker with time, eventually reaching an impenetrable level.

Fortunately, all three were practitioners, the mist did not obscure their sight.

The farther they walked, the more astonishment filled Mr. Zhang's eyes.

He whispered to Qin An, "If we follow this path to its end, there'll be a river, beside which lies my wife's tomb. She loved water in life, so we buried her there."

As Mr. Zhang narrated, Qin An and Mr. Sun had traveled a considerable distance.

A faint sound of flowing water could be heard ahead, and the mist gradually thinned.

Qin An saw at the mist's edge a clear river.

Beside the river stood a solitary grave.

In front of the grave was an exquisite stone tablet.

There was no one else around, only the solitary grave stood silently amidst the water sounds.

Qin An frowned slightly, "There's Evil Qi."

Faint Evil Qi lingered around the riverside and the solitary grave, detectable even by the most ordinary practitioners.

Mr. Zhang clenched his fists, "It seems it must be here."

The pressure of the Outer Elixir Realm continuously gathered upon him.

A slight hint of killing intent flashed through Mr. Zhang's mind.

Qin An placed his right hand upon the hilt, his fingers slightly clenched, holding it lightly.

At this moment, the Evil Qi was gradually intensifying.

A sudden delicate sound of footsteps emerged.

Qin An turned his head, following the sound's source to see a young lady leaning against a kind woman, slowly approaching.

The middle-aged woman wore a gentle smile, yet beneath it lay a chilling coldness.

As they approached, they immediately saw Qin An and the others.

The middle-aged woman briefly showed surprise.

The young lady widened her eyes in delight, calling out, "Father, why have you come?"

Mr. Zhang didn't answer, his gaze bypassed the young lady, focusing on the middle-aged woman, fiercely shouting, "Yan, come over now! This person isn't your mother, but a dream demon!"

At this point, if Mr. Zhang still couldn't react, it would belittle his current position.

But as he finished speaking, Zhang Yan'er spread her arms, blocking between them.

"Father's confused, this is clearly mother!"

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