Guest in the Dream, Stranger Outside

“Desolate Ruins?” Ji Jue’s jaw hit the floor. Stupefaction, shock, bewilderment, utter incomprehension... Why was it Desolate Ruins? What was more, Desolate Ruins had just violently shattered Ascension right before his eyes? How on earth could he have such a bizarre dream? Yet when he looked back toward Huaxu, the cat’s expression grew even more disgusted. “Don’t you dare pin every damn blame on me, alright? No matter how absurd I am, could I possibly drive Ascension away and swap in a rock instead?” “This...” Ji Jue opened his mouth, stopped, and tried again. “How could it even be swapped?” This was simply too preposterous. It was like reaching the hard pity on a gacha banner, watching the guaranteed prize poke half its head out, only for it to be kicked aside in an instant, replaced by an unfamiliar face grinning down at him: *Hey, little rascal, bet you didn't expect me, did you?!* Besides, while his actions throughout this phantasm were indeed closely tied to Ascension, when it came to Desolate Ruins... well, calling it completely unrelated was an understatement—they hadn't crossed paths in the slightest! “Did something get mixed up?” Ji Jue asked, dazed. “Why don’t you ask yourself?” The cat was laughed out of sheer exasperation. “When you were holding that little girl—who's practically Desolate Ruins' own darling daughter—and sloppily kissing her soul, why didn't you stop to think about this?” Ji Jue’s resonance and affinity with Ascension had already been high to begin with. He had thought that with a little effort, Heaven Moves Vigorous would be practically in the bag. Yet never in his wildest dreams did he imagine that the one to arrive would be Desolate Ruins, the sole entity he hadn't even considered. And it had even swept in from behind, overtaking the lane to take the prize! The sole reason was that when this shameless bastard took advantage of the situation, he had latched onto her soul and made out with wild abandon. Savoring a mouth full of saliva hadn't been enough; right after, he had turned into a back-seat spirit, participating in the entire draconification process, running all sorts of applications and experiments without pause. Not to mention the intimate exchange of their spiritus, an experience akin to sharing a single soul, where every perception and sensation was fully synchronized. Throughout that process, every shred of the Vortex’s corruption and taint had been swallowed down whole by Ji Jue. Then, leveraging his administrator authority over the Paradise of Myriad Phenomena, he wrote it off and reneged on the debt entirely, leaving behind a complete mess. In the end, the one footing the bill was Lord Huaxu, who hadn't made a peep the entire time. Suffice it to say, however dashing Ji Jue looked swiping the card, the cat's stomach hurt just as much settling the bill! Seeing this wretched creature act like a scheming hypocrite—taking all the benefits while wearing an innocent face that said *this wasn’t my intention*—Lord Huaxu’s fur nearly stood on end. He wanted nothing more than to hiss at him. The colossal pillar piercing the phantasm glowed brightly, humming as it flickered for an instant. Immediately afterward, a streak of light descended from the heavens, falling straight into Lord Huaxu’s outstretched paw. Intercepted! Like receiving a new toy, the cat pinned the fist-sized amber light beneath his paws, batting it lazily from left to right... Feeling Ji Jue’s gaze glued to it, the cat suddenly bared his teeth, extended his claws, and scratched at it twice, producing a sharp, scraping sound. Ji Jue’s heart practically stopped. *Gah, don't scratch it!* Only after playing with Ji Jue’s blood pressure to his heart's content did the cat let out a cold snort, releasing the furiously struggling Blessing from under his claws. A brilliant ray of light immediately shot straight toward Ji Jue, sinking directly into his soul! The moment the Lord of Huangliang released the restraints placed upon his guest, the Non-Offensive matrix manifested once more. The Blessing of Desolate Ruins flowed effortlessly through his soul, settling into the vacancy with seamless perfection, inseparable and tightly bound. It was as if they had always been one! [Earth Bears and Sea Embraces]! “Hell yeah!” Ji Jue could no longer contain his cheer, flushed with excitement. The Blessing he had thought would be the hardest to find and had the slimmest odds of obtaining in the Regeneration tier was actually the very first one he got his hands on! As the Blessing merged into him, new transformations rippled through the aura and spiritus within the Non-Offensive matrix. He deeply felt the grandeur and tolerance of Desolate Ruins, the stability and vastness of matter. Unfortunately, he was still in a soul state, devoid of a physical body or materials; otherwise, he would have loved to test it out right then and there! It could disregard the physical limits of matter itself, infinitely enhancing its material properties by infusing spiritus—whether it was strength, hardness, toughness, rigidity, spiritus conductivity, or even the intrinsic special traits of the material itself. With this Blessing in hand, it was a qualitative leap for a Celestial Chosen of either Desolate Ruins or Embers. From now on, there would be no such thing as scrap material in his hands. Even without worrying about technique or proportions, relying purely on brute-force spiritus enhancement, a broken iron sword upgraded to +18 or +19 could clash head-on with the Nine Forms! Except... wait... why... did something feel... off?! “...” Once again, Ji Jue opened his mouth, only to hesitate. Within the simulation of the Paradise of Myriad Phenomena, he tried finding a rock and reinforcing it with spiritus. Instantly, a faint radiance surfaced across the otherwise ordinary piece of rubble, its hardness and strength skyrocketing to an absurd degree. At the same time, however, an eerie aura grew increasingly pronounced. The rock felt almost alive, pulsing with a bizarre rhythm and gravitational pull. The more he reinforced it, the more terrifying that gravitational pull became. After Ji Jue poured a massive quantity of spiritus into it, the rock turned pitch-black, its fundamental nature utterly twisted. The entire rock became like a black hole, voraciously plundering surrounding matter. The pebbles around it rapidly disintegrated to ash, as though being devoured. Not just matter, but spiritus, and even... life! Vegetation withered, the ground dried up, and the stone reinforced by Earth Bears and Sea Embraces began faintly siphoning the surrounding life and spiritus. Ji Jue even suspected that if an earth vein were nearby, this rock would have leapt up to take a couple of bites. *Harming all things to nourish itself.* Wasn't this an unadulterated evil artifact?! If forged into a weapon, the creation would naturally be a bloodthirsty, ravenous demonic blade capable of devouring life and matter to strengthen itself. Furthermore, if allowed to grow unchecked, it might even turn around and corrupt its wielder! Granted, it was effortless, incredibly efficient, and boasted astounding results. The only issue was... it wasn't very environmentally friendly. If the standard Earth Bears and Sea Embraces symbolized the grandeur of Desolate Ruins and the broad tolerance of matter, then the Blessing in Ji Jue’s hands had completely transformed into the brutality of Desolate Ruins and the cruelty of matter. Well, that settled it. Ji Jue could barely keep his composure. “This damn thing is an entirely corrupted version?!” “No shit! Look at what you were sucking on!” Lord Huaxu’s eyes rolled so far back they nearly reached the sky. “I may not understand that Supreme Goodness doctrine of yours, but think about what you’ve actually done. From the very beginning until now, does a single thing you did even remotely align with Supreme Goodness? You swallowed all the corruption from the Vortex down to the dregs, and now you have the nerve to complain that the goods don't match the description? Even if the authentic version landed in your hands, it’d probably warp into this cursed shape anyway! They delivered the ultimate shortcut right to your lap, and you're still complaining?” *Did you say thank you?* *Hurry up and thank Big Brother Desolate Ruins!* “Uh...” Ji Jue hemmed and hawed for a long time. Looking up at the majestic pillar still standing in place, he hesitated before tentatively trying, “Thank you?” The pillar of Desolate Ruins seemed to brighten, flickering for an instant. Immediately after, it silently vanished. *It really was waiting for me to say thank you?!* Ji Jue was utterly dumbfounded, more puzzled than ever. And what did that final flickering light mean? He subconsciously looked up at his 'interpreter,' Lord Huaxu. The cat rolled his eyes again—crossing paths with a fellow like this was truly bad luck. “The grandeur of phenomenal reality possesses neither human intellect nor human speech,” the cat said. “The system formed by myriad phenomena operates according to its own fixed rules. To translate it into words a mortal can grasp... it means, 'Keep up the good work, kid.'” [?] A giant question mark resurfaced on Ji Jue’s forehead. What in the world was he supposed to 'keep up' here?! “...Though personally, I think you should go stir up trouble somewhere else. Don't be an eyesore in front of my doorstep.” Lord Huaxu flicked his tail, pointing behind Ji Jue. “The door is over there, and the path is beneath your feet. I’m closing up shop. Scram, brat, and be quick about it.” *Leaving just like that?* Ji Jue looked back in bewilderment, seeing the radiant doorway, incredulous. *Not even offering a meal? Isn't this being a bit too... ahem, frugal?* The black cat eyed him sideways. He didn't even bother guessing what this scoundrel was pondering. It was nothing more than the usual mooching mentality. Who on earth invented scoundrels like craftsmen in the first place? *Ah, that brat, the Fire Thief. Pfft, I should have dragged him along back then too...* “And don’t treat my place like a trash dump.” The black cat patted his paws and fished out a clump of grayish-black matter from the sea of souls below. Wrinkling his nose in sheer disgust, he tossed the balled-up clump over. “Take your own trash back with you. Don't go discharging pollution all over the place!” Ji Jue instinctively reached out and caught the tiny sphere. To his surprise, he found countless minute Spirits of Creation inside, packed together like an ant colony, dense yet fragile, looking as though a gentle breeze could extinguish them entirely—yet brimming with boundless potential. It was the [Lord of the Flies], iterated through countless cycles in the sea of bitterness! It hadn't been completely incinerated by the Edge of Revolution? He froze for an instant, then let out a soft sigh, carefully putting away the spiritual body aggregated from countless tiny minds. From the bottom of his heart, he expressed his gratitude: “Thank you.” Yet as he turned and walked toward the doorway, he could not resist looking back at the black cat once more. Seeking permission. “—Speak your mind and let it out!” Lord Huaxu yawned. “I really must owe you Mohists in a past life. Every single one of you is so full of damn trouble!” “No, I was just curious.” Ji Jue asked, “After so many years, the Paradise of Myriad Phenomena has resurfaced. As a King of Chaos, do you have any new thoughts or plans?” Still probing. The black cat sneered and shook his head. *Shameless creature.* “Don't waste your breath, Ji Jue. Those within the dream have no interest in things outside it.” He paused, then countered, “Besides, would a sane person go looking for shit to eat?” “...” Ji Jue was rendered speechless, never expecting such an analogy. “I have already forsaken the mortal realm, so naturally I won't go back on my word. If not for the covenant and the constraints of the Paradise itself, I wouldn't even bother entertaining you pitiable fools who sit in a fire pit without even realizing it.” Ji Jue pondered for a long time, unable to understand. “Please enlighten me.” “The realm of Supreme Goodness is indeed stable. Dividing phenomena, laying the bedrock for past and future—compared to the world of old, this foundation is undeniably far more tranquil. But at what cost, Ji Jue?” Lord Huaxu asked mockingly, “If everyone pursues Supreme Goodness, then beneath sublimation, stability, order, freedom, competition, revolution, sweet dreams, and illusions, why is the world still so cruel? “Why is the evil wrought by your Supreme Goodness far worse than the Great Sins beneath the Vortex? What does Supreme Goodness count for, then, and what do Great Sins count for? “Where, exactly, lies the difference between Goodness and Sin?” Ji Jue remained silent, racking his brain, yet found no answer, until he heard Lord Huaxu’s soft sigh: “Have you ever considered: if the fruits of your labors belong to Supreme Goodness, where does the sin you create go?” Ji Jue felt as if struck by lightning. “Heh, finally figured it out?” The Lord of Huangliang laughed. “One part goodness, tenfold evil, ten-thousandfold consequences—behind a single achievement and accomplishment, how many ruins and hidden disasters remain? “When the burdens become insurmountable, men act like ostriches burying their heads in the sand, drinking poison to quench their thirst, cleaving the world in two simply to delay the arrival of hell indefinitely.” In the silence, Ji Jue stood drenched in a cold sweat. He tried to speak several times, yet no sound came out. Finally, he asked in a raspy voice, “Is that... the Lock?” “The Lock? Hmm, I see. Severing Supreme Goodness from Great Sin, cutting off their influence and backlash—calling it a lock is indeed fitting.” Lord Huaxu gave a calm nod. “Then again, haven't you experienced it firsthand? When you used Limbo to seal the Realm of Ultimate Bliss, the natural shift that occurred actually managed to separate Wen Sheng from the Holy God, imprisoning a deity within a heavenly kingdom. “Heh, was such an impregnable barrier due to your consummate mastery, or was it because of the intrinsic forms and functions that Supreme Goodness and Great Sin already possessed?” Exploiting the repulsion between Supreme Goodness and Great Sin to divide the world and wall off the disastrous consequences; simultaneously, utilizing their common origin to elevate the overall stability of the system. Thus, the world's own stability could be enhanced without limit. But the consequences? The cost? “It is practically akin to forging your own annihilation with your own hands.” Lord Huaxu posed a final question: “If one day your Lock can no longer suppress the Great Sins beneath the Vortex—what will become of your world then?” Ji Jue was speechless, unable to reply. “So then, brat.” Lord Huaxu leisurely licked the pads of his paws, asking nonchalantly, “Now, let me ask you once more—the gates of the Pure Land still stand before you, and turning back is salvation. “Do you intend to change your mind?” Ji Jue remained silent. Gazing at the doorway just inches away, after a long silence, he sighed softly and shook his head. “The entire world has sought countless ways to achieve liberation, all in vain. What difference could one more person like you possibly make?” Huaxu chuckled. “In the end, you’ll probably end up like that girl, Quicksilver—wagering everything, only to lose it all. A grand Sage, fallen into a hell of her own making, unable to extricate herself, denied liberation. “When you regret it then, will it still be in time?” “...If I regret it, I suppose there’s nothing to be done, is there?” Ji Jue thought about it, then gave a rueful shrug. “It’s nothing more than reaping what I sow, so what is there to pity? “Compared to standing idly by, even if I end up falling into hell, at least it’s a hell of my own choosing, right?” “Heh—” Huaxu laughed in amusement. “That attitude of yours—rather than calling it compassion, wouldn't it be more accurate to call it sheer arrogance? That boastful conceit is cut from the exact same cloth as those former Juzis. “Even now, you still claim you aren't a Mohist?” “Whether I’m a Mohist or not, we can talk about that when I’m actually capable of taking control of all this.” Standing before the great doorway, Ji Jue turned back one last time. “Still, Lord Huaxu, you’ve asked me so much. Would you mind if I asked one last question?” The black cat flicked his tail lazily. “Seeing as I’m in a rare good mood, speak freely.” “Everyone says the desires of the Heart Pivot are insatiable. Even back in your era, before Supreme Goodness came to be, the underlying truth should be universal, right?” Ji Jue asked solemnly, “The Paradise of Myriad Phenomena holds everything, and the Dream of Huangliang is rich with all existence. Yet to this day, do you still have desires lingering within you?” “Of course,” Lord Huaxu replied without hesitation. “Even within the Paradise of Myriad Phenomena, there are yearnings that cannot be satisfied. Even I have desires that cannot be fulfilled. What is so strange about that?” Admiring Ji Jue’s bewildered expression, the corners of the black cat’s mouth curled slightly. “I wish to know whether there is still desire beyond the end of desire, whether yearning still exists at the end of yearning. “I wish to know what lies at the finale of this boundless dream. No matter how much I watch, no matter how much I witness, it is still never enough. I wish to know what your desires and yearnings will become in the end. “When reality is riddled with scars and everything you sought lies in ruins, I want to see just how many people will still hold onto yearning in their hearts. “When that day comes, will the sweet dream in your hearts still endure?” That pair of amber eyes, reflecting the brilliant light of all dreams and desires, looked upon the departing guest, brimful of anticipation: “You, who claim to have forsaken sweet dreams—after clearly recognizing reality and yourself, will you still be able to harbor illusions about the future?” “I’d like to know too,” Ji Jue said with a carefree smile. “If you ever find the answer, please let me know.” Before departing, he bowed to the generous King of Chaos, offering his final thanks. Pushing open the final door, he stepped through without hesitation. Bidding farewell to the phantasm, returning to reality. Never to meet again. Within the phantasm, in the blink of an eye, seas turned to mulberry fields. The black cat stood quietly amid the boundless illusions. Finally, he looked back toward the direction Ji Jue had departed. “Hah, claiming he's forsaken sweet dreams...” The Lord of Huaxu shook his head, sighing knowingly. “Isn't he completely immersed in his own dream, utterly unwilling to wake up?” No one answered. Slowly pushing himself up, he walked toward the deepest depths of the phantasm. His tail swayed gently. And so, in the world beyond the phantasm, countless splendid phenomena gradually dispersed. Innumerable souls plunged into the closing doorway. As the doors shut once more, the Paradise of Myriad Phenomena collapsed again, evaporating and vanishing without a trace. Just like that, it returned to nothingness. The only trace lingering in the world was that wisp of dreamlike, ethereal light at the end of the unreachable horizon, nestled within the seams between ocean, earth, and sky. In absolute nothingness, the Dream of Huangliang stood firm at the terminus of all sweet dreams and nightmares, bearing witness to everything. Quietly awaiting the arrival of all who chased fleeting phantoms. Above the celestial vault, Wen Zheng quietly looked down, and let out a soft sigh.