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墨書 Inktalez
Li Qing untied the rope and walked over to Cui Ming. He opened a bottle of water from the fridge and handed it to Cui Ming, who took a sip and pondered for a moment. "Mi Xiaonan is acting strangely; the TV drama was muted. When I went in, I found Mi Xiaonan drenched in sweat. I touched it with my fingers and licked it, and it was light."
"Cold sweat?" Only cold sweat would be light; regular sweat is salty. Li Qing asked, "Is he sick?" Practitioners typically do not experience cold sweats.
"It doesn't make sense. What's even stranger is that it's currently the time for reruns of the drama, and he's watching a show that aired last night at ten."
Li Qing replied, "That's simple; Mi Xiaonan is addicted to the drama."
Cui Ming shook his head. "But Mi Xiaonan told me he was moved by the drama, watching it twice. More importantly, he's not watching a romance but a war-themed epic. Moved? That's different from how he usually watches TV; normally, Mi Xiaonan sits on the floor not far from the screen, but today he's leaning against the bed's edge. Brother, I think you're right; among us five, four have made significant progress over these three years, while Mi Xiaonan has stagnated. We've overlooked this."
Li Qing contemplated for a moment, then placed his hands down and set off as a true guardian. He stepped onto the balcony and entered Mi Xiaonan's room. Seeing Li Qing's serious expression, Cui Ming asked, "What's wrong?"
"When I was at Alliance Academy, I practiced the Magic System, specifically summoning magic. The Magic System has a common trait: it requires extensive reading and knowledge of many spells. I didn't particularly enjoy those theoretical texts or professional books; I often secretly read storybooks instead. Of course, they were all related to magic." Li Qing continued, "I'm not certain, but Mi Xiaonan resembles the protagonist of a storybook I read—eyes tightly shut, suddenly trembling all over... Cui Ming, go wake Mi Xiaonan up. Stay with him and chat about anything. I'll find Wandering." With that, he jumped down from the balcony.
The night was deep, and Wandering was still observing Vlad. Vlad had passed the test; tonight was the last night. He remained calm just like on his first day in the testing area, showing no signs of distress from the side effects of Blood Magic. However, Wandering knew Vlad was enduring it and recognized that Vlad was an exceptionally determined individual. Shouldn't there be concern? Generally speaking, no. Such individuals usually have a purpose; for example, Beiyue's quest for truth made her incredibly resolute—once she found it, she would let go of herself. Vlad was similar; what was his purpose? A person's will is strengthened by their goals; no one is born with unyielding determination.
Wei Wei whispered in Wandering's ear, "Li Qing is downstairs."
"Didn't I say not to disturb me?"
"He said he suspects nightmares are appearing."
Wandering glanced at Wei Wei and immediately went downstairs without another word, spotting Li Qing. He gestured for Li Qing to explain right away.
What are dreams? Many people, including practitioners, believe they are a reflection of daily thoughts, which is why one dreams at night. Dreams are often seen as fleeting and meaningless. However, over a thousand two hundred years ago, after the establishment of the Minor League, an organization for practitioners across the continent, several incidents occurred within a span of more than ten years where practitioners were found screaming or laughing in their dreams. These individuals gradually developed into lifeless shells, ceasing to communicate with others, only knowing how to eat, use the restroom, and even neglecting personal hygiene. They confined themselves to their rooms, and within just ten days, they were discovered dead in their beds, having perished in their dreams.
Although the members of the Minor League were few in number, they were exceptionally skilled. The head of the Ding Family was a once-in-a-century talent who discovered that several of the deceased had unresolved issues. Some were envious of others' abilities surpassing their own, while others harbored deep feelings of guilt towards someone. He initiated various studies within the Minor League and eventually uncovered the existence of nightmares.
This was a non-corporeal entity, akin to a soul but possessing thought. Its target was good people rather than bad ones; it sought out those with jealousy and guilt and gradually led them to believe that jealousy was a form of strength and that guilt was unnecessary. Thus, people's hearts would slowly follow it into darkness.
The clarity he achieved came from the Ding Family Head using himself as an experiment. By synthesizing the characteristics of several affected individuals, he finally encountered the nightmare. Once it appeared, it saw through him, and both parties engaged in calm conversation. The nightmare informed him that it could not be eradicated; each time it consumed the soul of an upright practitioner, it would grow stronger. To sense such a person, certain conditions had to be met: they must have severe negative emotions and considerable Force cultivation. Jealousy was essential; most good people felt guilty due to their jealousy. In fact, guilt was not what it desired but rather an obstacle to consuming souls. In dreams, it cultivated jealousy in others, convincing them that jealousy was right and that by eliminating guilt, it could consume their souls. It resembled the devil from the Cult of the Gods lore, leading good people to corruption.
Upon waking, the Ding Family Head recorded these findings. At that moment, the Third World War broke out, preventing any further research on the Minor League before it disbanded. During the war, he was assassinated by an assassin from the Cao Family, a rival practitioner family under the Dawn Empire. This article regarding nightmares became unverified documentation. Some individuals took note of it; however, for several hundred years thereafter, no similar incidents occurred.
Nonetheless, discussions about nightmares became foundational theory for Alliance Hunters. Regardless of whether nightmares were real or not, it was a fact that four practitioners had died consecutively under similar circumstances. If any practitioner exhibited similar symptoms in the future, there would be a basis for comparison. Li Qing's teacher was a student of Wandering and had read this document. Wei Wei and Wandering had naturally also read this literature.
If this document were true, then the re-emergence of nightmares would not bode well for all practitioners. Why had nightmares been silent for over a thousand years? The reasons remained unknown; there were always factors hidden from view. Wandering believed that discussions about nightmares were quite credible.
"Wandering Path: Wei Wei, apprehend Mi Xiaonan here; Li Qing, go find Bufon; I need some experts from the Magic System to assist."
Li Qing replied: "Wandering, the document does not record how to break a nightmare; as soon as one sleeps, they will encounter nightmares. It is impossible for anyone to avoid sleep."
Wandering gazed at Li Qing for a long time before quietly saying: "Li Qing, to be honest, I don't know if there's a solution. No one has specifically studied this topic. We don't even know if nightmares are real or if Mi Xiaonan has been poisoned or schemed against. I have already taken an aggressive approach by seeking solutions through nightmares rather than investigating whether Mi Xiaonan has been poisoned."
…
Mi Xiaonan fell ill; outsiders found it hard to understand her condition. Logically speaking, one should tell Mi Xiaonan that dreams are merely nightmares and not to believe them—if she steadfastly focused on herself, she could escape from them. However, reality proved otherwise. Just like many ordinary people fail to understand those suffering from depression—believing that simply talking about it or thinking positively would suffice.
Ashen and Akali also arrived at Hunter Headquarters; Ashen was a doctor specializing in Force medicine. During his examination process, Cui Ming clearly noticed that Mi Xiaonan's reactions had slowed down; she needed time to comprehend others' words and her ability to express herself had diminished significantly. Communication became noticeably difficult. All of this aligned with what was documented in the literature.
Twelve hundred years ago, the Minor League documented the cases of four patients over twenty years. It all began with communication difficulties; those around them thought they were simply preoccupied with their thoughts. Gradually, due to these challenges, the patients would give up on communication altogether, retreating into themselves. Their cognitive processes slowed down, and to put it bluntly, their minds became muddled.
"If the legend of the Nightmare is true, then everything stems from the Nightmare," Ashen stated after his examination, introducing the situation to Cui Ming and the others. "The Nightmare has already taken root in his mind and is interfering with his thoughts."
Cui Ming asked, "Is there any treatment?"
"None," Ashen replied gloomily. "He is my junior brother. If possible, I would trade my life for his, but... with each sleep he takes, his symptoms worsen until he becomes an unconscious being and ultimately dies."
Akali inquired, "What do the ancient texts say?"
"Nothing," Ashen said after a moment of silence. "I know that Mi Xiaonan does not recognize the Balance Sect, and he has not gained any benefits from its ancient texts due to a lack of sincerity. In contrast, Akali and I have found great assistance in our strength from those texts."
Li Qing turned to Wandering Path. "Senior, you mentioned that Ding Family Head once met with the Nightmare? Is it possible for us to meet with it as well?"
Wandering Path shook his head. "It's difficult. First of all, Ding Family Head did not leave behind any means to facilitate such a meeting. Moreover, the Nightmare currently resides within Mi Xiaonan's body. Additionally, I doubt any of us could persuade the Nightmare."
Ding Ze remarked, "This world exists because of balance. Where there is darkness, there must be light; where there is righteousness, there must be evil. If there is a Nightmare, there must surely be a way to counter it." This sentiment echoed the philosophy of the Balance Sect but carried a deeper philosophical weight.
Cui Ming suggested, "Assuming the literature is true, could we understand that the Nightmare suddenly disappeared for over a thousand years because it entered Ding Family Head's consciousness and found that he did not meet its hunting criteria, leading to its entrapment?"
Li Qing pondered aloud, "If Mi Xiaonan could change his mindset, then perhaps the Nightmare would be unable to harm him."
Wandering Path interjected, "These are all speculations and deductions; the only basis we have is the literature. Mi Xiaonan is already experiencing difficulties in communicating with us and exhibits an aversion to interaction."
After a moment of silence, Ashen said, "I have an idea; I'm not sure if it will work. In the Balance Sect, there is a method of communication called Dream Messaging. For example, if Akali is in the Eastern Continent and I am in Hero City and need to contact her, I can activate a magic circle while she sleeps. During her dream state, I can communicate with her. However, since it's in a dream, Akali's consciousness will be somewhat hazy; sometimes I have to repeat myself many times, and when she wakes up, she won't fully remember everything from the dream."
"Cui Ming said, 'Mi Xiaonan mentioned that she seemed to dream of something, but she couldn't specify what it was.'
'Yes, it's very vague,' Ashen replied. 'Perhaps I can use this method to enter Mi Xiaonan's dreams and communicate with the nightmare.'
Cui Ming shook his head. 'Communicating and negotiating with a nightmare is useless; you need to bring Mi Xiaonan back.'
Ashen hesitated. 'But I'm not good at persuading people.'
Cui Ming said, 'Can you take me there?' When it came to nonsense, no one could match Cui Ming.
Ashen replied, 'It depends on how close you are to Mi Xiaonan. If you're not close, then you won't be able to connect.'
Li Qing asked, 'What about Mi Xiaobo?'
Cui Ming responded, 'Not much. Mi Xiaobo hasn't seen Mi Xiaonan in many years; they only correspond through letters, and their communication is minimal. Ashen, for me to enter, Mi Xiaonan must be in a sleeping state, but her sleeping also indicates a worsening of her condition.'
Ashen thought for a moment. 'According to the literature, that's correct. As the frequency of her sleep increases, communication with Mi Xiaonan becomes more difficult, leading to memory loss. When she wakes up, she forgets everything from her dreams and even struggles to remember what happened yesterday; she can only recall those who are close to her. In her dreams, she forgets everything from when she's awake.'
Cui Ming looked around at everyone. 'I'll go.' A dead horse can be treated as a live one.
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