46. Dreamscape and the Little Light Cluster

Yan Ling was pulled into a vivid and surreal dream by the light cluster left behind by the Dream Demon.

He witnessed the Dream Demon randomly selecting an unlucky person and weaving an endless battle royale dream for them.

In the dream, the unlucky person was chased relentlessly by a fake boss in the form of a small Dream Demon. No matter how they tried to escape, they couldn’t shake off the pursuer, constantly falling into one dream within another.

The Dream Demon continued to play until she grew tired of it, clapping her hands and letting go of the unlucky person, moving on to the next dream.

In the next dream, the Dream Demon became the Demon Lord in the cultivation world, overthrowing various sects and ruling over the realm.

In the following dream, the Dream Demon became the Empress in a palace, establishing three palaces and six courts, gathering handsome men from all over the world…

…

Yan Ling furrowed his brows as he observed the Dream Demon traversing through a series of related yet unrelated dreams, pondering whether the Dream Demon was weaving dreams for others or for herself.

Why did the Dream Demon leave behind this particular memory within the light cluster?

In a grand wedding ceremony witnessed by numerous people, the officiant turned to the Dream Demon, dressed in a wedding gown, and asked, ‘’Do you take this groom to be your partner for life?’’

Hesitatingly, the Dream Demon held the groom’s hand and lowered her head, ‘’I… I…’’

The air in the venue became quiet for a moment, and the little Dream Demon raised her head, looking at the handsome man in front of her with confusion.

‘’Huh? How could I possibly agree to that? It’s absurd.’’

In the next second, the sound of shattering mirrors came from all directions, and a series of dreams collapsed like a chain reaction. The wedding gown on the Dream Demon transformed into a set of pink pajamas adorned with bunny heads.

Yan Ling blinked, and when he opened his eyes again, he found himself standing in the Dream Demon’s home.

The Dream Demon, wearing the bunny pajamas, woke up from the bed filled with dolls and struggled to sit up, scolding the young man sitting at the corner of her bed, ‘You… you brat, who gave you the ability to fulfill people’s wishes like this?’

Confirming that he was still within the memories of the little Dream Demon, Yan Ling stepped out from the corner of the bedroom and changed his direction.

The young man sitting by the Dream Demon’s bedside was Uriel.

Fifteen years have passed, and the pair of goat horns that Uriel had been cut off by Dream Demon grew back. He wagged his tail and smiled happily, saying, “You said you wanted to experience a different life through fast-wearing, and now I’ve made it happen for you, haven’t I?”

“What kind of fast-wearing nonsense is this? I can dream about it too, it’s still my specialty!” Little Dream Demon cursed.

As she spoke, her eyelids drooped, like a tired student in the classroom who couldn’t hold on any longer, her head gradually nodding. She forcefully pinched her own thigh to wake herself up: “Besides, I never asked you to help me fulfill my wishes, okay!?”

“Who asked you to answer my question?” Uriel pressed down on Little Dream Demon’s shoulder and let her lie back on the bed, considerately pulling the blanket over her. “It’s been a long time since I’ve seen someone as guarded as you. Be good, go to sleep now, your wish will be fulfilled soon.”

“You @&$…” Little Dream Demon hugged the plush rabbit stuffed into her arms and insisted on saying the last words, “I… damn… thought… you were a cosplay brother… who would have thought… you… you’re actually a real demon…”

“Indeed… men… are all no good…”

In the gentle smile of Uriel, Dream Demon fell asleep again, and Yan Ling’s vision also turned black.

Yan Ling: “…”

He thought he would follow Dream Demon’s perspective and enter the dream again, but to his surprise, when he opened his eyes, all he saw was a floor covered in blood.

“Uriel can form contracts with people through verbal agreement, and the completion of the contract doesn’t require the actual fulfillment of wishes. The fulfillment in the dream also counts as fulfillment,” Yan Ling looked around the conference room at the people and continued, “Under Uriel’s induction, people will unconsciously immerse themselves in the dream, desires will be infinitely magnified until they can no longer distinguish reality from illusion, and their souls will be completely devoured.”

In the morning, Qiu Rong asked about Dream Demon, but Yan Ling didn’t explain in detail and immediately contacted the center to rearrange the group meeting.

In the special management bureau’s small meeting room, apart from the little succubus  , most of the people present were from the department of unauthorized handling, and there were also two police officers who knew the inside story. Zhong Lishu couldn’t make it to the scene because of his poor health.

“The demon devours souls, the Cerberus devours flesh and bodies.”

Perhaps Dream Demon took advantage of Uriel’s inattention to invade his mental world and retrieve some fragments. The memories belonging to Uriel were stuffed into an energy orb and eventually received by Yan Ling.

Those images were filled with blood, gore, and violence.

“Fifteen years ago, there was no Cerberus by Uriel’s side. This dog is a companion creature created by Uriel using his own flesh and blood.”

At first, Uriel hadn’t completely broken free from the seal’s constraints. He used the body of the demon dog to search for prey, and after he succeeded, he devoured their souls, leaving the body for the demon dog.

At that time, the demon dog could only bite people’s necks and suck their blood. With a large supply of blood, it gradually grew and developed three heads, capable of tearing and hunting, even toying with humans like a cat playing with a mouse.

During the incident when the little succubus was almost discovered hiding in the wardrobe, Uriel happened to break free from the seal completely, causing the Cerberus to abandon the inspection and quickly leave.

“Based on the information transmitted by Dream Demon, the Cerberus should still be growing. The team sent to search for Uriel’s whereabouts must be cautious of the Cerberus. Its combat strength should not be underestimated.”

Yan Ling didn’t have a good impression of the research institute, but occasionally, they provided useful things.

This time, in the search for the demon, the research institute worked overtime and developed a detection device that could capture demonic energy fluctuations. The members of the unauthorized handling department used the device to divide the areas and conduct investigations in City A.

Although they hadn’t found any useful clues yet.

Yan Ling seriously doubted the usefulness of that “Laoshizi Detection Device.” It seemed like nothing more than an attractive decoration.

“Uriel’s next target is most likely the espers. The center will promptly issue a notice to remind everyone to be cautious of any dreams or illusions related to wishes.”

“The unauthorized handling department should also be prepared in advance for Uriel’s appearance in public places. With his increased power, the demon will become even more reckless.” Yan Ling paused and continued, “The information left by Dream Demon is incomplete, but it’s highly likely that she hasn’t been completely consumed by the demon.”

Dream Demon possesses a special ability, the ability to leave behind energy orbs with retained clues at home. Perhaps she hasn’t completely lost herself in the demon’s trap.

“Everyone, from now on, we must seize every minute and second to find Uriel as soon as possible. It is not only to prevent him from further disrupting the peace of City A but also to save the innocent souls he has devoured.”

After briefly assigning tasks to each department, the meeting ended. Yan Ling and Qiu Rong left together under the gaze of the others.

Fortunately, capturing the demon was of utmost importance, and today, no one came to gossip about the two clan leaders.

“I didn’t expect you to inspire morale,” Qiu Rong said, waving his hand at the little succubus who accompanied them down and jokingly closing the car window.

Yan Ling lowered his head and looked at his phone. Upon hearing Qiu Rong’s words, he swiped the screen and showed his chat records to Qiu Rong. “It was requested by Zhong Lishu.”

On the screen, there were messages from Zhong Lishu, who couldn’t attend the meeting. He specifically instructed His Royal Highness to say positive and uplifting words during the group meeting. Worried that His Royal Highness might not be familiar with the business, Zhong Lishu even provided an example for His Royal Highness to embellish and expand upon.

Then Yan Ling repeated Zhong Lishu’s words exactly as they were.

Yan Ling retrieved his phone. “If I hadn’t said anything, that little succubus would have reported to Zhong Lishu.”

Qiu Rong: “…”

How come there are still spies?

“So, should we… go home now?” After leaving the Special Management Bureau’s alley, Qiu Rong cautiously asked.

After finally reconciling, they couldn’t be separated again.

Yan Ling casually agreed, as it seemed he still had something to report to Zhong Lishu. He had been staring at his phone, sending messages.

After a while, Yan Ling put down his phone and rubbed his forehead. He reached into the middle compartment of the car and took out a mint candy to eat.

Qiu Rong glanced at him during a red light interval and asked, “What’s wrong?”

Yan Ling didn’t speak. He looked at the countdown of the traffic light outside the window, and his arms rubbed against the fabric of his shirt. It was only when the car started moving again that he said, “Zhong Lishu said you know formations.”

“I know a little bit of simple ones, not much,” Qiu Rong replied.

“Then…” Yan Ling asked, “Do you know the formation Gu Zheng used to seal Uriel?”

Qiu Rong tightened his grip on the steering wheel, fell silent for a moment, and said, “No, why do you ask?”

Yan Ling sighed, “I can’t be sure, but Uriel… might not be killable.”

“What do you mean?” Qiu Rong uncertainly asked, then added, “My brother used a sealing formation at the cost of his life, and it only sealed Uriel for fifteen years.”

Yan Ling shook his head, “It’s just something that crossed my mind, so I asked. The information left by Night Demon is too fragmented, and this is just my speculation.”

Yan Ling pondered for a moment and said, “With all the notes your family left behind, have you come across any relevant records?”

“I went through them roughly before. There might be some details I missed,” Qiu Rong said, “I can go back and check again.”

The next day.

The President continued to take time off and left all the work to Vincent as he went home with his little boyfriend.

This time, the cat didn’t have to jump through the window. It entered the villa through the front door, and there was a towel on the shoe cabinet in the entrance hall for wiping the cat’s paws, which Qiu Rong had prepared.

Yan Ling: “…”

Qiu Rong: “Do you need to wipe your hands?”

Yan Ling gave him a slap on the shoulder, saying, “Get lost.”

There were quite a few cat toys in the villa, as well as a scratching post. A few days ago, Yan Ling, in his cat form, scratched it a few times.

Now, as Yan Ling passed by this room full of cat supplies, he didn’t even glance at them, maintaining a serious expression as if he were about to negotiate a billion-dollar deal.

The two of them went upstairs, and Qiu Rong had been flipping through books recently. Relevant books and materials were scattered all over the floor and the table. He pointed to the ones on the floor and said, “I’m reading these ones here.” Then he pointed to the table, “These ones were just taken out; I haven’t had a chance to look at them yet.”

Yan Ling nodded, “Each of us takes a side.”

With their tasks assigned, the two of them settled into their respective positions and began reading.

They ordered takeout for lunch and ate in the study.

Qiu Rong recalled the contents he had read during this period and frowned. “The records mostly describe demons as beings who commit numerous evils and are fond of bringing out the dark side of human nature. Their existence is rooted in human desires, and their eradication requires purification by angels.”

In this era, the gates of hell were closed, and angels had completely disappeared.

“Uriel’s appearance might be related to the day when Chai Jian summoned him, which was the fifteenth of July, the Ghost Gate opening.”

The underworld in Hua Country has been closed for hundreds of years, but it is said that in some places, the Ghost Gates still briefly open on special days.

I don’t know if the underworld in Hua Country is connected to the Western Hell, but somehow Uriel managed to escape.

“Let’s eat first and think about it later.” Yan Ling picked up food for Qiu Rong and glanced at the desk. “Did you put away the photos?”

“Yes,” Qiu Rong replied, “I’m afraid the mischievous cat will break the picture frame.”

Yan Ling: “…”

Qiu Rong continued teasing his spouse until he was punched and obediently pointed to the drawer on the desk. “They’re in there. Feel free to look if you want.”

Yan Ling opened the drawer and took out the photos. Qiu Rong leaned over and said, “Oh my, oh my, even when you hit me, my family saw it.”

Yan Ling glared at him. “I didn’t hit you hard!”

Qiu Rong laughed and sat back to eat.

“I wanted to say this last time, your mother must have been a very gentle person.” Yan Ling touched the photo. “They are all looking forward to your arrival.”

Qiu Rong sighed, “If only we had another photo with them.”

Yan Ling’s fingertip paused on Mrs. Gu’s belly, back when Qiu Rong was still a small life.

At that time, no one could have guessed what the future would bring.

Faint white light emerged from Yan Ling’s fingertip.

Yan Ling was taken aback and called out to Qiu Rong. The faint light gathered, converging into a small orb.

Qiu Rong also froze. “What is this?”

Yan Ling shook his head.

Qiu Rong asked, “Did it come out of the photo?”

Yan Ling moved his hand, and the orb followed, shifting to the palm of his hand.

Qiu Rong reached out to touch it, but the orb dodged sensitively, seemingly recognizing only Yan Ling.

The originally faint light grew brighter, and the orb expanded, swirling around in Yan Ling’s palm like a dust spirit from “Dragon〇,” appearing somewhat restless.

Yan Ling held onto the little creature, his brow furrowing. He said, “No, it’s not from the photo.”

He looked at Qiu Rong and continued, “This energy, it’s something left behind by the Dream Demon.”

Author’s note:

Little Dream Demon, holding a rabbit plushie: Hehe, didn’t expect it, but it’s me again at the end~