48. Real Illusions

The Dream Demon left behind a light orb not only to reveal how she was captured but also to seek her own salvation.

The small light orb that flew from Yan Ling’s fingertips was most likely a signal emitted by the Dream Demon while Uriel was not paying attention, intended to guide someone to find her.

Unfortunately, Qiu Rong and Yan Ling arrived a step too late, and Uriel escaped.

Afterwards, Yan Ling tried several times but couldn’t summon the light orb. It seemed that only when there was activity on the Dream Demon’s side would the light orb appear.

The combat power of the merfolk is generally weak, which is one of the reasons why they are hesitant to interact with the mainland. But Shu Ya was an exception.

If Uriel hadn’t underestimated Shu Ya’s abilities this time, he might have succeeded.

Yan Ling said with dissatisfaction, “So the detectors at the research institute are just for show.”

The demon was in the city center, yet the nearby search teams didn’t find any trace.

Qiu Rong patted the CEO’s shoulder and said, “Perhaps Uriel has some method to conceal his presence.”

Yan Ling leaned back in his chair, relaxing, and said with a cool tone, “Hiding and running like a rat.”

The Crown Prince, who had skipped work for several days in a row, finally remembered his entertainment company and returned to New Moon Media to deal with the piled-up documents. The assistant arranged the thick stack of files neatly on Yan Ling’s desk, thoughtfully placing a pen and giving off an air that suggested if the CEO didn’t finish these documents today, he wouldn’t be allowed to leave work.

The male college student accompanied his wife to work, responsible for serving tea and supporting him.

“The first time I saw you under the Rong Sheng Building, I thought about whether I should contact you again and ask if you wanted to enter the entertainment industry,” Yan Ling held Qiu Rong’s hand and pulled him closer, attempting to exercise his CEO privileges and pull the handsome male secretary into his embrace.

The male secretary, in turn, lifted the CEO out of the boss chair and took his place. The secretary now sat in the boss chair while the boss could only sit in the secretary’s embrace, with his arms firmly wrapped around him, unable to escape.

Yan Ling struggled and said, “Wait until Vincent comes in.”

The male secretary pretended not to hear and replied, “Then why didn’t you invite me again later?”

Yan Ling tried twice but couldn’t pry Qiu Rong’s arm away, so he gave up and leaned back into the secretary’s embrace, saying, “Being a celebrity is too busy. How about becoming my secretary? I’ll offer you a high salary.”

Qiu Rong nodded and said, “Then let Vincent be laid off now, and I’ll take over.”

Yan Ling chuckled and said while leaning on Qiu Rong’s shoulder, “Vincent is really going to come in soon.”

The male secretary finally managed to sit in the CEO’s chair after great effort, and Yan Ling had no choice but to sit in the secretary’s embrace and work.

It was comfortable, but the secretary kept moving his hands and feet, seriously interfering with the CEO’s work efficiency.

Yan Ling’s computer was on, displaying the New Moon Media official website. Qiu Rong held his wife, resting his chin on his wife’s shoulder, and boredly stared at the scrolling promotional images: newly filmed TV dramas, newly signed artists, newly established talent shows… Qiu Rong looked at the familiar blond hair in the promotional images and fell silent for a moment.

Qiu Rong asked, “Did Daniel really participate in a talent show?”

Yan Ling glanced at the computer distractedly and nodded, “Yes, and for that, he even dyed back his eye-catching pink hair. Luo Mani plans to let him start with an elegant noble route to attract fans with his appearance, and then reveal his original personality to create a contrasting and adorable image.”

Qiu Rong said, “…”

It was hard to imagine Daniel singing and dancing on television, especially as an elegant and noble young man.

After finishing reading a document and confirming its accuracy, Yan Ling signed his name and closed the file, saying, “He’s someone who gets bored after three minutes; he’ll play for a couple of days and then give up.”

Qiu Rong sighed, “Is he also a three-minute man when he’s with Huo Ye?

Yan Zong recalled his cheap cousin’s countless romantic experiences and replied, “Hard to say. In the past, he was always the one being pursued by others. This is the first time he has come overseas for someone.”

“If he bullies the kids from your clan, I’ll deal with him,” CEO Yan said, lacking brotherly affection.

Qiu Rong turned his head and kissed his wife’s face, smiling, “Let them handle it themselves.”

Just after the kiss, Qiu Rong saw Vincent standing at the door, maintaining a pushing posture.

Qiu Rong: “…”

Yan Ling: “…”

Vincent: “Sorry, I forgot to knock.”

Vincent took a step back and closed the door.

Three seconds later, the office door was knocked.

Quickly returning to their seats, Yan Ling cleared his throat, “Come in.”

Qiu Rong innocently stood beside Mr. Yan.

Vincent pushed his glasses and calmly said, “Young Master Qiu, someone is looking for you.”

“Looking for me?” Qiu Rong asked in confusion.

Vincent nodded, “It’s Mr. Shu.”

The only person Qiu Rong knew with the surname Shu was Shu Ya.

That day, Shu Ya didn’t let Qiu Rong and Yan Ling accompany him any further. He went upstairs alone to find the personnel from the Violation Handling Department. Qiu Rong didn’t know what happened after that.

“I heard that Zong Yuming’s memories haven’t been altered,” Yan Ling said.

There are only two types of people who can retain memories of abilities after signing a confidentiality agreement with the center: the partner of an ability user or someone who cooperates with the ability community.

It was unknown which category Zong Yuming belonged to.

Yan Ling accompanied Qiu Rong to the lounge, and upon opening the door, they saw a cool electric wheelchair that had a distinct anime style and looked painful.

The little mermaid, wearing a hat and mask, controlled the joystick of the wheelchair, rotating it half a circle.

Surprisingly, the wheels of this wheelchair could emit colorful lights.

Shu Ya took off his mask and greeted the two, “Hey.”

Qiu Rong: “…Hey.”

Qiu Rong: “The new wheelchair looks cool.”

Shu Ya’s expression was hard to describe, “…It was bought by Zong Yuming.”

Qiu Rong: “I could tell.”

Shu Ya seemed momentarily speechless, seemingly embarrassed by his new “steed.” Qiu Rong engaged in awkward small talk, saying, “I heard that Zong Zong’s memories were retained. Congratulations.”

“Well… more or less,” Shu Ya replied vaguely.

He didn’t know how to explain, so he decided to talk about his purpose for coming, “I went back to the clan these past few days and met with the clan leader.”

Shu Ya gestured to Qiu Rong, indicating, “The clan leader said you wanted to see what happened fifteen years ago and asked for my help.”

Qiu Rong was taken aback.

Previously, Qiu Rong wanted to seek the assistance of Shu Ya, who had stronger retrocognitive abilities, to confirm the identity of the person who killed his parents fifteen years ago. However, he now knew that the real culprit was Wulieer.

Shu Ya said, “The clan leader gave me a specific time point. If no further adjustments are needed, I can probably restore the scene for about an hour. That’s my limit.”

Over ten years is a long time. Qiu Rong was only eight years old that year, and he couldn’t remember what time his brother left home after putting him to sleep.

When the merfolk clan leader helped him with temporal regression, they tried many different time points. In the end, Qiu Rong only saw a few minutes of the illusion.

He didn’t have enough time, nor did he dare to closely examine his parents’ bodies. The only thing imprinted in his mind was the moment his brother’s chest was pierced.

…One hour.

Qiu Rong’s hand hanging at his side moved slightly.

Yan Ling glanced at Qiu Rong for a moment, then held his hand, which was clenched into a fist, and said, “Go and see.”

Qiu Rong looked at him.

Holding his hand felt cold. Qiu Rong met Yan Ling’s gaze.

Yan Ling gave his hand a squeeze, smiled gently as he used to, and said, “Go and see. I’ll be here waiting for you.”

Releasing his fist, Qiu Rong held Yan Ling’s hand, took a deep breath, and said to Shu Ya, “Then I’ll trouble you.”

There was no need for any special preparations for temporal regression. Its essence was merely a vivid illusion.

Qiu Rong slowly closed his eyes. In the darkness, he heard Shu Ya murmuring in an incomprehensible merfolk language. Yan Ling held his hand, quietly accompanying him by his side.

The mysterious merfolk language sounded like an ethereal chant. Gradually, the faint ambient sounds around him disappeared, leaving only the song of the merfolk in his ears, guiding him across fifteen years of time, standing beneath a round moon.

“This road is indeed fast. At this time, Xiao Rong may still be awake.”

“How could that be? Xiao Zheng has probably put him to sleep already.” The woman ran her fingers through her wind-tousled hair, looking at the bright moon outside the car window, and smiled. “Do you want to make a bet?”

“Sure, what should we bet on?” The man driving agreed without hesitation.

“Let’s bet… on who will take Xiao Rong to school next semester.”

“Wife, spare me. That little brat is too clingy, I can’t handle him!” the man wailed, “This little brat, he’s already eight years old, taking him to school isn’t a punishment. Why is he so clingy…”

The moonlight shimmered on the tranquil mountain path. Qiu Rong was the wind, the moon, an observer unable to speak in this dream-like state of Nanke.

He watched his mother’s smile, listened to his father’s complaints. They were still so young, so vibrant, as if it were just yesterday.

As if he could open his eyes again, and his parents, returning home from a long journey, would embrace him and say, “Rong Rong, guess who’s back?”

The car continued moving under the moonlight. The couple still hadn’t decided on what to bet, and Mrs. Gu urged, “Decide quickly, we’re almost home.”

“I’m still thinking,” Mr. Gu dragged out his words with a prolonged “Hmm.” After pondering for a while, he suddenly pointed ahead and said, “Is that someone?”

Mrs. Gu looked ahead and shouted, “Oh dear, stop the car quickly! That person seems injured!”

A young boy with faltering steps walked alone on the mountain path. He had bare feet and was only wearing a white lab coat, stained with blood around the collar.

He noticed the couple who had stopped the car, so he tidied up his tail, wiped his dirty face, and revealed a panicked expression.

The young boy’s legs gave way, and he knelt down on the ground. With teary eyes, he pleaded to Mrs. Gu, who approached with concern, “Please, save me, I’m begging you.”

“Child, what happened to you? Where are you injured?” Mrs. Gu supported the young boy and instructed her husband, “Quick, get the first aid kit from the car!”

The young boy looked at the man who turned around, lowered his head, and showed a smile.

No.

No!

Qiu Rong saw a pale white light covering the bleeding knee of Uriel. His mother quietly used her abilities to help this severely injured stranger stop the bleeding, her attention focused solely on shielding the boy’s line of sight, completely unaware of the imminent danger nearby.

—Splat.

Mrs. Gu’s vision blurred for a moment.

“Ke Ying!”

The first aid kit fell, and medications and gauze scattered on the ground.

Mrs. Gu lowered her head and looked at the wings piercing through her body from behind. She glanced at her husband in front of her, opened her mouth, and a surge of blood gushed from her throat.

The demon Uriel retracted his wings.

Uriel embraced Mrs. Gu as she fell towards him, revealing a radiant smile. He cheerfully said, “Yes, this is how it should be.”

The beautiful floral dress quickly soaked with blood, and a mournful howl of a wolf pierced the night sky.

Uriel lifted Mrs. Gu in his arms, flapping his wings. He stopped mid-air and looked down at the massive figure of the alpha wolf under the moonlight.

“Is it painful? Are you angry?” Uriel held Mrs. Gu in front of him, confident that the alpha wolf wouldn’t dare to attack, fearing for his wife’s safety.

Under a threatening growl, the alpha wolf lowered its body, its fierce wolf eyes locked onto Uriel.

Uriel’s smile became more pronounced. “…Just like that, be angrier.”

As the shadows slowly enveloped the bright moon, the alpha wolf leaped, charging towards Uriel’s wings.

Uriel couldn’t dodge in time, so he gritted his teeth and threw Mrs. Gu’s body away. The alpha wolf decisively changed direction, using its body to catch Mrs. Gu.

The alpha wolf retreated with Mrs. Gu, anxiously checking her injuries.

The alpha wolf licked his wife’s pale face, while Mrs. Gu kept her eyes closed, appearing as if she were asleep. The alpha wolf licked her a couple more times and nudged her neck with its nose.

His wife didn’t respond.

The alpha wolf also didn’t hear his wife’s heartbeat.

Uriel, controlling his partially broken wings, slowly landed behind the alpha wolf. He observed the alpha wolf’s expression transform from stiffness to incredulous grief, and finally to raging anger.

A pair of blood-soaked wolf eyes stared directly at Uriel.

“Hush.” Uriel raised his index finger to his lips, softly saying, “Take another look. Is your wife really dead?”

The alpha wolf froze, his gaze uncontrollably shifting towards his wife.

No.

No!

Qiu Rong shouted silently for the second time.

Fury.

Uriel’s target from the beginning was his father.

To manipulate human emotions, difficult as it may be, is also simple.

Once Uriel realized that the couple in the car had a strong emotional bond, he immediately thought of a way to provoke one of them.

He needed a surge of emotional energy to heal the pain in his heart, but the anger bestowed upon him by the alpha wolf far exceeded Uriel’s expectations.

The more out of control, the easier to manipulate.

The alpha wolf’s gaze became increasingly unfocused. Uriel watched as the wolf lay beside his wife, curling up into a ball and using its tail to encircle her.

“Your wish was to return home with your wife before your son falls asleep…” Uriel stood still, as if singing a lullaby, softly saying, “You have already seen them, haven’t you? Sleep… This is an eternal dream where you will never have to wake up, no longer suffering or angry.”

“Your wish has been granted.”

Qiu Rong watched as Uriel’s wounds slowly healed, as he sat on a tree branch basking in the moonlight, as he jumped down to inspect the bodies of his parents.

Uriel’s hand failed to touch the lifeless bodies of the deceased couple embraced together, his movements interrupted by a gust of wind from behind.

It was Gu Zheng who heard his father’s roar and arrived.

Qiu Rong had already witnessed this scene before, where his older brother, under Uriel’s seduction, coldly choked the demon’s neck.

Uriel’s wings had just recovered and were not strong enough to carry him high into the sky.

Uriel couldn’t escape.

He tried everything to shake Gu Zheng’s spirit, but Gu Zheng’s hatred pierced through him like a sharp sword, unwavering.

Qiu Rong watched as his brother drew the sealing formation once again.

As the formation illuminated, white hair sprouted from Gu Zheng’s temples.

Uriel clung tightly to Gu Zheng’s hand and cursed in a hoarse voice, “Madman.”

Gu Zheng made the final stroke, and a massive formation appeared beneath him and Uriel’s feet.

The brilliant light of the formation obscured the desolate moonlight.

As the light faded, Uriel disappeared from his original position.

Gu Zheng, with a pierced chest, collapsed on the ground. His hair had turned completely white.

Qiu Rong called out to him, “Brother.”

Brother.

Don’t leave him anymore.

Gu Zheng opened his mouth, and Qiu Rong heard him say, “…Xiao Rong.”

A rustling sound came from nearby bushes.

The long-hidden Meng family cautiously approached.

They glanced at the deceased clan leader and his wife.

They looked at their eldest son who still had a breath.

They turned and walked towards the still-flashing car.

No!

Don’t!

Stop!!!

The gasoline spread, saturating the ground, reaching Gu Zheng’s trembling fingers.

“…Xiao Rong.”

Brother!

Brother!!!

The full moon reflected, a spark flickered.

Qiu Rong could only helplessly utter one feeble cry after another.

The raging fire swept through, burning through the darkness, piercing the lunar halo, and was about to consume the floral dress beloved by Mrs. Gu.

…

Qiu Rong’s eyes were gently covered by a pair of cool hands.

“Qiu Rong,” that person called him.

Qiu Rong gazed into the darkness before him, tears uncontrollably streaming down.

“Xiao Rong,” that person said again.

But Qiu Rong wanted to take another look.

Another look at his parents and brother whom he hadn’t seen in fifteen years.

That person seemed to sigh helplessly and called him in a gentle and tender voice, “Puppy, it’s time to go home.”

Qiu Rong snapped back to reality.

The sound of the explosion gradually faded away from his ears.