Chapter 116: Beautiful Dreams, Harsh Reality

The old dean staggered forward, wincing in pain, then gathered all his remaining inner energy to muster his last ounce of strength. With a faint, ephemeral gesture, he opened a portal before everyone. But by then, he was utterly exhausted, his face paler than before, drained of any blood color. His body grew weak and swayed unsteadily, leaning backward. Seeing this, Leng Huaiyi hurried forward to steady him, preventing him from collapsing to the ground.

Yet, this stubborn old man’s temper was as unyielding as ever. He merely smiled at his obedient apprentice, shook his head, and shrugged off the hands that supported him. Then, he pointed to the entrance, signaling everyone to enter quickly. Though anxious at his obstinacy and deeply concerned for his injuries, they could only comply and obediently stepped through the portal to return to Yanlan Academy for him to recover properly.

Only after the last person had entered did the old dean let out a relieved sigh. Then, he gently touched the white paper and jade lying on the ground. To everyone’s surprise, these treasures transformed into wisps of azure smoke, drifting slowly into his embrace. Turning his head, the old man smiled and nodded toward the inner chamber, then stepped into the portal. The strangest thing was that inside the room, not a single shadow appeared. Who was that smile for, and what did it signify?

Before entering the portal, everyone had prepared themselves thoroughly; after all, previous secret passages had caused them many troubles. This time, they released their restraints and embraced the moment with ease, freely unleashing their inner energy as they descended. Unexpectedly, the passage was not as dark as imagined but bathed in a soft, white glow that felt gentle and soothing, instilling within them an unprecedented calm.

Even as they fell, a cloud appeared beneath them, supporting their descent and floating them gently downward in utter comfort. Even Yu Shang, who was constantly on guard, could not help but relax and savor this brief respite. Lying atop the white cloud, all previous weariness and worries vanished, as if the purity of the cloud had cleansed their hearts entirely.

Unaware, one by one, they drifted into dreams. Some dreamt of lifelong devotion and happiness with their beloved; others imagined themselves as leaders guiding their people to peace and prosperity; some soared freely as mighty eagles in the boundless sky. Though the dreams varied, they all shared a common thread—the beautiful futures their hearts yearned for.

After an unknown span of time, the group finally awoke. Standing up, they found themselves back in Xun Mishuang’s lakeside cottage. The secret passage was truly miraculous, gifting them such wonderful dreams and leaving them refreshed and invigorated, more so than sitting still and cultivating. Yet, the fleeting comfort also made the lingering pain of parting all the more poignant.

“I feel much lighter inside and out after that sleep. Lately, we’ve been too busy, forgetting that we’re human and need rest too!” Meng Youyuan stretched lazily, smiling brightly. Everyone was curious about what she had dreamed to be so cheerful, for since waking, her smile had never left her face. She was a stark contrast to the tearful figure lost in the Ancient Fairyland before, now far more enchanting in her joy.

“It wasn’t only a release of body and mind; even dreams seemed to turn real. There was a moment I considered giving up on these elusive hopes, but now I see that persevering until today was the right choice,” Lan Bingxian said happily, taking Meng Youyuan’s hand. In that instant, the two radiated an incomparable sweetness that enchanted those around them.

“Yes. If the ending is truly as shown in the dream, no matter how much hardship or tears I endure, I wouldn’t mind. Because I know a beautiful future awaits me. I am not blindly clinging to a meaningless dream,” Yanxue Su said, taking a deep breath with newfound clarity, as if many things had suddenly made sense, transforming her outlook.

“Even if this dream is utterly unrealistic and impossible to realize, I am willing to keep fighting for it. Because I am never alone. Rather than yearning for a perfect future, I cherish the present, struggling alongside you,” Yu Xiaoran pulled Yanxue Su close, embracing her fiercely and whispering tenderly in her ear.

“Hey, why are you staring at me so lecherously? That mischievous look makes me really uncomfortable. Come on, confess what naughty thing you dreamed just now!” Since waking, Lan Wu had felt an ill-intentioned gaze upon her. When she looked over, she saw Xiao Yin grinning slyly. His expression gave her chills—he was clearly scheming something mischievous.

“I dreamed of our wedding night together! The details I don’t need to say; you know what I mean, haha! They say the wedding night is life’s greatest joy. I didn’t appreciate it before, but recalling the dream now is truly unforgettable!” Xiao Yin’s eyes gleamed with a chilling hunger, like a wolf eyeing its prey.

“You little snake, you deserve a beating! Who agreed to marry you? Why are you thinking such filthy things? I’m too embarrassed to talk to you anymore.” Blushing fiercely, Lan Wu snapped at Xiao Yin, wishing she could disappear from the awkward moment. Xiao Yin’s shamelessness was unbearable, saying anything without regard for a girl’s modesty. Lan Wu was already mortified beyond words.

“What about you? What beautiful things did you dream? Was I in your dream?” Xun Mishuang, unwilling to give up, cautiously approached Leng Huaiyi, afraid to disturb the others. She knew he wouldn’t admit the truth, but couldn’t resist probing. Though she knew the answer would pain her, she clung to hope and asked timidly.

“I don’t remember. It’s as if I never dreamed at all. My mind is blank upon waking, no memories remain. Maybe what I want is just a simple life alone—no color, no company, just me,” Leng Huaiyi said coldly without looking back, unwilling to give her hope lest it bring greater disappointment. It was better to end her illusions early.

“Indeed, in your world, no one shields you from storms. They only quietly accept your help. You’re always so great, so giving, thinking enduring hardship yourself makes others better off. But have you considered that this might hurt others? At least it hurts me—and that wound will never heal,” Xun Mishuang said calmly, no sadness on her face.

But Leng Huaiyi understood her heart was torn as if cut by knives—pain beyond words, shown only in her expression. It was a pain that reached the bone, a wound he himself had inflicted. Yet there was no other way. Some things cannot be done just by wanting; some people cannot be fought for. Excessive stubbornness only leads to tragedy; excessive love only ends in heartbreak.

Beside them, another silently mourned. His love, untouchable and distant, buried deep within his heart. Yin Boxuan still could not forget his feelings for Meng Youyuan. Forcing himself to let go only deepened the pain. Watching Meng Youyuan holding Lan Bingxian’s hand, he felt both sorrow and a faint solace. At least someone could make her so happy—that was enough.

Though Yin Boxuan comforted himself to be generous and sincerely bless her happiness, the more he thought this way, the more bitter his heart grew. He longed to ask Meng Youyuan, “Was I in your dream? Even if only for a moment!” But he dared not, fearing the answer might break him irreparably. Once asked, nothing could return to how it was.

Sometimes he wondered if he had been braver, openly loving and protecting her, would things now be different? But these were mere thoughts; Meng Youyuan’s heart belonged only to Lan Bingxian. This was fact, unchangeable, not to be forced. All he could do now was quietly cherish every rare moment beside her.

“Hey, why do you look so strange? Though I know you well, I can’t guess what you dreamed this time. Don’t be so stingy—share with everyone!” No one understood Yu Shang better than Xiao Yin. A single glance was enough to see something was wrong. Perhaps this was their special bond—joy or sorrow understood without a word.

“Do you really want to know? Well, I won’t tell! I just enjoy watching you lose sleep over something. Do you know how amusing that is? It’s absolutely hilarious!” Yu Shang teased Xiao Yin, though even he hadn’t fully grasped the strange dream’s meaning. If it truly reflected what he desired, it was incredibly surreal.

“You’re so bad now! You’ve learned to tease me! You think I won’t find out if you don’t tell? Just wait—I’ll reveal all your secrets and let everyone laugh at how naive and cute Yu Shang was as a child!” Xiao Yin threatened playfully, holding evidence no one had seen—proof of another side of Yu Shang.

“They say ‘one takes on the color of one’s company.’ I’d better keep my distance or I’ll be corrupted by you! And your so-called secrets don’t shock me. Bring them out, let them see. But don’t forget, I have my own secrets, and no less than yours!” Yu Shang retorted with disdain, while everyone laughed at their childish bickering.

They were truly immature, acting like children in word and deed. Yet, more than anything, the others envied the companionship they shared—a friend who had stood by them through highs and lows, never leaving their side. In every important, unforgettable moment, they were there, witnessing all the best and worst times. Such friendship was truly enviable.