Above Destiny

Chapter 550 Honey and Nature

silence.

A brief and awkward silence ensued.

Ji Jue felt like a masseur who had accidentally stumbled into a murder scene. When the murderer looked over, he had never wished so much that he was blind.

What could he say.

Excuse me, you've got the wrong person. I'm actually here to perform the sword-swallowing act. Since the performance is over, you can continue with your work, and I'll leave now. I won't bother you any longer.

Especially after he discovered that the blade of change in his hand had quietly turned into a wooden stick.

One second they were chopping vegetables and the next second the GM stepped in.

The unpredictability of life is truly difficult to foresee.

Moreover, this happened right after the GM had just taken down a cheater and seemed to be preparing to take down another one.

He had heard about the remains of Huang Liang from the old legends, and thought that as a king, even a single fingernail left behind after his fall was so magnificent and terrifying. But he never expected that this old schemer was not dead at all. Moreover, he had been watching the show from beginning to end and even came out to give pointers on the acting and plot.

But what can he do?
Is it too late to call for a great calamity now?

Self introduction?

"No, no need."

He lowered his head, smiled warmly, and said with utter obsequiousness, "But, how should I address you?"

"Whatever you want. A name is just a special code. Huangliang, Huaxu, A-Mao, A-Gou, it doesn't matter." Cat said calmly, completely unconcerned.

But are they really indifferent?

Someone just said you were being nonsensical, and you ruined that. And they didn't die a good death; not only were their last illusions shattered, but they couldn't even have a good dream until their last breath.

"Ok."

Ji Jue nodded, knowing that the Lord of Huangliang was petty and went along with him.

"Yes, indeed." The cat nodded. "It's not very big."

"..."

Ji Jue fell silent again, and in his daze, he touched his face.

Was my expression really that obvious?
"No, you're overthinking it. It's because I can read minds."

"..."

Ji Jue remained silent, took a deep breath, and restrained himself, trying not to think about anything unnecessary and to calm down.

He forced a smile and looked at the cat in front of him: "Hua Xu Jun, can you stop looking?"

"Ok."

Hua Xujun nodded, seemingly agreeing with her, but in reality... whether or not to look at it was just a matter of a thought.

"What are your orders?" Ji Jue asked proactively, wanting to gain some initiative. Even if he was sentenced to life imprisonment, at least he could negotiate.

Even if someone cheats, it's only because they cheated themselves, so it's fine if only their own account is banned.

"Give orders? No, besides, aren't you a Mohist?"

Hua Xujun lazily scratched his chin and casually asked, "After four hundred years, someone has finally come to collect the agreement. It's really not easy. Shall we complete our transaction now? The items are ready and you can take them at any time."

"what……"

Ji Jue's heart skipped a beat, and he instinctively wanted to nod, but before he could, he saw those amber eyes, those half-smiling eyes, and immediately shook his head decisively.

"I'm sorry, I'm not a Mohist."

"is it?"

Hua Xujun didn't hide his disappointment and his own lazy thoughts. After stretching, he slowly said, "Since you say you're not, then fine, we'll talk about it next time."

Four hundred years have passed, a little longer won't make a difference..."

After a moment's hesitation, Ji Jue reminded him, "Didn't some Mohists arrive?"

"That slippery brat? He did manage to swindle quite a bit, but it's no good."

Hua Xujun slowly said, "The contract is based on non-aggression. Only those who possess the non-aggression principle are qualified to represent the Mohists in fulfilling the contract. Besides, isn't the inheritance of that little girl, Mercury, also in your hands?"
"Hmm? Let me see. You've got all the bad luck, even calling yourself the vanguard of change... If you're not one, then who is? Me?"

"..."

Ji Jue remained silent, speechless, as if he wanted to say something but hesitated.

Hua Xujun glanced at him. "Speak your mind, or shut up. Are you just thinking about it in your head and waiting for me to come and see what's going on?"

"No, I just want to ask, is that why you gave me the permissions?"

Looking back now, it seems there's something wrong with how I used the "Non-Aggression" technique to exploit loopholes and ended up with access to the "Remains of Huangliang" (a legendary artifact).

Putting aside whether Wen Sheng would guard such an important item closely, how could it be something that I could just touch and get my hands on?

Moreover, although it wasn't in its own workshop when it was pulled in, the house in Yacheng was directly connected to the workshop, and the spiritual energy blockade and necessary protective sequences were all in place. How could it be that there was no reaction at all when its soul left, as if it didn't exist?
Moreover, the setup and defenses within my own workshop are practically nonexistent.

If it weren't for this person's intervention, how could I have inexplicably fallen into this dream? So, this person got tired of watching a one-man show and wanted to see someone else fight it out?

"You craftsmen... you're always thinking about all sorts of things, it's really interesting."

Hua Xujun was amused and shook his head: "I've already said it, non-aggression is a contract, a certificate, a token. When it touches the fragments of paradise, it will naturally react."

Otherwise, I wouldn't have been woken up by such a trivial disturbance.

Honestly, I thought someone was coming to fulfill the contract, but I was disappointed.

The black cat licked its paws and said nonchalantly, "Consider this a lesson, kid. If you don't want to cause trouble, keep those two not-so-clean little hands to yourself and stop touching things everywhere."

Ji Jue was taken aback for a moment, then couldn't help but ask, "Then..."

"Although the dream of paradise began with me, what I will ultimately see is none of my concern."

Hua Xujun interrupted his question and answered bluntly: "Whatever you dreamed about, Ji Jue, it is your dream."

If you ask me, you're already much luckier than that unlucky guy from before.

Whether true or false, the longing and blessings that surround you are genuine.

As for whether it's a dream or not, does it really matter?

The black cat seemed to laugh, and asked in return:

"Didn't they ever love you?"

"..."

In the long silence, Ji Jue remained silent for a long time before sincerely bowing his head: "I have learned a lot."

"From the beginning until now, I've finally heard a heartfelt remark."

The black cat shook its fur, slowly propped itself up, and jumped onto the ornate cat tree adorned with jewels. It sat on the topmost golden cat bed and silk cushion, instantly looking majestic and even more dignified.

Like an emperor, he stood tall and proud.

It just looks strange no matter how you look at it.

"Isn't it you who's weird? My image was supposed to be based on the visitors' guesses and ideas, but in the end, it turned out to be a cat?"

"You brat, there's a limit to how much you can disrespect your elders, you know?"

Hua Xujun raised her cat paw and slapped his forehead and hair twice as if annoyed. She then rolled around on the cushion a couple of times, curled up, found a comfortable position, and lay down.

"Alright, enough of this idle talk. The Land of Myriad Transformations is my territory, and a king must be impartial."

"Considering you let me watch a good show and even helped me retrieve this fragment, tell me, what reward do you want?"

11111! Big brother, are you really going to give it to me?

Ji Jue's eyes lit up, and he was about to open his mouth to quote a price when he heard Hua Xujun's mocking voice: "However, in the end, I am just a penniless pauper who has nothing but empty fantasies... I don't have anything from outside here."

Forget about workshops, equipment, and blessings; even that little fire-stealer is still behind me in line. In my time, your supreme good and great evil have not yet manifested; in that desolate hellish desert, there are no such fancy little trinkets.”

Even as it said this, its tail, which was wrapped around the fragments, swayed slightly.

Encircled by a black tail, the jewel shimmered with a faint light, crystal clear and exquisitely beautiful.

It was almost an explicit statement.

—Do you want this remains of Huang Liang?

Ji Jue subconsciously moved his head back a little, trying hard to suppress his disgust, his smile stiff: "Can we exchange it?"

"..."

Hua Xu Jun remained silent, watching it, his fingernails sticking out one by one. He really wanted to give this dog a makeover—was the fragment of Lao Tzu's dream something cheap?

Previously, when Wen Sheng angrily questioned and rebuked, the cat seemed to be bathed in a gentle breeze. But now, Ji Jue's disdainful attitude, as if he wouldn't even accept something for free, has even hurt the King of Chaos.

But the words had already been spoken, and after looking at himself for a long time, he managed to squeeze out a sound.

"can."

You better not keep being so ungrateful.

Without hesitation, Ji Jue turned around and pointed downwards to the silent sea of ​​souls, where spirits were immersed in illusion and dreams.

“Then, I’ll trouble you to let them have a dream.” Ji Jue hesitated for a moment, then added, “A well-deserved dream, just like… the one I dreamed of before.”

The faith and lies of the Holy Spirit, the seduction and exploitation of the cult, the honey and poison bait sprinkled by Wen Sheng, and the bondage and imprisonment of the Fly King.

There was too much pain, too much torment.

Life is already filled with far too many unnecessary hardships.

Having been caught up in this struggle and suffered countless undeserved calamities, now that everything is over, at least I can have a dream of my own, right?
After a long silence, the black cat looked at him and suddenly smiled slightly.

"it is good."

Good things in this world are not durable; colorful clouds are easily broken and glass is fragile.

Life is full of suffering and hardship. As long as we are alive, there is always too much torment. What could be a better compensation than a beautiful dream?
For Hua Xu Jun, it was just a matter of convenience, not a troublesome thing.

“And…” Ji Jue made another request, trying to discern his expression.

"Ok?"

Hua Xujun tilted his head, showing no annoyance or displeasure, signaling him to speak boldly.

"If, I mean, if..."

Ji Jue took a deep breath, raised his head, and solemnly pleaded, "If they are still willing and have the courage to open their eyes and face that world after they wake up from their dream, can we let them go back?"

“Of course, as I said, the Land of Myriad Pleasures is not a prison. It is a place where you are free to come and go. We welcome all who come and do not pursue those who leave.” Hua Xu Jun waved his claws: “However, if you lose your body, then there’s nothing we can do.”

You're not planning to make me pay for something else to clean up someone else's mess, are you?

"enough."

Ji Jue lowered his head to express his gratitude.

"Other than that?"

The cat twitched its ears, a little impatient: "I've already said, the Land of Myriad Transformations is my territory. It's my duty to entertain guests, hold grand banquets, and welcome and send off visitors. It can't be considered a reward or incentive."

Besides... isn't this what you really want?

It paused, then moved closer, its amber pupils widening as if encompassing the sky and the earth, reflecting Ji Jue's tiny image.

“I can see it, Ji Jue, the desires in your heart are surging endlessly. Dreams are a place where everything is permissible, so why hide it?”

Then, in the silence, Ji Jue's fingers trembled once, then trembled again.

It was difficult; looking back...

After the dragon vanished, a familiar figure slept within the crystal.

Within reach. "Her problem..."

"The resistance and contradiction between consciousness and nature is quite rare."

Hua Xujun grinned: "His talent is so outstanding that people's souls can hardly match it, and he suppresses his true nature instead... Hey, it's like a stone that should have hatched a natural disaster, but instead wants to bloom a flower. How bizarre."

"It's difficult?"

“No sweat.”

Hua Xu Jun casually waved his cat paw: "It's just about reconciling the repulsion between the soul and the body. If you don't want to change the essence, but just to adjust the disharmony, a dream will suffice."

But Ji Jue, is this really what you want to ask?

"..."

Ji Jue closed his eyes, took a deep breath, and finally made up his mind. With Hua Xujun's smile, he raised his head and asked, "Can I make a request regarding the content of the dream?"

"can."

Hua Xu Jun nodded decisively, full of anticipation: "Isn't this also a dream, Ji Jue? Paradise acknowledges all desires and cravings. Since this is the reward you deserve, then you may make your demands."

As for traces and loose ends, you needn't worry about them. The infiltration of dreams leaves no trace. Besides, with my personal intervention, I can subtly transform her into whatever you desire, any way you wish!

"Okay, then..."

Ji Jue paused for a moment, then slowly said, "Let her grow up healthily in a complete family."

She has a loving mother, an upright father, a mischievous and troublesome younger sister, and a younger brother who is stubborn but loves everyone.

So there are occasional arguments and occasional worries. But after an argument, we can sit down at the same table to eat together, and when we're troubled, we have someone to talk to.

There may be no great joy, nor great sorrow, just growing up peacefully and safely, just like…

Ji Jue paused for a moment at the end, then couldn't help but laugh, letting out a relieved sigh, and told him, "Just like any ordinary person."

That's fine.

That's enough.

"That's all." He lowered his head. "Thank you for your help."

Tsk!
Hua Xujun's smile froze on his face, his disappointment undisguised.

Did I come here for this?

What a disgrace! You deserve to get beaten up when you get out!
You couldn't even use your chance!

He shook his head and finally reminded him, "Dreams will end, Ji Jue. No matter how beautiful a dream is, it will eventually end."

No matter how much illusion you give her in your dreams, when you open your eyes, there will be nothing there. All the peaceful daily life of an ordinary person and the small, miraculous moments of happiness will leave her.

All that could be seen was devastation.

After a brief period of sweetness, all that remains is an even greater bitterness and torment than before.

"I know."

Ji Jue nodded: "I can relate."

In the midst of the endless, life-or-death wars in the Middle Kingdom, those weary of death and the struggle for survival would regard the seclusion and tranquility among the Thousand Islands as fairy tales and legends.

In island city-states where resources are scarce and slow death is inevitable without plundering, ordinary people who have long been accustomed to exploitation and hunger yearn for the stability and prosperity of the federation and empire.

In the wilderness of the Federation, the garbage collectors, who toil day and night and are displaced, regard the glamorous world of the city as their paradise. In the world of the city, the endless competition and the exhaustion of the working class will illuminate the eyes of the singing and dancing and the decadent life above the glass ceiling when they look up.

Perhaps they are different, but they are the same everywhere...

There is no country that forgets its worries, no ideal land.

The world is so cruel, and all that remains is the tenderness in this dream.

But at least in dreams, this tenderness and happiness is real, and it won't reject anyone's tears or embarrassment.

At least, a good night's sleep.

Ji Jue turned around and looked into the amber-like crystal, where a peaceful sleeping face was visible.

So peaceful.

He lacked his usual cheerfulness and enthusiasm, and showed no sign of feigned determination or tenacity.

Perhaps, this is her true appearance.

Ji Jue wanted to see more.

"There's nothing wrong with a dream that's destined to end. It's okay to become a little weaker. I believe that she doesn't need to be heartless to face this world and the life she has chosen."

So let her rest well for a while and have sweet dreams.

Hua Xu Jun remained silent, scrutinizing the scene carefully.

They made no attempt to conceal their observations.

Seeing through pretense and lies, witnessing the truth... It is precisely because of this that one can perceive the surging desires in Ji Jue's heart, the desires and longings suppressed beneath reason, the churning luck and impulses, and even the sincere words that slip out of his mouth, without any falsehood.

This compassion and weakness, which had been deliberately suppressed behind indifference and alienation in the past.

Even more so, indescribably stupid!

if not?
Should we praise him?
This disgusting and infuriating feeling is like watching a talented and beautiful person get mixed up in a pile of dog excrement... Stubborn to the end, willingly degenerating!

I finally did something kind, but after giving it away, I realized it would have been better to feed it to a dog!
They practically shoved the offer from Wanhua Paradise right in his face, but this bastard just pretended not to see it.

If you understand that a beautiful dream is the only destination, then why do you linger?

If you can appreciate the beauty of paradise, why do you deliberately resist it?
Do you really enjoy making things difficult for yourself, you idiot?!

Hua Xu Jun didn't try to provoke anything further; he simply waved his claws.

Just as he wished.

Spread beautiful dreams.

"Before the chaotic era you speak of, no, even before the so-called era of gods, there was a book that said something like this..."

Hua Xujun slowly said:
"—In the past, countless eons ago, there was a man wandering in the wilderness, chased by a vicious elephant, terrified and with nowhere to turn. He saw an empty well with a tree root beside it. He immediately went down the root and hid in the well. There were two rats, one black and one white, gnawing at the tree root. Around the well were four poisonous snakes, wanting to sting him. Below was a poisonous dragon, who feared the dragon and snakes and worried that the tree root would break. There was honey on the root, and five drops fell into his mouth. The tree shook and the bees scattered, stinging the man. Then a wildfire came and burned the tree to the ground."

He paused for a moment, then asked again:

"Ji Jue, have you gained anything?"

Ji Jue pondered for a moment and replied, "Reality is terrifying; all life is suffering."

Children can be taught.

The cat nodded. "Anything else?"

Then, Ji Jue exclaimed in admiration, "It seems the honey really is sweet!"

"..."

So, Hua Xu Jun put on a sullen face.

Even if the sky falls and the earth cracks, at least there's still candy...

Ji Jue shrugged. "Thinking about it this way, I think it's pretty good, right?"

"You're disgusting."

Hua Xujun rolled her eyes and looked away in disgust.

Well, good advice is useless to persuade a damned ghost, even the King of Huaxu cannot wake someone who is pretending to be asleep.

Ultimately, it's impossible to plaster a wall covered in dung.

Rotten wood cannot be carved.

"I am deeply grateful for Lord Huaxu's favor, but I am truly unable to accept your invitation."

Ji Jue lowered his head, expressing his heartfelt gratitude and apology: "What I want is not here, so please consider it as... old habits die hard."

After he finished speaking, he laughed first.

Mocking yourself.

Dreams abound, illusions are numerous.

Admittedly, life is full of changes, and sometimes the fall and the rise are just a thought away. Yet, despite the many changes in appearance, age, wealth, and status, this kind of dull nature is hard to understand and even harder to change.

The obsession with ascension and transformation, the steadfastness of desolate ruins, the greed and thirst of the heart, the changes and renewal of embers...

Therefore, they were stubborn to the death, and refused to bow their heads even in the face of defeat.

Therefore, wishful thinking leads to destruction.

When people are self-righteous, courting their own demise, reaping what they sow, and seeking blessings for themselves, they end up making trouble for themselves. Thus, they reap what they sow, and thus find pleasure in their own actions.

Ji Jue hates this kind of world, but he also likes himself this way.

The artisan's nature is so foolish, yet so delightful.

That's good.

So, that's it.

And so, he gave up his illusions.

In the brief silence, Hua Xu Jun did not speak, but this dreamlike realm began to waver, with constant ripples and turmoil, and a faint rumbling came from the outside in.

It was as if some enormous creature had smashed through the ice cap and plunged into the deep sea.

It stirred up a turbulent undercurrent.

The black cat's brows furrowed slowly, as if it had sensed an unwelcome guest.

"Hey, you made a special trip for such a trivial matter?" It shook its head, mockingly saying, "I think 'you' have fallen on hard times too."

"what happened?"

Ji Jue became nervous and restless.

It felt like I was being watched by something.

"What else could happen? The two of them are just fighting over the door and trying to get there first." Hua Xujun sneered, raising his eyes: "Look, the one who got there first is already here?"

Before the words were finished, endless surging rainbow light suddenly spread out from the center of the sky, squeezing out something unseen and magnificent that had descended upon the dream.

It is formless and without image, colorless and without shape.

Like an invisible path leading to the ascension of all things, it climbs and extends to the very end of the soul.

That is……

Ji Jue was dumbfounded.

Greater good? !
At this moment, the highest good transforms and reigns supreme in the dream world!

The radiant light of the soul illuminated his eyes.

Then, right before Ji Jue's eyes, it shattered into pieces with a loud bang...

Before it could even fully manifest itself, it was shattered and driven away by the enormous creature that was hot on its heels.

Just after the shattered illusion, a stone pillar, resembling a mountain with sharp edges, pierced through the dream, penetrating deep inside and crookedly weaving in.

So vast that one cannot see its beginning or end even with the longest gaze; so magnificent that even the infinitely large bubble at this moment seems like dust compared to its pillar-like outline.

It leaped up and kicked off the still-unsteady ascent, swaggering into the dreamlike paradise of myriad transformations, stirring up ripples and towering waves.

The waves are constant, and the turmoil is relentless.

[The Wasteland], reign supreme!

—You little rascal, I've finally caught you!
(End of this chapter)