After transmigrating into the body of the protagonist's childhood friend, he was targeted by a

In reality, a tear slid down Lin Zhixu's cheek.

Tears streamed silently down his cheeks and into the pillow.

Yu Linzhou was standing guard nearby when he suddenly caught sight of the tears and panicked instantly.

He hurriedly reached out to wipe it away, "Why are you crying? Are you feeling unwell?"

"Wake up quickly. When you wake up, tell me where it hurts and where you feel uncomfortable, and your master will help you."

He wiped away the tears with his fingertips again and again, but no matter how he wiped, they wouldn't dry.

Lin Zhixu cried silently, tears streaming down her face like beads from a broken string, one after another, unstoppable.

Yu Linzhou was so anxious that sweat beaded on his forehead. He didn't dare to touch him too hard, so he could only lean closer and coax him softly, "Zhizhi, don't cry. I'm here, Shizun is here. Please wake up, okay? Don't scare me."

"Don't leave me alone anymore..."

As he spoke, he leaned down and gently pulled the person into his arms.

Lin Zhixu awoke to a very soft call.

His consciousness was still hazy, and the scenes from those dreams floated and sank in his mind like shards of ice.

He thought he was still dreaming, and moved groggily, letting out a hoarse groan.

Yu Linzhou abruptly released his grip, but dared not release it completely, only slightly increasing the distance between them, and looked down at the person in his arms.

The moment their eyes met, he saw that Lin Zhixu's eyes were half-open, his gaze still somewhat unfocused, but he was certain that he was awake.

"You're finally awake!"

Lin Zhixu blinked twice, her gaze slowly focusing. Before her eyes was Yu Linzhou's face, so close to hers.

"...Yu Linzhou?" His voice was hoarse and soft, like sandpaper rubbing against his throat.

This was the first time Yu Linzhou had heard Lin Zhixu call his name, and his heart fluttered inexplicably.

"Yes, I'm here."

Lin Zhixu opened his mouth, but his throat was dry and sore.

Yu Linzhou immediately understood, got up to pour a glass of warm water, sat back down on the edge of the bed, supported the back of his head with one hand, and held the glass to his lips with the other, carefully feeding him.

Lin Zhixu took a few small sips from his hand. Only after the warm water flowed down his throat did he regain some strength.

He spoke, his voice still hoarse, "How long have I been asleep?"

Yu Linzhou: "It's been three days and three nights. Tonight will be the fourth day."

Lin Zhixu sat up and looked at the night view outside the window.

"So it's been that long already. By the way, has that evil cultivator been dealt with? Are Zhou Tong and the others alright?"

Yu Linzhou: "Don't worry, it's all taken care of. Zhou Tong and the others are fine, they just suffered some minor injuries and are recovering now. You can go see them when you're better."

Lin Zhixu nodded and obediently lay back down.

Yu Linzhou tucked the blanket around him and got up, saying, "Wait here, I'll go get you some medicinal food to nourish your body. You've been sleeping for so many days, you can't just rely on spiritual energy to keep going."

After saying that, he rushed out the door.

Once his footsteps were completely out of earshot, the system immediately appeared, its voice tinged with worry: [Host! You're finally awake! You've been asleep for so many days, I called you countless times, but I couldn't wake you no matter what I did, I was really worried sick!]

Lin Zhixu chuckled softly: "I'm fine. I was just too tired and had a very long dream. Once the dream is over, I naturally wake up."

The system asked curiously: "What kind of dream did you have? Why were you trapped for so long?"

Lin Zhixu was silent for a moment before softly saying, "I dreamt of 'my' entire life. The 'me' who never met you."

The system was stunned: [That's not from the original story...]

Lin Zhixu: [Yes. So I'm once again grateful that I met you.]

The system's tone was firm: "It's alright. With me here, that kind of ending will never happen. I promise."

Lin Zhixu smiled slightly, a genuine smile appearing in his eyes: "Thank you."

The system immediately came to life again: 【You're welcome! But seriously, your acting when you pretended to be controlled by the Imperial Advisor was so convincing. If I hadn't helped you maintain your mental clarity, I would have thought you were really swallowed by demonic energy.】

Lin Zhixu said calmly, "The highest level of deception is to deceive yourself first. However, Li Hanshan knows that Yu Linzhou cares about me, so he definitely won't let this go easily. He'll come knocking on our door sooner or later. Once this last part of the story is over, we'll be free."

The system hummed in agreement, its tone brimming with enthusiasm: "Yes! We'll leave this place together and start a new life!"

Once you've lived a peaceful life, I'll have successfully completed all my missions. Perhaps the Heavenly Dao will even grant me a promotion, allowing me to have a physical form as well. Just thinking about it makes me happy!

Lin Zhixu chuckled and teased it: "Actually, you're fine the way you are now. At least you don't take up much space."

System: [...Host, are you praising me or insulting me?]

Lin Zhixu chuckled but didn't reply. He just stared at the roof beam above his head, his gaze softening little by little.

Hearing the approaching footsteps, I slowly closed my eyes.

The system stopped bothering him and silently disconnected.

……

Lin Zhixu got up as soon as it was light the next day.

He had been lying in bed for too long, and a feeling of languor and lethargy emanated from his very bones. He really didn't want to waste any more time in bed.

After telling Yu Linzhou, he went out to Zhou Tong's residence.

Zhou Tong has turned misfortune into a blessing in disguise this time.

He risked his life to infiltrate the palace to investigate the evil cultivators and made a great contribution.

To reward his efforts, the elders gave him many good things and even gave him a special leave so that he could rest and recuperate without having to worry about anything else.

When Lin Zhixu arrived, Zhou Tong was arguing with Chu Yan in the yard.

Zhou Tong looked to be in good spirits. Although his face was still a little pale from the injury, he was full of energy and was holding a sword, looking like he was about to stretch his muscles.

Chu Yan, however, followed closely beside him like a worried old mother, offering earnest advice.

"I'm really all better now. Elder Xuanqing said it himself. Weren't you there at the time? Why don't you believe me?" Zhou Tong said helplessly.

"Even if you're better, it's not okay." Chu Yan wouldn't budge an inch, reaching out to snatch his sword. "You've only just recovered. What if you aggravate the injury again? What's wrong with practicing swordsmanship a couple of days later? The most important thing for you right now is to rest well and not make me worry anymore."

Zhou Tong was getting a headache from his nagging and was about to say something more when she caught a glimpse of him and froze.

Lin Zhixu was leaning against the courtyard gate, arms crossed, watching the two of them with a smile.

In the days following a disaster, this kind of everyday warmth is always all the more precious.

"Senior Brother Lin!"

Zhou Tong's eyes lit up suddenly. He abandoned his sword, pushed Chu Yan aside, and ran over.

Chu Yan stumbled from the push: "..."

He turned around and saw Lin Zhixu, and he got excited and jogged over after him.

Zhou Tong ran up to him and looked Lin Zhixu up and down several times. Seeing that he looked well, her eyes immediately welled up with tears.

"Senior Brother Lin, are you alright? We went to Qiyue Peak to look for you before, but Immortal Venerable Feng Heng said you hadn't woken up yet and wouldn't let us in. Chu Yan and I were terribly worried. Do you know how frightening you looked back then..."

Lin Zhixu felt a warmth in his heart and smiled, "It's alright, I'm tough, I won't die that easily. It's you who's causing trouble as soon as you're feeling a little better. Chu Yan is right, you should take a break for a couple of days."