TMWTGD CH43

Making Xie Zhiwei die was truly not a difficult task.

Of course, first he had to be given an undeniable reason to die.

Catching his breath slightly, Xie Jianwei spoke in a heart-wrenching voice, “Although Mother was born into boundless indulgence, she was never delicate or fragile. She was very strong.”

“Even though my condition was terrible back then and her own life was completely ruined, she definitely never contemplated suicide. She couldn’t bear to leave me behind. Even if I had become a fool, she still hoped that I might recover.”

“Yet while she had no wish to die, someone else was desperate for her death.”

Xie Jianwei lowered his eyes, his dark pupils holding bone-deep hatred as he whispered, “My mind back then was like that of a young child, but everything I saw remained etched in my heart. I simply couldn’t comprehend it at the time, but looking back now…”

His voice grew increasingly hoarse as he spoke, these memories clearly weighing so heavily upon him that even the slightest recollection felt like needle pricks across his entire body.

Lu Li gathered him into his embrace, pressing a kiss upon his forehead.

Seeming to draw strength from his embrace, Xie Jianwei continued, “They wanted Xie Zhiwei to take my place, so they couldn’t leave behind any witnesses. Mother was the greatest hidden threat. I was not a concern, but Mother could have exposed everything.”

Hearing up to this point, Lu Li essentially knew the rest of the story. Unable to bear making him relive it, he said softly, “I understand.”

Yet Xie Jianwei seemed to have bottled it up for far too long, this confession dragging out all the buried agony at once. Clutching Lu Li’s clothes tightly, he finally broke down, weeping uncontrollably, “Xie Zhiwei murdered my mother. It was him… it was him… with his own hands…”

Lu Li’s heart twisted with acute pain. He pressed gentle, scattered kisses against his forehead, his voice as soft as seaside sand, “He will reap what he sowed. Mother cannot return, but Xie Zhiwei will certainly go to hell.”

Xie Jianwei calibrated the measure with great precision, drawing pure hatred onto Xie Zhiwei, making Lu Li want to destroy him without driving the hatred so far that he would drag things out with torture.

While forcing someone to suffer a fate worse than death was more agonizing, Xie Jianwei merely wanted Xie Zhiwei dead as quickly as possible.

Xie Zhiwei was entirely oblivious right now, having no idea what stage this dream had reached, and only under such circumstances could he be eliminated cleanly.

If he were alerted and put on guard, he would still retain the ability to strike back.

Even if the identity of Xie Zhiwei lacked power, the will of that entity could alter the dream world.

God knew what bizarre trouble might erupt then.

Therefore, making Xie Zhiwei kick the bucket as fast as possible was the only sensible move.

Military Advisor Xie never dragged his feet, and letting a target deliver a parting speech before killing them only ever happened on television and in novels.

Lu Li had been personally trained by Xie Jianwei, and having been baptized in the most brutal wars, he handled matters with ruthless efficiency.

Within a mere two days, Xie Jianwei saw the news of Xie Zhiwei’s death online.

The Xie family had been brought to justice, but the whereabouts of their massive embezzled fortunes remained unknown. Investigators had kept a close tail on Xie Zhiwei, and this last remaining member of the Xie household, after lying low for so long, finally grew restless and showed his hand.

Investigators moved in for an urgent arrest to seize the astronomical illicit funds behind him, only for Xie Zhiwei to get into a car crash in his frantic flight.

A sports car was flattened into a mangled pulp by a heavy truck, leaving Xie Zhiwei crushed beyond recognition.

The man was dead, but fortunately, the location of the illicit funds had been uncovered.

With that, the Xie family corruption scandal came to a definitive close.

Having read the news, Yan Ke let out a huge sigh of relief, “Getting rid of this thing was actually quite easy.”

Yet Xie Jianwei showed not the slightest trace of relaxation on his face.

Yan Ke asked, “With Xie Zhiwei dead, it died as well, right?”

The theory should hold water. After all, it worked for Lu Li’s split personalities, so since it was attached to Lu Li’s psyche, there was no reason it wouldn’t apply here.

Xie Jianwei concurred, “Yes, it’s dead.”

Yan Ke asked, “Then what are you worried about?”

Xie Jianwei said, “One died, but there are still several left.”

Yan Ke felt a chill in his heart as understanding dawned on him, “You mean…”

Xie Jianwei said, “It clearly split alongside Lu Li’s personalities.”

Yan Ke was struck speechless.

“It doesn’t matter,” Xie Jianwei remarked, “at worst, I’ll just kill it a few more times.”

As long as its existence was identified, everything was manageable.

Xie Jianwei was never short on patience.

With no lingering threats left in this dream, Xie Jianwei’s health stabilized half a year later. Although still within the two-year observation period, he no longer needed to remain hospitalized.

Around this time, the film starring him and Lu Li hit the theaters.

Hosenfeld invited them to attend the premiere together.

Closely guarded by Lu Li, Xie Jianwei watched the screening by his side.

Although they had known the plot all along, filming had occurred in scattered fragments scene by scene, making it hard to envision how everything would connect together.

Only now upon viewing the final cut did the whole picture become clear.

Watching the film from an actor’s perspective evoked a unique sensation. While each frame formed a wondrous tale for the audience, to the actors, it was a tapestry of memories.

The filming process had been grueling yet full of joy, and now with their sweat spent, sitting side by side to behold this finished work brought a profound fulfillment that only they could comprehend.

Xie Jianwei whispered to Lu Li, “You acted wonderfully.”

Lu Li replied, “You acted even better.”

Yan Ke thought, enough, you two!

Xie Jianwei stole a quick kiss, and Lu Li clasped his hand in the dark.

Yan Ke felt the urgent need to sever the connection, this public display of affection setting his teeth on edge.

Upon release, Star Wars earned widespread acclaim. Although not the type of genre film favored by awards ceremonies, box office revenues skyrocketed across every region. Setting aside Hollywood stars, the only two Asian faces in the cast proved to be an absolute revelation.

In particular, the chemistry between Xie Jianwei and Lu Li drove fujoshi fans wild on the spot.

Good heavens, a textbook queen shou paired with a loyal dog gong!

And with a tragic hidden backstory to boot!

Holy hell, that final scene made me weep like an idiot, dying together for love was way too tear-jerking, ahhhh!

Xie Jianwei skimmed these comments and quietly dropped a like on the last one.

Exactly, him dying was plenty, why drag his Big Li down off the cliff with him?

What nonsense writing, Hosenfeld was blacklisted forever!

Yet Hosenfeld was an amusing old fellow after all, sending a small gift to Xie Jianwei and Lu Li along with a card.

“Xia and Li in the film were your substitutes. They died once on your behalf, so your lives together are destined to be blissful and carefree.”

That hideous Chinese handwriting and forced interpretation…

Still, Xie Jianwei kept the card, tucking it inside his favorite book as a bookmark.

Following Star Wars, Xie Jianwei vaulted into the A-list with endless offers and legions of fans, yet he bowed out at the peak, posting an announcement to withdraw from the entertainment industry.

He posted it directly onto Weibo, so his manager, Yan Ke, found out even later than the fans.

He tracked down Xie Jianwei in complete shock, wanting nothing more than to pry open his skull to check if it was stuffed with paste.

Xie Jianwei said to him, “You know about my health.”

Unwilling to give up, Yan Ke argued, “Haven’t you been doing great since the surgery? As long as there is no rejection over these two years, you will be completely healthy!”

Although Xie Jianwei was certain he would live a long life, his precious years were meant for romancing Big Li, so why bother entertaining the public as a celebrity?

Deciding to play his trump card, Xie Jianwei handed Yan Ke an invitation, “Next month is the wedding between Lu Li and me, make sure you attend.”

Yan Ke froze in disbelief.

Clutching the crimson wedding invitation, his face wore a dumbfounded look that practically screamed he thought he was being pranked.

Xie Jianwei patted his shoulder and said, “That is how it is. Lu Li and I are getting married. Never mind same-sex couples, even heterosexual pairs in showbiz rarely manage a quiet life, so for the sake of our marriage, we decided to step away.”

Before he could finish, Yan Ke spluttered in shock, “Y-Y-You two?!”

Xie Jianwei added, “Oh, A-Li is transitioning behind the scenes as well. He was busy enough already, so why keep acting…”

Yan Ke was left blowing in the wind.

Xie Jianwei cautioned him, “No public announcement has been made yet, so don’t spread the word.”

Yan Ke offered a bitter laugh. He wasn’t stupid, as leaking this would invite a barrage of rotten vegetables and eggs.

Seeing Xie Jianwei like this, Yan Ke knew his mind was made up.

Though feeling regret, Yan Ke felt genuinely happy for him deep down.

Who could have guessed that Xie Jianwei and Lu Li would truly find their happy ending?

While Yan Ke had doubted them from the beginning, it had stemmed from worrying about Xie Jianwei. Since Xie Jianwei had settled down, then…

Yan Ke offered his most sincere blessing, “Be happy.”

Yan Ke in his head chimed in hurriedly, “Oh my, this Yan Ke finally resembles me just a tiny bit.”

Xie Jianwei smiled and said to Yan Ke, “We definitely will.”

Two years later, Xie Jianwei had made a full recovery, leaving examining physicians astonished and declaring that across their decades in medicine, they had never witnessed such a miracle.

Although bone marrow transplants could treat leukemia, post-operative care was the true hurdle.

Many spent their entire lives dependent on medication and checkups, yet Xie Jianwei’s body seemed miraculous.

His health metrics rivaled ordinary people, looking very much set to live a long life.

Xie Jianwei smiled to himself, thinking it was indeed divine, since God was by his side.

The dream concluded on a lovely morning, and Xie Jianwei woke up back in reality.

The progression had been exceptionally steady, and Lu Li came to completely believe in their love by the third year after Xie Jianwei’s full recovery.

They spent three years of sweet bliss without a single quarrel, living in tranquil comfort every day, where no amount of affection felt like enough to express their love.

Xie Jianwei returned to being himself, yet changed considerably compared to how he had been in reality.

He cooked meals for Lu Li, sent him messages, and went on dates with him from time to time.

As long as he demonstrated his care outwardly, Lu Li’s insecurities would disperse like morning mist under the sun.

Once clear skies prevailed, this personality was fully pacified.

Awakening from the dream, Yan Ke urged him, “My Lord, you must keep this up!”

His words held a double meaning, which Xie Jianwei grasped clearly.

Keep up this efficiency in soothing Lu Li’s remaining personalities, and maintain this openness in how he treated Lu Li.

Two people in love required independence just as much as mutual reliance.

Going to either extreme would not work, and a balanced fusion was the true secret to staying together.

Love was not a matter of a fleeting moment, but a lifetime.

Since they intended to walk an entire lifetime together, some wisdom had to be invested along the way.

Lu Li seemed somewhat exhausted when he woke, rubbing his temples as he said, “Did I sleep for a long time?”

Xie Jianwei talked nonsense with a straight face, “You probably slept too little.”

After all, with a string of personalities each taking turns for a few hours, twenty-four hours in a day was hardly enough.

Lu Li fell silent for a moment.

Xie Jianwei changed the subject, “Hungry? Let me make breakfast for you!”

Kneeling on the bed with his loose collar drooping down, a generous stretch of fair skin was bared. Catching sight of that hint of pink, Lu Li said in a low voice, “Quite hungry indeed.”

In high spirits, Xie Jianwei said, “I’ll go get it ready.”

Unfortunately, before he could stand, Big Li pressed down, biting gently onto that delicate fruit, “Fruit first.”

Tickled by his touch, Xie Jianwei murmured, “No messing around in broad daylight.”

Lu Li made a hand gesture, and the curtains shut automatically. With sunlight blocked outside, the Lord Marshal acted shamelessly, “It’s dark now.”

Xie Jianwei was caught between laughter and tears.

Finding his own self-deception incomplete, Lu Li waved his hand again, flicking on all the room’s lights so he could clearly behold his breathtaking Military Advisor.

Thoroughly resigned, Xie Jianwei said, “Hurry up then, don’t delay breakfast.” As he spoke, his legs wrapped around his waist.

The Lord Marshal’s heart skipped a beat, skipping foreplay entirely to strike right to the core.

Needless to say, breakfast was out of the question, and lunch was off the table as well. The Lord Marshal downed a nutrient pack before heading to work, while Military Advisor Xie soaked in warm water to ease his exhaustion.

Military Advisor Xie reflected that he truly could not indulge this scoundrel in bed. Without teasing him, he was already insatiable, and teasing him slightly turned him into a lion in heat.

Still, Xie Jianwei could not help curving his lips upward. After being teased, Big Li’s undisguised impulse was truly endearing.

He remembered their very first time on that barren planet, when Lu Li had been so nervous he couldn’t even find the right entrance.

Cough cough…

Remembering those times, Xie Jianwei’s cheeks flushed slightly.

In truth, Xie Jianwei had known from the very beginning that Lu Li harbored feelings for him. It wasn’t reverence toward a mentor or devotion to an elder, but desire, accompanied by sexual attraction.

There had only been the two of them on that barren planet, with nothing to care about each day except watching each other.

Xie Jianwei’s mind had been an immense library. He taught him countless subjects, and Lu Li learned rapidly, proving exceptionally gifted in military tactics, grasping points instantly while offering unique insights that often impressed Xie Jianwei.

They were actually mutually drawn to one another.

Lu Li possessed the vitality and drive that Xie Jianwei lacked.

Xie Jianwei possessed the knowledge and wisdom that Lu Li yearned for.

During those years on the barren planet, Lu Li gained a new future from Xie Jianwei, while Xie Jianwei found the strength to keep living from Lu Li.

Therefore, when Lu Li directed that kind of gaze toward him, Xie Jianwei had not rejected it at all, finding it rather fascinating instead.

Lu Li wanted him, and when he looked at him with eyes brimming with hunger and possessiveness, Xie Jianwei had even felt a spark of desire himself.

Perhaps in Lu Li’s eyes, he had harbored perverse intentions, unable to resist pushing Xie Jianwei down, violating his own savior.

Yet from another perspective, had it not been Xie Jianwei’s deliberate seduction all along?

From the moment he first detected Lu Li’s burning gaze, Xie Jianwei had never refused him, even deliberately inviting him to bathe together, deliberately sharing a bed, and deliberately holding him tight on freezing nights.

How could a hot-blooded youth possibly endure such temptation?

Lu Li holding out for two months was already a remarkable feat.

The final boundary had shattered when the apple trees blossomed, clusters of tiny white flowers covering the branches like fallen clouds, fluttering petals swaying in the breeze.

Xie Jianwei had marveled, “So beautiful.”

Yet Lu Li had eyes for no flowers, seeing only Xie Jianwei, who was thousands of times lovelier than any blossom.

Xie Jianwei had smiled, “Actually, apples taste quite good…”

Before the words finished, Lu Li had surrendered to impulse, capturing his lips in a kiss.

That had been their very first kiss, amidst floating white clouds, walking along the horizon, tasting each other’s first embrace.

Innocent, clumsy, and laced with a faint fragrance.

It seemed like a blessing granted by the blossoming trees, scattering sweetness throughout the air, praising their fortunate encounter.

By the time they parted, both had been breathless.

Lu Li’s dark eyes had flickered with unease.

Yet Xie Jianwei had leaned closer, whispering, “Want to do it?”

His voice had been like a siren’s song, instantly ensnaring Lu Li.

The two had tangled on that lonely planet, with the sky as their blanket and the earth as their bed, rising and falling alongside the drifting mist of petals.

Xie Jianwei thought back to the bashful, inexperienced Lu Li of those days, remembering his tentative care during their first union, and how anxiously he asked if it hurt.

A wisp of pale fluid drifted through the warm water.

Xie Jianwei stood up abruptly, his pale skin flushed rosy pink.

The water was not hot enough to scald him; he was merely flushed with embarrassment at himself.

After spending the night and morning indulging repeatedly, how could merely thinking back to those memories make him… make him…

He truly had no right to accuse Big Li of being unruly!

Xie Jianwei hastily drained and scrubbed the tub, taking a quick shower before stepping out fully dressed.

It was already afternoon outside, and checking the time, Xie Jianwei felt it was about time to prepare dinner.

Heading into the kitchen with enthusiasm, he ended up startling the housekeeping AI units preparing dinner.

A sweet-looking little AI unit approached and asked, “My Lord, do you have any instructions?”

Xie Jianwei wanted to say he would make dinner, but swallowed the words back down. These little AI units were simple-minded, focused entirely on nutritional balance. The kitchen was their sanctuary, and an unexpected intrusion from Xie Jianwei would only cause them distress, likely sending them sneaking back to the factory requesting maintenance, which was rather pitiful to imagine.

Xie Jianwei could only say, “Nothing, just browsing.”

The little AI units perked up again, babbling about how balanced their meals were, how beneficial they were to the health of the Lord Marshal and Military Advisor, and how fresh and exquisite the ingredients for tonight’s apple pie were, and how after eating it they would…

Xie Jianwei: “….”

Extracting himself from the chattering AI units, his mind turned toward another matter entirely.

Speaking of which, he used to be quite irresponsible. The little AIs’ programs were all set by him, ticking the boxes for nutrition first, health second, fresh ingredients, and reasonable taste.

But to think he hadn’t specifically set Lu Li’s preferences.

Something like apple pie would only be left untouched once it reached the table.

No matter how well-made, nutritious, or amazing it was, it was useless. Lu Li didn’t eat apples.

Xie Jianwei suddenly felt a bit ashamed. He really couldn’t blame Lu Li for overthinking things. From this alone, one could see Xie Jianwei’s lack of attention.

It wasn’t that he didn’t know Lu Li’s tastes, but rather that he hadn’t taken them to heart.

However, thinking about it now, he shouldn’t have ignored these small matters.

The expression of affection shouldn’t be limited to big things. The small details of daily life were even more important.

Previously, Xie Jianwei hadn’t paid attention, but now that he knew, he would definitely change!

He first adjusted the little AIs. Apple pie could be made, but only in a single portion, since he himself quite liked eating it.

While performing the setup, the little AI said shyly that it was so embarrassing, as previously it was always the Lord Marshal opening its chest, and this time it was the Military Advisor.

Xie Jianwei was speechless.

The little AI’s settings interface was on its chest. Opening its chest simply meant configuring it.

Hearing this, Xie Jianwei immediately checked the history logs, and then grew even more ashamed.

Lu Li had configured them quite a few times, making timely adjustments according to the changing seasons. The flavor preferences were all tailored to Xie Jianwei. He had even subscribed to a development system. Whenever top chefs across the galaxy created delicious new dishes, they would sell the recipes. By subscribing through the AI, one could taste almost the exact same delicacies.

Xie Jianwei hurriedly added all of Lu Li’s preferences.

After doing all this, Xie Jianwei still felt it wasn’t enough. He thought for a moment and came up with another idea.

Although ancient-style kitchens had all become antiques used for exhibitions.

Xie Jianwei had stayed in the dreamscapes for a long time anyway, so replicating these things was truly not difficult.

It didn’t take long for Xie Jianwei to gather all the pots and pans.

He also ordered fresh ingredients on the Star Network, tied on an apron, and got to work.

Lu Li was in a good mood when he returned. As soon as he walked into the house, he heard an unusual sound.

The chopping board was being struck with rhythmic thuds, oil sizzled in the pan, and a spatula clinked against metal.

The familiar yet distant sounds made Lu Li freeze.

He walked into the space that was supposed to be a guest room and saw Xie Jianwei.

Xie Jianwei was wearing a light-colored shirt with the cuffs rolled up to his elbows, revealing pale, delicate forearms with beautiful lines.

He expertly maneuvered the spatula, flipping the green vegetables.

Lu Li was practically rooted to the spot, watching without blinking.

A gentleman distances himself from the kitchen. He thought Xie Jianwei was a strict adherent to this saying. In fact, Lu Li himself was one. He could accept being covered in the smell of cooking smoke himself, but he could never imagine Xie Jianwei being in a kitchen.

It was like throwing a pristine snow lotus born in the high, freezing altitudes into a muddy swamp. It felt like a defilement.

Lu Li was just about to speak when Xie Jianwei said, “You’re back? Wait a moment, it will be done soon.”

Lu Li paused.

Xie Jianwei said, “These are all your favorites. I went through a lot of trouble to get this lobster, so no matter how it tastes, you have to eat it.”

Lu Li’s Adam’s apple bobbed, and he murmured, “You…”

Xie Jianwei had just plated the greens. He turned his head and blinked at Lu Li, saying, “If you like it, I’ll cook for you whenever I have free time from now on.”

Cook for you, cook for you. He had specifically cooked for him!

Lu Li’s heart pounded wildly. The two of them had been together for over ten years and had spent so much time together, yet whenever Xie Jianwei said a single sweet nothing, his heart would heat up as if it were about to catch fire.

Xie Jianwei finished four dishes and a soup. After bringing the food to the table, he said, “Why are you standing there like a fool? Come taste it.”

Lu Li nodded. After sitting at the table, he began to “taste” the food. Even though he was eating, his eyes seemed glued to Xie Jianwei, scorching and intense, brimming with heavy affection.

Xie Jianwei felt a sweet warmth in his heart from being stared at, though his face remained calm as he asked, “How is it?”

Lu Li thought to himself that even if it were stones, as long as Xie Jianwei cooked them for him, he would swallow them without hesitation and praise them to the high heavens.

Xie Jianwei nudged him. “Is it good or not?”

“It’s delicious,” Lu Li said. “It’s the best I’ve ever eaten.”

Xie Jianwei laughed, “Enough, you sweet-talker.”

“Really,” Lu Li suddenly lowered his voice. “It is truly incredibly delicious.”

Xie Jianwei’s heart felt both sweet and sour. It was sweet because Lu Li truly loved him, and sour because he realized just how deeply Lu Li loved him.

Loving someone too much could truly make one’s heart ache.

Because all his joy, anger, sorrow, and happiness were tied to this single person.

Fortunately, he loved him too, so he would definitely not let such devotion go to waste.

After spending a day in reality, Lu Li felt entirely as if he were in a dream.

Xie Jianwei didn’t dare stay too long. Because the frequency of Lu Li’s personality shifts was noticeably different now, staying too long would likely make him notice something was wrong.

The treatment was currently going smoothly, and there absolutely could not be any mistakes.

Yan Ke returned gracefully after wiping his younger brother’s hard drive.

Xie Jianwei asked him, “What is your brother’s pen name?”

Yan Ke said, “I think it’s something like Shorty.”

Xie Jianwei was speechless.

Yan Ke waved his hand and said, “Tell me, a guy who writes erotica calling himself Shorty instead of Long, how stupid is that.”

Xie Jianwei remained speechless.

Yan Ke wore the expression of a seasoned veteran. “Hehehe, can a man even satisfy anyone if he’s too short?”

Xie Jianwei thought it was best not to explore the world of young people, as it was full of pitfalls.

A new round of treatment began. Xie Jianwei currently had two tasks. One was to kill the entity attached to Lu Li’s personalities, and the other was to pacify Lu Li’s personality.

The former had to precede the latter. If he pacified Lu Li’s personality first without killing the entity, it would likely stir up trouble again.

But what exactly this entity was required probing and exploration.

In the last dream it was Xie Zhiwei, but in this dream, it was hard to say who it would be.

But it didn’t matter. As long as enough bait was laid, it would definitely take the hook.

As the saying went, Military Advisor Xie never lacked patience.

After preparing the magnetic field, Yan Ke said, “My Lord, it is about to begin.”

Xie Jianwei replied, “Okay.”

After a slight moment of disorientation, Xie Jianwei opened his eyes.

Yan Ke’s voice rang out right on cue, “It’s so dark…”

It was quite dark, extremely dark, so dark he couldn’t see his hand in front of his face.

Xie Jianwei tried hard to adapt to the darkness, but he still couldn’t see anything clearly.

Where was this? And what was going on with him?

Xie Jianwei tried to reach out and touch his surroundings, but he found that he couldn’t even feel the existence of his own hands.

Yan Ke cried out in alarm, “My Lord! You look like a cloud of black mist!”

Xie Jianwei was rendered speechless.

What kind of bizarre dream was this.

Yan Ke’s perspective was slightly different from his. He had somewhat of a god’s-eye view. Although he couldn’t see far, he could clearly see Xie Jianwei in front of him.

It was pitch black here, with no end in sight and no source of light. However, this darkness didn’t feel oppressive. Instead, it made one feel quite secure, like sleeping on a soft bed, leaving the mind in a highly relaxed state.

Xie Jianwei felt this way, but Yan Ke was as anxious as an ant on a hot pan, yelling, “Did something go wrong with the magnetic field? Did we enter the wrong place? What is going on with this dream? Could it be that the Lord Marshal isn’t dreaming?”

Xie Jianwei calmed him down, “It’s fine. I was watching when you operated it, there are no issues.”

Yan Ke didn’t trust himself, “But what is the situation right now?”

Xie Jianwei said, “Let’s wait and see.”

He ended up waiting for quite a long time. He waited so long that Yan Ke managed to calm down and was about to cut the connection to go out for some fresh air…

Right at that moment, it suddenly grew bright before Xie Jianwei’s eyes.

Actually, describing it like that wasn’t entirely accurate. The scenery entering his vision was still lacking light and somewhat gloomy.

But compared to the complete darkness from before, the current brightness, which allowed him to distinguish objects, was already a cause for celebration.

Xie Jianwei had just adapted to it when he heard someone beside him whisper, “My Lord, welcome back.”

Xie Jianwei turned his head and saw a line of figures in black kneeling on the gleaming dark marble.

Yan Ke said in surprise, “Oh my goodness, it looks like another extraordinary dream.”

Xie Jianwei raised his hand and said naturally, “Rise.”

The faces of the black-robed figures were all hidden beneath their cloaks. They kept their heads bowed and hands respectfully restrained.

Xie Jianwei looked around.

This was a typical Gothic-style building, with layers of advancing doors and dense arrays of reliefs. Even if the meanings they conveyed couldn’t be seen clearly, a sense of mystery permeated the towering, austere grand hall.

The windows in the side corridors were massive, both tall and wide. Instead of colorful stained glass, they featured monochromatic, solemn black patterns carrying a sense of oppression and death.

Originally, the purpose of stained glass windows was to bring light and hope to a building, but at this moment, these windows seemed to be haunted by evil spirits, blocking the light, severing hope, and leaving the entire hall steeped in the silence of death.

Xie Jianwei felt that his identity this time was probably not going to be very pleasant either.

He lowered his head slightly and saw that he was also wearing a black robe, with silver-frost-like hair entwined within the black.

Yan Ke hurriedly described the scene he saw to Xie Jianwei.

Silver hair and a black cloak. What did this represent?

Someone up ahead said to Xie Jianwei, “My Lord, please come this way.”

Xie Jianwei followed behind, walking through a long corridor until he arrived at a side hall.

The door to the side hall was silver-gray, entwined with black brambles that looked as though touching them would draw blood.

Yet the person guiding Xie Jianwei raised a hand and touched those sharp thorns. Xie Jianwei frowned, but the expected blood did not flow out. The person’s hand was clearly pressing against the brambles, yet remained completely unharmed.

It seemed they weren’t human.

Xie Jianwei arrived at this conclusion.

After the door opened, Xie Jianwei felt an intense sense of familiarity before he even stepped inside, as if something was waiting for him there.

What was it?

Xie Jianwei walked through the door. In an instant, candles lit up all around the pitch-black room. In the dim, eerie light, a massive scythe hovered arrogantly and ostentatiously in mid-air.

Xie Jianwei remained silent.

Yan Ke was struck by how cool it looked, exclaiming, “Oh my god, a Grim Reaper?”

Xie Jianwei sighed, “Lu Li really knows quite a bit.”

Immediately after, the scythe seemed to have noticed him, actively delivering itself into the palm of his hand.

Xie Jianwei gave it a grip. He had thought this massive thing would be incredibly heavy and unwieldy, but it was surprisingly easy to handle.

Yan Ke was completely starstruck, saying, “Good heavens, that looks ridiculously cool!”

Xie Jianwei already had a cool, aloof appearance. Now, clad in a deep black cloak with silver hair falling casually over his chest, paired with the magnificently eye-catching giant scythe…

The entire composition was both beautiful and wicked. It was filled with formidable power and overflowed with dark charm.

The black-robed figures outside the door knelt on one knee, saying, “Congratulations on your return to your rightful place, My Lord.”

Xie Jianwei nodded. After he let go of the scythe, the massive blade floated obediently right behind his reach, as if possessing a consciousness of its own.

Xie Jianwei understood his identity.

A Grim Reaper.

A god who reaped souls and pronounced death.

Xie Jianwei walked around, planning to familiarize himself with the terrain, only to run into an acquaintance.

The newcomer was tall. The same black robe looked cool and ascetic on Xie Jianwei, but on this person, it looked casual and entirely unrespectable.

Yan Ke let out an “Oho,” saying, “Admiral Loren is making a guest appearance again.”

Indeed, the newcomer was none other than Loren. Behind him also floated an exaggerated scythe, but unlike Xie Jianwei’s magnificent and exquisite one, his was rugged and wild, full of a bandit-like aura.

Xie Jianwei thought to himself that this scythe matched Loren perfectly.

Loren was clearly an old acquaintance of Xie Jianwei’s, asking, “Going to pick up a mission right after waking up? You sure are dedicated.”

Xie Jianwei looked at him impassively.

Loren added, “You know, why don’t you get a familiar to attend to you? Doing everything yourself, don’t you get tired?”

What on earth was a familiar? Xie Jianwei continued to stay silent.

Loren chuckled and said, “How about I lend you my familiar to use? I just recently took in a very cute little guy.”

With a snap of his fingers, a baby-faced young man appeared out of thin air.

Xie Jianwei remained silent.

Yan Ke gasped, “Oh my god, is that me?”

Indeed, Loren’s very cute little familiar looked exactly like Yan Ke.