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Join the Server[Congratulations, Host! Random task completed. Reward: 100 Star Source Points, 10 Vitality Points, Paralysis Ring +1.]
Just as Ji Wenyan followed Bai Mengze onward, the system notification finally arrived, its voice belated and jarring.
Hearing it, Ji Wenyan glanced sideways at Bai Mengze, who remained oblivious. He quickly reached out and snatched the floating white orb of light, afraid it might vanish if he wasn’t careful.
But as he walked, the orb stayed fixed ahead of him.
It didn’t seem to harbor any disappearing tricks.
Moreover, the passersby showed no sign of noticing it—clearly, only he could see the light.
He breathed a sigh of relief.
From now on, even if equipment appeared, he wouldn’t have to worry about exposure.
As the white light faded, a simple silver ring materialized in his palm.
[Paralysis Ring (Black Iron Level): Contains a powerful electric current capable of stunning an opponent. Use with caution. PS: Cooldown period of 24 hours per use. 100 Star Source Points can bypass cooldown.]
Staring at the text description floating midair, Ji Wenyan grasped the ring’s properties.
More importantly, he saw just how ruthless the system was.
Earlier, it had cost 100 Star Source Points to remove Bai Mengze’s makeup. Now, bypassing the ring’s cooldown cost another 100!
Everything required Star Source Points.
Why not just rob him outright?
He still owed the system 1,000 Star Source Points. If he kept borrowing, he’d never be able to repay!
“Ji Wenyan, what’s wrong? You suddenly look so grim. Worried about your studies?”
“I’m just not very confident…”
As Ji Wenyan pondered the system’s ruthlessness, his mood soured, and his face immediately reflected the turmoil: anger, frustration, melancholy, bitterness—even tears.
When Bai Mengze caught his complex expression, she grew concerned and spoke up, snapping him out of his resentment toward the system before she noticed anything amiss.
Ji Wenyan considered the system his secret—something he couldn’t share with anyone.
Not even his parents!
After all, modern society was fraught with dangers, both obvious and hidden.
If he revealed he couldn’t die, within a day, not only would the government come to study him, but foreign forces would also get involved.
Then he’d become a hotly contested treasure among nations—whether to laugh or cry, he didn’t know.
At that thought, Ji Wenyan resolved even more firmly to keep the system hidden to avoid immense trouble.
“Don’t think like that! Your math is excellent, Ji Wenyan. I’m sure your other subjects are just as good; you just haven’t put in the effort. Once we get to my place, I’ll make sure you study properly.”
“Mm, I’ll rely on you, then.”
“You’ve helped me so much; this is nothing! We’re almost at my home. Follow me.”
After Bai Mengze spoke, Ji Wenyan noticed the surrounding buildings—low, dilapidated houses that seemed about to collapse. Clearly, they were dangerous rental properties, fraught with safety hazards.
He understood the reasons but didn’t speak up. He silently ached for Bai Mengze’s current situation.
She had been an only child, pampered. When had she ever lived in a place like this?
Even if Ji Wenyan wanted to help, he couldn’t find a good reason. With anyone else, he’d have offered money, but Bai Mengze was stubborn—he feared that if he even suggested it, she’d punch him.
So for now, he could only keep silent.
He’d see how things developed.
As he mulled this over, they wound through crooked alleys, stepping over random piles of garbage and dirty water. The living conditions here were clearly terrible.
Ji Wenyan wanted to say something, but seeing Bai Mengze’s unbothered demeanor, he swallowed his words.
She had her pride; he shouldn’t hurt her with thoughtless remarks.
Good intentions didn’t excuse disregarding her feelings—that would be just as harmful.
Especially since Bai Mengze was immensely important to him as a cultivation partner. He couldn’t risk earning her dislike and ruining their progress.
Things were finally moving in the right direction…
“Hehe, little lady, you’re finally back! I’ve been waiting for you half the day. This Gut Alley is my turf, Scar Chen’s. A pretty girl like you shouldn’t be so stubborn! You’re so lovable—why not just give in to your big brother?”
Just as Ji Wenyan’s mind wandered, a greasy, sleazy voice cut through the air.
The sheer oiliness made him frown. This place was way too unsafe!
Bai Mengze, a girl living here—it was extremely dangerous!
Look, even thugs were appearing!
What else might happen later?
Even if she was strong, she was still a girl.
He was really worried!
He had to find a way to get her to move!
“Did I not hit you hard enough last time? Why are you back for more?”
“Hmph, your kung fu is just fancy footwork. I’m not… hey, stop! Why do you attack without warning?! I’m telling you, if you don’t give in, you’ll be sorry!”
“Oh.”
In an instant, Bai Mengze rushed over and thoroughly beat Scar Chen to a pulp.
By the time Ji Wenyan looked, the man had a black eye and a swollen face—utterly miserable.
From his words, one would think he was tough.
But Bai Mengze handled him with laughable ease.
What a weakling!
“Haha, I like women like you! I’ll call some guys to teach you a lesson, and then you’ll be mine.”
“Are you insane?”
“Humph, just you wait!”
Despite being beaten badly, Scar Chen wasn’t angry. Instead, he looked determined, with a smug smile that made one wonder if he truly had a screw loose.
Being hit that hard, he shouldn’t be smiling.
Unless he was a masochist.
After spouting nonsense that left Ji Wenyan and Bai Mengze speechless, Scar Chen hopped on his electric scooter and sped away, so fast it seemed he feared another beating.
Then Bai Mengze and Ji Wenyan exchanged glances, and without knowing who started, they both burst out laughing.
That thug was seriously dumb.
“Alright, my place is just ahead. Come on!”
“Mm.”
After that encounter, they didn’t linger. They quickly headed toward Bai Mengze’s home.
When they reached a low, squat house, they saw a plump woman in a bright red dress standing at the entrance. She was directing workers in and out, carrying out all the belongings.
The woman’s face twisted with disgust, and one hand pinched her nose as if the air was toxic.
“What are you doing?!”
Bai Mengze’s emotions flared upon seeing this. She rushed over and snatched a photo frame from one of the workers.
Inside the frame, a middle-aged couple smiled warmly, their features somewhat similar to Bai Mengze’s.
The adventure continues! If you loved this chapter, Illusionary Dream is a must-read. Click here to start!
Read : Illusionary Dream
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