Facing an Ancient God for a Year

Chapter 1246: Chapter 1244: Brain Fork

This Starry Sky Decree seems a bit overbearing.

Fu Qian could not help but inwardly praise it as he quickly straightened out the logic.

So far, all the transcendent realms he has encountered clearly take the universal comprehension of the Celestial Sphere’s movement as their foundation.

The Sleep-Aid Sword just now, the masks on the three people’s faces, as well as the unique identification method at this moment, all fully demonstrate the Decree’s control over nightmares.

Even here, everything still operates according to its rules.

Contamination or evil, they are nothing but filth that can only grow in secret.

“So how many targets in this nightmare truly need inspecting?”

Aside from his praise, Fu Qian looked around curiously; through the window, he could clearly see that this hospital was a solemn-looking multi-story building.

As a world it’s quite small, but as a dreamscape venue, it’s rather spacious.

“Twelve.”

Perhaps shocked by Fu Qian’s quick grasp of the key points, Amila confirmed his question but did not rush to speak, only after a while did she speak again.

“The workload isn’t much; if you actually find something, will you handle it on the spot?”

Fu Qian displayed an enthusiasm that matched his state particularly well, having the look of someone who enjoys a good show without worrying about the mess.

“Yes, it’s a nightmare with a very small influence, and what we most want to see is fewer and fewer people appearing here, until it completely dissipates.”

“I understand, so according to your investigation, what is the origin of this nightmare?”

Amila seemed unopposed to sharing, so Fu Qian naturally continued to inquire.

“A very peculiar antique, allegedly made from a patient’s skin into shorts, which this little club of twelve bought together, and each wore them in turn.”

Even for Amila, there was a sense of the absurd in her tone as she spoke these words.

Not bad, very spirited.

Fu Qian inwardly praised upon hearing this; indeed, humans have to find like-minded comrades.

“Look on the bright side, at least these shorts weren’t displayed in an art gallery like the nightmare of the World Within the Painting I fell into, which was much more lively than this.”

Fu Qian emphasized the word “nightmare” in his tone.

“Indeed, as far as we know, the people affected by the art gallery are at least a hundred times this number.”

Considering Fu Qian’s current persona, Amila looked completely unsurprised by his attitude.

The Celestial Sphere Sect sure has it tough!

From the approximate number of victims shared by Amila, Fu Qian could imagine what this organization was facing.

Originally everything was in perfect order, at most occasionally dealing with contaminated individuals like Harriet, but now with the sudden onslaught of nightmares, not only did they burst forth in concentration, but the total number of people involved was astonishingly high. Just the thought of how dreadful the scene would be.

To have gotten to this point in just a month, and even have the guts to continue opening the art gallery to the public, is quite impressive.

“Look on the bright side, at least you’ve got an extra pair of hands today.”

Fu Qian proudly trumpeted himself without any embarrassment.

“And now I can’t help but wonder again, what exactly do you hope for me to do? Surely you’re not just letting me experience this to be mentally prepared, then use that thing on my head next, are you?”

“Unfortunately, it’s not that simple.”

Amila sighed and did not outright deny it.

“The brain-spike has no reaction to you.”

The brain-spike, of course, refers to the Sleep-Aid Sword on the victims’ heads. As for the reaction?

Fu Qian quite naturally recalled the bright patterns on it when it was in Reginald’s hands.

So that thing also came with scanning capabilities, able to detect whether anyone nearby is troubled by nightmares?

Even without falling asleep?

Truly impressive!

“Is that directed at me or at all of us?”

In awe, Fu Qian naturally continued to ask.

“All of you.”

It seemed that Amila was no longer surprised by his keenness and admitted it after a brief silence.

“That dream world within the painting is considered one of the nightmares affecting the greatest number of people. The strange thing is, everyone, like you, retains some memory from within, but once awakened, there are no traces of a nightmare left on them.”

Her tone carried a sense of incredulity.

“Even the likes of Reysen and his wife, who have long experiences, are the same; no subsequent troubles ensued.”

“In other words, it seems to have just been a dream… except excessively long and vast.”

“Frankly, it’s reduced our workload considerably. Compared to other nightmares, we only needed to compile a list, and that’s it; no further actions required.”

Is there such a thing?

The details shared by Amila undoubtedly touched upon many secrets.

But as Fu Qian listened, he couldn’t help but frown deeply.

After all his efforts to step into a nightmare himself and wander through this quasi-reality, looking for the opportunity to return to the Church of the Dark Moon,

you’re now telling me that the world within the painting is more akin to an ordinary dream shared by many, dissipating like foam after it ends?

“Of course, considering the vast number of people, and possibly others yet to be discovered, we’ve been trying to find ways to enter it as we are now, or to confirm its complete dissolution. Unfortunately, we haven’t had any leads—until you showed up.”

Amila pointed at Fu Qian.

“A new, special victim; therefore, we need your help.”

The next moment, it was Reginald who took over the conversation.

“You don’t need to know the details for now. After we’ve satisfied your curiosity, what you need to do next is to follow us and act as required.”

This was clearly not a tone of negotiation, but one of command.

“Sure.”

Fu Qian, possessing both the admirable qualities of Caring Valley and a propensity for idling, did not mind such a minor discourtesy.

Of course, the main reason was that everyone seemed to have a common goal.

“Very well, we should head out now.”

The patient on the hospital bed was clearly in a semi-conscious state and showed no reaction to the trio’s communication. Reginald, too, didn’t spare the patient a glance, completely disinterested from the start, and simply signaled everyone to leave.

“Strange.”

However, having just taken a couple of steps, Fu Qian suddenly stopped and muttered to himself.

“What?”

This undoubtedly drew the attention of Reginald and the other, bringing them to a halt instantly.

“As believers of the Stars Association, don’t you both seem to show a rather disrespectful attitude?”

Fu Qian gestured towards the sky outside with his chin.

“I can understand not being interested in people, but from the start until now, it seems like neither of you have taken a glance outside in veneration.”

“This is why all of this is termed a nightmare… such a desecrated starsky represents the greatest blasphemy.”

Fu Qian’s explanation unquestionably gave off a feeling of being toyed with, but Reginald, after a brief silence, chose not to bicker with someone whose perceptions were clearly flawed, instead making his distaste clear with a curt remark.