Wu Yingzong said, “Deer God, can you use the dream realm to help us recall the past events altered by the Wheel of Fate?”
“Yes, Ape God,” Mu Qingshan replied casually. “It was Xiao Kun who reminded me. I did it on Kunlun Mountain; the people involved probably regret it a bit by now.”
“Why?” Chaosheng asked curiously.
“What’s the point of knowing those past events?” Mu Qingshan said. “I don’t understand.”
Wu Yingzong said, “At least we can learn what King Mu did before, to judge the Demon Race’s next move.”
Mu Qingshan: “Do you think he’s stupid? He already suffered a defeat last time—who would repeat the failed method? Tell me.”
Chaosheng hesitated a little, unsure if he should recall past events through the dream realm, but Mu Qingshan said, “Anyway, I can’t do it right now.”
Mu Qingshan explained further, and only then did Chaosheng learn that the White Deer alone couldn’t easily perform that spell. The previous success had been in the White Jade Palace, borrowing Jumang’s spiritual qi.
Of course, if the Cyan Wolf were there too, combining the powers of the two dream realm gods would be different.
“Even without my power, you’ll dream of it,” Mu Qingshan said, “in the form of memory dreams and prophetic dreams.”
Wu Yingzong listened with a blank expression, but Chaosheng understood clearly and said, “The dream realm is a very, very difficult subject, encompassing everything and extremely complex. Even saints spend their lives without glimpsing its ultimate secrets.”
“Right,” Mu Qingshan said. “With the knowledge I inherited from the White Deer, I’ve only learned a tiny bit.”
Chaosheng: “What happened in the previous and the one before that reversal of the Wheel of Fate?”
“You really want to know?” Mu Qingshan confirmed again.
Chaosheng hesitated once more: “A little.”
“It requires spiritual qi,” Mu Qingshan looked around and said. “Not here. We’d have to wait until you return to Kunlun next time. But you’d better not. What if you remember something unpleasant and just invite trouble? Besides, I can see your dreams too. If there’s something embarrassing, you won’t say it aloud, but you’ll definitely want to make me sniff Soul-Dispersing Flower Powder.”
Chaosheng: “???”
Wu Yingzong: “…”
Chaosheng: “You saw something embarrassing? Whose? Big Brother’s?”
Mu Qingshan then fell silent.
“Why embarrassing?” Chaosheng was quite curious.
Wu Yingzong decisively changed the subject and said, “Hulü Guang?”
Hulü Guang had retracted the Heart Lamp, panting heavily, his body soaked in sweat.
A Huang observed from Wu Yingzong’s shoulder for a moment, then said, “There’s a method you haven’t tried. Hulü Guang hasn’t mastered the Heart Lamp yet—why not use external force to stimulate it?”
Wu Yingzong said, “But he’s made of mortal flesh and blood. I think we’d better…”
Mu Qingshan: “I’ve tried it once already. Hulü Guang, turn around.”
Uncomprehending, Hulü Guang turned, and the Heart Lamp Light appeared in his palm. Following Yuzhou’s guidance, he could gather the Heart Lamp Power in his palm but couldn’t fully release it.
Wu Yingzong: “Wait!”
“Just like this.” Mu Qingshan thrust both palms forward and solidly slapped them onto Hulü Guang’s back.
Hulü Guang: “Pfft—”
Mu Qingshan then poured abundant power into Hulü Guang’s meridians, instantly activating the Heart Lamp and emitting a great flash of light.
Hulü Guang: “…”
A Huang said, “Problem solved, right? See? The Deer God is impressive.”
“We can’t treat a person like a magic treasure,” Wu Yingzong said. Having spent much time with Xiang Xian, he had learned plenty and quickly advised against it. “Our magical power is too much for him to bear. A sudden surge of powerful force into his body would damage his meridians.”
“It won’t if controlled properly,” Mu Qingshan said. “With the Heart Lamp there, his meridians will repair themselves. Chaosheng, want to try?”
Hulü Guang bent over, panting for a while, and said, “It’s fine, I’m fine!”
Chaosheng: “You’ll spit blood!”
Wu Yingzong said, “Helping him infuse and clear his meridians is acceptable.”
Hulü Guang stepped forward. Wu Yingzong placed his hand on his shoulder and back, and Mu Qingshan pushed again, activating Wu Yingzong’s power. Hulü Guang immediately cried out as his body erupted in strong light, faintly resembling something enveloped in the Heart Lamp’s holy power.
“No, no,” Chaosheng said. “Stop, he’s already hurt.”
Hulü Guang nearly spat blood. After Chaosheng examined him, he used true qi to help him regulate his breathing.
At dusk, just as the group was about to head out, the Stone Lions shouted in unison, “Cai Xiang is here! Cai Xiang is here!”
Most of the companions had little experience dealing with Great Song officials, but Wu Yingzong had some. He signaled Chaosheng not to speak and handled it himself.
“Quickly invite the Prime Minister in,” Wu Yingzong instructed.
Xiang Xian had trained Wu Yingzong well. As long as he didn’t suddenly lose control over Chaosheng-related matters, he handled social interactions quite adeptly. He went to the courtyard, straightened his attire, and adopted a steady expression.
As the Prime Minister of the realm, Cai Jing had regained his position after the demonic disaster at Wansui Mountain Imperial Palace during the New Year festivities. At seventy-eight years old, he humbled himself to visit the Exorcism Division personally to see Xiao Kun and Xiang Xian, showing his sincerity.
With the Deputy Emissary and main emissary absent, Wu Yingzong didn’t invite him to sit. Upon meeting Cai Jing, he cupped his hands and said, “Prime Minister.”
Cai Jing leaned on his Immortal’s Crutch, beaming, and laughed, “Is your Master not here? We exchanged a few words in court yesterday; I’m sure he won’t take it to heart. I wanted to invite him for a drink and have a good chat.”
