tln : i just finished my work test entrance, it was such a letdown. Sorry for the delay…

In My Dreams, You Are With Me

Although Gu Caihe spoke harshly, the treatment given to Qin Gou and the other external disciples was exceptional. After their meal, each male disciple was assigned an independent spirit-gathering cave. The spirit-gathering formations engraved around these caves were of the highest grade—better than most of what the Seed Demon Holy Sect could offer.

—

“Brother Qin, I’m so glad I came with you to the Mystic Maiden Palace. This place is heaven!” Chen Keshua exclaimed, his chubby face glowing with excitement. His small eyes sparkled. “We’ve barely arrived, and I’ve already seen the Palace Master’s true face. Do you know how many legendary cultivators would kill for that chance? The Palace Master isn’t human—cough, I mean, she’s like a celestial goddess descended to the mortal realm! I don’t even have the words to describe how stunning she is.”

“For now, it’s heaven. Give it some time, and you might not think so anymore,” Qin Gou said, chuckling at his companion’s naivety.

—

“No way! I think the sisters here are really friendly. During dinner, several of them were staring at me for a long time. Brother Qin, do you think I might find a Dao partner here?”

“Mm, no.”

“Brother Qin!”

Qin Gou couldn’t help but laugh. “They weren’t admiring you. They were probably plotting something. Don’t underestimate the disciples of the Mystic Maiden Palace. My advice? Start cultivating seriously. With your current strength, staying here could get you killed before you even realize it.”

—

Chen Keshua’s expression turned serious. “I understand! I’ll train hard, Brother Qin. If I keep slacking off, how can I keep following you? I’d just be a burden.”

With newfound determination, Chen Keshua retreated to his side room.

—

Qin Gou smiled and nodded before entering his own room.

—

“Dreamwalker Lantern.”

A faint blue glow illuminated the room as Qin Gou carefully dripped a drop of Gu Feiyan’s blood—stored in a delicate white jade bottle—onto the lantern’s paper shade.

—

Within the dreamscape, Qin Gou dispelled the grand palace and summoned the towering Arc Moon Mountain. Pavilions and courtyards appeared, arranged in a breathtakingly intricate manner.

Taking on his true appearance, Qin Gou watched as a misty figure materialized into the graceful form of Gu Feiyan.

—

“Little Qin!” Her voice, as crisp as a songbird’s, rang out.

Qin Gou pointed to his face with a smile. “You still recognize me?”

“Of course. Do you think my Piercing Illusion Eyes are fake? I saw through your little disguise the moment I laid eyes on you,” Gu Feiyan said, giving him a playful glare.

—

Qin Gou laughed heartily. Hear that, system? Your so-called ‘Perfect Disguise Talisman’ is nothing but a cheap trick in front of Little Yan. Do you even know the meaning of the word ‘embarrassment’?

—

“Little Qin, where is this? I don’t mean the dreamscape—I mean these buildings,” Gu Feiyan asked, looking around curiously.

“This is my home, where I’ve always lived. Want me to show you around?” Qin Gou offered with a warm smile.

“Mm.”

—

“This is the martial training ground, this is the cultivation room, the artifact workshop… and this is my bedroom.”

“Your home is so big. Do you live here with your family?”

“It used to be lively, but most of the time, I lived here alone.”

“That must’ve been lonely.”

—

Hearing this, Qin Gou’s smile turned bittersweet. “It wasn’t so bad. Now that I’ve left the mountain, I can freely see the world. Let’s not talk about that. How have you been these past few days?”

—

Gu Feiyan hesitated before answering, “The first thing I did as Young Master was exile Gu Yinjiao from the sect and strip him of all his privileges and resources. Now, my reputation is even worse. They say I’m heartless, cruel, and only care about keeping a pretty boy like you around. No one dares to even breathe loudly in my presence anymore.”

“If they knew the truth, no one would blame you,” Qin Gou said gently.

“I don’t care what they think. If they fear me, all the better. When they bow and scrape before me, it’s easier to control the sect,” Gu Feiyan said with a cold, disdainful smile. “What about you? How have you been?”

—

Qin Gou realized he had been overthinking. Gu Feiyan had never been the type to care about others’ opinions. She was always the proud and dangerous flower atop a high peak, her thorns protecting a tender heart.

“I arrived at the Mystic Maiden Palace today. I was lucky enough to see Ye Qishuang right away. Other than that, nothing new.”

“Oh? The Palace Master must be stunning,” Gu Feiyan said, staring at him intently, her eyes soft.

Qin Gou shrugged. “To me, it wasn’t anything special.” After all, he had watched her grow up. Her beauty hadn’t changed—she was as radiant as ever.

—

Gu Feiyan fell silent.

Her sudden quietness left Qin Gou unsure of what to say.

—

After a moment, Gu Feiyan’s watery eyes darted away, her expression shy. “Do you… want to?”

“Want to what?”

“Idiot!” she snapped, glaring at him.

—

Qin Gou chuckled. “Are you suggesting… becoming Dao partners?”

“I read that absence makes the heart grow fonder. I was waiting for you to bring it up, but you’re as dense as a block of wood,” Gu Feiyan said, biting her lip in frustration.

—

Qin Gou gazed at her deeply, his smile tender. “Are you serious about this, Little Yan?”

“What do you mean?” she asked, her brows furrowing in confusion.

“Foolish girl.”

—

Pulling her into his arms, Qin Gou whispered softly, “I can tell you’re conflicted. You’re trying to push past your shyness for my sake, even though it makes you uncomfortable. You know this is a dream, that none of it is real. Deep down, you hate the idea of fake happiness.”

—

Hearing this, Gu Feiyan’s bright, clear eyes softened with emotion. She rested her head on Qin Gou’s shoulder, her silence speaking volumes.

—