"..."

Ji Jue turned his head and looked at him, his dazed and lost expression, and withdrew his gaze with pity.

"How many of the hells in this world are not man-made?"

.

.

"Awake?"

A gentle voice arose beside him, unhurried and leisurely.

In a daze, Wen Su opened her eyes from a long dream and saw the figure sitting by the window, a middle-aged man with a lazy smile, his smile gentle: "This time, sneaking out really caused a huge mess...

You utterly overdid it. If it weren't for me holding him back, the fourth might have already swallowed you whole."

"…Father?"

Wen Su's expression stiffened for a moment, instinctively getting up, restraining her trembling and unease.

Then, she felt her injuries... originally severe enough to tear her apart, had remarkably improved, without any aftermath, even the wisp of Dragon Fire capable of burning her soul to ashes had vanished into thin air.

Narrowly escaping death.

It's a pity that her heart couldn't muster any joy or relief, especially when that figure appeared in the safe house she had painstakingly and secretly arranged.

As if returning home, he skillfully made tea with her favorite teapot, the tea aroma wafting, rising, with a faint sweetness.

"Have a taste, I won the bet for this good tea. It's calming and extraordinarily effective for recovery." The lazy man leaning by the window beckoned her to sit over.

Holding his chin, he admired her lightly sipping the teacup, as if watching a little hamster eat sunflower seeds, gently stroking her hair:

"Honestly, I still prefer your previous rebellious look, but this claw-retracting pose is quite adorable too."

Wen Su stiffened for a moment, restraining her shoulders from shaking and twitching, summoning courage to gaze into those jet-black eyes, a perpetual glimmer of a smile in the pure darkness.

Reflecting her face.

Like gazing down upon Dust.

"Father, do you… not blame me?" Wen Su questioned.

"Blame you for what?"

Wen Zheng laughed, seemingly puzzled, yet like waiting for her confession, the smile eternally gentle.

"Blame me for accelerating the spiritual plague to the Federation, revealing Fourth Brother's plan to Sister, and… and…" Wen Su's voice paused momentarily, becoming hoarse: "and ruining your affair."

"Since you already know, what's there left to say?"

Wen Zheng still smiled.

Yet, slowly extending his hand, towards her.

His open palm seemed like boundless darkness, gradually covering all her vision, shrouding everything as if blocking the sky and the sun.

Then, curling his fingers, flicking out.

Snap!

Leaving a red mark.

"Silly words."

Wen Zheng shook his head indulgently, "Though the Huangliang Remains are precious, they aren't irreplaceable. While the Federation is troublesome, it isn't unsolvable. Besides, regardless of who wins or loses, aren't they all my children?

You are keen to participate. Why should I blame you?"

Then what is this?

A play with prey, a mockery of an overreaching rebellion, or a lofty satisfaction in witnessing a farce?

Feigning...

"Don't worry, Father isn't petty to that extent."

Wen Zheng once again extended his hand, just like when she was young, affectionately holding her up, letting her sit on his lap, then carefully combing her hair, strand by strand, meticulously braiding it.

"Parents who love their children plan deeply for them. Temporary setbacks and mistakes are nothing. I only hope you all can be stronger, stronger than me, surpassing the master."

He caressed his daughter's falling braid, telling her: "Whether it's Xiao Sheng, Xiao Wen, Xiao Duan… or you."

With full expectation and kindness.

Just like caring for a beloved experiment, always accommodating, always patient, always full of appreciation and affection.

He said, "Moreover, aren't you doing well?"

At that moment, Wen Su froze.

Staring, incredulous.

"From the very start, in this game, that child was a crucial participant, an indispensable key presence. Unfortunately, she's too stubborn, too rigid. Previously, I was worried about how to persuade her back.

As a result, completely unexpected…"

The person behind laughed, joyful and anticipating, whispering in her ear: "You've almost brought her back, haven't you?"

Wen Su, as if plunged into an ice cellar.

Stiff.

"You… from the beginning…"

"Yes, that's right, from the day you stole the original strain of the Dreamless Disease, I already knew." Wen Zheng smiled: "Rarely would my little bird want to do something actively, would be impossible not to pay attention, right?

Besides, your method actually has issues. If you truly wanted Xiao Wen to stay away from all this, you should harden your heart and completely sever ties with her.

In the end, you were only deceiving yourself, weren't you?"

Wen Su wanted to speak, but couldn't make a sound, trembling, seething with rage.

"I want to keep Sister away from all this, I want her to be cautious, I want her to be well-prepared… constantly telling myself this, in the end, you just wanted to meet her, without ever considering you would cause her death…" Wen Zheng said: "It was you who brought her back, Ah Su, well done."

"I… I…"

"It's okay, Father will forgive you, Father will also forgive her, you are both my most beloved children."

Wen Zheng embraced her, tender and generous, telling her: "She will come back."

"The rebellion period is short, and I have enough patience. Someday, that child will be back in my embrace; she will see reality, see herself…"

Wen Zheng laughed loudly, delighted: "Maybe, that prophecy, really will come true on her."

Wen Su was silent, unable to make a sound again.

Like a Puppet, stiff, with an empty mind.

Only broken echoes remained.

.

[One day, among your descendants, someone stronger than you will appear.]

Ninety-one years ago, before the previous generation's 'Heavenly Book' returned to Superior, it once prophesied for the then-yet-to-be-called 'Guide,' the Holy Fool.

Unfortunately, this prophecy also had a second half.

She said:

[—And you will die by that person's hand.]

This is the fated bad news.

Yet Wen Zheng was elated by this.

From that time, the never-married he began frequently appearing everywhere in the mortal realm, begetting and adopting many.

With all his power, fostering descendants, sparing no sacrifice or effort.

Moreover, never concealing or hiding the existence of this prophecy, but rather solemnly informing every child about its existence.

After concluding each narration, he would solemnly ask the child before him: "Will you be that person?"

No matter the answer, yes or no, he was indifferent, still providing unwavering support.

Hoping they could display talent.

To achieve something!

"After all these years, perhaps this is my closest chance to that prophecy, a matter, though still far, should be considered a critical juncture."

Wen Zheng sighed, stroking his daughter's hair, cherishing the remarkable tool, still smiling: "Let's see, I'm also very curious whose hand this game will end up in?"

"Father…"

In the long silence, Wen Su raised her head, looking at him.

For a moment, her vacant expression seemed to change.

She said, "Can I participate?"

Wen Zheng was silent, looking at her, with only a smile, gradually becoming fervent.

So comforting.

"Of course."

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