Academic gathering with a lich-Chapter 262: Easter Egg - : The Sword Transcendent

Into the Land of Illusory Dreams, unreachable by the mortal world.

Branches stretched freely, graceful and delicate, as the dancing shadows of trees guided the escaped specks of light from their affection, illuminating the robe of the person sitting cross-legged in the forest. A gentle breeze caressed, brushing the sleeves and long hair to dance amidst the greenery.

It was a man with a serene face, the corners of his lips turned up in pride as if he had uncovered the secrets of the heavens. His proud and wilful posture showed no concern for worldly matters. Those long, pointed ears revealed his identity—an Elf. Breath held, aura serene, like an immortal or a chivalrous hero. His eyes were closed, slender fingers caressing the treasured sword resting on his knees.

The wind, it changed. A leaf caught in a sick breeze twirled as if a butterfly in the air.

In the gaps of his disheveled hair, hidden eyes moved slightly.

Clang!

That was the sound of a fingernail grazing the sword, humming like a plucked string, a streak of light danced upon the blade, transforming into a sharp Wind Blade that cleaved the leaf in twain.

The man opened his eyes, the self-satisfied pride pouring out from the windows of his soul. A feverish flush tinged his face.

"My heart, like my sword, cuts through all."

Damn it, he was charmed by his own coolness. The man let out a heavy sigh, a marker already quietly floating in the void above his head, just like a character tag.

It read [Dream of Daily Ten Thousand Words].

Yes, this was a virtual reality game world. When the Emerald Dragon Priest Eason bestowed the Giant Dragon’s blessing upon the Dream Elves once more, a new technology that integrated the Dream Elves’ ability to enter dreams was born—virtual reality technology. In the Land of Illusory Dreams, you can experience a new life, new everything.

This man named Dream of Daily Ten Thousand Words was a Professional, a Professional Ronin, and his specialty was that of a Wind Swordsman.

As the man indulged in the aura surrounding himself, another man with flowing robes approached him slowly. This newcomer looked considerably younger than the Dream-named man, and the bold words floating above his head read [Johnnie Walker].

The Dream-named man glanced over, continuing to pose as a sage.

"Johnnie."

The man stood behind him, gazing at his silhouette, his hands clasped in a fist, yet his expression was dark.

"Dream Master."

The Dream-named man smiled faintly.

"Johnnie, your heart is in turmoil. A person with a turbulent heart cannot grasp the sword. You still have much to practice."

Johnnie let out a breath, as if trying to exhale all the frustrations within him.

"Dream Master, you’re right." Before the Dream-named man could continue, Johnnie interrupted, "Master, I won’t wield a sword anymore. I’m going to trade all my Wind Swordsman gear to you now, in gratitude for your guidance. I’ve decided to switch to a Knight. Life is unpredictable, we shall meet again in another life." 𝒻𝓇𝑒𝘦𝘸𝑒𝒷𝓃ℴ𝑣𝘦𝑙.𝒸ℴ𝘮

The Dream Master’s jaw dropped in shock. "Ah?... Ah?!!... Ah??!!!" The aura of a master could no longer be maintained; he rose from the ground, turned around, and looked at Johnnie, who was busy manipulating his inventory, removing his equipment.

"No, let’s talk this out, Johnnie, what upset you? Are you being hunted? Isn’t that just a Wind Swordsman’s everyday nuisance? Or is griefing no longer satisfying for you? Don’t be hasty, we’re not just brothers, we’re even closer than that. Speak your troubles, and we’ll find a solution together."

Johnnie stopped his actions and looked at the Dream Master with a moved expression.

"Dream Master."

"Yes?"

"A girl confessed her feelings to me."

"..."

"That girl happens to be the one I’ve been secretly in love with, so I’ve decided to start a relationship with her. We’ve talked about it, and she says that playing as a Wind Swordsman is lacking in manly virtues. I want to fulfill this little request of my girlfriend. So, I’ve decided to switch to a Knight. I’m going to forfeit today’s sword control competition and spend time with her. She’s really... really a good girl. She’s a Druid, and she told me that to make up for me, she’s willing to shape-shift and train in riding skills with me. I’m so moved, it’s true love!!!"

"Dream Master, you’ll bless us, won’t you?" Johnnie’s face wore a smile as bright as blossoming flowers.

"..." The Dream Master’s face was hidden in his disheveled hair, unexpressive. Only the wind-blown strands of hair expressed his thoughts.

The Dream Master let out a light sigh.

"Johnnie, you’re in the midst of a spiritual hindrance, and you’re oblivious to it." The Dream Master’s expression was serious, his complexion somber, looking at Johnnie as though he were looking at a terminally ill patient.

"What... what?" Startled by such a shocking declaration from the respected Dream Master, Johnnie also started to panic.

"I said you’ve been bewitched! That girl, she is your Heavenly Demon! The Heavenly Demon that blocks the path ahead of you!"

"Heavenly Demon, the demon in immortal cultivation stories that destroys one’s Dao heart? No! It can’t be! Xia Ya, she’s a good girl."

"Fool! You’re deep in a love tribulation, and you don’t even know it! Let me awaken you!" The Dream Master’s expression was stern as he circled Johnnie a few times before speaking.

"Love is actually just a chemical reaction formed in the mind during the life’s reproductive drive, letting it manipulate your brain only turns you into a beast driven by instinct. That girl doesn’t actually occupy a big place in your heart."

"No, I like her."

"Really? Between your girlfriend and the game, which will you choose?"

"I want both!"

"... When you meet the girl, do you think of the happy times with the Wind Swordsman?"

"Of course, when we meet, that’s when I lure the mobs to trap her. The time she confessed to me, she was in her soul form after a corpse run, talking to me."

MD, what’s with this kid? How can this even work?

"And when you’re roaming the Land of Illusory Dreams as a Wind Swordsman, do you ever think of her?"