Chapter Nineteen: The Mark of the Struggle

Page (1/3)

Wu let out a bitter smile, pressing the pointed rouge against his neck. Liu Shusheng knelt weakly on the ground, an iron rake poised above his head, ready to strike down. At this moment between life and death, the system’s cold notification sounded.

The time has come.

“Congratulations to the Dream Repairer for successfully defeating the Nightmare—Paradise.”

“Ahhhhhhhhhhh!”

“Ugh…”

The red circle beneath them slowly faded. The master and disciple, one clutching his right leg in pain, screaming, the other lying on the ground, vomiting yellow-green bile all around. They struggled, rolling on the floor, then suddenly burst into laughter together, filling the room with an atmosphere of joy.

Hong Lei laughed until he was exhausted, staring blankly at the ceiling, his pale lips whispering faintly.

“Wretched disciple, damn you.”

Had he known Wu’s mind was so twisted, he would never have brought him into the dream regardless of what he said.

Wu lay weakly on the ground, feeling strangely as if the system’s alert just now carried a trace of emotion—regret.

“Forget it, maybe I really have gone mad…”

“Dream Repairer has successfully completed the Paradise mission. Now restoring the Dream Repairer’s body.”

Two warm beams of light descended from above, illuminating the two of them. Where the light bathed their bodies, bones reformed, flesh regenerated!

The light on Hong Lei faded quickly; he sat up, watching Wu, who was still bathed in the glowing warmth.

“This kid… is badly injured.”

Bathed in the light, Wu vaguely saw his mother again. She was no longer mad, just sitting by the sickbed, looking at him tenderly.

“Mom…”

Tears streaming down, Wu reached out but grasped nothing.

The light slowly vanished; his vision returned to the mansion. He stared blankly at the ceiling beams, lost in thought.

Page (2/3)

“Repair complete. Now announcing the mission rewards for the Dream Repairer.”

1. Body restoration: completed.

2. Random 20 attribute points.

3. “Paradise” Grand Prize: Dream Repairer, please choose one reward from the following.

The screen split into two halves, two options glaring before Wu.

1. Dragon Claw: Transform one hand into a dragon claw, dealing massive area burst damage in a short time. (Required attribute: Faith 20; usable 3 times per hour, can be used consecutively.)

2. Battle Mark: Imprint a mark on yourself and a designated enemy.

If you deal damage to the marked enemy within 5 seconds of receiving damage, the damage you took is immediately repaired, with the healing amount based on the severity of the damage.

The mark disappears upon the death of either party. If both survive, you cannot apply the mark to another enemy. Usable once every 20 hours.

Looking at the rewards, Wu didn’t hesitate much. After a brief consideration, he clicked the confirmation button on the second screen.

Purely judging by skill, Dragon Claw’s damage was more substantial; Battle Mark had too many restrictions and seemed somewhat useless. Yet Wu chose the Battle Mark for three reasons:

1. His mind was abnormal; he would undoubtedly make many deadly enemies in the future.

2. He possessed a blade burning with an eternal flame—damaging enemies marked by the Battle Mark was like having a mobile spring of healing.

3. Wu’s Faith was only 15; even if he chose Dragon Claw, he couldn’t use it yet. Besides, the Battle Mark could be a lifesaver in chaotic battles.

No sooner had he pressed confirm than a holy beam descended from the sky, shining upon him. Instantly, sacred chants filled his ears, and Wu felt his soul purified.

The light faded slowly. Immersed in the calm aura, Wu suddenly remembered something and snapped his eyes open.

“Did those 20 attribute points get added to my Faith…?”

Gritting his teeth, Wu quickly opened his attribute panel.

Name: Wu Que.

Dream Repairer ID: 1997.

Attributes: Strength 37, Life 5, Immunity 2, Dexterity 24, Intelligence 10, Magic 0, Faith 35, Sanity -45.

“System… you son of a—”

Meanwhile, Hong Lei was unusually troubled, staring at his own screen.

His first dream entry had been extremely perilous; the entire dream team had fallen into grave danger. Following a senior’s advice, he chose the Fierce Wind Bloodline.

Page (3/3)

Gaining a bloodline on the first dream entry was rare, but everything had two sides.

The bloodline’s power significantly boosted newcomers. With the Fierce Wind Bloodline, Hong Lei instantly transformed from a powerless novice to a main combat force, successfully leading his team out of the crisis.

Yet, with great power came limitations on his combat style and skill options.

This was already his ninth dream entry; the Fierce Wind Bloodline had long since matured, making further breakthroughs difficult.

Having settled on his path early, most system rewards were related to the Fierce Wind, tasteless and hard to discard.

Now, finally facing a chance to break through, he just stared at the screen, hesitating.

1. Breeze Bloodline: Harness the power of the gentle wind, achieving healing and restoration effects. If the Dream Repairer already possesses a wind bloodline, it can exert effects at the same level.

2. Spirit of Fierce Wind: Mastery of the Fierce Wind Bloodline.

“Extremes at both ends!” Hong Lei lamented, lighting a cigarette and thinking quietly before making his choice.

“With this cursed disciple around, this dream will surely be deadly. Might as well break through or perish.”

He flicked away the cigarette butt and clicked the confirmation button on the second reward screen.

At the moment of confirmation, dark clouds suddenly gathered in the sky, followed by howling winds raging above the mansion.

The hurricane was so powerful the roof was torn apart. Wu was blown off balance, scrambling to grab the ceiling beams to keep from being swept away by the fierce gale.

The hurricane tore through the roof yet showed no sign of weakening. It surged directly toward Hong Lei with roaring fury, dust and sand swirling violently inside the house.

“Master!” Wu steadied himself, looking anxiously at the figure in the storm, shouting loudly.

“Disobedient disciple, don’t worry,” came Hong Lei’s voice through the wind. Wu heard clearly—not only his master’s usual hoarse tone but also a layered howl of wind.

The figure in the storm waved a large hand. The once fierce hurricane suddenly softened, like a cat curling up in its owner’s arms, twirling gently on the ground before slowly entering Hong Lei’s body.

The dust settled. Hong Lei stood in white robes, untouched by a speck of dust. A gentle breeze stirred his hair, like a deity descended to earth.

Wu looked at his master, a pang of frustration welling up inside.

His master may look scrawny, but his power was formidable. Wu, a handsome young pup, relied on wild, clawing attacks.

Lowering his head, he clenched his fists.

“If I can become as strong as my master, I will surely be able to save my mother.”