Is This a Dream? . . .
The intricate process of Cha Eun Xiao's soul's destruction and reconstruction occurred at such a rapid pace that it escaped the notice of both Xuan Bing and Han Bingxue. To their perception, there was no discernible difference in his soul, appearing as though it remained unscathed.
Moreover, the intense energy coursing through him would eventually deplete, leading to the restoration of his soul's stability and his subsequent awakening, much like the previous day's events. In essence, Cha Eun Xiao's present condition stemmed from his own audacious attempt to engage with the unstable energy within his spiritual mind. His hubris inadvertently triggered the backlash of this overwhelming energy, resulting in his soul's instability and perpetual drowsiness.
Contrary to the beliefs of Han Bingxue and Xuan Bing, Cha Eun Xiao maintained a tenuous connection to reality. In the dim illumination, he sensed a presence beside him, radiating an aura of security and tenderness. Although he remained ensnared in the enigmatic phenomena affecting him, he unconsciously murmured, "Bing'er?"
Xuan Bing diligently inspected Cha Eun Xiao three times to ascertain his well-being, and as she was about to depart, she heard him utter her name.
Her heart quivered, an uncontrollable reaction when aroused.
Yet, Cha Eun Xiao was asleep. He shifted on the bed, and one of his arms instinctively encircled her waist.
Startled, Xuan Bing gently tried to free herself from his grasp. However, her actions inadvertently awakened something within him. Liberated from the mysterious influence, Cha Eun Xiao stood and, in a reflexive motion, embraced her tightly. "Bing'er, don't leave!"
Xuan Bing recoiled in fear, promptly activating the Ling Xiao Ice Art, a powerful martial technique from the Misty Cloud Palace. She employed the Shadow of Dream, casting a fog-like illusion over Cha Eun Xiao's surroundings. Her finger made contact with his forehead.
This elaborate ruse was born of necessity. She needed to convince him that he was still trapped in a dream to prevent him from delving into the reality of the situation.
Cha Eun Xiao suddenly sat up, gradually unveiling his eyes to a surreal sight. There, wearing white garments, was Bing'er, seated on his bed, encased in a shimmering mist. She appeared real yet ethereal, as though she could dissipate with the fog and vanish forever.
"I'm dreaming. Don't wake up. Please don't. I don't want this to end. Bing'er, please don't leave," Cha Eun Xiao pleaded. "Bing'er, where have you been?"
His words conveyed the profound emotions welling up within him. Even in a dream, he had to express his innermost feelings, although he feared that awakening would sever this precious connection with Bing'er.
Xuan Bing remained silent, her gaze filled with deep affection as she contemplated him. Meanwhile, her form seemed to float, resembling a departing fairy prepared to exit his dream. If she left, Cha Eun Xiao would inevitably slip back into slumber, treating the events as a mere dream. Upon waking the following day, he would harbor no suspicion about what transpired.
Suddenly, Cha Eun Xiao rose from the bed and clutched her tightly, his voice resounding with anger. "Even in a dream, I won't let you go!"
His fervent declaration was overwhelming, evoking the sensation of being awake yet entrenched in a dream. He was unwilling to relinquish the ephemeral connection, conscious that the dream would eventually conclude but unwilling to concede.
Xuan Bing found herself ensnared in his embrace, rendering her legs weak and unsteady. As she contemplated pushing him away, Cha Eun Xiao drew near, his mouth capturing her lips in an ardent kiss.
Xuan Bing's eyes registered a mingling of bashfulness and surprise. Just as she contemplated resistance, she felt Cha Eun Xiao's hands sliding beneath her clothing, exploring her supple skin.
"Now that you've returned, even if it's within a dream, I won't let you go! You belong to me!" Cha Eun Xiao declared his ownership unequivocally.
Xuan Bing released a soft, almost imperceptible moan, her strength and resolve evaporating as she remained ensconced in his tender embrace. Her eyes grew hazy and misted over, and she appeared to have lost her internal support, melting into Cha Eun Xiao's arms.
The only sensation coursing through her was the movement of his lips descending onto her own. Powerless against his fervent kisses, she surrendered, closing her eyes as he gradually removed her clothing. Soon, she felt her bare form gently placed upon the bed, while Cha Eun Xiao's bright eyes loomed ever closer.
Xuan Bing had never anticipated that utilizing the Shadow of Dream technique on Cha Eun Xiao when he was partially conscious would lead to such a dire consequence. She could not have foreseen that once he realized he was in a dream, he would act with such audacity.
"How exquisite a foe…" Xuan Bing closed her eyes slowly, and a powerful presence descended upon her.
Once again, she was embroiled in the intensity of the moment. Did she detest it, or did a part of her secretly yearn for it?
It was a night of tempestuous passion.
The following morning, Cha Eun Xiao awoke in a dazed state. Suddenly, he called out, "Bing'er!"
Frantically, he searched the room for the woman, but she was nowhere to be found. The bed remained pristine and unblemished. A unique fragrance lingered in the air, yet he couldn't identify its source.
An ephemeral night of pleasure had left no trace behind.
"Could it have been merely a vivid dream? Why did it feel so authentic?" Cha Eun Xiao puzzled over the situation.
He recalled his remarkably vigorous performance in the dream. With the assurance that it was just a dream, he had been unrestrained in his actions, even attempting certain postures he had only dared to imagine. He remembered the ethereal figure beneath him, her alabaster skin undulating in various positions defying verbal description.
That night, he had experienced an extraordinary sense of liberation, indulging in any desire and savoring every moment. When he had reached his climax, an overwhelming ecstasy had coursed through him, akin to the detonation of an entire celestial body in his mind, driving even a deity to madness.
"This dream felt...too real," Cha Eun Xiao mused, still savoring the pleasures. He moistened his lips with his tongue, a wicked smile curling on his face. "When will I have the opportunity to see Bing'er again? If I could engage in the same activities as last night's dream with her, I would have no regrets in life..."
Sitting up and preparing to dress, he felt the soreness in his muscles, particularly around his waist.
"Heavens, I mustn't indulge in such vivid dreams too frequently... It's painful," Cha Eun Xiao sighed, acknowledging the ache. "Just a single wet dream, and I'm already in this state. If it were to happen in reality, I shudder to think how much it would hurt. Indeed, 'sex kills' – how very true!"