Part 19: Living in a dream

Fire Gu lit up many of the Walking Meat Trees, and the fire spread out to ignite many of the wild beasts' bodies. At once, life forms were crying out as the light of the flames burst out brightly. “So many delicious things, so many delicious things!” Fire Gu shouted in excitement. It was no longer weak like before; it was tall and imposing. There was even a hint of ruthlessness and madness in its tone. Northern Dark Ice Soul was shocked: “Fire, oh fire, how did you become so huge?” “I said, I am the least picky when it comes to food. I can eat almost anything. Fire can draw out more fire; a spark can create a forest fire.” Fire Gu shouted proudly as it answered. Suddenly, the flame rose up like a wall, moving towards Northern Dark Ice Soul. Northern Dark Ice Soul quickly took a step back. Fire Gu laughed loudly: “Oh human, do not be scared! You saved me; you are my benefactor, you are my friend. They are afraid of me, but they need me to deal with those Dream Realms, thus they imprisoned me and starved me. Only you helped me, thus you are my true friend. From now on, if you have any difficulties, you can count on me.” Northern Dark Ice Soul's heart was eased; he said happily: “That would be great, my friend.” “Friend!” Fire Gu laughed loudly. It turned into a form of a human as it opened its arms, wanting to give Northern Dark Ice Soul a hug. Northern Dark Ice Soul jumped back in fear: “Oh fire, excessive fervor is the fire of self-immolation. Let's keep a distance between us.” Fire Gu had no choice but to stop its actions. It spun around Northern Dark Ice Soul as he said: “Oh human, you are so weak, you are not fun.” Northern Dark Ice Soul was surrounded in flames; he quickly waved his hand: “Don't get too close, don't get too close. It is so hot, way too hot, leave a path open for me to walk out.” Fire Gu had to open a path for Northern Dark Ice Soul to walk out of. After he walked for several hundred steps, he looked back at the blazing sea of fire with a sigh of relief.

But at this time, a wild beast came out from the shadows behind him, swallowing Northern Dark Ice Soul in one mouthful. “That is a Dream Realm! There are so many Dream Realms; they are catching up!” Many life forms shouted as they escaped. “Quickly release my friend!” Fire Gu shouted in anger, pouncing towards the beast group of Dream Realms. The Dream Realm beast group shrunk when shone by the light of the fire; they rapidly melted like a candle. They growled and scattered all over the place. Fire Gu continued to eat along the way; it spread towards the Dream Realm that consumed Northern Dark Ice Soul. The Dream Realms were escaping, but Fire Gu was chasing behind them. Among the escaping Dream Realms, the larger their bodies, the stronger they were, and the faster they ran away. Soon, they pulled some distance from Fire Gu. As it turned out, the Dream Realms used the emotions and desires of their prey to strengthen themselves. Northern Dark Ice Soul, who was swallowed by a Dream Realm, had a huge desire to survive. At the same time, his greatest goal was to revive his father. In addition, he was filled with anxiety and was afraid he would not make it. He was also filled with guilt and regret because Desolate Ancient Moon died due to him giving her a meaning in life. One could say that Northern Dark Ice Soul was the best prey for the Dream Realms. The Dream Realm who swallowed him grew rapidly. Fire Gu growled loudly in anger, but it was getting closer to the Dream Realm. Northern Dark Ice Soul was deep inside the Dream Realm; he had fallen asleep. In his dream, he saw Desolate Ancient Moon reviving and smiling to him, calling him a good brother and saying she forgave him, and that she knew he did not do it intentionally. He saw that he was at the Door of Life and Death, successfully saving his father, Ren Zu. Ren Zu praised him: “You are indeed my good son; if not for you, father would not have revived.” Northern Dark Ice Soul's face was filled with a blissful smile. And like that, many days passed. The sea of fire was still burning intensely; it spread all over Black Heaven as it finally blocked all of the Dream Realms which were escaping. Under the burning of the flames, the Dream Realm quickly melted as Northern

Dark Ice Soul fell onto the ground, waking up from his dream. He suddenly understood that everything in his dream was fake; his happiness was not real. What he faced was a burning hot Fire Gu. But his face was filled with tears; he felt an extreme cold that was piercing into his bones. He cried out loud, questioning Fire Gu: “Why, why did you wake me up? I still want to dream; I want to be eaten by the Dream Realm.” Fire Gu reminded him helplessly: “Oh human, you must know, dreams are often the opposite of reality; they are fake.” “I don't want to listen; I don't care.” Northern Dark Ice Soul cried out as he covered his ears and shook his head. Fire Gu was anxious: “I am your friend; I do not want—” Northern Dark Ice Soul interrupted it before it finished: “Since you are my friend, you should not restrict me or obstruct me.” “Sigh...” Fire Gu let out a long sigh; it fell into silence, giving Northern Dark Ice Soul a path leading out without a better choice. Northern Dark Ice Soul quickly ran out, wanting to find another Dream Realm within the darkness to have him eaten once again.