New concept of the mysterious way to ascend to immortality

Chapter 181 [The Great Heist at the Star Bank!]

He wasn't deeply disappointed after learning that he couldn't establish a location connection between "Brewing Banned Beverages" and "Cockroach Village" in the Nightmare Layer.

Even the more professional Nightmare School prohibits such violations, so it's a bit too absurd that a random underground bar in Running City could solve this problem.

At this moment, A-Miao suddenly offered a suggestion: "Don't be too pessimistic. If this cooperation can be maintained in the long term, you will continue to provide me with high-quality 'Nightmare Contaminated Mushrooms,' and I will also provide customers with special beverages in a stable manner. Over time, we will be able to use [Nightmare Wine] to erode and mark the minds and dreams of these drunkards. Eventually, an unstable 'collective dream' will be formed at night."

Yuan Zhu: "What is 'Group Dreams'? Is it related to 'Dreamland'? What is its use? Have you heard of Dream Creek?"

Meng Xiyue shook her head: "I can only understand it literally; I don't have much knowledge of the field of 'dreams.' This Miss Miao seems to know a lot about them?"

Ah Miao waved her hand without any modesty: "I don't actually know much either, I just have more experience and broader knowledge than you. In the underground world, evil gods often try to invade reality, win over believers, and expand their influence. And 'dreams' are the simplest and most covert method."

According to A-Miao, 'nightmare pollution' is a force that can easily stimulate the mind and soul and cause distortions in dreams.

Those illegal drinks brewed with Nightmare Mushrooms, lacking proper safety checks and elimination processes, are more likely to erode and distort dreams, bringing about extrasensory experiences.

If a large number of people in a small area drink a particular 'beverage', it will erode and permeate the 'dreams' of hundreds or thousands of people at night, and symbols with the same polluting properties will appear in their 'dreams'.

For example: a brightly colored red balloon that appears to float out of nowhere; a children's tricycle painted green, unridden, but with its pedals constantly spinning...

Similar, strange, and identical things appear in every dream, attracting the attention of the dream consciousness and creating resonance.

Originally, each person had their own dream, but due to the same 'nightmare contamination (symbol)' and their close proximity, they easily resonated with each other, leading to the merging of their dreams.

Using these symbols (nightmare contamination) as intersections, a shared dream/group dream is created in a shared mode.

This [collective dream] will be far more powerful than a single dream, capable of penetrating the edges of the dream and connecting to the [Nightmare Dimension]. Furthermore, by sending powerful signals, it will connect with the source of the 'Nightmare Contamination,' drawing [gods and demons] to descend upon the dream and preach.

A-Miao: "Since the [Spirit Realm] has become increasingly solidified, it has become difficult for some weaker corrupting demons to directly influence souls in the mortal world through dreams. As a result, they have evolved to subtly infect ordinary people on a large scale through 'illegal drinks,' which accumulate over time to form stronger and more distinct [group dreams], and then descend to project their influence and impart their teachings in dreams. This method is often intertwined with [underground sacrifices]. Many illegal societies will drink special drinks together during sacrificial rituals, offering sacrifices while reducing the difficulty of 'divine descent' in dreams."

Little Spicy Strip nodded repeatedly: "Big Brother, the knowledge she shared is very valuable! It can be incorporated into the [Sacrifice Ritual] we've collected, and we could even consider using it to replace the [Huangliang Township Team Building Party]. Consuming in Huangliang Township is too expensive, so why not designate [Cat House]'s drinks as the designated beverages for the [White Feather Society], temporarily constructing a 'group dream,' where we can also enter the dream to spread our teachings, while also avoiding the risk of being monitored."

Meng Xiyue also became interested in the description of 'collective dreams' and asked, "What is the relationship between the 'collective dreams' you mentioned and [Dreamland]? Can a 'collective dream' involving a large number of people evolve into [Dreamland]?"

In Meng Xiyue's mind, she believed that things like 'group dreams, nightmare school, dreamland'... could all be connected to the [head]!
In particular, Yuan Zhu's vision and plan for the [Shadow Domain] included a scheme to construct the [Dreamland Matrix] using multiple Shadow Demon Insects and Skull Servants. Given that the other party mentioned this, it's not impossible to use 'skull servants' to replace human heads for dreaming…

When Ah Miao heard these questions, she shook her head and said dismissively, "I don't know the answers to any of these questions. I've only seen drunkards in the shop go completely insane after encountering evil gods in their dreams due to drinking illegal beverages. I've also seen my colleagues provide special drinks to some illegal cults to assist in sacrificial rituals. A small cult even came to my door specifically requesting that I provide technical support, under the guise of distributing free food, to create 'collective dreams' for them in the slums. That's why I have some understanding of these issues."

Yuan Zhu asked with concern, "So you created 'mass dreams' in the slums?"

"No, their offer was too low; there wasn't much profit to be made. Besides, that slum was far beyond Cat Street's sphere of influence, so I refused. Also, as far as I know, [Group Dream] is not [Dreamland]. Dreamland is a real 'dream world' with a very stable structure; while dreams are just illusory bubbles that burst easily. Only a 'Group Dream' made up of a large number of dreams is slightly more solid, but it will still collapse and dissipate."

After some casual conversation, the two sides finalized the terms of the deal. Yuan Zhu needed weapons, and the other party would deliver them to Running within 10 days.

As for the delivery method, Meng Xiyue will pay the full amount first, and then A Miao will return to Running to deliver the goods. Finally, Yuan Zhu will pay the additional 'polluted materials (elixirs/medicinal herbs)' as the balance payment to increase their reputation score in [Cat House].

As for the agreed-upon 'Nightmare Mushrooms' and 'illegal fermented rice,' that's the second transaction. When A-Miao returns to Running to deliver the goods, she will provide several different 'strains,' which Yuan Zhu will take to [Dreamland] for contaminated cultivation.

Ultimately, Yuan Zhu will provide a stable supply of Nightmare Fungi, while Cat House will be responsible for brewing and sales. This will be a long-term partnership with a 30/70 profit split (Miao Qi 70%, Yuan San 30%).

...

After settling everything, both parties had eaten and drunk their fill. Meng Xiyue then suggested that they go directly to a nearby bank to pay for the weapons first, as a sign of sincerity.

Ah Miao had no objection. She tossed her braid and stood up from her seat. She interlaced her fingers behind her head, swayed her hips, hummed a little tune, and happily led the way.

Driven by instinct (DNA selection), Yuan Zhu was captivated by beauty, his gaze following A Miao's back as he looked on with admiration and a silly grin.

Meng Xiyue rolled her eyes. So what if her legs are a little longer, her breasts are a little bigger, and her face is a little prettier...? How can you do anything with a teammate like this?!
The three left the teahouse and went to a nearby 33-story building. This was the stop for Taixi City's 'Airship Service', where one could take an elevator directly to the 30th-floor observation restaurant and ticket counter.

You can buy tickets according to your own needs, then queue up to board the scheduled airships, fly back and forth in the sky, go to the designated ground, or enjoy the scenery from the air, or go to the 'celestial palaces' in the higher sky.

Their target this time is the Star Bank, located in District 31. Besides the bank's excellent reputation, Mengxiyue also has additional business to handle.

A-Miao praised Meng Xiyue's choice repeatedly, expressing her willingness to make the long journey without any complaints.

Because District 31 is too far away, rather than going back and forth on crowded subway lines, wealthy people Meng Xiyue and A Miao chose to take the more comfortable airship directly there.

So Mr. Yuan from Runing followed behind the two knowledgeable young ladies, looking around curiously.

Having lived for so many years, and although he often travels by plane on Earth, this is the first time in both his lifetimes that he's been on an airship. Especially with the new girl, A-Miao, it's kind of romantic.

Upon reaching the 30th floor, Meng Xiyue ran to buy tickets, while Yuan Zhu accompanied A Miao to enjoy the scenery from the observation deck. One after another, airships combining fantasy and steampunk elements approached, anchoring at the end of the 'suspended bridge' far removed from the building, waiting for tourists to board and disembark.

Before long, the three of them successfully boarded a huge airship.

The interior space has three floors, and they were located on the smallest floor. Instead of rows of seats like on an airplane, it resembled a restaurant. It offered expensive food and services, allowing tourists to dine and chat. Meng Xiyue scoffed at this, and A Miao had no desire to spend any money. So Yuan Zhu followed them to the huge floor-to-ceiling glass wall, listening to Meng Xiyue's expert explanations of the landmark buildings below.

Yuan Zhu asked curiously, "What's the background of the Star Bank? When I made a purchase in Huangliang Township, I was told that I could settle my account at the Star Bank in the real world. How does a real-world bank settle debts from dreams?"

Ah Miao tilted her head and looked at Yuan Zhu with interest in her eyes.

Meng Xiyue explained from the side: "【Star Bank】is a global, non-official bank. The backing of this bank is the 【Plant Universe】, one of the eight outer universes. Its headquarters are located in the 【Astral Layer】, and it claims that 'transfer and deposit services can be carried out wherever starlight shines.' It is famous for its absolute neutrality, protection of customer privacy, anonymous storage, safe deposit boxes, starlight projection, etc."

"As for why the Astral Bank can settle debts of the Dream Realm, let's put it this way: there are branches of the Astral Bank in the Spirit Realm and even some Bubble Worlds. Ordinary humans can deposit money here with almost absolute safety. If you can afford the fee, you can also enjoy the 'Starlight Projection Service.' For example, you can project a valuable treasure upwards to the Astral Headquarters, then travel to another location and project it down from the Astral Realm."

Meng Xiyue went to Taixi's [Star Bank] to handle certain services. A Miao was willing to go with her because she trusted the reputation of the alien vegetative person; there was absolutely no risk of the transaction being illegal or her account being frozen.

What right do you have to regulate my illegal transactions on the West Coast? My money has already been transferred to outer space (the Astral Plane)!

...

The airship flew and stopped intermittently, taking off and landing atop one high-rise building after another, before finally docking on a building in front of a geometric structure.

Meng Xiyue pointed to the complex, enormous geometric shape and introduced, "Look, that's the [Star Bank - Taixi Headquarters]."

Yuan Zhu has excellent eyesight. Looking into the distance, he can see a badge carved above the entrance of the geometric building. It is a pumpkin surrounded by abstract vines.

Yuan Zhu: "Pumpkin?"

Meng Xiyue: "That's right! The pumpkin is the symbol of the Star Bank. You haven't forgotten the eggplant-headed monk, have you? The bosses behind the Star Bank are a bunch of pumpkin-headed aliens."

The three took the elevator out of the airship docking building and headed towards the [Astral Bank]. Following the signs along the way, they arrived at the entrance to the passage on the right side of the 'Geometric Building'.

The moment they entered the passage, the surrounding spatial fluctuations immediately changed, their internal power was suppressed, and their [Soul Crystal] seemed to be subjected to some kind of scan, causing them to feel a slight discomfort.

Meng Xiyue then reassured her, "Don't panic, this is normal. Anyone entering the [Star Bank] will be restricted; it's for security reasons. Rest assured, the [Star Bank] has top-tier security globally; there's nothing..."

Before she could finish speaking, an even more chaotic and disordered wave suddenly erupted from the depths of the passage, spreading and impacting past Yuan Zhu and the other two.

Immediately afterwards, a familiar yet unfamiliar spatial fluctuation swept over the three of them. After the chaotic 'holy light energy' within his body stabilized again, Yuan Zhu opened his eyes and found that the surrounding architectural environment had not changed at all. However, the suppression of the 'holy light energy' within his body had completely disappeared.

He looked around, but the door that the passage behind him had originally connected to no longer showed any view of the outside world; instead, it was shrouded in mist.

Yuan Zhu spoke first, but his gaze was fixed on Meng Xiyue: "What's going on? Was that shock just now an explosion? Is someone robbing a bank?"

According to Pinky Yue's boasts, this "Astral Bank" has an indestructible structure connected to the "energy field" of Taixi City, and also has the unique technology of the alien pumpkin-headed lord. With triple protection, it is indestructible and has an incredibly high level of security, so there is absolutely no possibility of any accidents.

Before Meng Xiyue could answer, A Miao pulled two familiar large-caliber pistols from her empty back pocket and said, "I don't know what happened just now, but this feeling is very familiar. [Spirit Realm]. We've now entered the [Spirit Realm] following the [Star Bank] building."

Pink-haired girl patted her backpack, then quietly sensed the change in atmosphere and environment before saying, "It's the [Spirit Realm], but it feels strange. It doesn't seem like the [Spirit Realm] where [Tai Xi] is located."

Entering the [Spirit Realm] for the first time in his life, Yuan Zhu was incredibly curious and called for Little Spicy Strips to come and broaden his horizons. He tried to open his senses as wide as possible, comparing his experience with that in the [Garden of Diseases] and [Cicada City].

The suppressive force originally emanating from the spirits of the mortal realm was completely removed, and he felt an indescribable sense of ease, able to unleash his full power. The shadow beneath his feet no longer had that feeling of collapsing, or rather, it had completely fallen to the bottom, reaching the end of the collapse.

Aside from that, there were no other sensations. The air was free of any trace of pollution, unlike the miasma-filled Underground World or the oppressive feeling brought by disease pollution in the Disease Garden.

Finally, Yuan Zhu tried to communicate with the Holy Light Root (Net Path) behind the Soul Crystal, but still failed.

Little Spicy Strip: "Something's not right. Isn't it said that the Holy Light Network is omnipresent in the Spirit Realm? How come I can't even feel the most basic 1G network signal?"

At this moment, A-Miao also assessed the surrounding environment in her own way, and then spoke up: "Something's strange!"

She lowered the gun, pointing it at the ground, then looked at Yuan Zhu and Meng Xiyue and asked, "Should we continue deeper into the bank, or evacuate through the passage and head towards the exit?"

Yuan Zhu shrugged indifferently, wanting to say, "You have big breasts, I'll listen to you."

But in the end, he held back and looked at his more reliable teammate: "What do you think?"

After a moment's hesitation, the pink-haired woman said, "Going deeper into the bank, I have more faith in the strength of the [Astral Bank]. In case of any danger outside the bank, the building itself is sturdy enough, and it also has multiple defensive measures in place."

Yuan Zhu: "I'm afraid someone might rob the bank inside. If we stubbornly run into it, we'll be in big trouble."

Hearing this, A-Miao's eyes lit up: "What if it really is a bank robbery? We can follow behind and get a share of the profits."

As she spoke, she waved her arm, and an invisible aura enveloped the three of them. Although he himself did not change, Yuan Zhu understood that, like the mushrooms that had previously triggered the 'sensor alarm,' his aura and presence had been erased.

(End of this chapter)