If you were asked to identify an item, would you choose to extract magical powers?

Chapter 130: Collective Dreaming
In the dark streets, Amber's cry was extremely shrill and had a captivating quality, as if she had met her old enemy.

Shen Bai knew very well that when Amber screamed, it proved that something strange was happening.

And now, after seeing the scene inside through this narrow crack in the door, even an ordinary person would know that something strange had happened.

Shen Bai did not hesitate. In his eyes, weirdness meant evil.

Shen Bai pulled out the Hanyue from his waist and held it in his hand.

Shen Bai raised his foot and kicked the old door.

Shen Bai kicked open the bolt on the back of the door.

Shen Bai took advantage of the moonlight and stepped in.

When he stepped into the house, he found that in this old and narrow house, there were people wandering around like sleepwalkers.

There were no strange signs around, just like an ordinary sleepwalking.

But Shen Bai knew very well that this was not ordinary sleepwalking.

Recently, the strange thing Shen Bai encountered was a nightmare.

When nightmares appear, you must be wary of everything related to dreams.

Looking at the people wandering in front of him, Shen Bai thought for a moment and then took out a stick of dream incense from his sleeve.

To solve the nightmare, you must enter the dream world.

Now a nightmare-like weirdness has appeared, and he wants to try to see if he can kill it in his dream.

But just when Shen Bai was about to use the dream incense, the abnormality appeared again.

The sound of light footsteps rang out one after another in various places on the street.

Not only in the room where Shen Bai was, but also in other houses, there were footsteps and whispers coming one after another.

"Something's wrong."

After hearing this voice, Shen Bai immediately became alert and held down the people in front of him with his backhand.

The people were held down by Shen Bai, but their faces still had dull expressions.

In addition to the dullness, there was also a cold aura in the air.

Shen Bai turned his head and listened carefully. Amidst the chaotic sound of footsteps, he heard a group of orderly footsteps.

He immediately walked out of the house and saw that members of the Tianjiansi had already come to this street.

The leaders were Huang Guang and Kong Fang from the Ding Twenty-Three Division.

The two also saw Shen Bai, were slightly stunned, walked forward, clasped their fists and said.

"Meeting Master Shen, something big has happened."

Shen Bai narrowed his eyes and looked around at the members of the Tianjian Division present.

Members of Unit D walked silently into each room and brought out unconscious people one by one.

Shen Bai asked: "What happened?"

Huang Guang and Kong Fang looked at each other, and then Huang Guang said.

"People have appeared in various parts of Maple Forest State, entering a dream state. They are controlled by the nightmares within their dreams, and now they have covered nearly half of the people in Maple Forest State."

"Half of it is covered?" Shen Bai frowned and asked, "Why did so many nightmares suddenly appear, and these people don't seem to be in danger of their lives?"

For those who practice cultivation, nightmares slowly control their minds.

But for ordinary people, it is very likely that they will fall into a dream and die completely soon.

But there was one thing Shen Bai couldn't understand, which was why the weirdness came so quickly.

It was as if the other party had already laid a long hidden line here, waiting for this outbreak.

Huang Guang explained, "It's not that every citizen has a nightmare, but this nightmare seems to be a huge weirdness, it should be hidden in one person's dream. And this person's nightmare has caused a large area of ​​coverage, causing most of the people in Fenglin Island to enter the dream. Because of this, there were no large-scale casualties."

Kong Fang added, "But if the people are allowed to remain intoxicated in the dream for too long, casualties are inevitable, and the resulting casualties will only make the core nightmare stronger and stronger."

Shen Bai nodded and said, "I understand. What is Master Liu's plan?"

Shen Bai had already heard the general story of what had happened.

But to describe the current situation as tricky is already an understatement.

If this matter is allowed to continue, I am afraid that half of the people in Fenglin State will die.

With a large number of casualties, the entire Maple Forest State will be plunged into a desperate situation.

This is very rare, and it has never been recorded in the information Shen Bai looked up after learning about nightmares.

This is the first time that Maple Forest State has encountered such a strange nightmare, and there is a high possibility that something might go wrong when dealing with it.

Huang Guang took a moment to organize his words before replying, "Lord Liu has issued an order to gather half of the people in Maple Forest State together. With the cooperation of the government, members of the Heavenly Monitoring Division and detectives from the government will jointly hold dream-inducing incense and enter the people's dreams to wake them up."

Shen Bai touched his chin and said, "With so many people, even the Tianshi Bureau and the Yamen constables probably wouldn't have enough."

Maple Forest State is huge, so huge that it is breathtaking.

Even though the dynasty is in turmoil now, there are still too many people in Maple Forest State.

Because of this, even if all these people were gathered in one place, Shen Bai estimated that there would still not be enough people.

But if everyone goes out, the rear will be empty.

By then, if someone makes a mistake, the losses will be even greater.

Huang Guang replied, "Lord Liu used the Dao of Instruments to preside over this dream entry. The other party has a very core nightmare. Through the aura emitted by this nightmare, he made the people dream. Lord Liu then created an instrument that could gather half of the people into dreams."

"This time, under the supervision of Lord Liu, almost 60% of the members of the Heavenly Monitoring Bureau and the detectives will enter the dream, and the rest will be used to maintain order in Maple Forest State."

"If there are any problems, Elder Mu can take charge and keep Maple Forest State safe for a short period of time. If we really have no choice, we will wake up all the colleagues who have fallen asleep."

Shen Bai pondered and said, "Master Liu's weaponry is truly of infinite use."

The art of weapons is a very special profession.

They use various tools to their full potential and use their characteristics to fight the enemy.

Give them a sword and they will be able to unleash their sword skills.

Give them a gourd, and they can even use the gourd to act weird.

Of course, although this weapon is so powerful, the threshold is actually very high.

Not only does it require talent, but even Director Liu Wufeng can only use four tools at the same time during use.

If there are too many, they will backfire and kill you.

Therefore, this is a powerful profession with a high threshold, and there are very few people who practice it.

In the entire Fenglin Province's Tianjian Division, only Liu Wufeng and Qin Shuang practiced.

Shen Bai continued to ask: "In that case, then quickly bring the people to the agreed location, and don't dawdle any longer."

Huang Guang and Kong Fang nodded, and then followed Shen Bai's instructions to quietly take the unconscious people away.

The only one who took the people away was Kong Fang.

Huang Guang remained where he was.

Shen Bai was originally planning to follow the group, but after seeing Huang Guang staying where he was, Shen Bai felt that something might be wrong.

"What else?" Shen Bai asked.

Huang Guang looked around and waited until the large group of people had left the street before he came over and whispered, "Master Shen, Master Liu asked me to bring you a message. Be careful. This incident might be a tactic used by the other party to deal with you."

Shen Bai heard this and nodded, "I understand."

If this matter is connected with the recent nightmare and Long Yan, it is very likely that it is directed at him.

Based on the widespread occurrence of people entering dreams, Shen Bai had a bold guess that the other party might just be using this as a smokescreen, and their real purpose was to take his life.

As for how he wanted to kill himself on the spot, Shen Bai couldn't figure it out for the time being.

Thinking of this, Shen Bai asked, "What did Lord Liu say?"

Huang Guang organized his words and said, "Master Liu means that you should follow the main force, but if there is any deviation, you can act according to your own ideas."

"The most important thing is to ensure your own safety. If you are harmed or even succeed, it will be a huge loss for Maple Forest State."

When saying this, Huang Guang did not add any exaggeration and said it entirely according to Liu Wufeng's request.

He was also puzzled and didn't understand who could deal with Shen Bai.

After all, after this series of events, Shen Bai has become a god-like existence among the members of the Ding team.

No matter what difficulties they encounter, they are nothing but child's play in front of Shen Bai.

Of course, despite his doubts, Huang Guang still completed his mission. Shen Bai hummed, "Don't worry, let's go to the place where the people are gathered first and see what happens."

Huang Guang nodded, and then left the street with Shen Bai.

In a remote place not far from Maple Forest State, there is an empty square where few people come on weekdays.

The reason is simple: the square was originally a barracks.

However, after the Dazhou Kingdom carried out various reforms, this barracks was abandoned.

Most ordinary people are just trying to make a living, and no one wants to come here to play.

Because of this, this place is perfect for gathering people.

When Shen Bai and Huang Guang arrived at this place, Shen Bai looked at the dense crowds of people in front of him, and his brows furrowed deeper and deeper.

The people were lying on the ground, some even covered with blankets, their eyes closed, their hands and feet tied.

But it twisted from time to time, accompanied by bursts of whispers, looking extremely terrifying.

If an ordinary person were here, he would probably be frightened and faint subconsciously.

Liu Wufeng, Mu Lao, and members of the four divisions A, B, C, and D are all here.

In addition, there is Liu Zhouling who brings the constables from the yamen to cooperate with the Jiantiansi in the guard work.

Last time, the Tianshi Division offered help, so this time the people from the yamen naturally didn’t waste any time and would do their best to help if they could.

What's more, if something like this really happened and half of the people in the state died, neither Liu Wufeng nor Liu Zhouling would have a good ending.

After sensing Shen Bai's arrival, Liu Wufeng and Mu Lao whispered a few words and then walked up.

"Looks like you're okay, that's great."

He was worried that something might happen to Shen Bai. If something really happened, he might feel guilty for a long time.

Apart from anything else, Shen Bai was specially recruited by him. If he died because of this incident, it would be related to him.

Although Liu Wufeng is the chief governor of the Tianjian Division, he also rose to prominence in the underworld.

The brotherhood and righteousness in the martial arts world also occupy an important position in Liu Wufeng's heart.

Because of this, he was able to build an iron barrel for the entire Fenglin State's Jiantian Division.

These can't be achieved just by relying on skills.

Shen Bai shook his head and said, "Don't worry, Master Liu, there's nothing serious. But this time, it might not be as simple as just entering a dream."

Liu Wufeng nodded: "Don't worry, I have been prepared since the nightmare appeared. I have prepared the equipment this time for a long time."

"With so many members of the Heaven Monitoring Division, we can break through the dreamland where nightmares gather and ensure the safety of the people. What I am most worried about is you."

Shen Bai shook his head and said, "Master Liu, don't worry. But what is the mission assigned to me this time? Will I also enter the dream with everyone else?"

This time, Nightmare made a big move. The Wild Taoist Sect and Wild Buddha behind it will definitely have a second step of action, so Shen Bai also asked this question.

As for what to do specifically, he would of course listen to Liu Wufeng's arrangements. After all, he was now working in the Tianjian Division.

Liu Wufeng shook his head and said, "No, if you don't want to enter the dream with me, you can just stay here. Let others handle the things inside."

"Oh?" Shen Bai asked curiously, "Stay here and watch everyone decipher the dream?"

Liu Wufeng nodded and said, "That's right. You and Mu Lao will stay outside. Mu Lao and Liu Zhouling will protect my safety and yours. I can't be distracted when I use this device, so all safety issues will be maintained by Mu Lao and Liu Zhouling."

Next to him, Mu Lao was holding a long sword in his hand.

"Shen Bai, just listen to Master Liu and stay outside. If so many members of the Heavenly Monitoring Division can't break this dream, then even if you go in, it will be a drop in the bucket. A nightmare of this level can't be broken just because you have great strength."

Dreams are very special things.

It cannot be cracked by strength alone.

Shen Bai agreed with this statement.

After all, everyone’s dreams are different, and no one can predict what they will become when they come together.

Since this plan already existed, Shen Bai readily accepted it.

At this moment, as the last citizen was moved to this open space, Liu Wufeng took out an object from his sleeve.

It was an eye carved from wood, and it looked lifelike.

It also exudes an unusual aura, and one can tell at a glance that it is not an ordinary thing.

Liu Wufeng weighed the wooden eye in his hand and said slowly, "As the saying goes, a leaf can block the eyes. Dreams are like leaves that can cover the eyes. The wooden eye in my hand is the eye that will allow me to enter my dream again."

"Ever since the nightmare incident happened and Shen Bai told me what happened, I have been preparing for it. Today I can finally use it."

As Liu Wufeng said this, many members of the Tianjian Division seemed to have known it for a long time. Each of them took out a stick of dream-inducing incense from their hands and sat cross-legged around the group of people.

Not only the members of the Tiantian Division, but also the constables of the yamen are the same.

Liu Wufeng turned his head and looked at Mu Lao and Liu Zhouling: "The safety of Shen Bai and me will be left to you two."

Mu Lao nodded: "Don't worry."

A brush appeared in Liu Zhouling's right hand. "If anything happens to you, Fenglinzhou will be in trouble. And then, I will be in trouble too. This is a battle that is tied together, so I will do my best."

After hearing these two sentences, Liu Wufeng felt a little relieved. He looked at Shen Bai again, thought for a while, and said.

"We must be careful. The Wild Dao Sect and the Wild Buddhist Sect have been entrenched in Maple Forest State for many years. Something unexpected might happen."

Shen Bai agreed, "Don't worry, Master Liu. Just like you said, if there are any unexpected events that are beyond my control, I will use the most effective method to resolve them."

Things have come to this point. To put it another way, we have to go ahead even if we don't want to.

All we can say is to reduce all risks to a minimum.

Liu Wufeng said nothing more, then slowly took a few steps forward to the front, looked around at everyone present, and simply said two words: "Light the incense."

After these words were spoken, all the members of the Heaven Monitoring Department and the constables present lit the dream-inducing incense in their hands.

In an instant, smoke filled the entire huge open space.

If you look in from the outside, you can't even see what's going on inside.

The moment the dream incense was lit, Liu Wufeng held the wooden eye in his right hand and slowly raised it up.

The Qi in the body continued to vibrate, and rays of light radiated from the pupils of Mu Yan.

The light is like the scorching sun, illuminating the darkness.

The light dispersed the moment it was emitted and enveloped every citizen.

The people's murmurs and twisted movements gradually died away.

Immediately afterwards, Shen Bai felt as if something enveloped this space, seeming real and illusory, like a dream bubble.

Liu Wufeng sat cross-legged on the ground, with the wooden eye suspended above his head, floating up and down.

Then, Liu Wufeng slowly closed his eyes and said.

"Dream."

As soon as these words were spoken, all the members present closed their eyes.

Shen Bai looked around and found that the surroundings were as quiet as calm water, without any ripples.

"They have fallen asleep." Mu Lao took a look and walked to Shen Bai with a long sword in hand.

Liu Zhouling thought about it and came to Shen Bai's right side.

"Just follow us closely this time. I want to see what tricks the Wild Taoist Sect and the Wild Buddhist Sect will come up with."

"Several of the top people in Maple Forest State are here. Even if the leaders of the Wild Dao Sect and the Wild Buddhist Sect come here, they can't take your life."

Shen Bai listened to what the two of them said, and the corners of his mouth twitched slightly: "Why do I feel like a general covered in flags, preparing to go on stage to perform?"

Mu Lao and Liu Zhouling were puzzled and looked at Shen Bai in doubt.

Shen Bai shook his head and said, "Nothing, just a joke."

He looked at the people who had fallen asleep and thought to himself.

"Why do I feel like they wouldn't be so simple as to make a feint to the east and attack in the west? No, it's definitely not a feint to the east and attack in the west."

With this thought in mind, Shen Bai continued to observe.

At this moment, Shen Bai discovered something unusual.

He looked down and saw that Amber in his arms didn't react at all.

"No, Amber is a strange beast, why is there no reaction at all?" Shen Bai frowned.

(End of this chapter)