Secret World: I Became a God Through Lies

Chapter 377 Morning Star and Dawn

"When the chaos subsides, life will inevitably return to normal. Every return to the ordinary is the prelude to the next adventure."

—Excerpt from "The Mysterious Life Journal: Daily Life Chapter"

The morning light, like fine gold leaf, gently spilled across the streets of Areston.

Outside Morning Star Manor, dewdrops on the lawn sparkled like stardust, reflecting sunlight through the heavy curtains.
The shadows cast indistinctly in the study seemed to be softly chanting a morning incantation.

Si Ming leaned quietly against the desk, slowly packing her suitcase.

His gaze swept across the window: ruins and flowers intertwined in the morning mist, pedestrians hurried by, as if last night's disaster was nothing more than a fleeting nightmare.

The entire city seemed to have been given new life overnight, but faint whispers and weeping could still be heard.
Yet it constantly reminds people that the terrifying nightmare has not truly dissipated.

He gently closed a thick notebook, which contained all the mysterious knowledge and star chart deductions he had recorded during his time in Alleston.

His fingertips traced the cover of the book, steady and solemn, as if caressing the texture of fate.

Next, he will have to return to the Mysterious Garden and head to the Shining Star Cave to continue his studies.

His goal was clear and resolute—to advance to the twelfth-star Mystic Master level and move towards the higher realm of Star Calamity.

Outside the window, hurried and cheerful footsteps approached. Si Ming sighed helplessly. Even without turning around, he could feel the joy and vitality in the air.

He gently closed his eyes, and sure enough, the door was suddenly pushed open the next moment, revealing Celian's bright, sun-like smile:
"Hey, Siming! The sun is shining so brightly today, and you're still hiding here? How can you waste such a beautiful morning packing your luggage?"

"I'm organizing my journey," Si Ming replied calmly, his tone carrying a gentle yet authoritative restraint.

"Prepare for the journey?" Celian's eyes widened, revealing a hint of reluctance. "Are we leaving soon?"

Si Ming slowly raised his head, looking at her calmly and gently: "The mission in Fog City has ended, and Alison is out of danger. I have no reason to stay any longer."

Selene pouted, revealing a hint of reluctance: "We have to part so soon? I haven't had enough fun yet."

"Play?" Si Ming slightly raised the corners of his mouth and sighed, "When will you finally grow up?"

Selene stuck out her tongue, strode lightly into the room, and sat down beside him.
He said with a grin, "Life should be this carefree. As long as you're here, I won't be afraid even if the sky cracks open."

Si Ming shook his head, a hint of gentleness and helplessness appearing on his face: "Next, I need to go back to the Shining Star Secret Realm in the Mysterious Garden to complete my advanced studies and prepare for breaking through to the Twelve-Star Mysterious Master and Star Calamity Realm."

Upon hearing this, Celian wore an exaggeratedly distressed expression: "That sounds incredibly troublesome. Even with all that knowledge, I might not be able to use it."

"We can't always rely on luck to escape every crisis, can we?" Si Ming replied in a slightly more relaxed tone, with a hint of teasing.

"Isn't luck also a kind of strength?" Celian blinked and smiled slyly.
"Then you should become a scholar. I don't want to spend all day buried in books with you. That will make you stupid."

Si Ming sighed helplessly, "Alright, so what are your plans next?"

Celian's expression lit up: "I just made plans with Liseria and Marin. They're moving, and I need to go help them out and maybe have some fun."

Si Ming raised an eyebrow slightly, with a hint of teasing: "Are you sure you're going to help, and not just cause trouble?"

"Is there a difference?" Celian shrugged and smiled, her eyes sparkling with liveliness and mischief.

Si Ming finally couldn't help but chuckle, rubbing his temples: "Whatever you want."

Celian got up excitedly, but before leaving, she turned back and reminded me with a sweet smile, "Remember to keep all the things I bought safe, don't forget anything."

"Don't worry, even if my luggage is left behind, your things will definitely not be left behind."

Si Ming's tone was gentle but tinged with helplessness as he watched her skip away.

The sun was shining brightly outside, and Si Ming felt a little more relaxed.

He returned to his desk and quietly began organizing his books and World-themed cards, his fingers gently gliding over the cards.

Those mysterious and profound patterns seemed to be whispering unknown incantations to him:
"Alleston... I hope that when I return, you will no longer be a shattered map, but a city truly worth looking forward to."

Outside the window, a gentle breeze rustled through the treetops, while inside the room, a faint scent of books and a tranquil atmosphere filled the air.

At this moment, life may seem ordinary, but it hides countless unrevealed foreshadowings and whispers of fate.

Si Ming gently closed his suitcase, gazing at the city awakening in the sunlight outside the window. His gaze was deep and complex, as if he had glimpsed more secrets of the intertwining of time and fate.

May we both be better versions of ourselves when we meet again.

He murmured to himself, as if entrusting his words to the wind.

In the early morning, Alleston appears calm as a mirror, yet a dark and secretive undercurrent of fate is silently surging within it.

Behind the daily routine of this city, there lies an endless tug-of-war and entanglement of fate, like a never-ending whisper.

The new chapter of the story has just begun, its mysterious prelude quietly awaiting the destined moment of the return of the God of Fate.

Si Ming smiled faintly, closed his suitcase, his gaze gentle yet revealing the resolute determination unique to a gambler of fate.

Deep within Morningstar Manor, a door stands silently, shrouded in shadow.

Pushing open the door reveals a small room that is extremely simple yet contains a mysterious power.

In the very center of the room, a dream lamp rests quietly, its soft light flowing gently like a whisper in a dream.

Si Ming slowly pushed open the door, bowed slightly in greeting, and then walked slowly towards Meng Deng.

His fingers gently touched the wick, and in an instant, a pale blue flame leaped up, like the gaze of a whisperer's eye.

In an instant, it spread into a soft dream mist, gently enveloping his entire body within it.

When he opened his eyes again, he was already standing on the familiar deck of the Lost One.

A gentle breeze blows, and the sea of ​​dreams ripples silently.

On the deck, Ian, Rex, Alison, Baroque, Calvino, and Lilia had already gathered, seemingly having been waiting for him for a long time.

"They've finally arrived, our destiny master," Ian said jokingly.
"You've been riding too high lately. Be careful, or your luck might run out and you'll fall from grace."

Si Ming smiled slightly without saying a word, sat down among the crowd, and said in a calm and gentle voice: "It's rare for us to get together like this. Let's talk about our plans for the future."

Ian sighed and spread his hands, feigning sorrow: "The identity of 'Aesop Lee' has 'died in battle,' and I can't continue to flaunt myself in the foggy city."

Therefore, I will travel to other worlds to rebuild my maritime merchant fleet, and perhaps even create a truly super fleet that can traverse between worlds.

Rex shook his head dismissively and said sarcastically, "With your exaggerated acting skills? Just thinking about the face you made when you pretended to die in battle makes me feel uncomfortable."

Ian raised an eyebrow and retorted, "You dare to talk about me like that? Back in the battle at the Royal Palace, your cardinal acted like a puppet. If I hadn't covered for you well, you would have been exposed long ago."

Everyone burst into laughter. Allison chuckled to herself, while Baroque patted Rex on the shoulder and teased him:
"Cardinal Raymond, acting is really not your forte. You should just be a quiet priest."

Rex shrugged helplessly, but a mysterious glint appeared in his eyes: "There's nothing I can do. The Eye of Fate foretells that I must continue playing the role of this bishop."

The Church of Our Lady seems to hold many mysterious truths, which are worth investigating.

Si Ming nodded slightly, his gaze solemn: "Since the Eye of Fate is guiding you in this way, then act according to the plan, and be sure to be careful."

Allison stretched, seemingly casually saying, "As for me, I finally broke free of Trelian's chains, so they won't be able to hold me back anytime soon. However..."

She paused for a moment, then gracefully picked up a letter with her fingertips; Edel's mark was clearly visible on the seal.

A meaningful smile played on her lips: "Perhaps, I am about to embark on a voyage with a member of the royal family."

Si Ming's gaze was as deep as a mirror-like lake: "Edel... it seems that the story between you is far from over."

Allison smiled faintly, offering no explanation, but the glint in her eyes was as deep and unfathomable as a star map.

Baroque crossed his arms and said with a nonchalant expression, "Anyway, I have nowhere else to go. I'll continue being your first mate. Sailing the seas is better than the boring daily life on land."

Calvino and Lilia exchanged a glance, then said softly, "We siblings have been away from the Dream Realm for too long. It's time to go back and protect our own dream."

Lilia smiled faintly and added, "The order of the dream world cannot be absent; we still prefer the quiet and stability there."

Si Ming nodded gently and said, "You and your sister are indeed the most suitable to protect Huanmeng, so we can rest assured."

A brief chat relaxed the atmosphere, and the waves of the dream sea whispered like a soft song.

The Lost Ones became the warmest haven between the real world and dreams, allowing people to temporarily forget the turbulent waves of the outside world.

Ian looked up at Si Ming, his tone becoming serious and profound: "Si Ming, what about you? What will your path be like from now on?"

Si Ming was silent for a moment, then revealed a faint smile.
His tone was calm yet carried an unspoken pressure: "I will return to the Mysterious Garden to continue my studies. My journey is still long, and the star map remains distant."

Ian chuckled softly, “You really are a busy gambler of fate.”

"But I believe in you. Reaching the Twelve-Star Mystic Master level, even the Star Calamity realm, is only a matter of time for you."

Si Ming slowly raised the teacup beside him, his gaze deep and clear: "Then, let us bless each other, and may fate favor us on our future paths."

Everyone raised their glasses and clinked them gently, their laughter and the soft clinking of teacups echoing on the waves of the dream sea.

At this moment, the Lost One seems to be temporarily favored by fate, quietly sailing between reality and illusion, waiting for the next storm and change.

Si Ming gazed into the depths of the distant sea of ​​dreams, his eyes reflecting countless faint stars and life patterns. He murmured softly:

"Our story has only just begun. May the kite string of destiny always be in our own hands."

A gentle breeze caressed the sea of ​​dreams, and all fell into a brief moment of tranquility. Yet, deep down, everyone knew...

This is merely the brief calm before the storm; the next act of fate's drama awaits them in the unspeakable future.

The afternoon sun streamed in through the palace’s wide, heavy windows, bright yet carrying a sense of detachment, like a thin veil.

Everything in the room was still in order, but it was completely different from before.

Liseria sat quietly on the sofa, a book in her lap, a mixture of gentleness and complexity in her eyes. She occasionally turned the pages, her gaze frequently drifting to Marlene, who was busy in the room, a tender smile playing on her lips.

It's as if through this everyday scene, one can briefly forget the cold oppression of fate and the throne.

On the other balcony, Celian was already sitting listlessly on the railing, her legs swinging leisurely.

His gaze, lost in thought, fell upon the distant, high-hanging sky, and he sighed:
"Lia, you have way too much stuff here. Why don't you just throw it all away? You can buy new things after you move. Why keep these old things?"

Liseria chuckled softly upon hearing this, gently shaking her head with a hint of teasing in her voice:

"Do you know that each of these old clothes and jewelry pieces is extremely valuable? Even royalty shouldn't be so extravagant and wasteful."

Selene, however, curled her lip indifferently, fiddling with the hem of her skirt that lay scattered to the side, and said with a hint of weariness:

"It's such a pity. I think the new dresses would suit you much better. These old clothes would probably look out of place if you wore them out now."

Liseria covered her mouth and smiled, gazing at her with tenderness and affection:
When will you ever understand the true value of money?

Selene nimbly jumped off the railing and slowly strolled into the room. She examined the luxurious yet weathered clothes and accessories, and said with a puzzled expression:

"I'm not short of money. Didn't Si Ming say that I can just ask him for whatever I want? So why bother with these trivial details?"

Marlene, who was busy tidying up clothes, couldn't help but chuckle softly upon hearing this, her tone gentle yet tinged with a hint of jest:

“Miss Celian, if you continue to squander your wealth like this, even Lord Si Ming will have a headache.”

Selene stuck out her tongue, a hint of nonchalant amusement in her eyes:

"He won't have a headache. At worst, I'll just ask him for some more Mystic Coins."

Liseria gazed at her, her eyes filled with tenderness and helpless doting affection, then whispered:
"Alright, alright, let's talk about it after we actually move in. Besides, you only think about going out and having fun all day, you don't really need that many new clothes."

Selene shrugged, a slight smile playing on her lips:
"That's because Si Ming is obsessed with his mysterious cards all day long and refuses to go out with me."

Liseria couldn't help but shake her head with a smile, slowly closed the book in her hand, stood up and walked to the window.

Her gaze was fixed on Areston outside the window, where the streets were bustling with people again, though traces of the ordeal were still faintly visible.
But life seems to have gotten back on track, and everything is starting to return to its usual rhythm.

However, deep within her eyes lay a hint of worry and complexity that was hard to conceal, as if in this gradually recovering city,

She vaguely sensed an even more mysterious and unpredictable undercurrent beneath the threads of fate.

“Lia,” Celian suddenly spoke seriously, a rare look of solemnity and doubt on her face, “Are you really determined to leave the palace?”

Liseria slowly turned around, her gaze clear and firm as she looked at her:
"The new queen has been crowned, and it would be inappropriate for me, as the daughter of the former king, to remain here. Moreover, leaving here might be a new kind of freedom for me."

Selene tilted her head, her brows furrowed slightly, and said with some confusion:

"But this is your home after all. Don't you feel regretful?"

Liseria smiled gently, her gaze soft yet carrying a hidden depth:
“Home doesn’t have to be a palace. The estate I inherited was also a royal property.”

There, perhaps I can be freer, no longer bound by these heavy rules and constraints.

Selene nodded, her gaze seemingly understanding yet still trusting.

"You might be right, anyway, as long as everyone is safe and sound, that's all that matters."

Liseria reached out and gently stroked her hair, her voice soft yet carrying a firm strength:
"Yes, as long as we are safe and sound, other things can be resolved gradually."

The sunlight, like a thin veil, quietly spilled into the room, warm and peaceful, as if even time itself had paused.

The city outside the window was gradually moving into a new order, but Liseria vaguely sensed that under this gentle sunlight...
Countless unseen life lines and whispering eyes still lurk in the shadows, waiting for new opportunities.

She exhaled softly and said, as if talking to herself:
"The story of Alleston is just the beginning; the real storm may not yet have arrived."

Outside the window, the city continues its relentless march forward, the sunlight still gentle and calm, while everyone's fate...
Yet it remains hidden in that unpredictable future and whispers, quietly awaiting the right moment.

As dusk slowly descended upon Morning Star Manor, the afterglow of the sunset, like a pale blood moon, gently emerged.
Gradually, the entire manor was bathed in the gentle yet eerie afterglow.

The flowers and plants in the courtyard were as quiet as if they had fallen into a deep sleep, with only the occasional falling leaf whispering that the night was about to come.

Si Ming sat leisurely on a recliner in the courtyard, holding a cup of hot coffee in his hand. The rising steam and the rich bitterness filled the air, creating a rare sense of tranquility.

He took a small sip, his brow furrowed slightly, and murmured calmly, "Today's coffee seems a bit bitter. Has my skill declined, or is it just a change in my state of mind?"

Before he could continue pondering, Celian's clear and cheerful laughter drifted from the garden path in the distance.

She gracefully walked through the flowers and waved to him: "Siming, I'm back!"

Si Ming glanced sideways at her, his tone revealing a hint of reproach and doting: "You've been causing trouble all day again? We're going back to the Mysterious Garden tomorrow, but you don't know how to behave at all."

Selene completely ignored his rebuke and sat down in the chair next to him.

She casually picked up a delicate pastry and stuffed it into her mouth, mumbling a complaint: "Unlike you, I don't want to stay cooped up in the study all day, getting entangled with those obscure and mysterious cards."

Today, I went shopping with my older sister, Liseria.

Si Ming shook his head helplessly and sighed, "No wonder Marlene is always so troubled by you. Can you be a little more serious?"

Selene waved her hand dismissively, smiling brightly: "Marlene understands me better than you do; she would never mind these things."

Besides, I don't have the chance to go out and play every day. I can't spend all my time reading those incomprehensible classics with you, can I?

Upon hearing this, Si Ming's lips twitched slightly, but a rare smile appeared on his face: "Being able to use the word 'puzzling' shows that you've made some progress."

Selene leaned closer to him, feigning mystery, and said in a low voice, "Actually, I don't want to leave here either. Morningstar Manor is so enchanting, will we... ever have a chance to come back?"

Siming raised her gaze, staring at the blooming flowers in the courtyard. After a moment of silence, she finally sighed softly.
His tone, however, revealed a resolute yet restrained gentleness: "If I were to never return to the property I purchased with hundreds of thousands of gold coins, wouldn't I be heartbroken to death?"

Selene laughed happily, a childlike joy on her face: "I knew you wouldn't want to part with it."

The two looked at each other and smiled; the atmosphere was brief but warm.

Just then, a soft but clear knock came from outside the manor door. Si Ming and Selian exchanged a glance, both looking slightly puzzled.

"Mr. Si Ming, there is email for you." A reserved yet respectful voice came from outside the door.

Si Ming rose, walked slowly forward, opened the door, and a young postman stood outside.

When he saw Si Ming, his eyes immediately showed undisguised awe and gratitude: "Mr. Si Ming, thank you for saving Alleston. The people of the whole city are grateful."

Si Ming smiled slightly and replied calmly and humbly, "I just did what I was supposed to do, there's no need for thanks."

The postman nodded respectfully, his tone sincere and eager: "You are too modest. We hope you can stay in Alleston. We all like you very much."

Si Ming's gaze was deep and peaceful: "I will definitely come back."

As he watched the postman's figure disappear into the twilight, Si Ming lowered his head and stared intently at the mail in his hand.
Familiar and elegant handwriting came into view, and my brows furrowed slightly involuntarily.

The signature at the bottom was clearly written in three characters: Lin Wanqing.

Si Ming returned to the recliner and sat down, opening the letter in her hand. The faint scent of ink and the feel of the paper intertwined with silent memories.

He read slowly, his gaze gradually becoming deep and heavy.

The first half of the letter was written in a light and gentle style, with Lin Wanqing inquiring about his recent situation with affection.

Her words revealed a subtle longing and care, with a hint of the delicate and gentle nature unique to young girls.

But soon, the tone of the letter abruptly changed, becoming somber and anxious:
“Siming, some strange events have recently occurred in the academy. At first, I didn’t pay much attention to them, but I gradually realized that the situation was unusual.”

In my college, a game called 'back room' suddenly became popular.

It is said that anyone who enters this game will be trapped in a bizarre, endlessly looping maze.

Initially, this was just an absurd game for the students to amuse themselves.
But now, my best friend has been missing for three whole days because of his involvement in this game, and there's been no word from him.

Lin Wanqing's writing was tinged with unease; she described in detail the various aspects of her friend's disappearance, yet found no clue whatsoever.
"The college professors and the school administration insisted that it was just a prank by the students, or a game that went too far."

But deep down I know that the truth is not so simple.

Whenever I try to investigate further, it's as if I'm trapped in an invisible fog, and everything becomes obscure and difficult to understand.

Si Ming, I know your abilities, so I have no choice but to ask for your help. Can you help me uncover the truth behind the 'back room'?

I am truly very worried about my friend.

At the end of the letter, Lin Wanqing clearly signed her name, her handwriting revealing unease and a sincere plea.

Si Ming remained silent, folding the letter again, his gaze becoming even more profound and complex.

Celian leaned closer curiously and whispered, "What's wrong? Who sent the letter?"

Si Ming nodded slightly, put the letter into his pocket, and said in a low and distant voice, "It seems that a new vortex of intrigue and fate has begun."

Celian's eyes lit up with anticipation as she asked, "So, where are we going next?"

Si Ming raised his head, gazing at the sky gradually swallowed by the night, his tone slow and resolute:
"Next stop, Dunhuang."

Night fell, like the vast eye of a whisperer, slowly enveloping the entire Morningstar Manor.

The lingering aroma of coffee in the wind, like a veiled incantation and prophecy, whispers a new, unknown, and profound chapter of destiny about to unfold.

"Behind reality, there is always a door that no one knows about. And those who step into it may never be able to return."

—Excerpt from *The Book of Mysteries: The Inner Chamber - The Endless Corridor*

(End of this chapter)