Genius in the whole system: The useless young lady dominates the world

Lu Lingxi slowly scanned the sleeping people around her. Her brows furrowed slightly involuntarily. She was the first to wake up from the nightmare, so it seemed that the others were still in danger.

She raised her hand and wiped the sweat from her forehead. Just then, a self-reproaching voice came from her mind, "Master, that black mist was too strange. If I had noticed its unusual nature earlier, perhaps you wouldn't have been trapped in this nightmare."

Upon hearing this, Lu Lingxi Yao's eyes flashed with a hint of doubt. She asked softly, "But why are you unaffected? Does the black mist have no effect on spirit beasts?"

The voice of the Netherworld carried a hint of confusion. Just as it was about to explain further, the voice of the Spirit interrupted, “Master, that black mist is a dark power that can reach the depths of the soul. It can awaken the memories that everyone is most unwilling to touch, which is what people often call inner demons. The reason you were able to break free is because you have bravely faced and defeated your inner demons. From now on, no difficulty can easily shake your will.”

"As for why the Netherworld was spared its harm,"

Ling Shu continued, her tone gentle as she explained, "Perhaps it's because, as a spirit beast, its emotional world is relatively simple, lacking the intricate emotional entanglements of humans. Humans, on the other hand, often lose themselves in painful memories due to their rich emotions and profound recollections, finding it difficult to extricate themselves."

Upon hearing this, Lu Lingxi looked at Bei Chenhaoyu. His usually resolute and unyielding face was now filled with pain, as if he were being tormented by an invisible pressure.

Her heart clenched involuntarily, and she was also very curious: as a prince above all others, did he also have untold bitter memories? Just how heavy were the secrets hidden beneath his noble status, that they made his expression so painful?

Just as Lu Lingxi was lost in thought, Bei Chenhaoyu's eyelids trembled slightly, and his eyes suddenly opened, accompanied by an undeniable weakness. He seemed to have all his strength drained away, and collapsed weakly to the ground. Seeing this, Lu Lingxi quickly went forward and gently helped him up, her eyes filled with worry.

"Yaoyao, I'm so glad you're alright!"

Bei Chen Haoyu's voice was as soft as a whisper, yet every word was filled with deep affection. Even in his weakened state, the first person he cared about was still her.

This selfless concern warmed Lu Lingxi's heart, but it was also mixed with a touch of bitterness and confusion. She held him firmly and said softly, "I'm fine, how about you?"

Bei Chen Haoyu forced a smile, then slumped and fell into Lu Lingxi Yao's arms.

She gently placed her fingers on Bei Chen Haoyu's pulse, and the information emanating from her fingertips startled her; his spiritual energy was nearly exhausted. Lu Lingxi couldn't help but wonder: what kind of experience could cause a prince to expend so much spiritual energy?

Lu Lingxi looked around. Apart from the swirling black mist, there seemed to be no other threat. They had already woken up from the nightmare and should no longer be affected by the black mist.

Bei Chen Haoyu was already fast asleep. Lu Lingxi gently leaned him against the stone wall so that he could rest well. They would continue their journey after Bei Chen Haoyu woke up.

Youming Chang, Chu Ranran, and Ye Junyi were still struggling with their inner demons. The situation didn't seem too bad. After a while, Youming Chang was the first to break free from the nightmare. Sweat streamed down his face, and although his eyes were open, they were still somewhat dazed and confused.

Then, Chu Ranran broke free from the nightmare. She gasped for breath, tears welling up in her eyes like pearls from a broken string, as if telling of the torment and fear in the dream. Her voice was weak and trembling, revealing an unprecedented vulnerability.

"I never want to go through that again..."

Ye Junyi, the usually calm and composed young man, was now as pale as paper. He stood there quietly, staring blankly into the distance, as if still reliving the intense battle of the mind. For a moment, he couldn't even squeeze out a single word.

As the three gradually recovered from the lingering fear of the nightmare, Youming Chang's gaze inadvertently swept to the side and he was surprised to find Lu Lingxi Yao standing there unharmed, without any trace of struggle on her face. She was obviously not trapped in the nightmare and had even woken up earlier than him.

In contrast, those who failed to escape the nightmare were gradually enveloped by a thick black fog. The fog seemed to have a life of its own, constantly eroding their bodies until finally, their bodies were completely devoured, turning into nothingness and returning to the vast dust.

Those who came in together, besides Lu Lingxi Yao, Bei Chen Hao Yu, You Ming Chang, Chu Ran Ran, and Ye Jun Yi, were either already turned to dust or still trapped in the abyss of dreams, unable to extricate themselves.

Seeing that he was the only one left on his side, Youming Chang gritted his teeth and then walked towards the direction where Chu Ranran and Ye Junyi were.

Chu Ranran looked at You Mingchang as he approached, her voice filled with anger and disdain, "Shameless people of the Hopeless Kingdom, you have no right to participate in this expedition, yet you have the audacity to sneak in!"

Youming Chang's brows twitched sharply, an instinctive reaction to being provoked. His face instantly darkened. As the national advisor of the Hopeless Kingdom and a powerful Dark Spirit Master, when had he ever suffered such an insult? If it weren't for the circumstances that forced him to urgently seek the help of allies, he would have slapped her to death long ago, and wouldn't have allowed her to say another word.

Seeing this, Ye Junyi quickly tugged at Chu Ranran's sleeve and whispered, "Ranran, stop talking. He... he is the Grand Preceptor of the Hopeless Kingdom, and also a Dark Spirit Master. Dark Spirit Masters are eccentric and easily angered. We should not confront him directly."

Upon hearing this, Chu Ranran, though unwilling, knew that Ye Junyi's words made sense, so she had no choice but to suppress her anger and coldly questioned, "What exactly is your purpose in coming to us?"

A complex light flashed in Youming Chang's eyes. He slowly spoke, "Naturally, it's a matter of great importance concerning our common interests, which needs to be discussed with the two of you..."

On the other side, Bei Chen Haoyu lay quietly, still unconscious. Lu Lingxi Yao's gaze fell on the three people who were talking in hushed tones not far away. It was obvious that the three of them had reached some kind of consensus.

A cold smile curled at the corner of Lu Lingxi's lips. The scene from three years ago was still vivid in her mind. She would settle that unresolved score with him sooner or later.

At this moment, Bei Chen Haoyu slowly opened his eyes, his spirits having recovered somewhat. He slowly sat up and looked around. He saw Lu Lingxi Yao sitting quietly on the rock beside him, playing with a spirit pearl that was shimmering with light in her hand. Her gaze would occasionally fall on him, with a hint of concern.

"You're awake." Lu Lingxi's voice was soft and clear, instantly dispelling the gloom in Bei Chenhaoyu's heart.

Bei Chen Haoyu rubbed his temples, trying to clear his mind. "How long... have I been unconscious?"

"About one day."

Lu Lingxi gently put down the spirit pearl in her hand, stood up, and slowly walked closer to him. "What happened to you? Your condition when you woke up was quite frightening; your spiritual energy was almost completely depleted."

Bei Chenhaoyu gave a bitter smile, recalling the various events in that nightmare. Even now, he still felt a lingering fear in his heart. "It was a nightmare, incredibly real, as if it had dragged me into an endless abyss, filled with despair and fear."

Upon hearing this, Lu Lingxi Yao's eyes flashed with understanding and sympathy: "The Nightmare Realm can indeed erode one's mind. It's fortunate that you were able to escape from it. This secret realm is fraught with danger, and we need to be even more careful."

Bei Chen Haoyu nodded, took a deep breath, and tried to completely put his discomfort behind him. "You're right, we can't stay here for too long. What are your plans next?"

Lu Lingxi looked into the depths of the passage. "Now that you're awake, let's continue!"

Upon hearing this, Bei Chen Haoyu nodded in agreement, "Okay, I'll listen to you."

Three figures in the distance noticed the subtle commotion and walked over. Youming Chang spoke first, saying, "The two of them have already agreed to my joining."

Lu Lingxi Yao's gaze swept lightly over the three people who were slowly approaching. She raised her eyebrows slightly and uttered a faint "Oh?" Then, her eyes, like flowing autumn water, first swept over the faces of Chu Ranran and Ye Junyi, and finally fell back on You Mingchang. Her cold voice carried a hint of mockery.

“You two don’t know that as a person from the Hopeless Kingdom, he has no right to explore the secret realm, let alone take any treasures from it. What you’re doing now is tantamount to sharing your own interests with others.”

Upon hearing this, Youming Chang's anger erupted like a volcano. He roared, "Don't talk nonsense here! It's only right that I helped them and received some compensation!"

Lu Lingxi's lips curled into a playful smile, a sly glint in her eyes. "Hmph, according to you, if I were to lend a hand, wouldn't you consider me? I'm far more trustworthy than him."

Upon hearing this, Ye Junyi and Chu Ranran showed thoughtful expressions, while You Mingchang, seeing this, was even more furious. He roared again, "You brat, stop talking nonsense here!"

Lu Lingxi smiled lightly, "It was just a joke. Since you have chosen to ally with him, I naturally have no right to interfere. However, I just want to remind you that people's hearts are unpredictable, alliances should be formed with caution, and people should be discerning in their judgment."

Upon hearing this, Ye Junyi and Chu Ranran showed a hint of surprise on their faces, while You Mingchang was so angry that his face turned ashen and his veins bulged, but he was helpless against Lu Lingxi Yao and could only glare at her through gritted teeth.