A five-year-old goddess, raised to become an emperor for all time through a bronze mirror.

!!!

Pei Yunjing felt a sudden jolt in his heart, as if an invisible force had gripped his heart tightly, making it almost impossible for him to breathe.

The dream was so bizarre that it left him utterly astonished and bewildered.

Even though he knew perfectly well that it was just a dream, Pei Yunjing still desperately tried to break free and regain his senses.

However, no matter how hard he tried, it was as if he were trapped in a bottomless swamp. The more he struggled, the deeper he sank, and he could never wake up from this nightmare.

With no other choice, Pei Yunjing had to give up resisting and slowly sat down in a relatively remote and quiet corner.

He raised his head, straining to look ahead, trying to make out what the groom standing in the center of the stage looked like.

Unfortunately, no matter how much he squinted and strained to see, the groom's face remained shrouded in a hazy mist.

Especially those eyes, which were impossible to see through at all.

In stark contrast, Nian Nian's beautiful and familiar face was clearly visible, like a delicate flower blooming before one's eyes.

Pei Yunjing could clearly see every subtle change in her expression, even the barely perceptible glimmer of tears in the corners of her eyes.

As for the guests who came to witness the ceremony, their faces remained blurry, as if they were seen through a thick layer of frosted glass, with only their general outlines vaguely discernible.

Just then, the emcee's loud voice rang out from the stage:

"Groom, do you take this beautiful bride to be your wife, and to spend the rest of your life with her?"

Although the groom's figure was somewhat blurry, Pei Yunjing could still see him nod without hesitation, and then answer in a firm and powerful voice:

"I would like to..."

Upon hearing this, Pei Yunjing silently comforted herself, telling herself that it was all just an absurd nightmare.

……

However, when the emcee turned to face Niannian and softly asked her if she was willing to marry the groom and become his life partner, Pei Yunjing's heart suddenly started beating faster uncontrollably.

It felt like it was about to burst out of my chest and leap out of my throat...

He stared intently at Niannian, his heart filled with tension and unease despite knowing that none of this was real.

Pei Yunjing muttered to himself, "Don't agree to him, don't agree..."

But things didn't go as planned. In the dream, Nian Nian's lips curled up slightly, forming a beautiful arc that radiated endless warmth and splendor.

She spoke softly, like a nightingale singing, uttering those simple yet profoundly meaningful three words—"I do."

In that instant, Pei Yunjing felt dizzy and the whole world seemed to be falling apart.

His hands clenched uncontrollably, his long fingers gradually tightening, his nails digging deep into his palms, yet he felt no pain whatsoever.

At this moment, his eyes had become empty and lifeless, as if all life and vitality had been drained from them, and he stood there blankly like a walking corpse.

On the stage, the bride and groom smiled and exchanged rings symbolizing their eternal love.

The rings shimmered brilliantly in the bright sunlight, like sharp blades piercing straight into Pei Yunjing's eyes.

It mercilessly mocked his powerlessness and utter helplessness.

He gazed intently at the blissful smile on Niannian's face, a joy he had never seen before, so moving, yet piercing his heart like a knife.

At this moment, all he could do was silently offer his sincere blessings as an observer.

The guests below the stage stood up and applauded enthusiastically. Joyful laughter and congratulations mingled together, filling the entire wedding venue.

However, amidst this sea of ​​joy, Pei Yunjing suddenly felt as if she were isolated from the world by an invisible barrier, feeling lonely and helpless.

"You're just my older brother..."

These words kept echoing in his ears, and every time he recalled them, they crashed against his already battered heart like a surging tide.

It brought wave after wave of excruciating pain, almost suffocating him.

In that instant, the once vivid dream seemed to be shrouded in a thin veil, gradually becoming hazy and blurry.

Pei Yunjing's consciousness, like a bird trying to break free from its shackles, began to struggle against the chaos and slowly regain its clarity.

He knew very well that he absolutely could not remain immersed in this illusory dream any longer.

Because this dream was like a merciless blade, which had already shattered his heart into pieces, making him taste the bitter pain of heartbreak.

So he used all his strength to close his eyes tightly, trying to bury all his thoughts deep in the darkness.

However, when he mustered the courage to open his eyes again, he was surprised to find himself still in the steamy bath.

At this moment, the pool water was no longer as warm as it had been at the beginning, but had become slightly cool.

Those once vibrant petals floating on the water's surface have now lost their vitality, quietly sinking to the bottom of the pool, like a sleeping beauty.

Pei Yunjing exhaled a long breath, then braced himself against the pool wall with both hands and slowly stood up from the bath.

Water droplets slid down his muscular body, gathering into a small puddle on the ground.

Despite his deep reluctance, he knew he had to go eventually and bravely face the harsh reality of the world.

He casually picked up a clean, soft bath towel and gently wiped away the remaining water droplets from his body.

After her skin was completely dry, she deftly put on a set of simple and elegant clothes.

After doing all this, he walked out of the bathroom with firm steps, as if each step carried a heavy burden.

The moment he stepped into the room, his gaze naturally fell on Nian Nian, who was sleeping peacefully on the bed, through the phoenix bronze mirror.

Her rosy and adorable face was adorned with a sweet and charming smile, as lovely as a spring flower in bloom, which made one feel tenderness and affection for her.

Pei Yunjing sat quietly in front of the phoenix bronze mirror, silently guarding her until dawn.

He knew that no matter how he felt, he would always protect Nian Nian, just as an older brother should do.

As time passed, the night gradually faded, and the eastern sky began to lighten with the first light of dawn.

Pei Yunjing sat in front of the phoenix bronze mirror, having not slept all night. His eyes were filled with complex emotions, including deep love for Nian Nian and helplessness towards himself.