Chapter 396: Dual Dream Worlds? Virtual Reality!

Chapter 396: Dual Dream Worlds? Virtual Reality!

There are numerous advantages to being a Breeding Master.

Previously, after participating in the Breeding Master Competition, Su Ping had received some promises from Zhu Hong and Liu Fuhai.

At that time, he was considered a half-Breeding Master.

After all, the most challenging requirement was to breed an entirely new Advanced Skill.

Su Ping had met this requirement, but he still lacked other conditions, such as the hard requirement of having an Imperial Rank mental realm strength.

Therefore, he could only have some of the Breeding Master's authorities.

As for tangible benefits, there were none.

The most crucial tangible benefit was the allocation of resources!

There was no need to elaborate on the past, but now, Su Ping had not only become a Breeding Master but had also directly risen to the rank of a Hall Level Breeding Master, an advancement that could be described as a leap.

Therefore, in the documents brought by the Beastmaster Association this time, Su Ping clearly saw.

In addition to being able to freely mobilize and control three to five Imperial Rank resources each year, there was also another condition that ordinary people did not have.

That is, for every Beast Research Project established by the Beastmaster Association, they could apply for a Holy Spirit Rank resource.

What did a Holy Spirit Rank resource mean?

Even Beastmasters of the same rank, like Cold Master and Elder Sang, would find it impossible to casually obtain a Holy Spirit Rank resource.

The higher the rank of the resource, the rarer and more precious it was.

This special approval was the Beastmaster Association's most sincere offer!

Of course, this Beast Research Project couldn't be something insignificant.

However, the documents from the Beastmaster Association didn't specify this, and the two people before him obviously trusted Su Ping and wouldn't do such a thing.

This made Su Ping feel a bit regretful, and he couldn't help but speak up:

"If I had known about this document earlier, I would have conducted the previous project myself. What a pity."

Upon hearing this, Zhu Hong and Feng Ya's eyelids twitched, and the former reacted:

"Is this about your recent trip to the Mechanic Beast Association? What project is it? Can you tell us about it?"

Su Ping waved his hand:

"It's not a big deal. It's related to what Mad Saint mentioned. Apart from the transformation of the Gold Elemental Core, I discovered some areas for improvement in the creation of a brand new Mechanical Beast Core."

"Hmm?"

The two of them stared in surprise.

The Beastmaster Association held significant power, and even the independently established Mechanical Beast division was, to some extent, under the jurisdiction of the Beastmaster Association.

They naturally understood the pain points and critical aspects of the Dragon Nation's Mechanical Beasts.

In other words, they knew the pain points of Mechanical Beasts worldwide.

The cost was too high.

It wasn't just the expensive materials for the mechanical bodies; the most crucial factor was the core.

Only the top-tier wealthy individuals could afford such a plaything.

Was Su Ping involved in this aspect?

The two exchanged glances, and then Zhu Hong continued:

"How confident are you? To what extent can you improve it?"

"I should have a high level of confidence. As for the extent of the improvement, it depends on the requirements of the Mechanic Beast Association. Cost control and market regulation are also matters that the Association needs to consider.

However, if we're talking about the lowest threshold, I estimate that the transformation of the lowest-grade Mechanical Core might cost around one or two million in market value. Any lower, and I won't be too confident."

One or two million?

That didn't seem like a small amount.

After all, common-grade Beast Companions like the Cicada or the low-grade Skeleton Soldier were only worth a few tens of thousands at most.

However, to reduce the price of Mechanical Beasts from billions to this level was indeed an exaggeration.

"Hiss..."

The two of them sucked in a breath of cold air. However, in the end, it was Feng Ya, the president of the Beastmaster Association, who spoke up:

"So, did you hand over some of the experiment's key points to Wu Kuang and the others?"

Su Ping nodded.

Then, President Feng waved his hand:

"If this experiment succeeds and it's because of you, you can apply for a Holy Spirit Rank resource for your personal use."

Su Ping smiled, and only the president would offer such a thing.

What a bold move!

Zhu Hong, standing beside him, rolled his eyes. He also had the same boldness, but what good would it do for him to speak up?

"But speaking of which, I don't have time to work on this Mechanical Beast research lately. There's the further evolution and cultivation of the Origami Man from the Magic City, the external incarnation of the Water Saint, and in Dragon City, if we add in Elder Meng's..."

Su Ping counted on his fingers, and Feng Ya shook his head helplessly. However, he didn't feel any fear.

Even if all these projects were completed smoothly, what could he do if this stinky kid emptied the Association's treasure vault?

Those resources were meant to be used, and if they were left in storage, wouldn't they give birth to little ones?

It had to be said that compared to Zhu Hong's insights into Elemental Beast Companions,

Before him stood an elderly man, Wind Old, whose age might even surpass the ancient tales of the Holy Dragon Legend. When it came to the art of cultivation, his knowledge was vast and all-encompassing.

Aside from a slight weakness in dealing with undead creatures, Wind Old had dabbled in various other research areas.

Su Ping couldn't deny that he had gained a lot from their casual chat.

One of the most intriguing topics they discussed was:

"The idea of enlarging a Companion Beast's body to increase its power and energy output, is it inspired by the Hall Level enlargement skill you obtained from the Holy Spirit Rank Mustard Seed Crystal?"

Wind Old smiled and shook his head.

"I haven't found a similar resource for enlargement yet, but if you venture into space, you'll have a special response."

"Oh?" Su Ping was genuinely surprised.

"On Blue Star, aside from the influence of gravity, there's also a restrictive rule-based force. But in space, without this limitation, a ten-meter energy surge can reach fifteen or even twenty meters and beyond."

Wind Old chuckled, "As for the skill you mentioned, it's quite interesting. Among higher-ranked Companion Beasts, there are indeed some that rely solely on brute force and physical strength for speed.

Although they possess some energy, the higher the rank, the stronger the attribute skills formed by their energy become.

If you can cultivate such a skill, it might just be another Advanced Skill worthy of the Hall Level."

Su Ping nodded thoughtfully.

The tea session with these two masters lasted until nightfall, and after a shared dinner, they finally departed.

They had indeed covered a lot of ground in their conversation.

For instance, Su Ping's speculation about the skill he obtained from the Mustard Seed Crystal, their mutual understanding of external incarnations within the Dragon Dynasty, and the fact that Su Ping had visited Meng Yan at the Life Source Rehabilitation Hospital, which naturally led to their discussion about Su Ping's interest in the Dream Entry skill.

There was much more, but to sum it up, Su Ping had gained a great deal from this chat with such an experienced and highly respected breeding master.

Back in his room, Su Ping took a refreshing bath, and he couldn't help but think about the deep bathtub. He planned to install one in his own home.

Feeling refreshed, he lay down on the bed, and Fatty's voice echoed in his mind through the Soul Contract:

"Master, the Dream Core Helmet you sent out during the day has been mentally connected!"

Su Ping's eyes widened in surprise.

Ever since he returned from the Life Source Rehabilitation Hospital, he had asked Fatty to keep an eye on this matter.

He never expected that Meng Huangliang would be so straightforward.

But then again, it made sense.

The Rehabilitation Hospital, despite its name, might not be as comfortable as a prison for him.

After all, prisoners in jail could at least get some fresh air and use a sewing machine.

For him, there was absolutely no meaning to life.

Even if it was a conspiracy, it might have given him a little amusement.

Su Ping pondered for a moment, considering the old man's thoughts, and his interest was piqued:

"Can you live-stream his gameplay?"

The Dream Core Helmet had a multiplayer mode, allowing for PK battles and cooperative 'dungeon' runs.

However, it could also be played solo.

In many cases, players chose to challenge themselves.

And that's precisely what Meng Huangliang was doing at this moment.

Su Ping lay on the bed as Fatty connected the projector, displaying Meng Huangliang's gameplay on the screen.

The first scene that appeared before Su Ping's eyes almost made him lose his composure.

There, in the starting village, stood the legendary spy, a top-tier Mental Clan Beastmaster with exceptional talent, urinating in the corner of an abandoned wall.

White splashes of water flew up, wetting the moss on the wall.

The powerful impact caused droplets to scatter on his pants and shoes.

Then, he shivered, a very real shiver.

Su Ping watched as Meng Huangliang tightened his belt, squatted down, picked up a nearby stick, and started poking around.

Su Ping couldn't help but question his sanity after witnessing this scene.

In his previous interactions with Meng Yan, he felt that the man had a significant self-deception regarding his perception of the world.

However, his consciousness and intelligence seemed perfectly fine.

But now, seeing this, Su Ping had his doubts.

Could it be that after being confined for so long, Meng Huangliang had developed some issues?

Was it not just about protection and the desire for treatment and change?

Would any sane person, over the age of eight, do something like this, even in reality?

And this was happening in a virtual reality combat growth game!

Instead of breeding and selecting Companion Beasts, accepting quests, or even just playing solo, he was urinating and defecating in a corner?

And to make matters worse, he had actually connected with Su Ping!

Su Ping turned to Fatty:

"Fatty, does the Dream Core have such comprehensive functions?"

Fatty blinked and said, "Of course. Didn't you say so earlier? Creating a completely realistic virtual reality game, aside from adjusting pain perception and allowing resurrection after death, the Dream Heart can theoretically achieve everything in reality.

In future updates, the Dream Heart might even add some pet breeding features, hehe. Of course, it'll only be basic breeding, and players will need to explore and research on their own..."

Su Ping blocked Fatty's enthusiastic monologue on this topic.

He turned his attention to Meng Huangliang.

At this moment, Meng Huangliang, having finished his mud bath, sat on the ground, gazing at the sky and his surroundings with a bewildered expression.

As he looked around, he muttered to himself, "Is this real? A real dream world that I can freely enter and exit? But how is this possible? How can one delve deeper into a dream within a dream? Is this a second layer of dreams?

But even I... it's impossible. How could someone possess such a capability... This must be a trick! Has that cunning eagle come up with another illusion?"

Su Ping furrowed his brows, watching Meng Huangliang's soliloquy with a helpless shake of his head.

As long as Meng Huangliang's preconceived notions remained, nothing would make sense.

He sighed.

Not only for this legendary spy but also for himself.

It seemed that obtaining the dream cultivation method from Meng Huangliang would be challenging.

Su Ping lay back on the bed, recalling his conversation with Old Feng in the afternoon.

They had discussed the matter of entering dreams.

"Dream Butterfly Dream.

"Butterfly Dream..."

Su Ping narrowed his eyes slightly, then sent a message to Long Er, "Long Sister, get me a Butterfly Dream to observe tomorrow."

"Okay."

The skill of entering dreams was cultivated from the Butterfly Dream.

Su Ping's task was not only to thoroughly research and understand the skill of entering dreams but also to find a way to cultivate this skill in Fatty.

The challenge was indeed formidable.

Through a few brief interactions and today's chat with Old Feng, Su Ping realized the immense potential of cultivating dream-related abilities in psychic-type pets.

If he could truly cultivate the dream-haunting abilities he had witnessed in his previous life, like those of Freddy, Fatty would become one of the most terrifying and unpredictable pets.

As he pondered this, he watched the 'live' feed of the legendary spy.

When he saw the veteran finally begin the dungeon challenge, Su Ping breathed a sigh of relief.

It was better to enter the normal gameplay phase.

Even if he couldn't distinguish between reality and virtuality, at least he could enjoy the game's pleasures.

However, Meng Huangliang chose not to be a beastmaster or breed pets but instead picked up a dagger, opting for the Assassin profession within the Dream Heart.

His skills were genuinely impressive.

Relying solely on his profession, he managed to slay numerous monsters and reach the final boss, even without completing the beginner quests.

Meng Huangliang's choice of profession and quest had been hasty.

After changing professions and accepting the quest, he charged straight into battle.

He didn't even use his profession skills, relying only on a basic outfit to conceal his body as he attempted to defeat the boss.

When Meng Huangliang smiled upon facing certain death, Su Ping understood.

If this were a genuine death, it would be an honorable end for a legendary spy, dying without revealing his secrets or intelligence. He would be remembered by many.

But if it were a false death, it would prove that this world was an illusion, a fantasy.

Su Ping shook his head helplessly, sighing as the live stream turned black.

Death in the Dream Heart meant restarting the game the next day, as per the game's settings. Clearly, Meng Huangliang's live stream had ended.

Su Ping closed his eyes and entered a meditative state.

However, at that moment, Su Ping was unaware of what was happening at the Life Source Rehabilitation Hospital.

Meng Huangliang opened his eyes in bewilderment, removing the Dream Heart helmet and gazing at his surroundings, which were all too familiar.

But there was a slight difference.

"Why has my psychic power increased? How is this possible?"

Meng Huangliang's eyes were bloodshot; his psychic power had been sealed long ago, yet now, there was a negligible trace of it.

But this negligible trace made him question, "Is this an illusion? Is everything fake? Or is this the second layer of dreams? Or perhaps, is this reality?

No, no, it can't be, it's impossible!"

Finally, after an unknown duration, Meng Huangliang calmed down, his gaze falling on his hands, and for the first time in many years, he remembered the young man who had visited earlier that day.

And the helmet in his hands.

"Dream... Heart...?"

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end