Qi Lixiao remembered that "Zhuangzi" once said, "The universe includes all space and time." All space refers to the three - dimensional expanse, while all time encompasses the past, present, and future. Their combination might be what Li Zhichen and the Potato Spirit called "space - time".
Seeing Qi Lixiao lowering his eyes in deep thought, Li Zhichen couldn't help stealing a few glances at him.
The ancients had an inborn reverence for mysterious things like ghosts and gods, yet Qi Lixiao remained so calm.
She couldn't help feeling a bit of admiration and patiently explained,
"In Buddhism, there's a saying of the Three - Thousand Great Thousand Worlds. Our worlds were originally running in parallel, but by a strange coincidence, I came from the end - times to this world in the book and met you."
A fleeting look of confusion flashed across Qi Lixiao's eyes. "You mean... the world I'm in is fake? I'm just a character in a book?"
Li Zhichen nodded, somewhat surprised by Qi Lixiao's sharp understanding. She had only given a brief explanation, yet he grasped it immediately!
Qi Lixiao was silent for a long time before he asked hoarsely, "What's my ending in the book?"
The system quickly replied, [You were supposed to die of illness on your wedding night yesterday. Driven by this system's mission, the host saved you with a spiritual medicine!]
Qi Lixiao slumped against the cart blankly. All the doubts that had been lingering in his mind suddenly became clear.
No one knew his body better than he did. Logically, his illness was incurable, and only a miracle could save his life. But he had walked through the gates of hell last night and returned to the world of the living.
He had thought it was finally the mercy of heaven, but it turned out that Li Zhichen had saved him...
He had endured much hardship in the first half of his life. Paralyzed in bed after trying to save someone, he had to bury his childhood dream of galloping on horseback. Later, his illness grew worse, and even survival became a luxury. Now, he was suddenly told that he was just a supporting character in a book, and all the hardships he had endured were just to advance the plot...
Qi Lixiao was silent for a while, then a sarcastic smile curled his lips. "If so, my creator must hate me very much."
As soon as he said this, the system, which had been chattering before, fell silent for once, and Li Zhichen also felt a bit sorry for him.
The system comforted him awkwardly, [This is just a world in a book. Everything revolves around the protagonist. Although you're not the protagonist, your existence is crucial for the plot advancement...]
Seeing that Qi Lixiao didn't say a word, the system's voice grew softer and softer. It looked at Li Zhichen helplessly.
Li Zhichen patted Qi Lixiao on the shoulder and said loudly, "So what if your ending in the book is predetermined? Your consciousness has awakened, and you're a living person! Your fate is in your own hands. Why not start anew and live your own life?"
The winter sun shone generously on Li Zhichen. Her fair skin seemed to be gilded, making her look dazzling.
Perhaps because he had experienced a near - death situation, Qi Lixiao was only slightly stunned and didn't find it too hard to accept.
He had never been one to accept his fate. Li Zhichen was right. So what if he was a character created in a book? He would never sink into despair!
Qi Lixiao raised his slightly closed eyes. "Since you've been so honest with me, there must be tasks from the system that require my cooperation. Tell me, what should I do?"
Li Zhichen's eyes lit up. She leaned over to Qi Lixiao and rambled on about the principle of the Husband - Pampering System and the huge amount of accumulated points they owed.
Qi Lixiao nodded thoughtfully after listening. "So what we need to do now is to increase our influence in the world and earn money to pay off the points?"
The system nodded like a pecking chicken and echoed, [That's right. You can also earn points by completing tasks, and the extra points can be used to exchange for items in the mall.]
As soon as the system finished speaking, a semi - transparent screen gradually appeared in mid - air. As Li Zhichen scrolled through it, Qi Lixiao's eyes widened in surprise.
In the system mall, there were not only gold, silver, jewels, land, and grain but also farmland!
Seeing Qi Lixiao's surprised expression, the system darted around proudly.
[There's much more! From seeds and cloth to ships and cannons, as long as you have enough points, you can exchange for anything in the mall!]
Qi Lixiao and Li Zhichen exchanged a look, and they both saw the motivation in each other's eyes!
While they were talking, the cart had left the capital. Li Zhichen lifted the shield on the old coachman's five senses. Looking at the meager amount of silver in her purse, she asked the system, "Is there any cheap accommodation nearby?"
The system fell into a serious silence for a while and then replied, [According to the detection, there's a great place to live three miles outside the city. It's not only large but also free.]
Li Zhichen raised her eyebrows in surprise. "Really? That's too good to be true!"
The system snorted proudly and popped up a map.
Following Li Zhichen's guidance, the ox - cart passed through one desolate forest after another and finally stopped in front of an old and dilapidated temple.
The surroundings were extremely desolate. Spider webs hung from the eaves, and hardly anyone ever came here.
Looking at the dilapidated temple that looked like a horror - movie set, Li Zhichen fell into deep thought. She asked the system, "Is this the great place to live you were talking about?"
The system pretended to be dead and didn't respond.
Well, it was shabby, but it would do as long as they could live in it.
Li Zhichen gave the silver to the old ox - cart driver. Then she walked up to Qi Lixiao, who was struggling to get off the cart, and rolled up her sleeves without saying a word.
The small section of her fair and slender arm that was exposed caught Qi Lixiao's eye.
He was a bit stunned, not knowing what Li Zhichen was going to do.
The next second, Li Zhichen suddenly turned around and tugged Qi Lixiao onto her back with all her might. The delicate and slender figure of the young girl fit snugly against Qi Lixiao's chest as she carried him on her back.
Li Zhichen walked quickly and steadily, concentrating on the road beneath her feet and not noticing the surprised look the man was giving her from behind.
When the temple door was pushed open, a shower of dust fell. The temple was pitch - black inside.
The statue of the god was damaged, the incense burner had toppled over, and the air was filled with the damp and musty smell of decay.
The temple was empty, with only a few crudely made wooden tables and benches. There wasn't even a bed.
Li Zhichen first placed Qi Lixiao on a chair. Then she found an old wooden board, propped it up on some relatively flat stones, and spread some straw on it. It was a very simple bed.
Although they had fled in a hurry last night, Li Zhichen hadn't forgotten to bring two sets of clean quilts for Qi Lixiao.
She took out the quilts from her spatial bracelet and spread them evenly on the low couch.
After all this was done, Li Zhichen carried Qi Lixiao to the bed, wrapped him tightly in the quilt, and then opened the doors and windows to let in some fresh air.