The lanterns behind Lin Wenhua and the others lit up first. When they turned toward the light, they discovered that the faded, tattered white lanterns on either side of the door had become brand-new red lanterns bearing the character for double happiness. Candlelight shone through the red paper onto the clean white walls, swaying in a sudden gust of wind.
Only when the other lanterns around them lit up did Lin Wenhua and the others turn to look elsewhere.
Yet that simple turn left them rooted to the spot. Before their eyes, the abandoned Back Courtyard and the pond that had been dry for who knew how long had completely changed!
Large red lanterns hung over the entrances to every courtyard surrounding the Back Courtyard. Even the pavilion midway along the winding bridge had matching red lanterns. Their candlelight illuminated the Back Courtyard, and the reddish glow, along with the Red Moon overhead, was reflected in the rippling surface of the pond!
Yes, the water!
The pond that had been completely dry had filled with water in the time it took them to turn around. Its surface reflected the moonlight and candlelight, and water lilies even lay quietly upon it!
Coming to their senses, Lin Wenhua and the others looked around in astonishment. They found that the shattered paving stones beneath their feet had also become whole and new. Trees, shrubs, and flower beds now lined the pond and the courtyards. In mere moments, the entire Back Courtyard had transformed from an abandoned haunted residence into a garden fit for sightseeing!
Now, no one could think that the Nightmare World and the game were nonsense anymore. After all, nothing happening before their eyes could be explained by ordinary reasoning.
"What exactly is going on?" Lin Wenhua, Huang Qi, and even