Chapter 371 The Witch Realized the Law - Socially Anxious Witch in the Apocalypse

Su Miao stood gracefully at the center of the explosion, her gaze fixed on the distant horizon. An unknown presence flickered by, escaping Su Miao's notice. Retracting her gaze, she continued to confront the explosion before her. The power unleashed by the explosion of the dull grey bead was truly terrifying, with waves of destructive energy crashing one after another. The forces of chaos that accompanied the explosion contained violent rule-based energies that could cause serious injury if not properly handled. This was the power of the rules! Su Miao focused on the erupting chaotic laws emerging from the explosion's core, her pupils unknowingly turning a golden hue. Although these chaotic rules seemed like entangled threads, Su Miao was not tasked with untangling them. Instead, she sought to discern their essence. Maintaining the magical space array, Su Miao once again employed the Starlight Bloom. Through the Starlight Bloom, she glimpsed the rules embedded within. These were orderly rules. There were laws of light, darkness, space, and several others she couldn't identify. Simply put, Starlight Bloom was a magic composed of multiple foundational laws. The shattered souls were purified due to the influence of these laws. "So that's how it is." Su Miao understood why the power of Starlight Bloom was so immense. While others merely used raw energy in attacks, she incorporated rule-based assaults directly—failing to overpower adversaries was thus a significant issue. Su Miao reverted to her basic spells—Water Ball and Fireball. Sure enough, rules existed within them as well. The foundational magics gifted by the "Prophecy Book" all contained rules—the water rule, the fire rule. "Does a simple water rule truly have healing effects?" Su Miao's Water Ball spell had healing properties, initially thought to be due to water infused with magic. But was it really that simple? Upon witnessing the underlying laws, Su Miao speculated that Water Ball might not be as basic as it appeared. Moments later, she discerned the life law within the small water ball. The life law... This explained everything. If the Water Ball was dual-ruled, what about the Fireball? Examining the fire law more closely, she discerned the destruction law. As she examined the subsequent derived magics, she noticed none contained rules. This realization sparked an odd thought within her: "Have I been wielding powerful magic all along, yet habitually use much weaker, simplified spells?" It was a puzzling realization. Nevertheless, it was no longer a concern. Now that she understood and grasped the laws, she merely needed to integrate them into her magic. As to how the laws should be integrated, that would require more research. Or perhaps... Directly use the laws for attacks? Su Miao's gaze shifted to the dull grey bead. This was an artifact controlled by several dark gods, known as the Divine Space. Su Miao had punched a hole in it with her reforged silver sword and battered it with Starlight Bloom. The ensuing explosion lasted well over half an hour without ceasing. Now was the perfect opportunity to experiment with the raw application of laws. Su Miao attempted to channel some fire law into the grey bead, intensifying the explosion within. A dose of destruction law made the explosion more ferocious. Adding a touch of light law rendered it more thrilling. A sprinkle of dark law further heightened the thrill, causing the chaotic laws within to spiral further into disorder, even prompting Su Miao to question whether her magical space array could withstand it. "Lastly, a hint of space law, then I'll flee." She resolved. Space law was the most complex and she was only capable of its most basic application, hardly certain of success. With effort, she conjured a sliver of space law and tossed it into the grey sphere. As the space law entered, Su Miao decided not to linger, escaping with unprecedented speed. ... "Is anyone still alive out there? Stop pretending—someone's alive, I can tell." "Old geezer, you were holding something back after all." "Darn it, you're all still alive." "Does it really matter if we're alive? The witch survived the explosion; she's waiting outside." In the heart of the Divine Space, its core, four voices rang out and then fell silent. Everyone was playing their own game. They had agreed to become fuel for the Divine Space, pooling energy for a fatal strike against the witch. And yet? Each was playing a hidden agenda, none willing to truly become fuel. Relying on the high level of the Divine Space artifact for protection, they had survived until now, but given the current state, it wouldn't last. "The witch waits outside; our escape is hindered." "This witch is sly. My feigned fall was perfectly executed just now." "The Divine Space won't last much longer. If you have any last cards, use them now." "Relax, the witch's attack has peaked. She can't withstand the Divine Space's explosion for long and will surely depart." Despite their wretched condition, the four dark gods had not given up, still plotting for the future. Ideas of consuming the others to regain some power—to secure a better chance of survival—were discussed. However, their plans were short-lived as the explosion within the Divine Space grew more severe, thoroughly affecting even its core. "What is the witch doing?" "It's the laws. She's wielding more laws in her attacks." "Fire law, destruction law, light law, dark law...for pity's sake, how many laws has she mastered?" "The internal laws of the Divine Space are chaotic enough already; if this continues, it won't hold." "No, what is this law? An unstable space law!" "..." Boom! An explosion a hundred, a thousand times greater than before erupted, sending destructive energy sweeping in all directions. The icy wasteland seemed to plunge into spatial disarray. Su Miao fully expanded her magical space array and barrier, retreating continuously until she was 30,000 meters away before stopping, having distanced herself enough that the residual blast was negligible. Finally, the Divine Space was utterly destroyed, the four dark gods without any recourse, utterly obliterated in both form and spirit. Suspended in the void, Su Miao beheld a magnificent scene. The ground at the explosion's epicenter had caved into chaos, while an enormous mushroom cloud soared skywards, majestically beautiful. Su Miao took out her phone, capturing elegant selfies to commemorate the scene. What a breathtaking sight! ... In the ruins of a desolate city. Secretary Tao Yu Jie was overseeing the construction of an outpost camp. Suddenly, the ground trembled and a terrifying aura filled the air, prompting everyone to cease their work and look into the distance. They saw an enormous mushroom cloud rising on the horizon, casting its reflection across half the sky. Witnessing the mushroom cloud, everyone trembled in fear. From its immense size, it seemed likely that it would linger for several days before dissipating. After a while, someone nervously asked, "Do you think this is the work of Her Highness, Su Miao?" The group exchanged glances, silent, yet the answer was undeniable. Secretary Tao Yu Jie stared at the mushroom cloud for a long moment, lost in thought. It was horrifying. Could humans really achieve such things? Moreover, just what was Her Highness Su Miao battling to unleash an explosion of this magnitude? Using optical analysis and energy fluctuation calculations, she couldn't even begin to compute the values of this mushroom cloud. ... Xia Xiao An and Lin Jiu Jiu waited in the camp for Sister Su Miao’s return. Both were busy studying, but upon seeing the horizon's mushroom cloud, they first felt shock, then relief. The appearance of such a cloud usually signified that Sister Su Miao had dealt with the danger. However, this cloud far exceeded their usual understanding. "Xiao An, why do I have the feeling that Sister Su Miao is not like us anymore?" Lin Jiu Jiu gazed at the mushroom cloud, her heart uneasy. Xia Xiao An replied, "It's okay, the stronger Sister Su Miao gets, the better. We just need to work hard to become stronger ourselves." Lin Jiu Jiu nodded, "Yes." ... On the vast icy wasteland, a dark god was fleeing in panic. Sell out the other dark gods' secrets, for if they won, it would spell this one's doom. If the witch triumphed and remembered them, they would surely be doomed. Suddenly, they sensed an incredibly terrifying aura. Upon turning, they saw an explosion mushroom cloud that defied comprehension. "Who just got blasted? One of the main gods?" "Could it be that witch's doing?" "Besides the witch, I can't think of anyone else. Time to make my exit..." ... In the inner world, within the Blade Mountains. Si Ming Pei Xiao Miao sat at the campsite, simmering a pot of cabbage and meat soup. The meat she used was from mutated shrimp, giving the soup an exceptionally fresh flavor. This time, she made enough for two. Because a guest was expected. "Xiao Miao, it's been a while! Did you miss me?" Si Shu Su Cheng appeared before Pei Xiao Miao, catching the scent of the hotpot, and exclaimed, "Wow, that smells amazing! Can I join you?" Pei Xiao Miao replied, "Join in." Su Cheng noticed the extra set of tableware on the table and expressed surprise, "Xiao Miao, you knew I was coming?" Pei Xiao Miao said, "The shrimp tastes wonderful; try some first. We can talk after we're done." Unperturbed, Su Cheng picked up the utensils and started eating, "Wow, this shrimp is delicious." Before they realized it, the pot was clean of its vegetables and shrimp. Su Cheng commented, "These vegetables must be from Su Miao. I have some too, and I always stress over how to make them taste their best..." Holding her book, Su Cheng sat by Pei Xiao Miao, chatting happily for a long time. Pei Xiao Miao listened quietly, refraining from commenting. After reminiscing for some time, Su Cheng got to the point, "Xiao Miao, I want your powers. Can you give them to me?" Pei Xiao Miao sipped her cold tea, seemingly unfazed by the request, "Su Cheng, when did you decide to take this path?" Su Cheng replied, "Since you first started your experiments, Xiao Miao." Pei Xiao Miao looked to the heavens, "Back then, I'd say you officially started when Si Di died." Su Cheng acknowledged, "Yes." Pei Xiao Miao inquired, "Have you already taken care of the new Si Di?" Su Cheng confirmed, "Yes." Pei Xiao Miao continued, "Have you fully integrated Si Di's power?" Su Cheng affirmed, "Yes, just as your experimental data suggested, there was no rejection; it felt as though these powers were always meant to unite." Pei Xiao Miao nodded, "But have you considered that unifying these powers might change who you are?" Su Cheng replied, "Wasn't that issue solved?" Pei Xiao Miao shook her head, "No." Su Cheng was taken aback, "Xiao Miao, did your experimental data deceive even me?" Pei Xiao Miao clarified, "I never lied, merely withheld some data." Su Cheng was speechless, "Is there still time to fix things?" Pei Xiao Miao glanced at the book in Su Cheng's embrace, "Not really. You'll have to keep consuming." She opened her hand, revealing a golden, transparent orb filled with mysterious soul energy that floated in the air. Su Cheng looked at the power Pei Xiao Miao offered, incredulous, "Xiao Miao, you're just handing it over?" Pei Xiao Miao shrugged, "What else? Do you want to fight me for it?" Su Cheng accepted Pei Xiao Miao's power, asking, "Xiao Miao, if these powers can unite, they might allow someone to ascend to godhood. Are you not interested in becoming a god?" Pei Xiao Miao replied, "These powers were obtained by chance; to me, they're both opportunity and burden." She revealed another orb of power with a gesture, "Want Si Tian's too?" Su Cheng looked at the new power, then back at Pei Xiao Miao, "Isn't Si Tian's power with Lin Jiu Jiu? Why?" Pei Xiao Miao explained, "Who do you think I initially conducted experiments with? Lin Jiu Jiu inherited Si Tian's power, but not the original Si Tian power. I must remind you again, merging powers is perilous, weigh it carefully." Su Cheng quipped, "Si Di always said I was the crazy one, but you're the truly mad one, Xiao Miao." Pei Xiao Miao prodded, "So, do you want it or not?" Su Cheng looked at the Si Tian power in Pei Xiao Miao's hand, "I want it!" Out of caution, Su Cheng opened her book and stored Si Ming and Si Tian's powers without directly absorbing them. With the powers in hand and an unexpected boon, Su Cheng was elated and prepared to leave, "Xiao Miao, I'll be going now!" Pei Xiao Miao advised, "Be wary of Si Wu." Su Cheng smiled brightly and walked away with a spring in her step. After a moment, Pei Xiao Miao spread her hands, revealing Si Ming's power in the left and Si Tian's in the right. In truth, Su Cheng wanted more, and she had more to offer. "Fusing powers does make one stronger, but it's a case of priorities lost." Putting the powers away, Pei Xiao Miao tidied up the campsite where she had stayed for over ten days and ventured deeper into the inner world. Once Su Cheng displays her multiple powers, their fellow Twelve Divinities will be convinced she's dead once again. It's something to look forward to. (End of chapter)