Chapter 436 The witch is level nine... - Socially Anxious Witch in the Apocalypse

The Celestial Palace—a place where patience reigns supreme. Having slain an inconsequential demon god, Su Miao continued her journey toward the Sea of Stars. Before long, she arrived at a peculiar chaotic void. How might one describe it? It seemed like an immense chaotic void, swallowing everything around it—matter, laws, all of it. At its core, a vast sea of stars was barely visible, a breathtaking sight. Su Miao noticed unique laws fused at the center of this starry sea, rooted in chaos and connecting multiple universes. Seeing such a structure, she couldn't help but worry whether the flow of time inside the Sea of Stars differed from the outside. If it were a case of a day in the sky equating to a year on earth, that would certainly complicate things. To be safe, she realized she needed absolute strength to destroy the Sea of Stars. Wandering within the chaos, Su Miao analyzed the composition of the Sea of Stars, contemplating how to dismantle it. Theoretically, beyond the universe, in the chaotic void, anything existing is tied to these laws. Currently, the Sea of Stars has a dual-layer defense. One layer resembles the structure of a black hole. The second is the Sea of Stars' own defense layer. In such a scenario, even if she summoned the Great Chaos River to erode it, its effectiveness might be diminished. Parts could be swallowed by the black hole-like structure, while others might detach and form islands within the Chaos River. Moreover, with such a black hole structure, severing the tentacles connecting various universes would become exceedingly difficult. Perhaps she should try attacking first? Watching the Sea of Stars, Su Miao felt a stirring urge. Initially, she had planned to enter and wreak havoc from within. However, as things stood, infiltrating the Sea of Stars seemed incredibly challenging. Standing at a safe distance, her eyes glowed golden as she began to study the immense Sea of Stars. In this vision, Su Miao perceived extraordinarily complex laws. Chaos within order, order within chaos. Reality and void intertwined. Dimensions and planes converged. Past, present, and future all coexisted. Surprise etched itself on Su Miao's face. The Sea of Stars was not as it appeared superficially. To verify her emerging theory, Su Miao clutched her Starry Staff, unleashing an attack at a corner of the Sea of Stars. Boom! A pure stream of starlight pierced through the chaos, clashing directly with the black hole-like structure at the Sea’s perimeter. Instantly, the chaotic void erupted, awakening an intense chaotic storm, like a towering demon god extending its hand toward her. Along the way, several demon gods rushing in to assail Su Miao found themselves foolishly slapped into oblivion by the colossal hand, their ends a senseless tragedy. The others swiftly withdrew. "This witch, how does she dare?" "Curse it, run swiftly!" "Madness, sheer madness!" "She's not one of the gods seeking entry into the Sea of Stars; she's one of those foolish souls chasing vengeance." "Hahaha, this witch is utterly clueless about the disaster and backlash triggered by attacking the Sea of Stars. She's damned." A particularly powerful demon god stepped forward, passing judgment on Su Miao’s fate: "This witch is indeed strong but too conceited. The backlash this time; if it doesn’t kill her, it’ll maim her severely. That would be the perfect moment for us to strike." Many demon gods emerging from Starry City eyed the speaker. It was none other than the Sword God, Mei Youru! An eighth-level powerhouse, truly terrifying. If he said it, it must be true. "I’m not so sure," another demon god tore through the chaos, emerging to speak. He was Morrison, also an eighth-level expert. Though he hadn’t intended to involve himself, the allure of obtaining a slot to enter the Sea of Stars proved too compelling to ignore. After all, as an eighth-level powerhouse, undergoing a sacrificial ritual to pay with one's essence just to enter wasn’t a palatable option. Being at the pinnacle, pride is paramount. Many demon gods lurking in chaos turned their attention; with yet another powerhouse joining the fray, their chances seemed slim. As such discussions unfolded, the terrifying backlash surged toward Su Miao. She blinked, her expression inscrutable. The Sea of Stars' automatic defense mechanism was peculiar; it shouldn't retaliate in this manner. Even if it did, it ought to pull her in and obliterate her. Could it be similar to a white hole expelling forces outward? Su Miao took a step forward, appearing beyond the counterattack's range. This spectacle astonished the hidden deities—none had ever witnessed someone evade a counterattack; they were typically pulverized on the spot. Mei Youru, the Sword God who had issued the fatal prognosis just moments ago, fell silent. He simply couldn’t replicate Su Miao’s feat. Nor could Morrison. Though his initial assessment was accurate, Su Miao’s formidable prowess far exceeded his expectations. Simultaneously, both considered an inconceivable possibility. Could this witch be a ninth-level existence? In Su Miao’s world, concepts such as eighth and ninth level held no significance; she only saw the laws. When deities traversed chaos, most evaded it, ensuring their bodies remained unscathed by the corrosive chaos, particularly its chaotic laws. Imagine them as bottles of clear water, with chaos as ink; even minimal contamination would corrupt them. Once entirely blackened, it would be the end. Thus, extreme caution was crucial. However, Su Miao, traversing the Great Chaos River, was different. Her journey from Earth to the Sea of Stars deepened her comprehension of various laws, especially those governing space and chaos. Regardless of her understanding or mastery, the Laws of Chaos left little impact on Su Miao. Because she commanded these very laws. Her eyes aglow with a golden light, Su Miao had once more achieved enlightenment. This time, it was the Radiant Starlight spell—fusing myriad laws, with order at its core and chaos supporting. The Great Chaos River combined countless laws, with chaos as its core and order assisting. Her previous grasp of Radiant Starlight had been superficial. "Who created this Radiant Starlight magic?" Su Miao contemplatively eyed the black hole structure of the Sea of Stars as it unleashed another counterattack. The insights she gained this day were substantial enough; the next step was to consolidate this newfound understanding and fully wield it. Once achieved, destroying the Sea of Stars would be straightforward. Su Miao swung her Starry Staff, striking the void, shattering it. Instantly, the Sea of Stars' second counterattack dissipated without a ripple. The demon gods hidden within the chaos were shaken to their core. Evading the first counterattack was already astonishing, yet Su Miao casually nullified the second. At this moment, they realized the Sea of Stars had landed in grave peril, having roused an unfathomable cosmic entity to their doorstep. Ninth level! It was undeniably ninth level! Such an entity was legendary among the deities of Starry City, and to witness one was beyond belief. Simply terrifying! Meanwhile, several demon gods trembled and quivered. Why had they come here, after all? Intrigued by the Celestial Palace’s bounty—a bounty for killing the witch. Only a select few came for the spectacle, curious about the bold soul challenging the Sea of Stars after so many millennia. In retrospect, it seemed laughable. Once, a sixth-level demon god stumbled into Starry City, demanding recompense from the Sea of Stars, only to be instantly obliterated. Later, seventh-level demon gods emerged, slaughtering their way to Starry City, only to realize their dire predicament. One exceptionally strong, slain after a fierce battle with several seventh-level demon gods, exterminated by a newly emerged emissary from the Sea of Stars. In its wake, the Celestial Palace was formed, with the express purpose of managing such indignant demon gods. After multiple instances, an eighth-level demon god made his presence known. A cunning being, he lay in wait a long while before striking. Yet, he grossly underestimated the Sea of Stars’ power and the allure its ticket held for the multiverse’s demon gods, leading to his betrayal and assassination. Subsequently, another eighth-level demon god stormed forth. This one was a true force of nature, breaking through Starry City to reach the Sea of Stars’ boundary. Boldly, he attacked, triggering a counterstrike. Surviving the first wave, the second overcame him. Severely wounded, surrounded, and slain, his death became a ticket into the Sea of Stars. Based on estimations by several powerful demon gods, his might was presumed nearly at the peak of eighth-level capability, hence his formidable assault. Alas, without progressing further, hope remained elusive. Now, the witch Su Miao appeared, accomplishing the same feat unscathed and prompting speculation of her being ninth-level. Recollections of the distant past sent shivers through the deities. Some had already fled earlier. In a pitch-black chaos, the malice of the demon gods plotting against Su Miao shone like lights in the darkness, piercingly obvious. Even as some of their malice waned, transforming into pure fear, Su Miao had already marked them. "Enchanter, we mean no harm," Morrison, the demon god, stepped forth. "In two days, there will be a celebration in Starry City. You are cordially invited." The so-called celebration was a fabrication, crafted to pacify Su Miao. "I understand that some among us might have offended you, but the gods are willing to offer suitable compensation, hoping you'll accept," Morrison added, neither obsequious nor haughty, presenting her with a space ring filled with abundant treasures, including a staggering 31 cosmic essences. His sincerity was undeniable. However, it wasn't enough. "You mentioned compensation earlier?" Su Miao inquired. "Indeed, Your Highness," Morrison replied. Mei Youru, the Sword God, nodded in agreement. Though he shared Morrison's eighth-level status and had confidence in battle, a ninth-level existence was a different matter. Even as a Sword God, eager for a challenge, the chasm between their strengths was insurmountable. Within the eighth level itself lay vast disparities among the gods, not to mention that of the ninth level. The deities hidden in the darkness echoed their assent; only while living would resources hold any value—death rendered all moot. And since the supreme figures had consented... "Very well," Su Miao declared, "I require something from you as compensation." Chaos fell silent, awaiting her next words. "I want your divine essences." With that declaration, Su Miao vanished, swiftly taking down a seventh-level demon god. Her staff shattered his head, claiming his divine essence. This demon god had crept up intending to ambush her during the chaos caused by the black hole backlash of the Sea of Stars. Thus, being closest to Su Miao, he had to be dealt with first. Meanwhile, the other gods hidden in chaos began to flee. Including the Sword God, Mei Youru. He merged his body with the laws of the sword, escaping toward a universe teetering on collapse. But Su Miao moved faster. She unfolded her celestial domain, sweeping the gods into it before they could escape. To those without malicious intent, she spared them the ordeal of being pulled into her realm. Moreover, she didn’t want them witnessing the gods' demise. Rumors of the events outside might become too absurd. While ensnared in her domain, the gods immediately sought to tear through the void. Yet, this was Su Miao's realm, making void-tearing an arduous task. "Laws upon laws—this is more than spatial laws..." "This is the Enchanter's domain." "Everyone, escape is futile. We must confront the Enchanter head-on!" Without indulging in conversation, Su Miao first eliminated the demon god urging a last stand. No bindings were necessary; the God-Killing Silver Sword swiftly extracted the opponent's divine essence, storing it within her magical space. "Yes, fight the Enchanter. She's used up her strength with that unprecedented attack on the Sea of Stars and the resulting backlash. I doubt she can defeat us all with whatever power remains!" Su Miao silenced the verbose demon with two swift strokes, slaying the two who stood before him and extracting his divine essence. Only when robbed of their essence did they unleash their dying wails. "You’re right. The Enchanter's assault on the Sea of Stars was unparalleled; surely the Sea of Stars' powerful entities would take notice. Once a ninth-level entity arrives, we stand a chance." A savior from the Sea of Stars? Yet, would such powers rescue a mere seventh-level demon god? If salvation were forthcoming, they’d have been recruited into the Sea of Stars long ago. Su Miao shattered her opponent's defenses, and with a single stroke pierced his heart, seizing his divine essence. Though, truth be told, these demon gods hid their divine essences in unusual places—usually in the head or heart, some found in palms, calves, or even armpits. In the blink of an eye, a blood rain drenched the starry expanse. The gods who shouted the loudest fell first to Su Miao’s priority list. Meanwhile, the most powerful present, the eighth-level Sword God Mei Youru and Morrison, dared not flinch. Particularly Mei Youru, self-proclaimed Sword God with a mastery of sword laws unmatched. Yet, before Su Miao’s God-Killing Silver Sword, even his own blade trembled. He couldn't even discern Su Miao's sword. Su Miao’s sword wielded myriad laws; the sword law was merely one among them. Suddenly, enlightenment struck Mei Youru. Long ago, his mentor had taught him, "Everything under heaven and earth can become a sword." He had believed he’d internalized this truth, had no need for it—until witnessing Su Miao’s sword revealed otherwise. Everything indeed could be a sword, encompassing laws. A sword need not rely on sword laws—any law would suffice. The Sword God Mei Youru felt an urge to kneel before Su Miao—she was akin to a reborn master! Understanding this path meant it was only a matter of time until reaching the ninth level. But now, that chance eluded him. For Su Miao now turned her gaze upon him. Mei Youru gripped his sword tightly, smiling, "To know truth in the morning is worth dying by evening! Enchanter, I thank you!" With boldness, he drew his sword, channeling the over hundred laws he had mastered in life, delivering a final strike. (End of chapter)