Chapter 438 There is great terror in chaos - Socially Anxious Witch in the Apocalypse

In the chaotic void. Su Miao found a meteor, roughly the size of a small hill on Earth. She set up a domain using her magical rules and paused there temporarily. The upcoming period will be busy, and she needed to make some preparations beforehand. Thus, Su Miao took out a table, chairs, a plethora of mutated fruits, and a laptop among other things. Perhaps due to her increased power, or for some other reason, these fruits now seemed only average, not as delicious as they initially were to her. Finally, Su Miao ate a portion of dry stir-fried chicken over rice. Delicious. After her meal, she sipped on a glass of mixed fruit juice while watching an anime. Once the episode finished and her break was over, Su Miao stored everything back into her magical space. “Let's begin.” She expanded her domain and took out all the divine cores she recently acquired. The divine cores floated mid-air, shimmering like stars, extremely beautiful. Earlier, she had only studied a few divine cores, focusing primarily on enhancing her domain. This time, it was different. Su Miao aimed to not only further perfect her domain but also to think about how these divine cores could unleash their maximum offensive power. Surely, it would be a waste to just turn them over to the Starlight Bloom for energy during a battle. Su Miao believed that with the right method, these divine cores could unleash more than several times their inherent power. No—ten times, a hundred times, a thousand times, even a million times more. Otherwise, it would be virtually impossible to single-handedly destroy the Star World Sea. The divine cores she acquired varied in strength, with the strongest being at level eight, and the weakest at level six. Each divine core held its own set of rules, and while their manifestations varied, they all shared a commonality. This was akin to how many plants and trees on Earth have growth rings. Growth rings. Su Miao gazed thoughtfully at these divine cores. The essence of a divine core lies in its rules, and the essence of rules is the Dao. The myriad Daos and infinite minor paths—all are the Dao. At its core, the essence of magic is the Dao. Su Miao reached into her magical space and retrieved "The Dao and Magic." She had come across this book by accident. As she opened it today, it suddenly dissolved into a divine core upon her casual perusal. Who could have imagined that this book was actually a level nine divine core? “It really is like this.” Su Miao murmured to herself. She understood now what Magical Girl Core Meow had said, realizing things she had previously overlooked. Her apocalyptic journey seemed fraught with danger, yet it wasn't overlooked by certain entities. They noticed it and got involved, paying a price in the process. [“I am from a universe of annihilation.”] [“I paid with my endless lifespan to cross the tumultuous rivers of chaos, glimpsing a corner of the future, and I saw you.”] [“I...”] Golden divine script appeared fleetingly on the level nine divine core before it dissipated. Su Miao said, “I understand what you’re trying to say.” This was a level-nine existence, unable to exact revenge on a universe's annihilation, yet yearning for vengeance. Thus, he turned everything he had left into a book, which found its way to the road Su Miao would inevitably travel on her apocalyptic journey. “The might of the Star World Sea renders even a level-nine being powerless. I must prepare more; I cannot underestimate them.” Su Miao placed the level-nine divine core at the center to research alongside the others. Earlier, her research capped at level-eight divine cores that couldn’t level up to nine, proving insufficient for her needs. However, with the inclusion of this level-nine divine core, everything changed. Understanding dawned on Su Miao like a revelation. Magic's essence is the Dao. My Dao is magic. Golden light shone from Su Miao's eyes. Around her, the domain she had initially established dissolved, replaced by an entirely new one. Within this new domain, countless Dao laws naturally formed magical arrays, perfectly integrated and everlasting, boundless and infinite. Influenced by Su Miao, the sound of chaotic rivers echoed within the void. Somehow, a tributary of the chaotic river emerged, its waters flowing relentlessly into Su Miao’s domain. Standing in the void with closed eyes, Su Miao perceived, comprehended, and absorbed the chaotic river's essence. Her aura grew increasingly potent and terrifying, yet upon reaching every limit, she would undergo a transformation, returning to her usual appearance. Gradually, a horrifying vortex formed within the chaos, ravenously devouring everything in its path. Were this any other universe, its very existence would be threatened by such turmoil. The dreadful waves of energy reached far, extending to the Star Boundary City. The gods who remained within the city, steadfast in their belief in the Star World Sea, wore expressions of dread. Since its founding, such disturbances had never plagued the Star Boundary City; not even wars waged by incomprehensible ninth-level entities had shaken it to this extent. Could the Star World Sea be in trouble? Could that witch indeed wield such overwhelming power? “What’s happening?” “I don’t know. This terrifying aura emanates from the chaos—has a chaotic beast been born?” “Impossible. If it were a chaotic beast, it would have already been hunted by the Star World Sea.” “It's too frightening!” “Could the chaotic river have changed course? Some claim to have heard its sound.” “Ah... if the chaotic river has changed its path, who could withstand it?” “Why panic? If the sky falls, the stronger ones will hold it up. We are but ants here, no need to overthink.” “True, the one in Star Palace will certainly investigate.” “Do you think it could be the witch?” “Even if the witch is ninth-level, how could she cause such a commotion? Impossible.” “Regardless, I’ve decided to leave the Star Boundary City for a while.” “Me too. I’m feeling homesick; it's time to visit home.” “Wait up, I’ll come visit your place.” “...” The gods fled in fear. After exchanging information swiftly, another batch departed, reluctant to probe the source of the dreadful waves within the chaos. Meanwhile, within the Star Palace, Xuan Tian the Ancient Emperor opened his eyes, scanning the chaotic void. His gaze could only penetrate so far, beyond which lay only incomprehensible chaos. “What is the matter?” He asked aloud. The eighth-level demon commander, Quan Peng, rushed in, reporting, “Your Majesty Xuan Tian, the chaos is tumultuous, multiple damaged feeding universes affected, directly annihilated; this may have caused the disturbance.” Xuan Tian the Ancient Emperor frowned, “Unlikely! Those feeding universes could’ve withstood a million more years, no reason to collapse without cause.” Quan Peng said, “I’ve sent demon commanders to investigate. However, they lost contact shortly after entering the chaos.” The Ancient Emperor asked, “Any word from the Star World Sea?” Quan Peng shook his head, “No word from within the Star World Sea.” Xuan Tian fell into contemplation. There should have been a response to such upheaval, but none came. Suddenly, a thought struck him—Su Miao, the witch who ventured here. “Could it truly be her doing?” As the notion crossed his mind, Xuan Tian the Ancient Emperor felt an inexplicable pang of alarm. A crack formed in the god core he had nurtured for countless years from this mere trace of unease. Impossible! Xuan Tian suppressed the alarming sensation. Securing his god core was paramount, lest dire consequences ensue. “Your Majesty, are you alright?!” Quan Peng shuddered, prostrating himself, baffled by the Ancient Emperor’s sudden crisis. The gap between the eighth and ninth levels was immense and unavoidable. A mere hemorrhage of aura from a ninth-level being could injure him severely. Thankfully, his foundational strength spared him severe harm. Otherwise, he might have perished right there. “Leave.” Xuan Tian commanded. “Yes, my lord.” Seeing it as a reprieve, Quan Peng swiftly vacated the Star Palace. In the next moment, Xuan Tian stirred for the first time in a million years within the divine temple. Standing high above Star Boundary City, he gazed deeply into the heart of chaos. With a wave of his robe, he resolved to investigate. Without concrete answers, the lingering unease festered, risking becoming a permanent inner demon. Should that occur, his countless years of injury would never heal, his rank might regress. Consequently, he’d have no chance to return to the Star World Sea. Within, his long-time rival awaited an opportunity to end him. However, Xuan Tian misunderstood the Star World Sea's intentions. Given the sheer magnitude of the chaotic upheaval around Star World Sea, it certainly wouldn't leave the disturbance unexamined. In the Star World Sea, two figures emerged. One was Tianwu Gudi, a ninth-level powerhouse. The other was Shishui Gudi, also a ninth-level powerhouse. "How is that old fool Xuan Tian guarding anything when such a major incident occurs outside the Star World Sea, and he doesn't even act?" Tianwu Gudi sneered as he led the way. Shishui Gudi responded, "He's just a failed competitor, an old relic. What could you expect from him?" Tianwu Gudi inquired, "Shishui, do you know what they are competing for?" As a newly ascended ninth-level being, Tianwu Gudi’s strength matched many veteran powerhouses, but he was unaware of many of their secrets. Shishui Gudi said, "You accepted this mission truly unaware?" "Very well, I'll explain. Before that, let me ask you, do you know who established the grading from level one to nine for all beings?" Tianwu Gudi frowned, "Isn't it just common consensus?" Shishui Gudi replied, "Indeed, it's common consensus, but what about its origin?" Tianwu Gudi said, "Wouldn’t it be the creator of the Star World Sea?" Shishui Gudi said, "No." Tianwu Gudi was puzzled. This problem among mortals is akin to everyone knowing that 1+1 equals 2, yet suddenly being asked to prove it—how would one prove such a thing? Shishui Gudi explained, "The infinite chaos, the Star World Sea isn’t unique. If you have the chance to go elsewhere in the future, you'll find different systems of ranking strength, but the one to nine levels are universally shared." "But no one knows its true origin." "Thus, some proposed a hypothesis: there is an existence above the ninth level that established this grading system, applying to all chaotic realms." "If there's something beyond the ninth level, does it not mean one might someday achieve it?" "That is what they’re competing for." Hearing this, Tianwu Gudi was eager. He regarded himself as gifted, no less than any other being. If others can vie for this level beyond nine, naturally, he could as well. Shishui Gudi noticed Tianwu Gudi's reaction, internally scoffing. Reaching the ninth level doesn't equate to invincibility. Little does he know, this grading encompasses countless realms. Within each realm are numerous sub-levels, and having reached the ninth level and yet arrogant is ridiculous. However, recalling his own past arrogance, Shishui Gudi felt little need to mock a brash warrior like this. Furthermore, their assignment to investigate signified something. It was due to their relative weakness. As Shishui Gudi gazed into the depths of the chaos, he was puzzled and apprehensive. He had never witnessed such chaos since the chaotic river overflowed—this was no trivial matter. Having a brash warrior upfront was far more advantageous. Within the chaotic vortex, Su Miao was oblivious to the external commotion, unaware she had alerted the depths of the Star World Sea, attracting the attention of three ninth-level powerhouses. She was engrossed within her enlightenment, where her newly formed domain continued to evolve, with her body unintentionally undergoing a profound transformation. If Magical Girl Core Meow were here, Su Miao felt she could seize her. Pat her and make her meow? Why did such a thought occur? Blinking, Su Miao understood why. Because Core Meow was just too adorable. Setting aside such thoughts, Su Miao refocused on the task at hand. She reached out, scooping some water from the chaotic river, and murmured to herself, "A tributary of the chaotic river, I now know how to harness it." Looking towards the nascent domain, Su Miao observed the endless interplay of laws, gaining a sudden understanding. In the next instant, tumultuous waves surged within her domain. Within this domain, a new chaotic river had been birthed. "Something is still missing—what is it? Rules? Fragmented rules? Or a ninth-level demon god’s corpse?" Contemplating for a moment, Su Miao extracted the Starlight Staff and the Demon-slaying Silver Sword from her magical space. Wait a moment… This? Suddenly, Su Miao realized something. Her magical space had seamlessly merged with the new domain. Yet, this integration didn't affect the supplies stored within the magical space. Everything remained as it was. The difference was that, perhaps due to the influence of the chaotic river, there was now chaos present within the nascent domain. This was generated by the new domain indiscriminately absorbing chaotic energy, its latent energy terrifying. Were it to be fully unleashed, could it challenge the Star World Sea? Whether it be a ninth-level demon god’s corpse or challenging the Star World Sea, stronger weapons would be necessary. It was time to upgrade the Starlight Staff and the Demon-slaying Silver Sword. With a wave of her hand, Su Miao melted the Starlight Staff and the Demon-slaying Silver Sword into embryonic forms, infusing them with a myriad of rare materials liquefied into their essence, with countless laws being re-etched. After three days of intense effort, the newly forged Starlight Staff and Demon-slaying Silver Sword emerged before Su Miao, shining brightly. During their reforging, they had developed complete consciousness. They were alive! Pink hair danced as Su Miao discovered this unexpected change. Just as she prepared to delve deeper, an uninvited guest arrived outside. Xuan Tian the Ancient Emperor, a ninth-level powerhouse from the Star Palace, had arrived. To be continued.