Chapter 448 One Person's Journey - Socially Anxious Witch in the Apocalypse

Su Miao returned to the alloy villa. Shortly after she got home, Xia Xiao An, Lin Jiu Jiu, and Su Luo Li came back from a meeting. Seeing that Su Miao was still sitting in the living room, the three were overjoyed. Their elder sister, Su Miao, hadn’t left. But what about the sudden appearance of the World Trees on Earth? And during the meeting, Major General Qin Long Zhang had abruptly left to carry out some important task, which puzzled the three of them. It was hard to imagine what kind of crucial mission required Major General Qin Long Zhang to personally address it during a meeting. Their instincts told them that these events were related to their elder sister, Su Miao. Lin Jiu Jiu asked Xia Xiao An if she had heard anything. Xia Xiao An replied that she hadn't used her mind-reading ability. The No. 1 Shelter’s conference hall had activated various ability restrictions, with such high levels that even she might not handle it. After all, when it came to controlling people, it wasn't just about mind control, but also hypnosis, psychological suggestions, puppet controls, parasitism, and so on. If such things were to happen, it would be an unimaginable disaster. Hence, No. 1 Shelter kept upgrading its security measures annually. Even so, there were still reckless high-level ability users and mutated animals trying to sneak in and stir up trouble. Without exception, they were met with terrifying backlash and were arrested on the spot as soon as they attempted to use their abilities for chaos. “Su Miao sister, is the World Tree that everyone is discussing planted by you?” Xia Xiao An asked. When faced with their elder sister Su Miao, asking questions directly was the best approach. Su Miao nodded, “Yes, I just planted it. These World Trees will stabilize Earth's world, and the climate here will gradually improve.” It really was their elder sister, Su Miao! Xia Xiao An and Lin Jiu Jiu were deeply shocked. In the time it took them to have a meeting, their elder sister Su Miao had planted three World Trees on Earth. However, recalling the times they had seen Su Miao plant trees before, it didn’t seem beyond comprehension. Especially considering her current power, they could no longer fathom her abilities. Su Luo Li had a rather special question; she asked, "Your Highness, can we live in the World Tree?" She was probably thinking of the World Tree as depicted in certain anime and games. Su Miao replied, "You can, but I added a bit of a restriction. Living there requires the approval of the World Tree." Considering that the World Tree could produce Elf Spring Water, a unique resource, it would cause major conflicts regardless of whether Earth’s civilization fully recovered from the apocalypse. Thus, when planting the World Trees, Su Miao added certain rules to prevent potential disasters. If the World Tree were harmed, it could defend itself. Given Earth's current remaining population, hopefully, no one would recklessly bring trouble to themselves. Yet, Su Luo Li’s remark inspired Su Miao; maybe in the future, she could choose to reside in one of the World Trees. Or perhaps build her abode on all three of the World Trees. Would living atop a cosmic tree be preferable in the future? Returning to the present, Lin Jiu Jiu, Xia Xiao An, and Su Luo Li began preparing various delicacies to celebrate their elder sister Su Miao’s return. During Su Miao's absence, they had each been perfecting their culinary skills. Now, the meals they prepared were top-notch. After a busy afternoon, the table was filled with delicious dishes and fruit wine brewed by the three of them. Su Miao enjoyed some of the food and drank a little wine, finding it quite pleasant. After the meal, watching the cheerful young women, Su Miao asked how they had been doing all this time. Xia Xiao An spoke first, describing her daily routine of studying, training, and assisting the processing of some tasks at No. 1 Shelter. Currently, she held a high level of authority within No. 1 Shelter. Under normal circumstances, Xia Xiao An would have a very high rank. However, Xia Xiao An didn't want to dwell permanently in No. 1 Shelter nor handle too much. Her role was more akin to a consultant. It was clear that during this period, Xia Xiao An had faced her own share of dangers, particularly when encountering monsters from the other world. There were several times when she was only saved thanks to Su Luo Li’s aid. “Not bad,” Su Miao remarked. "My turn, my turn!" Lin Jiu Jiu excitedly raised her hand, ready to recount her experiences. Due to her status as one of the Twelve Division Sky Supervisors, Lin Jiu Jiu’s experiences were particularly unique. On one hand, Lin Jiu Jiu aided No. 1 Shelter by taking on certain tasks and solving some problems. However, after completing the tasks, her primary gain was appropriate compensation; she did not advance in rank or gain more authority. Considering Lin Jiu Jiu’s record and her role as one of the Twelve Division Sky Supervisors, these were necessary precautions. Furthermore, most members of the Twelve Divisions had perished in the other world. Currently, only Sky Supervisor, Life Supervisor, Book Supervisor, and Time Supervisor remained in control. Time Supervisor, Tu Gui Hai, had returned to Earth to focus on spiritual cultivation after being severely injured by a Demon Lord during an otherworldly expedition. He reached the land deity realm over twenty years ago and had since rarely participated in Twelve Division affairs. Life Supervisor, Pei Xiao Miao, maintained some oversight, yet more often passed responsibilities to Sky Supervisor Lin Jiu Jiu. Over time, Sky Supervisor Lin Jiu Jiu became the de facto leader of the Twelve Divisions. As for Book Supervisor, Su Cheng, she hadn’t yet returned from the other world. Rite Supervisor, Du Yu Lin, seemed to have vanished entirely. For a time, rumors circulated among ability users returning from the other world, suggesting that many significant members of the Twelve Divisions had fallen due to internal conflicts. The messages hinted that these members could combat Demon Lords and Evil Gods of the other world, suggesting there were immense divine opportunities within the Twelve Division’s ranks. The rumors specifically named Sky Supervisor, Life Supervisor, Rite Supervisor, Earth Supervisor, Year Supervisor, and None Supervisor as those who were all killed. Among them, Year Supervisor and None Supervisor were schemers, with Year Supervisor dying at the hands of None Supervisor. Aside from the heavily injured comatose Time Supervisor, there was no one left from the Twelve Divisions. Under these circumstances, various ability-user organizations launched assaults against the Twelve Divisions. At this point, as Sky Supervisor, Lin Jiu Jiu embarked on a firefighting journey, where the abusive deeds of various ability-user organizations met heavy losses under her wrath. Following the principles learned from their elder sister Su Miao, Lin Jiu Jiu eradicated several ability-user organizations. Only then did the major groups learn that there was a new Sky Supervisor within the Twelve Divisions. This new Sky Supervisor was no weaker than the Demon Gods of the other world. These experiences were riveting. Yet, learning that Lin Jiu Jiu livestreamed online and had become a well-known new-world idol star, Su Miao felt somewhat amused. As time went by, fans noticed Lin Jiu Jiu consistently maintained a 17-year-old appearance, sparking their suspicions. Even the most powerful ability users would age and develop wrinkles after more than thirty years. But Lin Jiu Jiu was too abnormal. Thus, many ability users began investigating Lin Jiu Jiu. If they could capture and research her, it might lead to significant breakthroughs in longevity. After all, who wouldn’t want to thrive in an apocalypse and live comfortably forever? Moreover, if Lin Jiu Jiu was such a powerful ability user, surely she wouldn’t choose to expose herself during the apocalypse by pursuing a career as an idol livestreamer. This only solidified their intent on unlawful acts. They believed that tracking and capturing her would be very easy. Ironically, the ability users dispatched for this task never managed to approach Lin Jiu Jiu and were obliterated by the Twelve Divisions. It was only a few years ago, after a high-ranking official of the Twelve Divisions was severely injured and interrogated by a psychic ability user, that it was inadvertently revealed that Lin Jiu Jiu was the Sky Supervisor of the Twelve Divisions. The news spread like wildfire, shocking the entire world. What kind of joke was this? Had the world gone mad? The leader of the Twelve Divisions enjoyed livestreaming songs online? As the news continued to unfold, people learned that Lin Jiu Jiu was one of the attendants of the witch Su Miao. “Can you believe it? The Sky Supervisor of the Twelve Divisions, whose influence spans the globe and reaches the other world, is Lin Jiu Jiu. Such a big figure livestreams as an idol, singing for us.” “I’ve seen actors and celebrities become presidents after retiring, but I’ve never heard of someone doing the opposite.” “Why shouldn’t the Sky Supervisor of the Twelve Divisions have a personal hobby?” “It's completely absurd.” “Truly, in the apocalypse, anything unbelievable can happen.” “What's even more absurd is that this Lin Jiu Jiu is an attendant of Her Highness Su Miao; no wonder so many tried to capture her but failed—they all must have perished.” “They weren't just killed; those ability-user organizations were uprooted and extinguished.” “Awesome, it's entertaining, and deserves attention.” "…" After hearing Lin Jiu Jiu’s experiences, Su Miao took out her phone and did a quick search, noting the peculiar comments. It was genuinely difficult to comment on this. Su Miao clicked on some of Lin Jiu Jiu’s original songs that had gained high popularity online. As the music played and the singing began, Su Miao listened intently—it was indeed very pleasant. However, after her identity was exposed, Lin Jiu Jiu's livestream activities had significantly decreased. She likely had many concerns now. "Keep it up," Su Miao smiled and said. "Don't let online comments bother you. You can continue singing and livestreaming. In time, they'll overlook everything and just enjoy your songs." "The apocalypse has ended, and the survivors are rebuilding the world. This process will be long and arduous." "With your voice, I believe many will find healing." "In the future, you might venture beyond Earth and become a superstar in the universe." Hearing Su Miao’s encouragement, Lin Jiu Jiu’s tears welled up. "Yes, Su Miao sister, I will keep singing." Next, it was Su Luo Li's turn. Her eyes darted around as she tried to slip away. "Luo Li, what about you?" Su Miao asked. With Su Miao's attention on her, Su Luo Li reluctantly began to recount her activities. Simply put, there were two main tasks. First was protecting Lin Jiu Jiu and Xia Xiao An, which she accomplished splendidly. The second part was harder to evaluate. Periodically, Su Luo Li would engage, boast, and make friends (or freeload food and drink) with the king-level mutant animals. Typically, when faced with a powerful king-level arrival, mutant animals would submit and offer their best resources. If they were similar in strength, they would become friends. With Su Luo Li's previous reputation among mutant animals, she became quite the figurehead. After gaining enough praise, Su Luo Li would introduce her love for anime, shows, novels, and movies to the mutant animals... Initially okay, this inadvertently enlightened the mutants. To simplify, these mutant animals were rising, possessing considerable intelligence. Yet, figuring out how to use this intelligence required exploration and learning. However, Su Luo Li's presence unleashed a deluge of knowledge onto their previously blank slate minds. Consequently, the mutant animals inevitably developed biases, mimicking human language and customs from anime, shows, novels, and films. Now they began referring to themselves as the "Yao Tribe." "Thirty years on the east riverbank, thirty years on the west," became another phrase. "My fate is mine to control, not the heavens'." "I am the Monster Sovereign of Ten Thousand Clans!" "I never thought being a monster would be fun." "......" The meeting Xia Xiao An and Lin Jiu Jiu attended at No. 1 Shelter had been about the Yao Tribe. "Su Miao sister, Luo Li is now regarded as the goddess of wisdom among the Yao Tribe," Lin Jiu Jiu added. "The goddess of wisdom for the Yao Tribe..." Su Miao commented, "Not too shabby. Next time, perhaps bring them some more conventional books. You might consult with those in charge of education at No. 1 Shelter." Su Luo Li lowered her head. Now, it seemed she wouldn't be able to enjoy lazy travels for quite a while. "Su Miao sister, can you tell us about your experiences during this time?" Xia Xiao An asked. Su Miao pondered briefly and then recounted a simplified version of the same story she had told her parents. Even as Xia Xiao An, Lin Jiu Jiu, and Su Luo Li had reached level five, they were still considered relatively weak. Certain matters were not suitable for them to delve into, as too much knowledge could prove detrimental. Additionally, when it came to the River of Time and the River of Chaos, Su Miao explained the inherent dangers. Especially for Su Luo Li, who would dare to wander anywhere in her magpie form. If one day Su Luo Li decided to cross the River of Time, she might accidentally plummet into it and dissolve. “I'll introduce you to two people in the coming days,” Su Miao said. Two people? Xia Xiao An, Lin Jiu Jiu, and Su Luo Li exchanged surprised looks. They couldn't help being astonished because of Su Miao sister's well-known social anxiety—an image so deeply ingrained. Realizing this, they noticed that Su Miao sister seemed to have changed, becoming less socially anxious... Not exactly, though. How should they describe it? The current Su Miao sister was elegant, but not in an entirely rational state. Confused, the three decided to stop overthinking it. It was enough for them to know that Su Miao sister was still Su Miao sister. The next day, Xia Xiao An, Lin Jiu Jiu, and Su Luo Li met the people Su Miao wanted to introduce—her parents. Her parents were delighted to meet them, and everyone chatted happily, sharing a meal together. It was warm, joyful, and blissful. After the short gathering of two days, her research-focused parents urgently hurried back to No. 1 Shelter to resume their projects. Xia Xiao An, Lin Jiu Jiu, and Su Luo Li also returned to their work. The villa was left peaceful, with Su Miao alone. Su Miao closed her eyes and took a short nap. Moments later, she found herself in outer space. With an elegant gesture, she summoned clusters of cosmic essence, integrating them into Earth's universe. Su Miao withdrew a silver cedar seed and inscribed magical formations within it. The seed floated into the mixed cosmic essence. It took root, sprouted, and grew. In no time, a massive tree, ten thousand meters tall, burgeoned in space, causing the surrounding cosmic expanse to distort. Influenced by the silver cedar, the River of Time materialized. Some tree roots anchored themselves in the River of Time. The tree stood vibrantly. "Is this the Cosmic Tree?" Su Miao murmured, gazing at the silver cedar before her. Seeing the cedar's vigorous state, it seemed poised to cultivate into a whole new advanced world right here. The regulations Su Miao etched within the silver cedar would govern the new world's impact on Earth's universe. The nascent world would nourish Earth's universe, and in turn, Earth's universe would sustain it. Put simply, the presence of this new Cosmic Tree would bestow a "photosynthesis-like" effect upon Earth's universe. A moment passed, and the silver cedar reached over 30,000 meters in height, with the nascent small world fully formed. The small world inside appeared dim, suggesting it would take more time to mature. Su Miao had no intention to force ripening. She climbed to the top of the Cosmic Tree, contemplating whether to build a house there. One minute later, Su Miao discarded the idea. The Cosmic Tree was still in growth; better to observe its full maturation before deciding. The elven spring water the Cosmic Tree might eventually produce was something Su Miao eagerly anticipated; whether used for cooking or making drinks, it was incredibly delightful. Moreover, if the spring yielded small elves, Su Miao hoped to contract a few, so they could prepare meals for her, ensuring she never lacked delicious food. Standing atop the Cosmic Tree, Su Miao cast her gaze across the entire universe. With the Cosmic Tree in place, the fusion between Earth's universe and others was proceeding more smoothly, the boundaries expanding constantly. Correspondingly, Earth's universe gained many interesting life-bearing planets. In future times of boredom, she could go traveling. Alone. And so it was decided joyously! (The End) (End of Chapter)