Chapter 146: Return to the Void
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 146: Return to the Void
The Void Insect Hive.
Xie Bai’s true lair.
Ever since she had inherited the Godhead of Void and returned to the mortal realm, she hadn't been back here for a long time.
Now, she strolled through this territory that belonged solely to her, accompanied by the two little ones, re-evaluating everything before her eyes.
That legendary architect had clearly not betrayed her trust.
During her absence, the Void Insect Hive had undergone a world-shaking transformation.
The upper section of the space expanded outward in layers, centered around the most magnificent black-and-gold palace in the middle.
The outer ring consisted of grand, circular structures dedicated to ornate and mysterious artistic architecture.
Further out was a thriving residential district and a highly sophisticated production zone.
The production zone didn't just contain farms for various crops; it also featured diverse livestock ranches and processing factories.
Raw materials were continuously transported to the residential district, where they were crafted into various daily necessities and food items.
The variety of food, in particular, was so vast that Xie Bai could barely take it all in.
Sweet, savory, traditional, modern, fantastical... and even some things that looked like they shouldn't be edible at all.
And the ones keeping all of this running were...
Void Insects?
Xie Bai’s footsteps faltered, and she stood there, stunned.
While the Void Insect Race was currently the only kin under her control, and she didn't mind these strangely shaped creatures moving about her territory...
The scene before her exceeded all expectations.
It was one thing for the Void Insects to engage in production, but why were they participating in consumer activities too?!
The sight of insects using gold coins to buy, sell, and even haggle in the residential district was truly bizarre.
It was especially surreal given that she was currently touring the place with the two little ones.
Fortunately, the two little ones didn't find it strange at all; instead, they were incredibly curious.
"Wow, this place is even more fun than the outside world!"
Gamie’s eyes sparkled as she grabbed Little Gamie and ran forward.
"Come on, let's go look over there!"
The two of them quickly ran to a shop front and pointed at a string of red items.
"What is this? It looks delicious!"
"Mr. Beetle Boss, we want this!"
Behind the counter stood a Void Insect that closely resembled a large beetle.
Seeing the two little ones, who looked completely out of place among the surrounding insects, the beetle didn't seem surprised.
Its compound eyes blinked, and it emitted a series of rustling sounds unique to the insect race.
Though the two little ones couldn't understand the insect language, they grasped the meaning nonetheless.
【This is called Tanghulu. It is a specialty of our Void Holy Land. Two gold coins per skewer.】
The two little ones pulled out gold coins to pay, then ran back to Xie Bai and handed her a skewer.
"Here, Sister Xiaobai, this is for you!"
"We've never seen this before. Hurry and try it!"
Xie Bai looked at the Tanghulu they offered and dithered for a moment.
Then, she resigned herself to the setting.
Ever since she had seen that legendary architect build a fast-food restaurant last time, she had resolved not to be surprised by anything that appeared here.
She took the Tanghulu and bit lightly into the top red fruit.
Mmh... it wasn't hawthorn.
However, the overall flavor was remarkably similar to the Tanghulu in her memories of her past life.
"I really don't know how that..."
...managed to do this.
Strange.
That guy... what was his name again?
Just then, a familiar aura appeared behind Xie Bai.
She turned around to see a tall, thin man dressed in black-and-gold attire. He had a slightly graying goatee and was standing there respectfully.
【Melos Lv.55】
Oh, right, his name was Melos.
Having recalled the name, Xie Bai spoke as if she had remembered it all along.
"Mmh... Melos. I've only been away for ten days or so, yet you've managed to accomplish so much. It is indeed impressive."
She paused.
"Mmh... is there anything you desire?"
Faced with Xie Bai’s praise, Melos bowed his head slightly, his voice gentle and steady.
"It is nothing... I have only done what I ought to do. Being able to meet you in person, my Lady, is already the greatest reward I could ask for."
Midway through his sentence, Melos pointed to the surrounding Void Insects.
"By the way, my Lady, starting five days ago, I noticed that some Void Insects have developed significant intelligence. To investigate this further and to add a touch of life to this place, I arranged for some of them to act as citizens. I hope you can forgive the liberty."
Hearing Melos’s explanation, Xie Bai nodded slightly.
"Very well. But I can't help but feel that your talents are wasted as a mere architect if you can manage all of this as well."
"You flatter me, my Lady. You truly overpraise me."
As he spoke, his gaze fell upon the two little ones behind Xie Bai.
"Are these two the Lady's guests? They are as beautiful as the Lady herself."
He bowed slightly.
"I happened to finish building a theme park recently. Would the two young guests like to visit?"
Xie Bai was stunned once again.
What?
A theme park?
Setting aside where Melos had obtained the blueprints for such a thing...
How did Melos even think to build a "theme park," something that was clearly meant for children?
While Xie Bai was bewildered, the two little ones were already brimming with excitement.
"Another thing we've never heard of!"
"Sister Xiaobai, can we go see it? Please?"
Faced with the shimmering light overflowing from their eyes, Xie Bai had no choice but to agree.
"Alright then..."
Under Melos’s guidance, Xie Bai’s group arrived at the so-called...
【Theme Park】
What a literal name.
Xie Bai looked out and saw an exceptionally rich variety of amusement rides and facilities.
Most surprising of all, every single staff member was chosen from the soft, cute-looking Void Insects—the kind that were adorable enough to make someone's heart melt.
Seeing this novel sight, the two little ones' eyes lit up.
"Wow, everything is so new!"
"Sister Xiaobai, you have so many amazing things here!"
Gamie looked back at Xie Bai, her eyes full of anticipation.
"Sister Xiaobai, do you want to come play with us?"
Faced with their invitation, Xie Bai blinked.
"Me?"
She instinctively shook her head.
"No... these things are a bit too childish. I won't be joining you."
The two little ones looked slightly disappointed.
"Oh, okay then..."
"Sister Xiaobai, then the two of us will go play!"
With that, the two little ones dashed toward a purple, squishy Void Insect that looked like a "cat-caterpillar."
After commandeering it as a mount, they began their journey of exploration.
Xie Bai watched their joyful retreating figures, a trace of gratification appearing at the corners of her mouth.
"It seems they really enjoy it. I didn't expect Melos to be so thoughtful..."
As she spoke, her gaze couldn't help but drift back toward the park, her fingers twitching slightly.
As if noticing Xie Bai’s internal conflict, Melos took a step forward and spoke respectfully.
"My Lady, the upgraded Central Port you asked me to build last time is complete. Would you like to go inspect it?"
Xie Bai immediately turned around.
"Very well, let's go take a look right now."
"And the two young guests...?"
"Let them play on their own. Mmh... it wouldn't be right for me to disturb them."
"Understood."
Melos bowed his head slightly and turned to lead the way.