Alone and Infinite.

Chapter 564 We are Containers

It looked like an abandoned village. The semi-circular buildings were like inverted bowls. The houses were not big, at most two meters high. If Li Xia wanted to crawl in, he would have to bend over.

The entire village is made up of these round buildings, which look like they have been abandoned for a long time.

It was covered with a thick layer of dust, giving it an air of decay.

"Bah, bah, bah -"

Xiao Long tilted his head and spat out the saliva he had choked on from the dust falling as he went in and out of the house:

"Boss, this place is empty, there's nothing here. They moved everything out during the evacuation."

Aside from things like the stone bed that couldn't be taken, it seemed like everything movable had been moved.

Black Charcoal and Howling Sky, who emerged from the last building, nodded in agreement with Awoo's answer.

"Ah."

Li Xia was not disappointed. Not every village can yield clues. Villages that were abandoned due to emergency evacuation or sudden changes are generally more likely to contain valuable items.

In villages that are relocated in an orderly manner, valuable items have already been taken away.

"At least we found the way."

Li Xia turned around and looked at a road behind the village that was not wide but extremely long, winding all the way to the distant horizon.

Where there are roads, you can always find cities or other settlements.

Finally, we found some useful information on the road sign at the village entrance.

The road sign for Woye Village has two lines of smaller text. One line points to one side of the road and reads "Insect Nest Kingdom," while the other line reads "Beast Kingdom."

"Boss, shouldn't we head to the Zerg Hive Kingdom?"

As Aowu recalled the world introduction, even though the information didn't mention it, it could guess that the 'Dawn' used by its avatar was definitely closely related to the 'Bathed One'.

"Yes, beasts are very likely not the mainstream here; the world introduction is all about the story of the insect hive."

Li Xia's judgment was the same as Aowu's; the chances of it being the Insect Kingdom were definitely higher.

Once the direction was determined, they immediately took action. This world was not safe; besides the misty world of Seeking Light, there were also garbage collectors lurking in the shadows.

The whole world was exceptionally quiet, and the occasional chirping of insects did not break the silence; on the contrary, it made the tranquility even more profound.

Darkness, like a soft blanket, enveloped everything, bringing peace to the world.

The fluffy seeds, like snowflakes, drift and fall to the ground, but they don't stay still. A gust of wind will send them soaring back into the sky, a cycle that continues year after year.

The road was like a pedestrian walkway. Li Xia and the three little ones walked along the road, and every short distance they could see exquisite streetlights standing on the side of the road.

Aowu even dug around out of curiosity, but didn't see any wires or anything like that. It seemed to be just a simple street lamp, but he didn't know how it used to emit light.

These streetlights also feature a spiral design, giving them a unique aesthetic appeal.

Alongside the streetlights are iron benches, their exquisite designs revealing the wealth of the insect hive kingdom.

As they walked, Aowu even felt a pang of emotion and said to his second and third brothers:
"To be able to develop such a civilization in this dark and gloomy world, they must have something special."

As the journey progressed further, the scenery on both sides gradually changed. Plains were gradually replaced by rolling hills, and more and more insects lay sprawled on the ground, their shells piled up haphazardly by the roadside.

Finally, over time, it transformed into a bizarre and unique landscape.

And the road grew wider and wider until a tall gate blocked their way.

Beside the gate stands a stone tablet inscribed with ancient characters:

In the distant wilderness, the mention of your name evokes feelings of awe and regret.

No one can tame our wild souls, and you have accepted the challenge.

Under the palest gaze, you, Professor, we change; instinct is redeemed.

You brought a world that insects and wild beasts could never have dreamed of.

You gave us the most cherished dreams, one after another.

You are the light, you are the king of paleness.

Li Xia silently read the words on the stone tablet and memorized them.

He then walked directly to the gate, observed carefully for a moment, and then grasped the Frostflower sword hanging behind his waist. The translucent longsword, exuding a chilling aura, was drawn from its sheath, and even in the darkness, clear sword marks could still be seen.

These sword marks seemed to be branded into the air, and then appeared on the door.

Li Xia sheathed his sword, and a rustling sound came from the doorway as a perfectly placed opening appeared in the massive doorway.

The door was covered in a thick layer of dust, clearly indicating that it hadn't been opened in a long time.

A faint light shone from the hole that Li Xia had carved out. This discovery made the three little ones, who couldn't stand the darkness any longer, light up and they immediately crowded around the entrance.

A road identical to the one on the wasteland stretched out inside, but the world inside seemed to have changed, with faint specks of light floating in the air.

Countless tiny insects, resembling fireflies, fluttered about, providing a faint glimmer of light to this pitch-black world.

When there are many of these lights, they illuminate the darkness.

It was another lonely journey. When a small village finally appeared before them again, Li Xia and the three little ones all breathed a sigh of relief.

Even if only a few people remain on Blackfall Star, at least the initial location is Ogan in the dream world. Although it is an illusion, at least there are people active there.

Clues can only be found where there is interaction.

Similar to the abandoned Woye Village, the buildings here are still inverted semicircles, with faint lights shining from the windows, clearly indicating that 'people' live here.

"Boss, should I or Kitty go scout ahead first?"

Aowu looked at Li Xia's tall figure, then at the low, semi-circular building, and whispered.

Just as Li Xia was about to speak, she saw the semi-circular door of the house open and a small figure walk out.

It was only then that he finally saw the 'indigenous people' living here for the first time.

It looks to be only about one meter tall, somewhat like an insect standing upright, but its appearance is somewhat anthropomorphic. What is most surprising is that this 'insect' actually has hair that extends down from its chin like a beard.

The insect leaned on its cane and stood in front of the door in a daze for a while before turning its gaze to Li Xia, who was standing not far away.

The air seemed to freeze for a moment as Li Xia's mind raced, realizing that he was vastly different from the insect in both appearance and physique.

Even if we think about it logically, the other person would probably be scared. The most urgent thing is to find a way to eliminate this fear and to communicate with them.

Therefore, the available methods include threats, kidnapping, intimidation, friendly conversation, greeting to show goodwill, and offering food and water.
A series of methods flashed through my mind, only to be interrupted by the insect's movements.

The old insect calmly stretched out his hand and beckoned to Li Xia.

This action clearly stunned the three little ones and Li Xia, who were experienced in the world. The old bug's behavior was like that of a normal person who saw an alien. Instead of screaming and running away, he went up to ask, "Have you eaten?" It was as counterintuitive as that.

"Boss?" "Let's go over there first. It doesn't seem afraid of us."

Li Xia made a decision instantly. Although he didn't know why the old bug had called them over, it was a good start.

He strode towards the old bug and decided to say hello, then heard the old bug's somewhat hoarse voice:

"Want a map? 500 geothers!"

Li Xia: ?
"You think it's too expensive? We can't lower the price. Maps are rare items. All the maps here are hand-drawn by me, and it took a lot of effort."

Five hundred Geely is already a discounted price.

Li Xia:
He didn't know how to continue the conversation!
Awoo darted up and asked curiously:

How did you know we wanted to buy a map?

The old insect glanced at Li Xia, unusually calm:

"You must be travelers."

I encounter this several times every year. At first, they were very generous, sometimes giving several thousand Giornos for a map.

Later, for some reason, maps became harder and harder to sell, so I had to lower the price.

But I still have to thank you travelers. If I hadn't sold you the map, I wouldn't have been able to buy my son that beautiful nest in the City of Tears.

Li Xia fell silent again. He had already guessed that the so-called traveler must be an apostle like himself.

The apostles' actions were quite in line with their style; they never valued things like native world currency.

If they can buy high-value items like 'maps' with the native world currency, they are happy to trade even if there is a premium.

If this old bug wanted Hall Points instead of Geo, he would probably have become an empty shell like those bugs outside long ago.

As for why it gets cheaper the more you buy, it's because the apostles also have intelligence sources, and many of those who come here are guild members who don't need to buy maps here.

If they can't be sold, the price will naturally drop.

“Old Mr. Bug, I can buy the map, but before that, I’d like to ask a few questions.”

"Just call me Old Oss. I'll chat with you, thirty Giornos a time!"

Even the three little ones were speechless. Who said insects were simple and hospitable? This one is definitely a money-grubber!
Li Xia pointed to the Geo in her backpack and readily agreed:
"Row!"

Old Oss stretched out his arthropod-like arms, holding something that looked like a ceramic jar, and waved it in front of Li Xia.

When the crisp clinking sound of Geo echoed inside the earthenware pot, he nodded happily, slowly turned around, and walked into the house.

"Come in and have a seat, it might take a while."

The semi-circular room was quite simple, with a shelf against one wall, a stone bed, and a stone table.

A pale orange flame burned slowly in the fireplace, making the round room exceptionally warm.

Old Os gestured for Li Xia to sit down at the stone table, then picked up the earthenware pot from the shelf and poured him a cup of steaming, light green liquid.

Li Xia smelled it and found it to be a very refreshing scent, so she tentatively took a bite.

It tastes sweet and refreshing, like some kind of tree sap.

Old Os poured himself another glass, holding it between two slender, black segments, and spoke with a leisurely and exceptionally practiced tone:
"Hmm, I know what you travelers want to ask."

He began to tell the story in a hoarse voice, as if he had told it countless times before, without waiting for Li Xia to speak:

"In the beginning, the world was only darkness. The insects lived in the dark world, without food, without feeling, and without hunger."

It seems that in the darkness, the insects need nothing.

Then one day, the Pale King appeared. He claimed that he had been bathed in light and had become a higher being, but the insects could not understand what he was saying.

And so, the Pale King performed a miracle.

Even though Old Os had told this story many times, he still felt awe and unconsciously lowered his voice:

"He unleashed a miracle—light—that the insects had never seen before."

From then on, the insects followed the light like madmen. They followed the Pale King, ignited the light, and built their nests.

Even the wild beasts were captivated by that light.

From the wasteland to the underground, all insects and beasts would stand in awe when they chanted the name of the Pale King.

And since then, a beam of light has occasionally fallen from the sky; it is real light, but it doesn't last long.

But if it is lucky enough to be bathed in light, it will transform into a pale spirit.

The insects considered the Pale Spirits to be noble, regarding them as superior beings on par with the Pale King.

The Pale Spirit also possesses incredible power.

As the number of Pale Spirits gradually increased, the power of the Hive also grew stronger and more prosperous.

We expanded outwards, encroaching on the territories of beasts and spiders, but even beasts are so weak before the power of the Pale King and the Pale Spirit.

We are invincible.

Old Oss's voice gradually faded, even his dark eyes were filled with memories. It was the peak of the insects, their proudest era.

"But one day, the insect hive suddenly changed. For some reason, the Pale King went mad and issued an order that he would not allow the insects to chase the light."

The order was met with opposition from the insects, and even the Pale Spirit was angered.

Their power comes from the light; each time they are bathed in the sunlight, they become stronger.

Thus began a protracted war. The hive sealed off the roads, and the Pale King led his loyal insectoids, even uniting with beasts and spiders.

A war has begun against the Pale Spirits and most of the insects.

In the end, the Pale King failed. Because of its achievements, the insects decided not to kill it, but to give it a more cruel punishment.

They sealed the Pale King within the White Palace that the insects had built for him, an eternal seal.

Legend has it that before being sealed away, the Pale King shed tears and addressed all the insects in the plaza:

There has never been a thinking mind, nor a soul.

We are not the ones who bask in the light; we are merely vessels!

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1. Monthly pass 2. Recommendation vote

Still experiencing writer's block; I wonder when I'll be able to get it sorted out.
(End of this chapter)