The Void Mother's sharp appendage thrust toward Xia Lun from behind.
Xia Lun didn’t dare let his guard down. Adjusting his stance midair, he deflected the strike with his palm, sparks flying from the impact.
A metallic sensation jolted through his arm before he used the momentum to swiftly retreat. Meanwhile, the girl stumbled forward, nearly losing her balance.
So hard… That was Xia Lun’s overwhelming impression.
If those things pierced his body, it would undoubtedly be excruciating.
"You despicable coward… ambushing me like this!"
The Void Mother’s face twisted in anger as her spider-like appendages lifted her off the ground, propelling her toward Xia Lun in a furious assault.
Xia Lun took a deep breath, his fists weaving a seamless web of shadows in front of him, effortlessly neutralizing every strike.
Despite the ferocity of her attacks, Xia Lun noticed something.
This opponent of his… had no combat experience whatsoever. Every move was straightforward, relying solely on brute speed and strength—completely devoid of technique. In truth, she wasn’t difficult to handle.
Xia Lun deliberately left an opening, and the girl immediately took the bait, her gleaming appendage lunging forward… only for Xia Lun to seize it mid-motion. With a sharp tug, he yanked her off balance, sending her tumbling straight into his arms.
In the next instant, his fingers closed around her slender throat.
Her remaining appendages twitched threateningly, but Xia Lun’s icy glare and the slightest tightening of his grip forced them to shrivel back, curling into a pitiful lump behind her.
"Waaah—P-please don’t kill me!" The girl let out a shrill scream before tears—literal tiny pearls—began rolling down her cheeks.
She’s… crying?
If this were the outside world, Xia Lun had no doubt she’d be classified as a calamity-level monster. Yet here she was, wailing like a child in his grasp.
Now that he had a clear look at the Void Mother, her appearance struck him.
Petite frame, delicate features, silken white hair—she looked no older than thirteen or fourteen, like a smaller version of Aina.
What’s her connection to Aina?
The surrounding swarm of insects surged forward, but Xia Lun gave his hostage a light shake, and they reluctantly retreated.
Aina arrived at his side just then. She seemed to have masked her presence somehow, as the insects paid her no mind.
The moment Aina laid eyes on the Void Mother, a flicker of surprise crossed her face—first anger, then calm.
"What’s the deal with this kid?" Xia Lun asked Aina.
"Having second thoughts? Why not finish her off?" Aina’s tone was unreadable.
"If she didn’t look so much like you, I would’ve already."
"Eek! D-don’t kill me!" The Void Mother squeaked, shrinking back. When she noticed Aina, her expression turned blank with confusion.
Aina sighed. "This thing is the Void Mother—a biological weapon created by the World Goddess. It possesses terrifying reproductive abilities… and these insects are the Goddess’s reserve army…"
Xia Lun frowned slightly. "Why would the Goddess conceal such a powerful force…?"
"Tch. Isn’t it obvious? To invade other worlds when the time comes," Aina scoffed.
"Aina, I know you and the Goddess have your differences, but—"
"No, Xia Lun, you don’t know," Aina’s voice suddenly sharpened. "Don’t glorify her. She has a mind, desires—she’s no different from any mortal. Remember, humanity was modeled after her."
Xia Lun stared at Aina, taken aback. Every mention of the Goddess seemed to trigger her like this… It made her feel distant.
Aina quickly composed herself, flustered. "Sorry… Xia Lun, I didn’t mean to—I just…"
Xia Lun pulled her into a gentle embrace, soothingly rubbing her back.
"It’s alright. I know you have your reasons," he murmured. "Tell me when you’re ready."
Nestled against him, Aina gave a small nod.
"Honestly, it’s just speculation. I’ve never liked the Goddess… These insects might also exist to defend against external threats—like the eldritch gods beyond our world."
Xia Lun kissed her forehead, then brushed his lips against hers.
"Um…"
Still dangling from Xia Lun’s grip by the throat, the Void Mother hung limply, resigned. "Are you two done? Can you let go now?"
Xia Lun ignored her plea.
"But why does she look so much like you?" He glanced between his wife and the captive girl.
Aina shrugged. "Because the Goddess hates me. What’s hard to understand? She molded her tool in my image so she could boss it around however she pleased."
Xia Lun tightened his arm around Aina’s shoulders.
"Plus… I stole the Hero from her, even bore your child," Aina added, a hint of pride in her voice. "She must’ve been furious… To her, I’m probably no better than this promiscuous, overbreeding insect."
"Don’t slander me!" the Void Mother screeched, pointing accusingly. "Who’s promiscuous?! I’m not some lowly human who needs mating to reproduce! My children split directly from my body!"
As if to demonstrate, her fingertip suddenly ballooned, and a glistening white egg plopped out, dripping with mucus.
"See?!" Still dangling, she crossed her arms triumphantly, as if forgetting her predicament entirely.
Xia Lun: "…"
This one’s not the sharpest tool in the shed.
Then again, with abilities like hers, if she were any smarter… the Goddess would’ve had a harder time controlling her.
The Void Mother wasn’t weak. In her prime, Xia Lun doubted he could’ve defeated her.
And her true power—spatial manipulation—hadn’t even been utilized… likely because she lacked the brains to wield it properly.
"Should we keep her?" Xia Lun asked Aina.
If the Goddess had raised her here, she probably hadn’t caused any harm outside.
"It’s your call, Xia Lun," Aina said sweetly, clinging to his arm.
"Keep me! I’ll obey!" The Void Mother nodded frantically. "Other than the Goddess, I’ll listen only to you!"
"The Goddess is dead," Aina stated flatly.
"Eh? Ah! No wonder she hasn’t visited in so long…" The Void Mother blinked. "Then from now on, I’ll only listen to you!"