Chapter 138: Restart

Qin Qing asked, “You’ve traveled through all these different worlds and gained the approval of each world’s consciousness?”

Han Xiangzhen replied lazily, as if it were only natural, “Of course. Otherwise, I would’ve been torn apart by the Space-Time Rift long ago.”

What other expression could one wear besides awe?

If anyone could revive the Void Sea Tribe, who else but this big sister?

Then another thought struck her. Han Xiangzhen had been thrown into another world before even awakening her Cradle. So how did she gain the approval of this world’s consciousness?

With that in mind, she asked.

Han Xiangzhen raised a finger. “I used a little trick.”

She went on to explain, “The first world I entered was a world of Strange Tales. The world consciousness there has a mischievous streak. It’s powerful too, and every now and then it pulls natives from lower-dimensional worlds into its own for a little ‘game.’ These people are called players.

To it, it’s just playtime. But for the players, it’s a life-or-death ordeal. My talent allows the food I make to have special effects beyond just filling the stomach. These foods not only please the strange but also help the players survive longer.

So,” Han Xiangzhen spread her hands, “I used my cooking to win over the world consciousnesses of the players’ home worlds. The strange tales consciousness never pulls in too many people at once, and while the other world consciousnesses are furious, they can’t fight back. They also can’t help their children once they’re inside the Strange Tales world. I just happened to fill that gap.”

Qin Qing clicked her tongue in amazement.

This big sister stirred up storms like it was nothing.

“So, the people in this world who suffer a catastrophe every three months—they’re being pulled into the Strange Tales world? They’re the so-called players?”

Han Xiangzhen said, “Didn’t you already guess that? It’s just one of the Strange Tales consciousness’s little tricks. Players who complete the game receive item rewards. Those items are part of its power.

But too many people lose their way. Once they get their hands on those items, they think they’re special, above the rest. They start doing whatever they want, causing destruction wherever they go. They go from being children the world consciousness cherishes to pests it wants to eliminate.

Your bodyguard told me you’ve helped clean up quite a few of them. You’ve probably noticed that every time you take one out, the merit feedback you receive is especially strong. That’s the world consciousness rewarding you.

Oh, and by the way. Players are protected by the Strange Tales consciousness, which is why they can hold onto those items. The items they bring back can be used sparingly by natives, but they drain spiritual power, which is already in short supply, and they’re easily tainted. In simple terms, they drive people mad.

The world consciousness has been doing its best to send the message that these things are off-limits. But human arrogance always thinks it can conquer everything and bend it to its will.”

Qin Qing then asked about Shi Jiang.

“Some high-level players drop identity cards when they die. Your bodyguard happened to pick one up. Anyone who holds an identity card can enter and exit the Strange Tales world, even if they weren’t chosen by the Strange Tales

consciousness. Don’t worry, I’m keeping an eye on her. As long as she doesn’t do anything reckless, I can protect her.”

Elder Po Po and Han Xiangzhen were already preparing to leave.

But Qin Qing still had so many unanswered questions.

“If I track down those players who’ve strayed from their original purpose, the pests, can I restart the Cradle sooner?”

“In theory, yes.”

“Then how do I find those player pests?”

“Now that your Cradle has restarted, it seems to have unexpectedly reached its completed state. In that state, based on your ability attributes, you should be able to use yourself as an anchor point to locate others of the same category.”

Qin Qing: “…”

That’s a perfect loop.

“Is that a shared ability for everyone whose Cradle reaches the completed state?”

“No.”

“Then how can you be so sure? What if it doesn’t work?”

Han Xiangzhen just curled her lip.

Elder Po Po gently took her hand and said soothingly, “Child, even within the Void Sea Tribe, your ability is special. Our former Tribal Chief had an ability much like yours. But she lived for thousands of years, and her powers grew far beyond what you can imagine.

Grow well, child.

The growth of your ability comes from the strength of your core consciousness. In your culture’s terms, it’s about cultivating your heart.

Once you’re strong enough, you’ll not only be able to control your own core but also empower others. Using merit to heal is just the most basic application of your power.

I can’t say much more. Knowing too much too soon won’t help you.

Alright, it’s really time to go. There are other little ones who need my care.”

Elder Po Po and Han Xiangzhen didn’t leave through the front door. Their bodies gradually faded from the reception room.

Qin Qing called out, “At least tell me—besides Meng Yuan, are there any other tribe members in this world?”

Elder Po Po’s voice echoed faintly, “Once you restart the Cradle, you’ll be able to build a network in your spiritual sea and reunite with your kin…”

The reception room was left with only Qin Qing.

And the now-empty dessert tray.

When she got home, Meng Yuan and Mumu had just returned from their little adventure.

Qin Qing gave Mumu a pat.

Then, seeing Meng Yuan’s round, fuzzy head nearby, she couldn’t resist giving it a pat too.

“You really are my little sister.”

Meng Yuan quickly pulled her fluffy head out from under the evil hand.

She grabbed a pack of yogurt from the fridge and went to share it with Mumu.

As they ate, she grumbled to Mumu, “Poor thing, her brain’s fried from working too much.”

Qin Qing: “…”

Forget it. No point arguing with a clueless little cub.

With the background noise of a girl and a dog fighting over yogurt, Qin Qing, for the first time since being discharged from the hospital, called Team Leader Cisha.

“I have something very important to report. It’s about the Special Investigation Team.”

“Hold on. Switching to an encrypted channel.”

Next, Qin Qing gave a full and detailed account of the Special Investigation Team’s cases, the origins of the strange tales, and the nature of the supernatural items associated with them.

She also emphasized the dangers of coming into contact with or using these items without being chosen by the consciousness of the strange tales.

That was why, in the Taiyi Ziwei Sect case, after the team members used the “Thousand Faces” glasses, they all experienced varying degrees of physical issues, which Qin Qing had to resolve by exchanging merit for their recovery.

As for the truth behind the Special Investigation Team and the existence of the strange tale world, Cisha wasn’t particularly surprised.

After carrying out so many missions and studying so much material, those involved had more or less formed their own theories. Qin Qing’s information simply confirmed their suspicions and provided a clearer, more detailed picture.

Regarding research into strange tale items, Cisha said, “We’ve already made some preliminary scientific breakthroughs, and they’re being applied in both military and civilian fields. The higher-ups won’t just abandon it.”

“At the very least, we should wait.”

“Wait for what?”

Wait for me to restart Cradle, to give the research team a solid foundation for both physical and mental well-being.

Qin Qing said this silently to herself.

But without the help of the System Panel, she had no idea when she’d be able to restart Cradle.

Cisha changed the subject. “Can you connect us with that Ms. Han? The Bureau would like to explore a collaboration.”

“I’ll pass the message along if I get the chance, but I can’t guarantee she’ll agree.”

When introducing her source of information from the strange tale world, Qin Qing had fabricated a story about Han Xiangzhen being a friend. She hadn’t mentioned anything about the Void Sea Tribe.

But how was she supposed to restart Cradle?

All she could do, it seemed, was focus on doing her current work well.

Han Xiangzhen wouldn’t reach adulthood until she was eighty Earth years old, and the Tribal Chief had lived for thousands. The Void Sea Tribe clearly had long lifespans. She would have time. She could wait.

…

In June, flooding struck a region in the south. Chen Daguang, following Teacher Qin’s principle of merit and blessing, donated the money he had planned to offer the God of Wealth over the next few years to the disaster area. He also contributed a batch of furniture from company inventory to help displaced families rebuild their homes. His wealthy friends in the industry, constantly influenced by his words, also pitched in.

In July, with Tu Ya joining Liang Jian’s team, their efforts were supercharged. They launched the company’s first independently developed smart product, sparking a wave of excitement in the industry.

In August, Yan Miao won a silver medal at the Chinese Girls’ Olympiad in Mathematics. Yan Xianghua brought a gift and personally visited Qin Qing to share the good news.

In September, the deconstruction and second-generation upgrade of the Imitation Tang Brocade process was completed. It officially entered use in the military and aerospace sectors.

In October, Luoshen Technology’s brain-machine interface lab brought in a top expert. With early results already showing promise, the board unanimously approved a major budget increase for the lab in the following fiscal year.

In November, He Xu won Best Actor at the Golden Rooster Awards. During his acceptance speech, he choked up with emotion, expressing gratitude for the benefactor who had once treated him to a meal and encouraged him to keep going when he was on the verge of giving up acting.

In December, Lightning the police dog was awarded the rank of Major for its distinguished service record.

In January, the Shanyu City Meteorological Bureau pulled off a major success. After last year’s flash flood incident, the entire bureau had been required to write self-criticisms. Since then, they had thrown themselves into developing a comprehensive hydrological detection and early-warning system. The system’s precision could monitor water dynamics in any puddle over one meter deep.

Though this achievement was kept under wraps externally, it received countless accolades internally.

In February, Luo Chi’a’s aunt went with her girlfriends to try the Crystal Ball experience. She drew a gray result and sought medical attention in time, averting what could have been a tragedy.

Just like her, countless customers who visited Found Studio for the novelty of the Crystal Ball ended up having their lives changed by the feedback it gave.

In March, the first trailer for the drama adaptation of Qin Fanghao’s script was released, instantly setting off a wave of viewing reservations.

A sharp-eyed netizen even discovered that one of the drama’s main characters was based on a Daoist Master from Baiyun Temple.

Already immensely popular, Baiyun Temple once again broke into the mainstream.

The meditation retreats run by Wuyong were booked solid.

Getting a number at the free clinic was harder than seeing a top specialist at a provincial hospital.

During holidays, visitors needed advance reservations just to enter the temple. Without one, forget about offering incense or donating—people couldn’t even get through the gate.

One netizen joked, “Never thought I’d see the day when I’d be holding money and still couldn’t spend it.”

The handsome and refined Little Daoist Star River became a hit on short video platforms. With his witty commentary, he explained Daoist teachings and shared wellness tips. His worldview resonated deeply with the mental state of today’s youth. Upon closer listening, his casual musings often contained profound insights, revealing glimpses of life, death, and the universe.

Xinghe also liked to sneak in personal messages in his videos, sharing little techniques for cultivating the heart and accumulating merit.

For example, avoiding online flame wars to reduce hostility. Or not interfering excessively in others’ choices, accepting the consequences of one’s own actions—even when it came to parents, siblings, partners, or children. Or simply doing what you want, saying what you mean, acting on impulse if you feel like it—living freely and authentically.

His language was humorous and full of charm, never preachy.

Whether it actually helped or not was debatable, but one thing was certain—he had a large and growing audience.

Veteran celebrity Cheng Ling liked and shared Little Daoist Star River’s video.

Rising Best Actor He Xu liked and shared Little Daoist Star River’s video.

Popular young actress Feng Xiyu liked and shared Little Daoist Star River’s video.

Outside Baiyun Temple, people came and went in a steady stream, bustling and lively.

Only two Cat Abbots sat perched on the wall, one plump, one lean.

They yawned and stretched lazily, watching the clouds drift and swirl, the flowers bloom and fade.

In April of this year.

One morning, Qin Qing was walking along a path lined with blooming begonia flowers, holding Mumu’s leash.

A breeze stirred, and petals fluttered down like rain.

One petal, still dewy from the morning mist, landed on the little dog’s nose and stuck there. Mumu stretched out his tongue to lick it off, but no matter how hard he tried, he couldn’t reach it. His eyes turned round and anxious like little black beans.

Qin Qing couldn’t help but laugh at the sight.

Just then, she heard a soft “ding.”

Brushing aside the strands of hair tousled by the warm breeze, she saw the long-lost System Panel reappear before her eyes.

It hovered in the morning light, its edges shimmering with a starlit glow like the vast sea of stars.

Qin Qing reached out, her fingertips passing through the translucent text and touching the warm, orange sun rising on the horizon.

The little dog tilted his head in confusion, watching as a glimmer of moisture welled up in his owner’s eyes.

Unlike before, the newly reactivated System Panel now had a tiny, translucent Little Person perched in the upper right corner.

It had long, silver hair flowing down its back and wore a loose, pale blue robe.

It sat on the frame of the System Panel, swinging its little legs.

Its thumb-sized face was expressionless, serious and stiff.

When its gaze met Qin Qing’s, its eyes widened slightly, its small mouth opened and closed, and it waved a hand as it spoke in a familiar, flat tone.

【Cradle No. 17905 is pleased to see you again.】

【Good morning, baby.】