Of the ten white jade lotus roots that Nezha plucked, Xu Milu only selected five and used them to create five bodies that resembled soft clay.

Because there was no need to focus on refining, the refining speed was much faster this time. The finished lotus root figures had no facial features or gender, and lay on the ground looking like five corpses, which was a bit creepy at first glance.

Just as she was busy restricting the lotus root people, Xiao Qi popped up again:

Since these lotus root figures are merely tools to help the host collect energy sources and dimensional fragments, why didn't you just pre-define their genders?

"Because one of the fun aspects of the game is being able to customize your character's appearance."

Xu Milu didn't even look up. She clicked a few times on the system panel, and the lotus root figure on the ground suddenly became plump. The branches made of lotus roots softened, and the lotus root skin turned into delicate skin, through which one could see the blood flowing in the veins.

"Done! I've marked anchor points on the lotus people using the system. All the information recorded by the lotus people will be fed back to the system, which means they are living anchor points. As long as there are lotus people, I can perform dimensional teleportation—"

Her eyes shone as she continuously took out jade stones from the system's inventory to recharge it.

"Cooperating with the authorities can provide a stable source of energy, but we need a lot of manpower to search for my 'father's' whereabouts. Obviously, it's unrealistic for me to do it alone. But if we had a group of helpers who don't ask for payment, can be on standby 24 hours a day, and obey unconditionally, I think all the progress would be much faster."

[Is the host referring to—slaves?]

Xiaoqi was clearly a little surprised.

"Ptooey, ptooey, ptooey! I meant gamers!! Gamers!"

Xu Milu shrugged and explained:

"With Earth's current scientific and technological capabilities, it's clearly impossible to create a true holographic game. Most games on the market that claim to be 'holographic games' are actually just a sham. But if we were to actually release a holographic game that allows you to explore another world, those gamers who are crazy about it would be our most loyal allies. Imagine if there was an opportunity to enter a real other world and experience a different life, wouldn't you want to give it a try?"

Xiaoqi paused for a moment:

[I'm sorry, host, I'm not a true mechanical life form yet, so I can't understand the feelings you're describing. As for the players you mentioned, they haven't actually crossed dimensions; they're just mental projections onto the Lotus Root. And you can't violate interstellar civilization laws by bringing intelligent beings across dimensions.]

"Oh, sorry, I forgot about that."

Xu Milu coughed, and then changed her approach:

"So that's the best part. Players can't travel between dimensions, but they can use the Lotus Man and the holographic helmet to explore another new world. You can think of it as a troop of monkeys. I'm the monkey king who posts the demand, and the players are the troop of monkeys who follow. I show them a unique new world through the dimension jumping system, and they bring us what we want."

After listening, Xiaoqi remained silent for a long time before finally giving her answer:

【Host, I sincerely admire your wisdom.】

"Thank you. Well then, we'd better start preparing now."

Xu Milu said with a smile.

...

...

Xu Milu acted quickly. Once she had finalized the general plan, she entered the Food World that same day to begin preparations.

—On Earth, there are official help in finding system fragments, and in the Journey to the West world, she also asked Mo Xuan and some minor demons to keep an eye out. Only in the Gourmet World, the Green Wood Merchant Guild has not received any news about system fragments.

Although Aoki had sworn allegiance to her, Xu Milu was prepared for the possibility that he might not keep his promise.

Following the map, she found a deserted island and spent a large sum of money to buy the island from the Siren Clan, intending to use it as a respawn point for future players.

This small island is very close to the new food route, the monsters on the island are not high-level and the resources are abundant, which is perfect for the fragile lotus people.

Xu Milu borrowed four rat spirits from Nezha and spent seven days building a small courtyard exactly like the Mountain and Sea Restaurant, which she then moved to the island intact.

The courtyard is quaint and elegant, with every brick and tile exuding a rustic charm. The tables and chairs inside are neatly arranged, and flags flutter outside the door, with two lit lanterns hanging in the air. The stone mill, archway, and earthen kiln in the courtyard have been perfectly replicated. Except for the absence of the wisteria tree spirit and Mo Xuan, it is almost indistinguishable from the real Shan Hai Restaurant.

[Current system charging progress: 68.18%]

[Current system repair progress: 1/3]

Currently available features:

【1. Dimensional Biological Information Identification Function】

2. System slots * 99 (can consume 0.2% energy to continue upgrading)

[3. Gene Analysis and Modification Function (can be upgraded by consuming 0.2% energy)]

[4. Dimensional Trading Function (Can be upgraded further by consuming 30% of the cost)]

[Currently accessible planes: Gourmet World (current plane), Earth, Journey to the West World, Apocalypse World.]

[Consume 20% energy to bind to the current building?]

Xu Milu selected "confirm," and a phantom blue light appeared. The courtyard gate flickered, and the entire courtyard shimmered with a white light that flashed on and off. The courtyard gradually became transparent, as if it were about to disappear into this space-time at any moment.

[The host has already bound this building. Would you like to name it "Mountain and Sea Restaurant"?]

Xiaoqi pointed out:

[Once the system binds to this building, it can follow the host to any location in any dimension, allowing for interdimensional travel. It cannot be damaged, nor can it interact with other buildings.]

"So, does this mean I now own a dimensional gourmet shop open to the entire universe?"

Xu Milu raised an eyebrow and turned to look at the building in front of her:

"It feels pretty good, so I'll confirm the name as 'Shan Hai Shi Si' (山海食肆)."

This building has been named "Mountain and Sea Restaurant".

As soon as the system's electronic voice faded, the entire courtyard gradually solidified. The flowers in the courtyard began to bloom, and the surrounding trees grew upwards at a visible speed. Vines spread across the ground, gradually enveloping the entire courtyard. A black plaque appeared above the gate, bearing four large, elegantly written characters:

【Mountain and Sea Restaurant】

In the open space outside the restaurant, Xu Milu dug out a pond, which was filled with lotus flowers. She also planted the seeds of the White Jade Immortal Lotus Root in it, and there were several newly sprouted jujube saplings on the bank.

Seemingly influenced by some of the exposed system energy, the lotus leaves in the pond sprouted long green stems, and the round lotus leaves gradually unfolded. One by one, lotus flowers rose from the mud, bringing with them a cloud of white mist.

The picturesque uninhabited island, with its lush vegetation, ethereal lotus pond, and quaint courtyard, is simply enchanting.

"Everything is ready, except for the final touch. Let me see what dishes the food stall will prepare to welcome our players tomorrow!"

Xu Milu stretched out a big yawn.

...

...