"What happened to the negotiation?"
Everyone was caught off-guard by Queen Charlotte’s act of mutual destruction.
It was as if time had stopped, everyone’s faces froze in place, expressionless.
Just seconds before, when they saw her take out the loyalty contract and the dimensional gate key, they really thought she was using these as leverage to gain some bargaining chips.
But who would have thought that this old woman would actually activate the switch in such a crazed manner!
When that beam of white light was fired towards the sky, everyone watched.
Those who knew what it meant looked ashen.
Those who didn’t understand were completely at a loss.
The defensive barrier of the Frederic Royal Palace had not yet been broken; even if someone wanted to stop her, it was futile.
She looked up at the sky, her expression suddenly returning to its usual indifference, only a deeply complex sigh escaping her.
Su Lun, too, furrowed his brow tightly, the current situation truly rendering him somewhat helpless.
He had thought that they had thwarted the plots of the Outer Gods and the situation was greatly favorable.
He hadn’t expected such a turn of events.
But it was too late.
Looking at that beam of white light, Su Lun also quickly pondered a few questions in his mind.
"What is this ’Divine Dimension’?
What beings exist there?
What impact will opening the dimensional gate have?"
Before he could think further, Mr. Jing’s tone had returned to calm, and he spoke indifferently, "Let’s go."
Su Lun, with an unusual expression, suggested, "Elder sister, shouldn’t we… do something?"
He didn’t know what he could do.
But he felt, perhaps they should do something.
To see if they could remedy the grave mistake made by that old woman.
Mr. Jing shook his head, his crystal-clear eyes slightly unfocused, and said, "The guy who was meddling with fate earlier had contacted a divine entity from a different dimension. Just now, in that instant, the alchemy dimension’s spatial coordinates have already been captured by the gods of the other dimension. Now that both dimensions are connected, destroying the key is meaningless."
She gazed towards the sky, as if perceiving some changes, and murmured to herself, "That is a very high-level dimension..."
Su Lun asked, "Do you know who did this, elder sister?"
"I don’t know. But it’s not hard to guess."
Mr. Jing shook her head, continuing to walk as she spoke, "Our dimension has left behind many descendents of different dimensional beings. Even if civilizations have faced breaks, their bloodlines could be awakened by certain higher gods’ calling. This is why many cults of Outer Gods have persisted for countless years and have never been discontinued. But the alchemy dimension was fragmented, and the followers of Outer Gods lacked the ability to establish spatial coordinates, so all was peaceful. I never thought the Bonaparte royal family had a ’Dimensional Key,’" she continued.
Having reached this point, she stopped, as though continuing to talk about the issues with the Bonaparte royal family was pointless.
She continued, "My father once said, once the spatial coordinates are exposed, the beginning of a civilizational war is inevitable. There will be no room for luck. Let’s go, we also need to prepare."
"..."
Upon hearing this, Su Lun also fell into thought.
He said no more, silently following Mr. Jing along the streets.
At that moment, noises erupted from the palace square behind them.
Queen Charlotte’s insane act had completely cost her everyone’s loyalty.
Someone had disabled the palace’s defenses, and a crowd surged forward.
Major disasters, coups, compared to an invasion from another dimension, seemed just like trivial melodramas.
Su Lun and his companion seemingly ignored the noise behind them, and in a flicker of spatial fluctuation, they had vanished from the street.
...
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A short while later, at an apartment by the Lokwarren River.
Mr. Jing, Su Lun, Qian Tiao, Pandora, Mr. Hei, Wazwas, Barrett... nearly all the key figures of Dawn were gathered together.
Everyone was aware of the significant incident of Queen Charlotte opening the gateway to another dimension.
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While filled with righteous indignation, a strong sense of looming crisis weighed heavily on everyone’s mind.
The atmosphere of the meeting was extremely solemn, as if even breathing had become stagnant.
Although the people of Dawn were not unfamiliar with other dimensions, except for Mr. Jing, no one had truly experienced the cruelty of a dimensional invasion.
Moreover, the information they knew was very limited, and everyone remained silent.
Most of the time, only Mr. Jing was speaking.
"The situation is as such now. That is definitely a dimension with real divine beings..."
After explaining some knowledge about other dimensions, Mr. Jing then continued, "Since it has come to this, the focus of Dawn’s future development needs to shift... Now, we need to guard against the invasion of beings from other dimensional realms."
As she spoke, the room fell into silence.
Everyone was grappling with this overwhelmingly heavy topic.
This evening’s great disaster had indeed exposed everyone to the force of deities.
But even a demigod who had not yet solidified his divinity had caused such terrifying losses. It required the concurrent sacrifice of the ninth-tier Master Pierre to eliminate him.
So how terrifying must a true deity be?
If there really were gods in the "Godly Plane", who could withstand them?
Barrett, with his military perspective, saw something else and asked, "Leader, we know very little about the ’Godly Plane’. Even if we are to prepare, what should we do? And just how strong are the creatures from other planes? Will it be a civilization-level invasion, or a small-scale infiltration like the previous Void Plane?"
This was a question on everyone’s mind.
Hearing this question, Su Lun also looked toward Mr. Jing beside him.
Basing on his understanding of his senior sister and guessing the various arrangements made by Sir Isaac, he felt there might still be room for maneuver.
If it were an invasion by gods descending directly, there wouldn’t be any need to consider defense. Once the top-tier fighters were decapitated, the remaining lower-tier professionals could hardly organize any resistance.
It would be better to wait in despair for destruction.
As expected.
Mr. Jing’s tone suddenly became less serious as he replied, "Actually, everyone needn’t worry too much, because we still have some time to prepare."
Still have time?
As soon as these words came out, everyone looked over expectantly, waiting for him to continue.
Mr. Jing continued, "The alchemical ancestors who initially designed these plane channels during the Dawn Era had considered the possibility of reverse invasions. Thus, the plane channels have some special protective settings, making the entrance here easy to open, but the exit on the other side difficult to open inversely. And the plane key is more like spatial coordinates; building a plane channel also requires vast energy and specific methods. Our Alchemy Plane currently lacks the conditions to fully open the plane channel, and the two great empires would absolutely not allow anyone to do that. Earlier’s incident, at most, sent coordinates to the Godly Plane. For them to build a stable reverse plane channel, it will take a long time..."
She explained some technical issues and then said, "I’m not sure how long this time will be. But after reviewing the calculation formulas left by my father, I deduced that the possibility of a large-scale plane invasion is not substantial for at least the next few years."
This topic was highly specialized.
So specialized that ordinary people would never have heard of it.
Only a demigod like Sir Isaac would have the qualifications and ability to study plane channels.
But upon hearing these words, everyone finally breathed a sigh of relief.
There was still time for everyone to catch their breath, and the oppressive atmosphere seemed to ease a bit.
Then, Mr. Jing announced another piece of good news, "Moreover, there is a silver lining amidst the misfortune. Our Alchemy Plane’s laws are shattered; in the next hundred years, it can at most bear the arrival of a lesser god, similar to the level of a Fallen Angel. Thus, as long as we are strong enough, there is a chance to prevent the powerful beings from other planes from enslaving and destroying our alchemical civilization, just like my predecessors."
That’s right!
Hearing this, everyone’s spirits inexplicably lifted.
Su Lun finally understood why it was considered a "stroke of good fortune"!
Because the old members of the Jing organization knew, Sir Isaac had personally captured a god-tier Fallen Angel a thousand years ago.
Since there was a precedent, it meant that mortals could defeat True Gods!
Although currently no one possessed the "demigod" strength that Isaac had back then, there was at least a glimmer of hope.
This instilled confidence immediately!
At that moment, someone asked, "Leader, what is a lesser god?"
Mr. Jing replied, "I’m not too clear on the specifics. But my father mentioned that deities also have rankings. A lesser god could roughly be understood as above the ninth rank, a ’tenth rank’. However, due to the consolidation of divine fire and divinity, their combat strength is vastly different from that of professionals."
She thought for a moment, then added, "In any case, it has been proven that such beings are not entirely unbeatable."
With these words, everyone’s morale inexplicably surged again.
...
Most fears stem from the unknown.
Now, with an accurate concept of the enemy’s strength, their fear immediately dissipated by a large margin.
Alchemists are a group of people in pursuit of truth.
Who among those advancing to the realm of high-order professionals hasn’t endured hardships and death’s threat?
With the discussion reaching this point, the furrowed brows on the faces of the Dawn Group members present simultaneously relaxed.
It was fortunate that the leader of the Dawn was Mr. Jing; otherwise, outsiders would never know such high-level information.
Nor would they have a fairly accurate understanding of the gods’ strengths.
And Su Lun appeared much more relaxed.
He felt his mental realm was far inferior to his senior sister’s; he carried no burden of civilization’s heritage, nor did he care about the decline of a plane.
For him, a plane invasion was merely a high-fatality large-scale war.
In fact, hearing Mr. Jing’s words, he felt an inexplicable hint of excitement? A kind of tenacity etched deep in his bones made him fearless.
Since he couldn’t change the reality of the plane invasion, he might as well actively face it.
The worst outcome would just be death, right?
Death, in his current understanding, really didn’t hold too much intimidation.
...
Two consecutive pieces of good news greatly relaxed the previously tense atmosphere of the meeting.
Then, Mr. Jing suddenly switched gears again, raising an issue that came as a surprise to everyone.
Her tone, serious yet imbued with a hopeful lightness, said, "Moreover, from a certain perspective, linking with other world planes might not entirely be a bad thing."
Hearing this, everyone showed puzzled expressions.
A plane invasion, something good?
Mr. Jing, facing the puzzled looks of the crowd, explained, "The powerful Great Alchemists from the Dawn Era who established numerous plane channels did not do so merely for the convenience of travel. There was also a very important reason... that is to perfect the plane laws, bringing Alchemy closer to the ’truth’."
Speaking, she glanced at the crowd again and continued, "My father once studied the function of the dimensional portal. He discovered that the laws of each dimension are not entirely the same, nor are they balanced. Just like the ’Void Dimension’, the space laws there are much higher than our Alchemy Dimension, and divine creatures of the Void can even be born there. There are also some special fire element dimensions, water element dimensions, darkness element dimensions... and so on. The larger the dimension, the more perfect the cosmic laws. Accordingly, the upper limit for the growth of living beings is higher..."
So that was it!
Upon hearing this, everyone instantly understood.
The reason that the highest tier in the Alchemy Dimension was only ninth was primarily because the dimension had collapsed, shattering the laws.
Furthermore, upon hearing this explanation, Su Lun also vaguely guessed what the benefit his senior sister mentioned could be.
Mr. Jing immediately followed up, "Although I also don’t know exactly what the situation is with the ’Divine Race Dimension’, I clearly sensed that the integrity of the laws of that dimension is very high. Once the dimensional portal is connected, the high-level laws of that dimension will flow into the Alchemy Dimension, gradually perfecting its laws. Once a stable connection is established, it may even complement each other to become completely the same. That means... our magicians in the Alchemy Dimension, at some future moment, might also have the potential to peek into the secrets of godliness!"
The statement was delivered in a calm tone, but everyone in the room felt as if something had profoundly struck their souls, and their faces simultaneously showed exhilarated expressions.
All being alchemists, they naturally understood this reasoning right away.
It’s like the phenomenon of heat conduction, where heat moves from the hotter part of an object to a cooler part, eventually balancing out.
This, indeed, was good news.
Godhood?
A topic that once seemed far beyond reach, the ceiling that frustrated numerous great alchemists of the ninth tier without finding a way out, now seemed within reach?
Not to say that it could be achieved, but at least there was hope!
Before, the Alchemy Dimension was like a well with a lid placed over it.
No matter how the frog jumped, it couldn’t leap out of the lid.
Now, someone had drilled a hole in the lid, at least allowing some of the top individuals to see the outside world.
And there was a possibility of getting out!
...
Barrett had maintained that nonchalant demeanor throughout the meeting.
This gambling housewife’s mind obviously didn’t ponder things that were too complex, most likely thinking only of fight and kill.
Enemies come, just kill.
But now, hearing Mr. Jing say this, a spark suddenly appeared in her eyes, and she suddenly interjected, "So in this way, this is indeed an opportunity for our Alchemy Dimension!"
To glimpse a higher peak of cultivation—this was an even more exhilarating expectation than any dimensional invasion for her, a professional swordsman always pursuing the pinnacle.
As a military person, Barrett visibly anticipated, saying, "Indeed. If we seize this opportunity, just like the leader said, it might indeed be a chance for our Alchemy Dimension!"
Mr. Hei thought for a moment, then said very rationally, "Although it will take several years to establish the dimensional portal, I am fearful that the enemy’s invasion might proceed faster than our development. When the divine beings execute their descent to fight, and we still don’t have the strength to respond, that would be a major problem..."
Huaz Wuaz: "Indeed..."
Everyone: "..."
Everyone began to discuss openly.
Indeed, this dimensional opening concealed opportunities, but as things currently stood, the overall strength of the Alchemy Civilization was too weak, and the risks outstripped the opportunities.
Mr. Jing’s statement was clearly to boost morale.
"So, as I just mentioned, we still have some time to prepare..."
She continued, "My father’s notes contain detailed records of his research on dimensional portals. It is almost certain that once the dimensional portal is fully opened, and high-level laws start to overflow, our cultivation progress will become much easier than before. Therefore, during this time, everyone should strive hard to advance their strengths so that when the future crisis arrives, we might very well have the strength to fight."
Mr. Jing did not say that her father had also speculated this. That is opening the dimensional portal to give alchemists the chance to become gods. There was even a complete response plan.
But this plan was too crazy, and just a bit of carelessness could lead to the collapse of civilization.
Therefore, this plan remained only in the notes.
However, now that the dimensional portal had been opened by someone, some of the plans noted there could also be gradually tested.
...
Would opening the dimensional portal make professional advancement easier?
Su Lun suddenly brightened up.
Godhood and such was still too far off for him.
But if advancement became easier, that was a super big advantage.
He was currently stuck at the seventh-tier threshold, and if, as Mr. Jing said, advancement became easier, wouldn’t he be guaranteed to advance into the realm of top-tier professionals?
This was quite sensible upon brief consideration.
Just as places with rich spiritual energy made advancement easier, after the dimension’s laws were perfected, comprehension would naturally become easier.
Thinking of this, Su Lun once again marveled at the brilliance of Sir Isaac.
That Alchemical Demigod, having reached the peak of cultivation in the dimension, embarked on all sorts of bizarre research projects. From the manuscripts he left behind, this true god indeed covered nearly every field, with countless alchemical inventions to his credit.
This truly was a blessing for future generations.
Without these researches, Su Lun and the others would likely be completely in the dark facing this dimensional invasion, knowing nothing and being passively beaten.
And Mr. Jing was also a qualified leader.
Even with a crisis approaching, she analyzed and planned carefully, strategizing for the major upheaval that was coming.
...
The atmosphere of the meeting had shifted from a deadly quiet despair at the start to a dawn of hope now visible in everyone’s eyes.
At this moment, Mr. Jing added, "During this time while the dimensional portal is being established, it is inevitable that strong beings from other dimensions will come one after another to plunder resources. Even if they are not divine beings, they are definitely not to be underestimated. What we need to do now is to address this crisis. We mustn’t let them accelerate the construction of the dimensional portal, nor let them run rampant..."
The crowd listened solemnly, unanimously responding, "Yes, leader!"
Everyone was resolute, though not prepared for battle.
But when thinking about fighting with powerful beings from another dimension, everyone felt unsure.
Mr. Jing clearly noticed something and added, "Moreover, you all shouldn’t assume that creatures from other dimensions are definitely strong. My father has captured many abyssal creatures for detailed study and has found that we Alchemists actually have certain advantages over beings from different planes. Theoretically, due to the lack of plane laws, advancing in rank requires a deeper understanding of the world. Compared to them, we Alchemists have a deeper comprehension of the world’s laws..."
That was yet another uplifting advantage, mysteriously restoring confidence among the group.
Su Lun listened thoughtfully.
It was like the more barren and harsh the desert, the more tenaciously wildflowers could survive.
Conversely, flowers in a greenhouse, though delicately beautiful, might not have any advantage in the same environment.
At last, Mr. Jing looked at the group and said, "So, everyone, strive to become stronger! I hope by the time the enemy arrives, we have the power to fight. For the glory of alchemy, for eternal truth, for ourselves!"
With those words, everyone in the room stood up, their expressions solemn as they pressed their hands to their chests and said, "Yes, leader!"
...
The meeting was over.
Mr. Hei and the others left the apartment.
All other members of the Dawn organization had their duties; now, with crisis looming, everyone became busy.
It was as if someone had suddenly set up a time hourglass; they had to grow in strength with every second they could muster.
Only Su Lun, Qian Tiao, and Mr. Jing remained in the room.
After the meeting, the atmosphere in the apartment noticeably relaxed.
The three were accustomed to each other’s company, as close as family.
But Mr. Jing’s expression remained serious.
Su Lun looked over and asked, "Sister, do we need to leave Lingdun now?"
Mr. Jing thought for a moment and replied, "Let’s wait a day. There might still be some changes. I also want to verify a few things."
Su Lun acknowledged with an ’Oh’.
Then, Mr. Jing suddenly turned her gaze to the two on the sofa and said: "Su Lun, Odilia, I’ve estimated that even if I advance to rank nine, it would be very hard to reach the strength level of my father. So, I will need a few peers to assist me to have a sure chance of stopping a ’Lesser God’ so that we truly have the qualifications to resist..."
After a pause, she added earnestly, "I need your help."
Qian Tiao raised an eyebrow upon hearing this, returning the look as usual without saying much.
Su Lun felt the sense of crisis instantly upon hearing these words.
He had thought that once his sister advanced to rank nine, their status would be truly secured. At least the two great empires would no longer dare to target him with ill intentions.
He did not expect that just as this goal was about to be achieved, a greater crisis had descended.
An invasion from another plane was a crisis not even a rank nine professional could escape from safely.
To battle against gods?
But he was only at rank six now...
Thinking it over, he felt it was quite a challenge.
Now that the plane passage was established, advancing had become easier; reaching rank seven was already half accomplished. Given his conditions, rank eight might not be out of reach...
As for what follows, he would take things one step at a time.
The alchemical civilization was a treasure-laden plane, buried with many treasures left by ancient brilliant civilizations. Opportunities were plentiful; all one had to do was search, and perhaps fortune would fall into their lap.
Walking along this path, Su Lun had a deep realization; his dual S-rank talent would also grow stronger in battle.
Although he always had an ideal to lay back and be a salted fish, comparatively, he wanted to see what higher realms looked like.
He needed to hurry now more than ever to the Mafa Empire; mechanical puppets were a research direction with unlimited potential...
And then there was Western Sea Dragon Island—perhaps it really was time to consider it. He held notes in his hand with the methods to create the "Aisak Dragon-Patterned Golden Body," such a formidable prosthesis couldn’t just be abandoned without trying. There were also treasures related to the origin secrets of the All-knowing Eye indicated by the "Upside-down Man Card."
These were the most direct paths he could see to becoming stronger.
Previously, because of the high probability of death in the Western Sea, he hesitated and hardly dared to go.
Now, however...
With enemies pointing guns at them, if they weren’t strong enough, they would surely die.
With this comparison,
the situation suddenly became crystal clear.
Only by becoming stronger could he survive the tidal waves of a plane invasion without being shattered to pieces.
With this conclusion, the three in the room glanced at each other, and, understanding each other’s thoughts, the corners of their mouths curled slightly upwards.
Having trustworthy companions to walk alongside made the obstacles in life seem not so daunting.
Just then, sunlight from outside entered the room, bathing it in a golden glow.
The bloodshed of the previous night had cleared the haze over Lingdun, and today, the sun shone brightly.
The ancient empire welcomed a new day.
It was also a new day for the entire alchemical plane.