Chapter 252

Weilan Swan Castle, cabinet meeting hall.

"My lord, is war with the Radiant Empire unavoidable?"

The one asking was Minister of State Klub.

As he spoke, all the other ministers were also looking at Duke Luosen.

Duke Luosen's face showed a rare solemnity: "No matter whether we can avoid it, we must prepare for the worst."

Minister of Foreign Affairs Teod Adrian said in a soft voice: "Perhaps we can announce a postponement of the unification of the Natural Alliance."

Before his words even fell, Inspector Minister Rui Fa immediately shouted back: "A postponement? Sir Teod, you really mean 'abandonment', don't you?"

Teod whispered: "The Radiant Empire has three fleets; the number of new Black Stone warships exceeds 400 vessels, and there are said to be over 1,000 new aircraft, and they are still being produced at an extremely frenzied pace."

"How do we fight?"

The generals from the military were also present.

The navy, air force, and army together have ten lieutenant-generals, whose mana has been raised by Luosen to at least the Six Rings level.

Lieutenant-General Yu Pu of the First Fleet is already a Six Rings warrior; he let out a cold snort.

"How to fight? Fight on the battlefield!"

Lieutenant-General Holland of the Second Fleet is even a Seven Rings warrior.

He also looked resolute: "The Radiant Empire meddles too much; if we don't strike back firmly this time, there will be a next time, and a next after that, endlessly."

The commander of the Army Dawn First Legion, De Lin, is a lieutenant-general hailing from White Sturgeon Island.

"Exactly, it's time to give the Radiant Empire a harsh lesson."

The remaining generals all shared the same attitude, all being hawkish.

These generals, leading their legions, are the strength that Luosen has developed in Weilan over the past two years or more; they are also his most loyal force, and the greatest reliance for him to secure his ducal position.

Although developing at full speed, the total forces are only one-sixth of the Radiant Legion.

Moreover, limited by gaps in resources and manpower, even with the high production efficiency of the magic production lines as compensation, Weilan's weapon output is only half that of the Radiant Empire.

The disparity between the two sides is huge; if a full-scale war were to break out with the Radiant Empire, there would be virtually no chance of victory on the front lines.

Although we could still emergency conscript Aaron's Lion Legion, Kao's Rose and Moon Legions, and Levinde's Golden Legion.

But his control over these legions is low; they can only be used to fight easy battles.

Once the tide turns against them, they will immediately fall apart, and possibly even betray.

Therefore, the present moment is indeed the most critical juncture in the unification process of the Natural Alliance.

If we withstand this wave, the alliance will unify; if we cannot, not only will the alliance revert to a loose state again, but Weilan will also be squeezed out by the Radiant Empire into an overseas isolated island.

Perhaps he could still continue as Duke of Weilan, but if he wants to unify the alliance, he must accumulate strength for many more years.

If the Lord of Truth returns now, he might not be able to oppose it, and mortals would likely once again become its playthings.

Therefore, the direction of the world situation moving forward concerns the fate of all mortals.

It is a genuine turning point in mortal destiny.

While the ministers and generals of the cabinet were still discussing countermeasures, Luosen's true self remained in a secret chamber unknown to anyone in the basement of Swan Castle.

At this moment, a person stood before him.

He looked exactly like him, being his latest improved combat clone.

Whether body, soul, or mana, they are completely identical.

Yet strangely, there is no perceptible power link between them.

This is because, between them, a newly developed soul phantom resonance is used as the connecting bond.

This strange bond transmits not only information but also power.

Because it is phantom resonance, it cannot be shielded.

The only drawback is that the resonance loss is somewhat large, especially in power transmission, where the loss midway can reach over eighty percent.

But it doesn't matter, for Luosen, who has mastered the endless crystal, can afford the drain completely.

At this moment, the true body sits motionless in a chair, while the combat clone is familiarizing itself with the body.

After a round of perception, Luosen nodded very satisfied.

"Except for not carrying Laifu this soul GPT, it is exactly the same as my true body."

This nearly perfect combat clone walked to a nearby storage rack and began to equip various gear.

First is the staff.

Not a legendary crystal staff, but a phantom resonance staff.

Less than 40 centimeters long, less than two centimeters thick, silver-white, surface smooth; at a glance it looks like the most ordinary metal rod.

From the name you know its principle; this device does not store power, only transfers it.

Through the phantom resonance effect, it links to the perfect endless crystal array beneath Swan Castle.

This perfect endless crystal is a new generation of legendary crystal, crafted by improving the synthesis method according to the "Weber Phantom Formula".

The effect is that a single piece's capacity has been raised to 15,000 Luosen, with focus +4.5.

By using the resonance staff in conjunction with a crystal array of total capacity 120,000 Luosen, even if Luosen's combat clone is far away in Mei Da Xilin, it can at any time quickly unleash a large-scale spell of no more than 1,500 Luosen mana, and can do so continuously for eight times.

After the power is exhausted, every five minutes it can recover the ability to cast one more ultra-large-scale spell.

Because once battle erupts, the true body of Luosen in Swan Castle will continuously charge the crystal array using the Soul-Burning Ring.

To avoid being left without it if the resonance staff is accidentally damaged, Luosen brought three of them.

One for main use, two as backups.

Next is a silver-white ring about five centimeters in diameter, worn as a pendant around Luosen's neck.

This magical device is the most crucial; it is crafted based on the "Weber Phantom Formula" and further combined with other profound soul principles.

It is a kind of probabilistic magical device, academically called the "Probability Judgment Ring", but Luosen prefers to call it the "Life-and-Death Ring".

Its effect is to consume 1 Luosen magic power to activate a ray-type probabilistic spell that has a certain chance of directly collapsing the opponent's soul.

Interpretation: Its effect is: consuming 1 Luosen mana, triggers a ray-type probabilistic spell, effect is a certain probability causing opponent's soul to directly collapse.

Its effect is to consume 1 Luosen mana to trigger a ray-type probabilistic spell that has a certain probability of directly collapsing the opponent's soul.

Make it concise but keep all info.

For a given target, the trigger probability depends only on the target's soul base resilience, varying between 1% and 50%.

Translation: "For a fixed target, the trigger probability's high or low is solely related to the target's soul's basic resilience, and fluctuates between 1% and 50%."

Preliminary tests show that for souls below legendary strength, the trigger chance is generally 50%.

Translation: "Preliminary tests show that, for souls below Legendary strength, the trigger probability is generally 50%."

Cast the spell, and it's a 50-50 chance of life or death!

Translation: "Once the spell is cast, it's life or death, fifty-fifty!"

For targets of legendary strength or higher, each additional level reduces the probability by about 4%, making it completely ineffective at legendary 12.

Translation: "For targets above Legendary, each increase of one level reduces the probability by about 4%; at Legendary 12, it becomes completely ineffective."

In short, it's a luck-based gamble.

Translation: "In short, this is a gamble on luck."

Finally, to ensure this plan's success, Luosen created five backup combat avatars. The one before us is active, while the remaining four are temporarily dormant.

Translation: "Finally, to ensure this plan's absolute success, Luosen painstakingly created five backup combat avatars. The one before us is activated, while the remaining four are temporarily dormant."

Why not deploy multiple avatars together for the assassination plan? Because although ghost resonance is powerful, when similar resonances coexist they interfere with each other, causing chaos in ultra-long-range control.

Translation: "Why not send out multiple avatars together to carry out the assassination plan? Because although ghost resonance is powerful, when similar resonances coexist they interfere with each other, causing ultra-long-range control to become chaotic."

This problem can certainly be solved, but time is too short, and Luosen hasn't yet found a good way to make them non-interfering.

Translation: "This problem can certainly be solved, but time is too short; Luosen hasn't yet found a good non-interfering method."

Therefore, only one combat avatar can be sent.

Translation: "So, only one combat avatar can be sent."

But this combat avatar is already strong enough, as it can at most draw 60% of Laifu's computing power to achieve the Heart of the War God's three-line zero-delay limit operation.

But this combat avatar is already strong enough, as it can at most draw 60% of Laifu's computing power to achieve the Heart of the War God's three-line zero-delay limit operation.

After everything was ready, Combat Luosen briskly walked out of the secret chamber and arrived at the phase-transfer magic circle.

Note there is double period at end. We'll keep as is? We need to output single line; include the punctuation as in source. We'll translate: "After all preparations were complete, Combat Luosen briskly walked out of the secret chamber and arrived at the phase-transfer magic circle."

But need to keep double period? The source has "。。" maybe a typo. We'll keep as single period? The instruction: keep exactly what source says, but we are translating; punctuation can be adapted to English. We'll just end with a period.

In a flash of thought, he crossed nearly 2000 kilometers to reach a pre-prepared phase magic circle deep within the Ermont Mountains.

Translation: "In a flash of thought, he crossed nearly 2000 kilometers to reach a pre-prepared phase magic circle deep within the Ermont Mountains."

Ermont Mountains

This place also happens to be within the Radiant Empire's borders, less than 500 kilometers from Mei Da Xilin.

Translation: "This place happens to be within the Radiant Empire's borders, less than 500 kilometers from Mei Da Xilin."

After a brief recovery, Combat Luosen placed an Immortal Fate upon himself, a concealed Shadow Secret Art, and finally used a Flight Spell to swiftly fly toward Mei Da Xilin.

Translation: "After a brief recovery, Combat Luosen placed upon himself an Immortal Fate, a concealed Shadow Secret Art, and finally used a Flight Spell, swiftly flying toward Mei Da Xilin."

During this time, Mei Da Xilin, the Shadowless Palace.

"。。。。。。。."

This line is just dots. We need to output translation? The source line is just a series of dots. According to rules, we must translate faithfully; but there is no translatable content. Probably we output the same dots? But we need to output English translation; maybe we keep the dots as is? The instruction: "Render EXACTLY what the source says — same meaning, same information, nothing added." If source is just punctuation, we should output same punctuation? But we need to output English translation line; maybe we output the same dots. However they said "Translate the following Chinese novel lines into English." If line is just dots, translation could be just dots. We'll output the same string of dots.

Thus 【76】 output: "........." (same number of dots). Count: there are 8 dots? Actually "。。。。。。。." looks like 9? Let's count: The line shows nine Chinese full stops? It shows nine? We'll just copy exactly as given: "。。。。。。。." but we need to output in English line; but it's not Chinese characters. It's punctuation; we can keep as is. We'll output same.

Mei Da Xilin, the Shadowless Palace.

Translation: "During this period, Mei Da Xilin, the Shadowless Palace."

During this time, Mei Da Xilin, the Shadowless Palace.

The Radiant Empire is preparing for a full-scale war.

Translation: "The Radiant Empire is preparing for an all-out war."

For this matter concerning the fate of the entire empire and his own future destiny, the Lord of Radiance naturally pays close attention as well.

Translation: "Regarding such a matter that concerns the fate of the entire empire and his own future destiny, the Lord of Radiance naturally pays close attention as well."

But unlike his granddaughter who is busy mobilizing troops and gathering supplies, he is occupied on another level.

Translation: "But unlike his granddaughter, who is busy mobilizing troops and gathering supplies, he is occupied on another level."

As a being who has lived over three thousand years, founded the Radiant Sect, and established a vast empire, perhaps due to long slumber his thoughts lag behind the times, yet his perception of danger remains extremely keen.

Translation: "As a being who has lived over three thousand years, created the Radiant Sect, and founded a vast empire, perhaps due to long slumber causing his thoughts to lag behind the times, yet his perception of danger remains extremely keen."

During this time, the Lord of Radiance Misei clearly felt that when he decided to give his all, his soul felt heavy, as if weighed down by a huge stone.

Translation: "During this period, the Lord of Radiance, Misei, clearly felt that when he resolved to fight to the death, his whole soul felt heavy, as if weighed down by a huge stone."

Misei

Thus line: "During this period, the Lord of Radiance, Misei, clearly felt that when he resolved to fight to the death, his whole soul felt heavy, as if weighed down by a huge stone."

He immediately realized he was being targeted.

Translation: "He immediately realized that he had been targeted."

It is highly likely that Duke Weilan is the one targeting him.

Translation: "It is highly likely that Duke Weilan is the one who has targeted him."

This was also within his expectations.

Translation: "This was also within his expectations."

After all, he had prepared to spare no effort in fighting Duke Weilan to the death; naturally, the opponent would also sense the danger and would surely spare no effort to fight him.

Translation: "After all, he had prepared to go all-out against Duke Weilan, so the other side naturally would also sense danger and surely would also go all-out against him."

The empire's plan to assassinate Duke Weilan had already gone bankrupt with the defeat of the six legendary mages, but Duke Weilan would certainly use assassination tactics against him as well.

Translation: "The Empire's decapitation plan against Duke Weilan had already gone bankrupt with the defeat of the six legendary mages, but Duke Weilan will certainly use a decapitation tactic against him."

Moreover, Duke Weilan's assassination would be terrifying; relying on his own strength alone, he might not be able to withstand it.

Translation: "Moreover, Duke Weilan's decapitation will surely be terrifying; relying on his own strength alone, he may not be able to withstand it."

Therefore, Misei, through his years of accumulated connections, sought reinforcements everywhere.

Translation: "Therefore, Misei, through his years of accumulated connections, sought reinforcements everywhere."

The first avenue for seeking aid was naturally the Nawat Republic, where he contacted his old friend Yastin.

Translation: "The first avenue for seeking aid was naturally the Nawat Republic, to find his old friend Yastin."

Nawat Republic, Yastin

Through the phase magic circle, the two parties

Translation: "Via the phase magic circle, they communicated across a great distance."

"Yastin mage, I need a batch of legendary mages to protect my safety; the price can be discussed."

We need to keep quotation marks? The source includes Chinese quotes 「」. We'll translate to English quotes? Usually we keep English quotation marks. We'll output: "\"Yastin mage, I need a group of legendary mages to protect my safety; the price can be discussed. \"" But we need to keep the content exactly. Let's translate: "\"Yastin Mage, I need a batch of legendary mages to protect my safety; the price is negotiable. \"" We'll use double quotes.

"Sorry, Mage Misei, the Guardian Council recently passed a new resolution prohibiting the Republic from interfering in any form in the nation-state disputes of the De Rui Tan plane, so I can't help you."

So I can't help you.

The Lord of Radiance exclaimed: "How did this resolution suddenly pass?"

Translation: "The Lord of Radiance exclaimed in surprise: \"How could this resolution suddenly be passed? \""

"The Sky Faction that Master Naya belongs to has received aid from Duke Weilan, obtaining a large batch of high-quality legendary crystal assistance, which has given them many powerful legendary mages and earned them more seats in the Guardian Council."

The Sky Faction that Master Naya belongs to has received aid from Duke Weilan, obtaining a large batch of high-quality legendary crystal assistance, which has given them many powerful legendary mages and earned them more seats in the Guardian Council.

Furthermore, our Republican faction also believes that forcing Duke Weilan to fight for the Nawat Republic is not a wise idea; Sasmar has also abandoned this unrealistic notion.

Furthermore, our Republican faction also believes that forcing Duke Weilan to fight for the Nawat Republic is not a wise idea; Sasmar has also abandoned this unrealistic notion.

So... sorry.

Note space before period. We'll translate: "\"So... sorry. \"" Actually Chinese: "所以. 抱歉。" maybe "So, sorry." We'll output: "\"So, sorry. \"" but keep the period? We'll output: "\"So, sorry. \""

After saying that, Master Yastin cut off contact.

Translation: "Having said that, Mage Yastin cut off contact."

The Lord of Light immediately felt tremendous psychological pressure.

Translation: "The Lord of Radiance instantly felt a tremendous psychological pressure."

He clearly felt that Duke Weilan had begun to counterattack him, and the enemy's forces were quickly surrounding him.

Translation: "He clearly felt that Duke Weilan had begun to counterattack him, and the enemy's strength was rapidly encircling him."

Upon recalling the information he had learned over the past few years, a chill ran down his spine.

Translation: "Upon recalling the information he had gathered over the past few years, a cold sweat broke out on his back."

Duke Weilan is one of the most terrifying people he has ever encountered, more frightening than the Heavenly Father of Divine Might and the twin sun and moon gods of the elves.

Translation: "Duke Weilan is one of the most terrifying individuals he has ever encountered, more terrifying than the Heavenly Father Shenwei and the Elves' twin sun and moon gods."

He must find reinforcements.

Translation: "He must find reinforcements."

After thinking, he gritted his teeth and secretly contacted the elves using a phase array.

Translation: "After thinking, he gritted his teeth and secretly contacted the Elves via the phase magic circle."

Osera, I've run into trouble.

Osera, I've run into trouble.

Osera slowly replied, "Misei, it seems this trouble is not small; you've actually come to me for help."

Misei, it seems this trouble is not small; you've actually come to me for help.

Upon hearing that tone, the Lord of Light grew angry, but he had no choice.

Translation: "Upon hearing that tone, the Lord of Radiance grew angry, but he had no other choice."

This isn't just my problem; it's our problem.

Translation: "\"This isn't just my trouble; it's ours. \""

As you wished, I have launched a full-scale war against the Natural Alliance, now facing the great risk of being assassinated by Duke Weilan.

As you wished, I have launched a full-scale war against the Natural Alliance, now facing the great risk of being assassinated by Duke Weilan.

I need you to send some strong ones over to protect my safety.

Translation: "\"I need you to send some strong ones over to protect my safety. \""

Osera replied a bit faster, "Do you need my protection? Aren't you afraid my people might take the opportunity to kill you?"

Do you need my protection? Aren't you afraid my people might take the opportunity to kill you?

The Lord of Light paused upon hearing that; the risk is indeed real.

Translation: "The Lord of Radiance paused; this risk indeed exists."

Osera's voice came immediately: "Hahaha~~ Don't panic, I'm just joking with you; we're allies now, how could I possibly act against you?"

Translation: "\"Hahaha~~ Don't panic, I'm just joking with you; we are allies now, how could I possibly strike you? \"\" We'll keep the tildes? We'll translate as "hahaha~~". We'll output: "\"Hahaha~~ Don't panic, I'm just joking with you; we are allies now, how could I possibly strike you? \"\""

Misei chuckled dryly: "Osera, you'd better not joke like that; I'll take it seriously."

Misei chuckled dryly: "Osera, you'd better not joke like that; I'll take it seriously."

Furthermore, I am willing to serve the Lord of Truth; as fellow servants of the Lord of Truth, we have no irreconcilable conflict.

Furthermore, I am willing to serve the Lord of Truth; as fellow servants of the Lord of Truth, we have no irreconcilable conflict.

You're right, Misei; I'll send people over right away, and they'll all be top-notch experts.

You're right, Misei; I'll send people over right away, and they'll all be top-notch experts.

Hmm~~~ Three Legendary 4 experts, do you think that's enough?

Hmm~~~ Three Legendary 4 experts, do you think that's enough?

Enough, enough~ completely enough.

Translation: "\"Enough, enough~ completely enough. \""

Misei's tone was very pleased, but he was extremely shocked inside: "I didn't expect the elves to hide such great power!"

Translation: "\"Misei's tone was very pleased, but his heart was extremely shocked: 'I never imagined the Elves actually hid such great power!'\"\" We'll translate.

He faintly felt that the opponent's sudden burst of legendary power was closely related to the legendary crystal he had shared.

They couldn't help feeling deep regret, but more so helplessness.

If it happened again, he would still most likely choose to share.

Because the Elves shared with him the art of longevity, which could grant him an extra 500 years of awake time.

This was a condition he could not refuse.

He sighed inwardly.

"Ah~~~ The Lord of Truth returns; the glory of the mortal realm is completely over."

If one were to say, he feels apprehension and jealousy toward Duke Weilan, who is also a mortal; but toward the Lord of Truth, it is utter fear, a fear without any courage to resist.

The powerful gods and demons of Simple Legend 12 are terrifying, but he still has the courage to fight to the death.

But if this powerful being also controls a powerful Elven Empire, then it is a might that mortals can never resist.

Since there is no hope of victory, it would be better to simply submit.

(End of chapter)