Chapter 430: The Subtle Behind‑the‑Scenes Master (12)

Two hours later, Empress Aigedelin of the Eternal Empire finally was about to depart.

"Your Majesty Luosen, this outing has lasted long enough; we must return."

"I will await your arrival at the Eternal Palace."

"Also, take these two items; I hope they will be of help to you."

Empress Aigedelin handed a crystal and a scroll to Luosen.

After Luosen took them, she carefully explained the purposes of the two objects.

"The crystal is the key to the teleportation array in the back garden of the Eternal Palace."

"With this, you can silently teleport into the back garden of the Eternal Palace without alerting anyone."

Luosen sensed a faint thread of power emanating from the crystal, felt it carefully, then nodded with a smile: "Not bad; otherwise I would have truly had to exert some effort."

The reason is that this crystal is also a genuine artifact composed of primal matter; its natural built‑in switch function led a certain genius mage to forge it into a rather complex secret key.

Luosen could of course decipher it, but it consumed considerable time and energy.

It seems this is also one of the reasons the Vanishing Goddess has been unable to infiltrate Yueliangcheng.

"What about this scroll?"

"It is the rank chart of the Eternal Nobles of Yueliangcheng."

Saying this, Empress Aigedelin's expression turned somewhat complex, a mix of resentment and helplessness.

"Eternal Noble? That title sounds rather imposing, doesn't it?"

Empress Aigedelin lightly nodded: "The so‑called Eternal Nobles are the highest‑ranking aristocrats in the Eternal Empire, with hereditary titles that never change, possessing unlimited death immunity, priority in resource allocation, and numerous other Eternal privileges."

"No one, including myself, can strip an Eternal Noble of their glory."

Luosen thought the matter rather absurd.

"What is the reason?"

"Because this glory is deeply embedded in the core of the Heart of Eternity."

After a pause, Empress Aigedelin began a detailed explanation.

"The Heart of Eternity is the empire's auxiliary intelligent automaton. Similar to Alice of the Dawn Empire, our Heart of Eternity also has a name: Juliet."

"Juliet's capabilities far exceed Alice's; she has existed for over one hundred thousand years, and her core, refined and reinforced by successive generations of imperial Sage mages, has reached an inconceivable, even incomprehensible, level."

Speaking of this, a faint reverence flashed in the Empress's eyes.

Luosen's eyebrows lifted slightly: "Are you afraid of Juliet?"

Empress Aigedelin nodded, not concealing her feelings.

"Indeed, I fear her, and I'm not the only one; everyone in Yueliangcheng fears her."

Saying that, a wry smile appeared again on her face.

"Yet at the same time, we cannot do without her care."

"Juliet keeps our lives meticulously organized."

"She is solely responsible for the production and distribution of all imperial resources, as well as Yueliangcheng's security defenses and daily city upkeep."

"Often I feel I'm not an Empress at all, but a child who never grows up, and my mother is Juliet."

Luosen grew increasingly startled; for some reason, a faint sense of danger surfaced in his mind.

To him now, any dangerous premonition is a warning from the Threads of Time and must be taken very seriously.

He focused his mind, carefully discerning the tremor of the Threads of Time, and quickly reached a somewhat startling conclusion.

"This imperial intelligent auxiliary automaton called Juliet appears to have undergone some uncontrollable changes,"

Essentially, an intelligent automaton is a man‑made tool, its entire behavioral logic being the pre‑set result of a mage's programming.

It should be absolutely controllable.

For example, Luosen's Laifu.

Although composed of primal matter, its essence is a series of probability algorithms based on primal matter.

It is entirely under Luosen's control, and each ability it possesses is trained by Luosen.

Luosen can also wield the abilities Laifu has, but he does so with less efficiency and stability than Laifu.

Thus, Laifu's purpose is to expand Luosen's capability boundaries.

And that is precisely the greatest purpose of a tool's existence.

However, from Empress Aigedelin's description, Juliet seems to have already transcended the definition of a tool.

After a moment of contemplation, Luosen suddenly asked: "Did Juliet seal the Three Great Abysses?"

"Yes, the three great planes are all managed by Juliet."

"Where is Juliet's core? In Yueliangcheng?"

Empress Aigedelin shook her head: "I don't know."

"You don't know?!"

Luosen thought this was rather absurd.

A hint of embarrassment appeared on Empress Aigedelin's face: "This task was originally handled by the Imperial Council of Elders, and for many years it never caused any issues."

"But after Antowanji's fall, a surprise attack was launched during a council meeting, killing all six hundred elders."

"Therefore, we have effectively lost our ability to manage Juliet."

Luosen's brows twitched slightly: "A vast empire without any contingency plan?"

"Of course there are, but the war has dragged on for centuries, the situation became completely out of control, and all contingency plans failed one after another."

Luosen listened with growing alarm.

The facts he thought he had fully grasped were once again shrouded in a thick cloud. He intended to keep questioning Empress Aigedelin, but the words retreated before his mouth.

Because if the situation were as he imagined, the fact that Empress Aigedelin is alive and well indicates she has been classified as a non‑threatening individual.

Since there is no threat, naturally they won't know too much critical information.

Translation: Since there is no threat, naturally they won't know too much critical information.

Since there is no threat, they naturally won't know much critical information.

So-called, asking is just asking in vain, and might even prematurely alert some hidden existence behind the scenes.

Translation: The so-called, asking is just asking in vain, and might even prematurely alert some hidden existence behind the scenes.

The so-called asking is just asking in vain, and might even prematurely alert some hidden existence behind the scenes.

Then, who is this behind-the-scenes black hand? Is it some genius ambitious person secretly cracking Zhuli Ye's core?

Translation: Then, who is this behind-the-scenes black hand? Is it some genius ambitious person secretly cracking Juliet's core?

Then, who is this behind-the-scenes black hand? Is it some ambitious genius secretly cracking Zhuli Ye's core?

Or has Zhuli Ye's core itself undergone an unexpected mutation, giving rise to self-awareness?

Translation: Or has Juliet's core itself undergone an unexpected mutation, giving birth to self-consciousness?

We need to use name: "Zhuli Ye's core". So: "Or has Zhuli Ye's core itself undergone an unexpected mutation, giving birth to self-consciousness?"

Unknown.

Translation: Unknown.

One must investigate carefully and cautiously to possibly obtain the answer.

Translation: One must investigate carefully and cautiously to possibly obtain the answer.

"Time's about up, you can go back."

Translation: "Time's about up, you can go back."

"Okay."

Translation: "Okay."

Aige Delin nodded, then gave Rosen a final look, suddenly puffed out her chest, blushing as she asked: "Your Majesty, do you seem to like them?"

Translation: Aige Delin nodded, then gave Luosen a final look, suddenly puffed out her chest, blushing as she asked: "Your Majesty, do you seem to like them?"

Your Majesty

Rosen laughed heartily: "No, it's not liking, it's an irresistible love."

Translation: Luosen laughed heartily: "No, it's not liking, it's a love that's hard to refuse."

Aige Delin's cheeks reddened further: "Then I'll wait for Your Majesty to love them again."

Translation: Aige Delin's cheeks reddened further: "Then I'll wait for Your Majesty to love them again."

After saying that, her cheeks were almost bleeding red, she turned and hurried out of the room.

Translation: After saying that, her cheeks were red enough to almost drip blood, she turned and hurried out of the room.

Because the speed was too fast, a surge of turbulent waves immediately arose.

Translation: Because she was moving too fast, a surge of turbulent waves immediately arose.

Because the speed was too fast, a surge of turbulent waves immediately arose.

Rosen felt a quiet sigh in his heart: "Ah~ who could so passionately refuse?"

Translation: Luosen watched and secretly sighed: "Ah~ who can refuse with such enthusiasm?"

After the sigh, however, vigilance returned.

Translation: After the sigh, however, he became vigilant again.

"Is this a pink trap set up against my preferences?"

Translation: "Is this a pink trap set up against my preferences?"

He narrowed his eyes: "Let time reveal the truth."

Translation: He narrowed his eyes: "Let time reveal the truth."

Considering the existence of the Annihilation Goddess, which could threaten Aige Delin's safety, he focused his mind, all the while tracking Aige Delin's soul and escorting her safely back to Yueliangcheng before finally relaxing his gaze.

Translation: Considering the existence of the Annihilation Goddess, which could threaten Aige Delin's safety, he focused his mind, tracking her soul all the way and escorting her safely back to Yueliangcheng before he could relax and withdraw his gaze.

Yueliangcheng's Aige Delin is the Annihilation Goddess.

Then he picked up the Eternal Nobles Compendium to look at it.

Translation: Then he picked up the Eternal Nobility Compendium and began to look at it.

"Five supreme princes, twelve dukes, twenty-seven marquises, seventy-six counts, three hundred and eight barons. In a mere 500-kilometer-diameter Yueliangcheng, they actually raised so many eternal nobles."

Translation: "Five supreme princes, twelve dukes, twenty-seven marquises, seventy-six counts, three hundred and eight barons—such a tiny Yueliangcheng with a mere 500-kilometer diameter actually raises so many eternal nobles."

Five supreme princes, three dukes, two marquises, one count, four barons, and countless eternal nobles.

"Aige Delin, this empress's order, is probably difficult even to leave the palace."

Translation: "The order issued by Empress Aige Delin is probably difficult even to leave the imperial palace."

Empress Aige Delin

Such an empress raised in a greenhouse, yet issuing an order to blockade the three great abyssal planes, and even successfully implementing it, the sense of incongruity is truly strong.

Translation: Such an empress raised in a greenhouse, yet she issued an order to blockade the three great abyssal planes and actually carried it out successfully— the sense of incongruity is truly strong.

Empress rules the three great abyssal planes.

It's like an eight-year-old swinging a hammer to slay a dragon.

Translation: Just like an eight-year-old child swinging a hammer to kill a dragon.

Anyone with clear eyes can see that the truly formidable one is certainly not the child, but that hammer.

Translation: Anyone with clear eyes can see that the truly formidable one is definitely not the child, but that hammer.

"So, just how formidable is this hammer's power, exactly?"

Translation: "So, just how far has the power of this hammer reached?"

Unknown, but even if Rosen has already ignited the divine fire, he absolutely dare not underestimate it.

Translation: I don't know, but even if Luosen has ignited the divine fire, he absolutely dare not underestimate it.

Because the hammer protecting Yueliangcheng has long blocked the infiltration of the Annihilation Goddess's mortal incarnation.

Translation: Because the Yueliangcheng protected by this hammer has long blocked the infiltration of the Annihilation Goddess's mortal incarnation.

He then lowered his head to look at the crystal secret key Aige Delin gave him, tossing it back and forth in his hand.

Translation: He then lowered his head to look at the crystal secret key Aige Delin gave him, tossing it back and forth in his hand.

"This thing cannot be used lightly; if we really try to transmit there, it might just be walking into a trap."

Translation: "This thing can't be used lightly; if one really tried to transmit with it, it would likely be walking into a trap."

No matter what the truth is, this tool Zhuli Ye is powerful to the extreme.

Translation: No matter what the truth is, this tool Juliet is powerful to the extreme.

No matter the truth, this tool Zhuli Ye is extremely powerful.

Such an intelligent puppet developed to the extreme has depth, breadth, and precision of thought far beyond human imagination.

Translation: Such an intelligent puppet developed to the extreme has its thought's depth, breadth, and precision far surpassing mortal imagination.

Rosen dares not show the slightest contempt, even feeling it is many times more terrifying than the Annihilation Goddess.

Translation: Luosen dares not slight it in the slightest, even feeling it is many times more terrifying than the Annihilation Goddess.

Because this Zhuli Ye actually possesses the high-energy force capable of directly destroying his Natural Empire.

Translation: Because this Zhuli Ye actually possesses high-energy force capable of directly destroying his Natural Empire!

A single super star-annihilation cannon could turn the Natural Empire into a dead zone.

Translation: A single super star‑annihilating cannon could turn the Natural Empire into a dead zone.

So what now? After thinking, Rosen concluded: "We must first secure the foundation!"

Translation: "What now?" Luosen pondered and concluded: "We must first guarantee the safety of the foundation!"

His foundation is the Natural Empire of the Natural Plane.

Translation: His foundation is the Natural Empire of the Natural Plane.

As long as the foundation stands, he has an endless source of strength.

Translation: With this foundation in place, he has an endless supply of power.

Therefore, it must absolutely not be destroyed.

Translation: Therefore, it must absolutely not be destroyed.

How to guarantee it?

Translation: How to guarantee it?

Frontal resistance definitely won't work, because the Eternal Empire's high-level power far surpasses that of the Natural Empire.

Translation: Direct confrontation definitely won't work, because the high power of the Eternal Empire far surpasses that of the Natural Empire.

We need to use skill.

Translation: One must use skill.

After careful thought, Rosen had an idea: "I'll just hide the Natural Plane."

Translation: After careful thought, Luosen had an idea: "I'll just hide the Natural Plane."

Before he couldn't do it, but now it's no problem, and it's not even difficult.

Translation: Previously he couldn't do it, but now it's no problem, and it's not even considered difficult.

Because he not only inherited many spacetime manipulation techniques from the Dawn Empire, but also possesses the true god's fine perception and control over spacetime.

Translation: Because he not only inherited many spacetime manipulation techniques from the Dawn Empire, but also possesses a true god's fine perception and control over spacetime.

To him now, large is small, small is large; there is no essential difference.

Translation: For him now, big is small and small is big—there is no essential difference between them.

By using some special spacetime manipulation techniques, with only a little effort he can completely conceal a plane, making it intangible, and even hide the spacetime ripples produced by the plane down to the last detail, more perfectly than the abyss can hide.

Translation: Using some special spacetime manipulation techniques, with only a little expenditure of power he can completely conceal a plane, making it invisible, and even hide the spacetime ripples it produces down to the last detail—more perfectly than the abyss can hide.

After closing his eyes and thinking a bit, he created a plane concealment divine technique based on his existing knowledge, then slightly focused his thought to impart this extremely intricate divine technique to Laifu.

Translation: After closing his eyes and thinking a bit, he then, based on existing knowledge, created a plane‑hiding divine art, and after a slight mental nudge, entrusted this extremely intricate divine art to Laifu.

"Now begin the casting."

Translation: "Now begin the casting."

"Casting is underway, expected to consume 80% of the source substance."

Translation: "Casting is underway, expected to consume 80% of the source substance."

Casting is underway, expected to consume 80% of the source substance.

"Casting successful, plane successfully concealed, spacetime markers completely erased, the plane's waste entropy successfully linked to the Dawn Glory Necklace."

Translation: "Casting succeeded, the plane has been successfully hidden, the spacetime markers have been completely erased, and the plane's generated waste entropy has been successfully linked to the Dawn Glory Necklace."

So-called waste entropy is roughly equivalent to the chaotic energy dissipated from the Natural Plane into the void of space.

Translation: The so‑called waste entropy is roughly equal to the chaotic energy dissipated by the Natural Plane into the starry sky.

A seasoned hunter can completely reverse-trace this energy to the precise coordinates of the Natural Plane.

Translation: A mature hunter can completely trace back to the exact coordinates of the Natural Plane based on this energy.

But now, Rosen uses spacetime techniques to link this energy to the collapsed Dawn half-plane, letting it be thoroughly absorbed, thereby completely hiding all traces of the Natural Plane.

Translation: But now, Luosen uses spacetime techniques to link this energy to the collapsed half‑plane of Dawn, letting it be completely absorbed, thereby thoroughly erasing all traces of the Natural Plane.

Having secured the foundation, Rosen steps to the window, gazing at the lofty Yueliangcheng in the sky.

Translation: Having secured the foundation's safety, Luosen stepped to the window and gazed upon the lofty Yueliangcheng in the sky.

"What exactly is the truth, then?"

Translation: "The truth—what exactly is it?"

(End of chapter)