Chapter 386: with translation of chapter title

Lotussno Grand whereabouts?

But we need to translate faithfully. Let's translate each line.

We'll need to decide on translation style: natural English, not overly literal, but faithful.

Let's go line by line.

Where is Luo Te Suo Nuo. Ge Lan De?

Where is Luo Te Suo Nuo. Ge Lan De? (same)

Dean Fu Li Si Te and Lin Ke both don't know.

Dean Fu Li Si Te and Lin Ke both don't know. (same as 12). Actually the note says same. So output same.

Even Luo Te Suo Nuo. Ge Lan De arrived in the parallel universe alongside the pioneer advance team of Rui Wo Si Si Academy.

Literal: "Even Lotussno Grand also came to the parallel universe together with the pioneering vanguard team of Rui Wo Suo Si Academy." So: "Even Luo Te Suo Nuo. Ge Lan De also came to the parallel universe together with the pioneering vanguard team of Rui Wo Suo Si Academy." We'll output: "Even Luo Te Suo Nuo. Ge Lan De also came to the parallel universe together with the pioneering vanguard team of Rui Wo Suo Si Academy."

However, he did not act together with Dean Fu Li Si Te, and after completing the interstellar journey,

Literal: "However, he did not act together with Dean Friest, and after completing the traversal between universes, he left the vanguard team." So: "However, he did not act together with Dean Fu Li Si Te, and after completing the traversal between universes, he left the vanguard team." We'll output: "However, he did not act together with Dean Fu Li Si Te, and after completing the traversal between universes, he left the vanguard team."

Consequently, the whereabouts of Lotussno Grand, especially the purpose of this journey, have become a mystery.

Literal: "Therefore, regarding Lotussno Grand's whereabouts, especially the purpose of this trip, it has become a mystery." So: "Therefore, regarding Luo Te Suo Nuo. Ge Lan De's whereabouts, especially the purpose of this trip, it has become a mystery." We'll output: "Therefore, regarding Luo Te Suo Nuo. Ge Lan De's whereabouts, especially the purpose of this trip, it has become a mystery."

Not knowing his whereabouts, naturally we also don't know whether Lotussno has encountered any trouble.

Literal: "Not knowing the whereabouts, naturally one does not even know whether Lotussno has encountered trouble." So: "Not knowing the whereabouts, naturally one does not even know whether Luo Te Suo Nuo has encountered trouble." We'll output: "Not knowing the whereabouts, naturally one does not even know whether Luo Te Suo Nuo has encountered trouble."

Link wasn't truly concerned about Lotussno Grand's safety; he merely let his thoughts drift a little in that direction, then quickly dismissed it from his mind and stopped thinking about it.

Literal: "Lin Ke is not really concerned about Lotussno Grand's safety; he merely let his thoughts drift a bit in that direction, quickly throwing the matter to the back of his mind and not paying attention to it anymore." So: "Lin Ke is not really concerned about Luo Te Suo Nuo. Ge Lan De's safety; he merely let his thoughts drift a bit in that direction, quickly throwing the matter to the back of his mind and not paying attention to it anymore." We'll output: "Lin Ke is not really concerned about Luo Te Suo Nuo. Ge Lan De's safety; he merely let his thoughts drift a bit in that direction, quickly throwing the matter to the back of his mind and not paying attention to it anymore."

For Link, the urgent priority is to resolve the troubles faced by the allied forces and lift the siege of Michel the Great Sage's Tower.

Literal: "For Lin Ke, the urgent task is to resolve the trouble encountered by the United Legion and lift the siege of Michel Great Sage Tower." So: "For Lin Ke, the urgent task is to resolve the trouble encountered by the United Legion and lift the siege of Michel Great Sage Tower." We'll output: "For Lin Ke, the urgent task is to resolve the trouble encountered by the United Legion and lift the siege of Michel Great Sage Tower."

After all, even without mentioning that Molly is currently stationed at the allied forces' temporary base, just considering the friendship between Link and the sages Selyn, Paro, and Cody makes it impossible for Link not to take this matter seriously.

Literal: "After all, not to mention that Mo Li is currently stationed at the United Legion's temporary base; just considering the friendship between Selin Sage, Paro Sage, Cody Sage, and Lin Ke makes Lin Ke unable to not value this matter." So: "After all, not to mention that Mo Li is currently stationed at the United Legion's temporary base; just considering the friendship between Selin Sage, Paro Sage, Cody Sage, and Lin Ke makes Lin Ke unable to not value this matter." We'll output: "After all, not to mention that Mo Li is currently stationed at the United Legion's temporary base; just considering the friendship between Selin Sage, Paro Sage, Cody Sage, and Lin Ke makes Lin Ke unable to not value this matter."

However, upon receiving the news, Link did not rush over in panic; instead, he remained calm, looked toward Dean Fryster, and asked, "Dean, the situation is as such—how should we handle it?"

Literal: "However, Lin Ke did not rush over anxiously after receiving the news; instead, he calmly looked at Dean Friest and asked: 'Dean, the situation is just this situation; how should we handle it?'" So: "However, Lin Ke did not rush over anxiously after receiving the news; instead, he calmly looked at Dean Fu Li Si Te and asked: 'Dean, the situation is just this situation; how should we handle it?'" We'll output: "However, Lin Ke did not rush over anxiously after receiving the news; instead, he calmly looked at Dean Fu Li Si Te and asked: 'Dean, the situation is just this situation; how should we handle it?'"

After Dean Fryster received the information relayed by Link from Molly, he immediately contacted the scouting team's mages from the Raveosoth Academy to confirm the situation.

Literal: "After Dean Friest received the news conveyed by Lin Ke from Mo Li's notification, he immediately contacted the vanguard team's wizards of Rui Wo Suo Si Academy to confirm the situation." So: "After Dean Fu Li Si Te received the news conveyed by Lin Ke from Mo Li's notification, he immediately contacted the vanguard team's wizards of Rui Wo Suo Si Academy to confirm the situation." We'll output: "After Dean Fu Li Si Te received the news conveyed by Lin Ke from Mo Li's notification, he immediately contacted the vanguard team's wizards of Rui Wo Suo Si Academy to confirm the situation."

Just now, the scouting team reported that the temporary encampments of the four allied forces—Paro, Selyn, Cody, and Grand—are indeed not located together with the scouting team's own camp.

Literal: "Just now, the vanguard team reported that the temporary bases of the four-house United Legion of Paro, Selin, Cody, and Grand are indeed not located together with the vanguard team's temporary base." So: "Just now, the vanguard team reported that the temporary bases of the four-house United Legion of Paro, Selin, Cody, and Grand are indeed not located together with the vanguard team's temporary base." We'll output: "Just now, the vanguard team reported that the temporary bases of the four-house United Legion of Paro, Selin, Cody, and Grand are indeed not located together with the vanguard team's temporary base."

As for whether the temporary camps of the four allied forces are adjacent to Michel the Great Sage's Tower's camp, and whether they have been threatened by its mages, further investigation is needed.

Literal: "As for whether the temporary base of the four-house United Legion is adjacent to the temporary base of Michel Great Sage Tower's wizards, and whether it has been threatened by those wizards, further verification is needed." So: "As for whether the temporary base of the four-house United Legion is adjacent to the temporary base of Michel Great Sage Tower's wizards, and whether it has been threatened by those wizards, further verification is needed." We'll output: "As for whether the temporary base of the four-house United Legion is adjacent to the temporary base of Michel Great Sage Tower's wizards, and whether it has been threatened by those wizards, further verification is needed."

Since the scouting team could not promptly provide an update on the situation, Dean Fryster asked Iris Clark to mobilize the forces nominally belonging to the Raveosoth Academy but actually under her leadership to gather the true situation.

Literal: "Since the vanguard team could not promptly obtain a response from the scene, Dean Friest asked Ai Rui Si. Ke La Ke to mobilize the forces nominally belonging to Rui Wo Suo Si Academy but actually under her leadership to gather true intelligence." So: "Since the vanguard team could not promptly obtain a response from the scene, Dean Fu Li Si Te asked Ai Rui Si. Ke La Ke to mobilize the forces nominally belonging to Rui Wo Suo Si Academy but actually under her leadership to gather true intelligence." We'll output: "Since the vanguard team could not promptly obtain a response from the scene, Dean Fu Li Si Te asked Ai Rui Si. Ke La Ke to mobilize the forces nominally belonging to Rui Wo Suo Si Academy but actually under her leadership to gather true intelligence."

In fact, Dean Fryster didn't need to urge her; Iris Clark had already taken action as soon as Molly's message arrived.

Literal: "Actually, there was no need for Dean Friest's urging; Ai Rui Si. Ke La Ke had already taken action when Mo Li's message arrived." So: "Actually, there was no need for Dean Fu Li Si Te's urging; Ai Rui Si. Ke La Ke had already taken action when Mo Li's message arrived." We'll output: "Actually, there was no need for Dean Fu Li Si Te's urging; Ai Rui Si. Ke La Ke had already taken action when Mo Li's message arrived."

Not long after, Iris received a reply.

Literal: "Not long after, Ai Rui Si obtained a reply." So: "Not long after, Ai Rui Si. Ke La Ke obtained a reply." We'll output: "Not long after, Ai Rui Si. Ke La Ke obtained a reply."

"Dean, Michel the Great Sage's Tower has indeed dispatched a sixth‑rank sage legion back to its temporary camp, and it is threatening the four allied forces that have just taken up residence. Based on the current situation, the tower shows no signs of launching a rash attack."

Literal: "'Dean, Michel Great Sage Tower has indeed dispatched a sixth-level sage legion to return to the temporary base, and has launched threats against the four-house United Legion that just stationed there. Based on the current situation, Michel Great Sage Tower shows no signs of launching a rash attack.'" So: "'Dean, Michel Great Sage Tower has indeed dispatched a sixth-level sage legion to return to the temporary base, and has launched threats against the four-house United Legion that just stationed there. Based on the current situation, Michel Great Sage Tower shows no signs of launching a rash attack.'" We'll output: "\"Dean, Michel Great Sage Tower has indeed dispatched a sixth-level sage legion to return to the temporary base, and has launched threats against the four-house United Legion that just stationed there. Based on the current situation, Michel Great Sage Tower shows no signs of launching a rash attack. \""

Iris did not exaggerate; she truthfully reported to Dean Fryster the intelligence gathered by her subordinate mages.

Literal: "Ai Rui Si did not exaggerate, and truthfully reported to Dean Friest the intelligence gathered by her subordinate wizards." So: "Ai Rui Si. Ke La Ke did not exaggerate, and truthfully reported to Dean Fu Li Si Te the intelligence gathered by her subordinate wizards." We'll output: "Ai Rui Si. Ke La Ke did not exaggerate, and truthfully reported to Dean Fu Li Si Te the intelligence gathered by her subordinate wizards."

"Is that so?"

Literal: "'Is that so?'" So: "\"Is that so? \""

Dean Fryster fell into thought.

Literal: "Dean Friest fell into thought." So: "Dean Fu Li Si Te fell into thought." We'll output: "Dean Fu Li Si Te fell into thought."

Link did the same.

Literal: "Lin Ke likewise." So: "Lin Ke likewise." We'll output: "Lin Ke likewise."

In the parallel universe, the number of individuals inside Michel the Great Sage's Tower capable of commanding a sixth‑rank sage legion is very small.

Literal: "In the parallel universe, the number of existences inside Michel Great Sage Tower capable of commanding a sixth-level sage legion can be counted on one's fingers." So: "In the parallel universe, the number of existences inside Michel Great Sage Tower capable of commanding a sixth-level sage legion can be counted on one's fingers." We'll output: "In the parallel universe, the number of existences inside Michel Great Sage Tower capable of commanding a sixth-level sage legion can be counted on one's fingers."

Somehow, both Link and Dean Fryster intuitively believe that the person behind this threatening action is Michel the Great Sage himself.

Literal: "Somehow, Lin Ke, like Dean Friest, intuitively believes that the person who initiated this threat operation is Michel Great Sage himself." So: "Somehow, Lin Ke, like Dean Fu Li Si Te, intuitively believes that the person who initiated this threat operation is Michel Great Sage himself." We'll output: "Somehow, Lin Ke, like Dean Fu Li Si Te, intuitively believes that the person who initiated this threat operation is Michel Great Sage himself."

The intuition of high‑rank mages is usually accurate, even if they are not mystic specialists.

Literal: "The intuition of high-ranking wizards is usually accurate, even if they are not mystic-system wizards." So: "The intuition of high-ranking wizards is usually accurate, even if they are not mystic-system wizards." We'll output: "The intuition of high-ranking wizards is usually accurate, even if they are not mystic-system wizards."

Both Link and Dean Fryster place great trust in their intuition.

Literal: "Lin Ke and Dean Friest both have great faith in their own intuition." So: "Lin Ke and Dean Fu Li Si Te both have great faith in their own intuition." We'll output: "Lin Ke and Dean Fu Li Si Te both have great faith in their own intuition."

Consequently, they both agreed that Michel the Great Sage, for some unknown reason, issued this order.

Literal: "Thus, they both unanimously concluded that Michel Great Sage, for some unknown purpose, issued this order." So: "Thus, they both unanimously concluded that Michel Great Sage, for some unknown purpose, issued this order." We'll output: "Thus, they both unanimously concluded that Michel Great Sage, for some unknown purpose, issued this order."

"Dean, could it be that Michel the Great Sage wants to force me to meet him in person?"

Literal: "'Dean, could it be that Michel Great Sage wants to force me to meet him in person?'" So: "\"Dean, could it be that Michel Great Sage wants to force me to meet him in person? \"" We'll output: "\"Dean, could it be that Michel Great Sage wants to force me to meet him in person? \""

Naturally, this suspicion arose in Link's mind, and he frankly voiced it.

Literal: "Naturally, Lin Ke harbored this doubt in his heart and frankly asked it out." So: "Naturally, Lin Ke harbored this doubt in his heart and frankly asked it out." We'll output: "Naturally, Lin Ke harbored this doubt in his heart and frankly asked it out."

"It's possible."

Literal: "'It's possible.'" So: "\"It's possible. \""

Dean Fryster nodded.

Literal: "Dean Friest nodded." So: "Dean Fu Li Si Te nodded." We'll output: "Dean Fu Li Si Te nodded."

Before Michel the Great Sage's Tower moved into the parallel universe, Michel had already taken concrete steps aimed at "controlling" Link.

Literal: "Before Michel Great Sage Tower moved to the parallel universe, Michel Great Sage had taken substantive action, wanting to 'control' Lin Ke." So: "Before Michel Great Sage Tower moved to the parallel universe, Michel Great Sage had taken substantive action, wanting to 'control' Lin Ke." We'll output: "Before Michel Great Sage Tower moved to the parallel universe, Michel Great Sage had taken substantive action, wanting to 'control' Lin Ke."

This directly triggered the war between the Raveosoth Academy and Michel the Great Sage's Tower.

Literal: "This matter directly triggered the war between Rui Wo Suo Si Academy and Michel Great Sage Tower." So: "This matter directly triggered the war between Rui Wo Suo Si Academy and Michel Great Sage Tower." We'll output: "This matter directly triggered the war between Rui Wo Suo Si Academy and Michel Great Sage Tower."

Although the outcome saw the Raveosoth Academy achieve a comprehensive victory—not only replacing Michel the Great Sage's Tower's former status in the Michel region, now the Raveosoth region, but also expelling Michel and his tower from their own universe.

Literal: "Although from the outcome, Rui Wo Suo Si Academy achieved a comprehensive victory, not only replacing Michel Great Sage Tower's status in the former Michel District and now Rui Wo Suo Si District, but also expelling Michel Great Sage and Michel Great Sage Tower from their own universe." So: "Although from the outcome, Rui Wo Suo Si Academy achieved a comprehensive victory, not only replacing Michel Great Sage Tower's status in the former Michel District and now Rui Wo Suo Si District, but also expelling Michel Great Sage and Michel Great Sage Tower from their own universe." We'll output: "Although from the outcome, Rui Wo Suo Si Academy achieved a comprehensive victory, not only replacing Michel Great Sage Tower's status in the former Michel District and now Rui Wo Suo Si District, but also expelling Michel Great Sage and Michel Great Sage Tower from their own universe."

However, from another perspective, one could argue that Michel and his tower suffered no lasting damage and still retain overall strength superior to that of the Raveosoth Academy.

Literal: "However, from another angle, one could also consider that Michel Great Sage and Michel Great Sage Tower have not suffered any loss of vitality and still maintain overall strength superior to Rui Wo Suo Si Academy." So: "However, from another angle, one could also consider that Michel Great Sage and Michel Great Sage Tower have not suffered any loss of vitality and still maintain overall strength superior to Rui Wo Suo Si Academy." We'll output: "However, from another angle, one could also consider that Michel Great Sage and Michel Great Sage Tower have not suffered any loss of vitality and still maintain overall strength superior to Rui Wo Suo Si Academy."

Especially as the first wave of forces dispatched by the High Council of Wizard Civilization to pioneer the parallel universe, Michel the Great Sage's Tower gained additional power and influence during that process.

Literal: "Especially as the first batch of forces dispatched by the Supreme Council of Wizard Civilization to develop the parallel universe, Michel Great Sage Tower, in the process of developing the parallel universe, also gained some development of strength and power." So: "Especially as the first batch of forces dispatched by the Supreme Council of Wizard Civilization to develop the parallel universe, Michel Great Sage Tower, in the process of developing the parallel universe, also gained some development of strength and power." We'll output: "Especially as the first batch of forces dispatched by the Supreme Council of Wizard Civilization to develop the parallel universe, Michel Great Sage Tower, in the process of developing the parallel universe, also gained some development of strength and power."

If we set aside the High Council's bias and let the current Raveosoth Academy face Michel the Great Sage's Tower directly, the Academy would surely be defeated.

Literal: "If we set aside the Supreme Council's 'favoritism', letting the current Rui Wo Suo Si Academy face off against Michel Great Sage Tower, Rui Wo Suo Si Academy would definitely lose." So: "If we set aside the Supreme Council's 'favoritism', letting the current Rui Wo Suo Si Academy face off against Michel Great Sage Tower, Rui Wo Suo Si Academy would definitely lose." We'll output: "If we set aside the Supreme Council's 'favoritism', letting the current Rui Wo Suo Si Academy face off against Michel Great Sage Tower, Rui Wo Suo Si Academy would definitely lose."

Therefore, if Link's guess—and Dean Fryster's agreement—is correct, that Michel the Great Sage still covets Link, it is indeed a serious problem.

Literal: "So, if it truly is as Lin Ke guessed and Dean Friest agrees, Michel Great Sage's covetous heart toward Lin Ke not dying is indeed a major trouble." So: "So, if it truly is as Lin Ke guessed and Dean Fu Li Si Te agrees, Michel Great Sage's covetous heart toward Lin Ke not dying is indeed a major trouble." We'll output: "So, if it truly is as Lin Ke guessed and Dean Fu Li Si Te agrees, Michel Great Sage's covetous heart toward Lin Ke not dying is indeed a major trouble."

For a moment, Dean Fryster could not think of a stable way to resolve the matter.

Literal: "For a moment, Dean Friest actually couldn't think of a steady solution to this matter." So: "For a moment, Dean Fu Li Si Te actually couldn't think of a steady solution to this matter." We'll output: "For a moment, Dean Fu Li Si Te actually couldn't think of a steady solution to this matter."

Left with no alternative, Dean Fryster could only have Link reply to Molly, urging the four allied forces to temporarily restrain themselves and avoid direct conflict with Michel the Great Sage's Tower.

Literal: "Having no choice, Dean Friest could only have Lin Ke first reply to Mo Li, and let the four-house United Legion temporarily restrain themselves, avoiding direct conflict with Michel Great Sage Tower." So: "Having no choice, Dean Fu Li Si Te could only have Lin Ke first reply to Mo Li, and let the four-house United Legion temporarily restrain themselves, avoiding direct conflict with Michel Great Sage Tower." We'll output: "Having no choice, Dean Fu Li Si Te could only have Lin Ke first reply to Mo Li, and let the four-house United Legion temporarily restrain themselves, avoiding direct conflict with Michel Great Sage Tower."

As long as no loss of life occurs, a brief humiliation can be endured for now.

Literal: "As long as no fatal incident occurs, a short period of humiliation can be endured for now." So: "As long as no fatal incident occurs, a short period of humiliation can be endured for now." We'll output: "As long as no fatal incident occurs, a short period of humiliation can be endured for now."

On the academy's side, we will actively work to resolve this.

Literal: "On the academy's side, we will actively resolve this matter." So: "On the academy's side, we will actively resolve this matter." We'll output: "On the academy's side, we will actively resolve this matter."

Link sensed the helplessness in Dean Fryster's tone, did not argue, and did not insist that the academy immediately step in to handle the matter.

Literal: "Lin Ke heard the helplessness in Dean Friest's tone, did not argue, and did not firmly demand that the academy immediately step up to handle this." So: "Lin Ke heard the helplessness in Dean Fu Li Si Te's tone, did not argue, and did not firmly demand that the academy immediately step up to handle this." We'll output: "Lin Ke heard the helplessness in Dean Fu Li Si Te's tone, did not argue, and did not firmly demand that the academy immediately step up to handle this."

After receiving Link's reply, Molly was not overly disappointed; she simply relayed the response truthfully to the sages Paro, Selyn, and Cody.

Literal: "After Mo Li received Lin Ke's reply, she also was not overly disappointed, but truthfully conveyed this side's reply to Paro Sage, Selin Sage, and Cody Sage." So: "After Mo Li received Lin Ke's reply, she also was not overly disappointed, but truthfully conveyed this side's reply to Paro Sage, Selin Sage, and Cody Sage." We'll output: "After Mo Li received Lin Ke's reply, she also was not overly disappointed, but truthfully conveyed this side's reply to Paro Sage, Selin Sage, and Cody Sage."

Regarding this matter and the dean's reply, Paro, Selyn, Cody, and Molly had actually been mentally prepared for it all along.

Literal: "Regarding this matter, regarding the dean's reply, Paro Sage, Selin Sage, Cody Sage, and Mo Li actually had already been mentally prepared." So: "Regarding this matter, regarding the dean's reply, Paro Sage, Selin Sage, Cody Sage, and Mo Li actually had already been mentally prepared." We'll output: "Regarding this matter, regarding the dean's reply, Paro Sage, Selin Sage, Cody Sage, and Mo Li actually had already been mentally prepared."

Consequently, the four remained composed, continued to command the allied forces, maintained readiness, and restrained their emotions to avoid accidental conflict.

Literal: "Thus, the four remained composed, continued to command the four-house United Legion, made preparations, and simultaneously restrained their emotions to avoid accidental discharge." So: "Thus, the four remained composed, continued to command the four-house United Legion, made preparations, and simultaneously restrained their emotions to avoid accidental discharge." We'll output: "Thus, the four remained composed, continued to command the four-house United Legion, made preparations, and simultaneously restrained their emotions to avoid accidental discharge."

What relieved the four was that Michel the Great Sage's Tower merely continued its threatening posture without taking direct action that would spark a clash.

Literal: "What relieved the four was that Michel Great Sage Tower's side merely continued to make threatening gestures, without taking direct action or sparking conflict." So: "What relieved the four was that Michel Great Sage Tower's side merely continued to make threatening gestures, without taking direct action or sparking conflict." We'll output: "What relieved the four was that Michel Great Sage Tower's side merely continued to make threatening gestures, without taking direct action or sparking conflict."

This left room for flexible handling of the situation.

Literal: "This thus gave the matter room for flexible handling." So: "This thus gave the matter room for flexible handling." We'll output: "This thus gave the matter room for flexible handling."

At the Raveosoth Academy's secret outpost, after Dean Fryster gave Link his reply, he did not cease his actions.

Literal: "At the Rui Wo Suo Si Academy's secret base here, after Dean Friest gave Lin Ke a reply, he also did not stop his actions." So: "At the Rui Wo Suo Si Academy's secret base here, after Dean Fu Li Si Te gave Lin Ke a reply, he also did not stop his actions." We'll output: "At the Rui Wo Suo Si Academy's secret base here, after Dean Fu Li Si Te gave Lin Ke a reply, he also did not stop his actions."

He first approached the High Council's office stationed in the parallel universe and the two top officials of the liaison office for the Immortal‑God civilizations, expressing anger and protest at Michel the Great Sage's Tower's provocative actions, urging those bodies to address the matter promptly.

Literal: "He first sought the Supreme Council's Parallel Universe Office and the two top leaders of the Immortal God Civilization Liaison Office, expressing anger and protest at Michel Great Sage Tower's provocative actions, urging the Supreme Council's Parallel Universe Office and the Immortal God Civilization Liaison Office to handle this promptly." So: "He first sought the Supreme Council Parallel Universe Office and the two top leaders of the Immortal God Civilization Liaison Office, expressing anger and protest at Michel Great Sage Tower's provocative actions, urging the Supreme Council Parallel Universe Office and the Immortal God Civilization Liaison Office to handle this promptly." We'll output: "He first sought the Supreme Council Parallel Universe Office and the two top leaders of the Immortal God Civilization Liaison Office, expressing anger and protest at Michel Great Sage Tower's provocative actions, urging the Supreme Council Parallel Universe Office and the Immortal God Civilization Liaison Office to handle this promptly."

Then, Dean Fryster located the captain of the six‑person action team dispatched by the High Council to accompany operations—Mediqi, a sixth‑rank sage.

Literal: "Then, Dean Friest found the captain of the six-person action team dispatched by the Supreme Council to follow the operation, Mei Di Qi, a sixth-level sage." So: "Then, Dean Fu Li Si Te found the captain of the six-person action team dispatched by the Supreme Council to follow the operation, Mei Di Qi, a sixth-level sage." We'll output: "Then, Dean Fu Li Si Te found the captain of the six-person action team dispatched by the Supreme Council to follow the operation, Mei Di Qi, a sixth-level sage."

After a lengthy discussion, Dean Fryster persuaded Mediqi the sage to exert pressure on Michel the Great Sage's Tower to swiftly lift the siege of the four allied forces' temporary encampments.

Literal: "After a lengthy discussion, Dean Friest persuaded Mei Di Qi the sage to exert pressure on Michel Great Sage Tower to swiftly lift the siege of the four-house United Legion's temporary base." So: "After a lengthy discussion, Dean Fu Li Si Te persuaded Mei Di Qi the sage to exert pressure on Michel Great Sage Tower to swiftly lift the siege of the four-house United Legion's temporary base." We'll output: "After a lengthy discussion, Dean Fu Li Si Te persuaded Mei Di Qi the sage to exert pressure on Michel Great Sage Tower to swiftly lift the siege of the four-house United Legion's temporary base."

With multiple approaches, Michel the Great Sage's Tower immediately came under pressure from various departments and factions of the High Council.

Literal: "Thus, from multiple angles, Michel Great Sage Tower immediately came under pressure from various departments and factions of the Supreme Council." So: "Thus, from multiple angles, Michel Great Sage Tower immediately came under pressure from various departments and factions of the Supreme Council." We'll output: "Thus, from multiple angles, Michel Great Sage Tower immediately came under pressure from various departments and factions of the Supreme Council."

The mage in charge on the front lines, daring not to act unilaterally, promptly reported the situation to Michel the Great Sage himself, who had issued the original order.

Literal: "The wizards on the front lines responsible for directing this matter, not daring to act on their own, promptly reported the situation to Michel Great Sage himself, who directly issued the order." So: "The wizards on the front lines responsible for directing this matter, not daring to act on their own, promptly reported the situation to Michel Great Sage himself, who directly issued the order." We'll output: "The wizards on the front lines responsible for directing this matter, not daring to act on their own, promptly reported the situation to Michel Great Sage himself, who directly issued the order."

At this very moment, Michel the Great Sage was entertaining a distinguished guest.

Literal: "At this very moment, Michel Great Sage is entertaining a distinguished guest." So: "At this very moment, Michel Great Sage is entertaining a distinguished guest." We'll output: "At this very moment, Michel Great Sage is entertaining a distinguished guest."

This guest was none other than someone who had just left the Raveosoth Academy's secret outpost and immediately arrived at the Void‑Still Heavenly Master where Michel the Great Sage resides.

Literal: "This distinguished guest is none other than someone who left the Rui Wo Suo Si Academy's secret base and immediately arrived at Xu Jing Tian Shi, where Michel Great Sage is located." So: "This distinguished guest is none other than someone who left the Rui Wo Suo Si Academy's secret base and immediately arrived at Xu Jing Tian Shi, where Michel Great Sage is located." We'll output: "This distinguished guest is none other than someone who left the Rui Wo Suo Si Academy's secret base and immediately arrived at Xu Jing Tian Shi, where Michel Great Sage is located."

"If Michel the Great Sage has urgent matters to attend to, I'll come visit another time."

Literal: "'If Michel Great Sage has urgent matters to attend to, I'll come visit again next time.'" So: "\"If Michel Great Sage has urgent matters to attend to, I'll come visit again next time. \"" We'll output: "\"If Michel Great Sage has urgent matters to attend to, I'll come visit again next time. \""

The Void‑Still Heavenly Master, having quietly pricked up his ears and heard the related report, rose from his seat shortly after sitting down and said to Michel the Great Sage, showing great consideration.

Literal: "Xu Jing Tian Shi, who had quietly pricked up his ears to listen to the related report, had just sat down not long ago, then stood up and said to Michel Great Sage in this manner, appearing very considerate." So: "Xu Jing Tian Shi, who had quietly pricked up his ears to listen to the related report, had just sat down not long ago, then stood up and said to Michel Great Sage in this manner, appearing very considerate." We'll output: "Xu Jing Tian Shi, who had quietly pricked up his ears to listen to the related report, had just sat down not long ago, then stood up and said to Michel Great Sage in this manner, appearing very considerate."

"Please, Void‑Still Heavenly Master, sit down and remain calm."

Literal: "'Please have a seat, Xu Jing Tian Shi, and stay calm.'" So: "\"Please have a seat, Xu Jing Tian Shi, and stay calm. \"" We'll output: "\"Please have a seat, Xu Jing Tian Shi, and stay calm. \""

How could Michel the Great Sage allow the Void‑Still Heavenly Master to leave just like that? He immediately raised his right hand to halt the Heavenly Master's steps.

Literal: "How could Michel Great Sage possibly let Xu Jing Tian Shi just leave like that? He immediately raised his right hand to block Xu Jing Tian Shi's steps." So: "How could Michel Great Sage possibly let Xu Jing Tian Shi just leave like that? He immediately raised his right hand to block Xu Jing Tian Shi's steps." We'll output: "How could Michel Great Sage possibly let Xu Jing Tian Shi just leave like that? He immediately raised his right hand to block Xu Jing Tian Shi's steps."

Afterwards, Mixieer Grand Sage turned his head and looked expressionlessly at the wizard who had come to report; his gaze was indifferent.

The seventh-level grand sage from the Michel family bowed apologetically and hurriedly withdrew.

"All right, Xu Jing Heavenly Master, it's quiet now."

Seeing his descendant's silhouette vanish, the Michel grand sage's icy expression melted into a smile, and he said to Xu Jing, "Xu Jing Heavenly Master's visit, as you immortals and deities say, brings glory to a humble abode."

"You flatter me, Michel grand sage."

Xu Jing Heavenly Master smiled humbly and replied calmly.

They exchanged a few more pleasantries, then, without wasting further time, smoothly moved on to the main topic.

Michel grand sage asked directly, "Xu Jing Heavenly Master, since I arrived in this universe, I've had considerable dealings with both your immortal-deity civilization and the demon-monster civilization. I haven't achieved much, but I've picked up a lot of your language. As you say, one doesn't visit the Three Treasures Hall without cause. So, Xu Jing Heavenly Master, what brings you to see me this time?"

Obviously, Michel grand sage was not speaking idly.

He had indeed learned much of the immortal-deity and demon-monster civilizations' expressions, his wording perfectly conforming to their customs.

"Since you're so forthright, Michel grand sage, I won't beat around the bush either."

Xu Jing Heavenly Master gave a faint smile and stated his purpose plainly: "I've come to see you, Michel grand sage, to ask whether you've already decided to switch your cultivation."

That question left the Michel grand sage silent.

According to the Supreme Council's plan, a ninth-level grand sage wizard who finds an opportunity in a parallel universe can advance to become a sage-level wizard.

This approach has both advantages and disadvantages.

The advantage is that the promotion process is not constrained by the will of the wizard world;

the disadvantage is that it is also not recognized by the will of the wizard world.

Therefore, after a ninth-level grand sage advances to sage in a parallel universe, he cannot at will return to the universe where the wizard civilization resides.

If he wishes to return, he must pay a tremendous price, and even after returning he cannot retain the status and power of a sage.

This is not subject to human will.

Meanwhile, the "cultivation shift" mentioned by Xu Jing Heavenly Master is another path that the wizard civilization's Supreme Council may or may not know about.

The Immortal-Deity Civilization's Heavenly Court once sent Xu Jing Heavenly Master to visit the Michel grand sage, offering a "god-conferment" quota.

If the Michel grand sage agrees, leading his Michel Grand Sage's Tower to defect wholesale to the Heavenly Court, the Heavenly Court will fully assist him in shifting to the immortal-deity cultivation system, enabling him to achieve the rank of heavenly venerable equal to a wizard civilization sage.

The immortal-deity civilization has two paths: the "immortal" way, which transcends the three realms and lies outside the five elements, free and unfettered; and the "deity" way, which holds authority within oneself, carries out heaven's will, and is utterly different from the gods of the god civilization in the other universe.

If the Michel grand sage simply nods in agreement to Xu Jing Heavenly Master and to the Heavenly Court, he will soon become a heavenly venerate‑level "god."

However, the Michel grand sage has not agreed from the outset, making excuses to consider it carefully, and he has been doing so until now.

Now Xu Jing Heavenly Master brings up the old matter again, apparently confident of hearing good news from the Michel grand sage.

The Michel grand sage remained silent for a long time, but could not stay silent forever.

Even though Xu Jing Heavenly Master's patience is excellent, he has continued to wait quietly.

Gazing deeply into Xu Jing Heavenly Master's eyes, the Michel grand sage said in a low voice, "I think both the immortal-deity civilization and the wizard civilization would despise a traitor above all. If I switch my cultivation, not only would the wizard civilization look down on me, but the immortal-deity civilization would also despise me. Even if the Heavenly Court fulfills its promise and helps me attain a heavenly venerable equal to a sage, what of it? In wizard civilization's history, four sages have fallen. A heavenly venerable, if slain, still dies."

That concern is indeed valid.

Xu Jing Heavenly Master can well understand that.

But his task is not to understand the Michel grand sage, but to persuade him.

Therefore, even if he agrees in his heart, Xu Jing Heavenly Master will not show it on his face, nor will he voice his support.

Xu Jing Heavenly Master merely said, "You worry too much, Michel grand sage; shifting cultivation is not betrayal. The Heavenly Court promises not to hinder your continued loyalty to the wizard civilization or your service to the Supreme Council after you shift."

"Really?"

Michel grand sage snorted derisively and said, "Then what does the Heavenly Court want? A me who is not wholly loyal? Loyalty that isn't absolute is absolute disloyalty!"

Xu Jing Heavenly Master's face also broke into a smile, though a gentle, tranquil one like water, and he replied, "As I see it, what the Heavenly Court's sages and heavenly venerables are after is likely a figure capable of balancing the interests of both the immortal-deity and wizard civilizations, someone with enough weight to act as an intermediary. You know, Michel grand sage, our immortal-deity civilization has already gone to the limit in openness; the wizard civilization, however, still imposes restrictions."

"So you still want me, after I shift cultivation and succeed in advancement, to go to the Supreme Council and strive for benefits for the immortal-deity civilization there."

Michel grand sage gave a cold laugh.

"The Supreme Council can also, through you in our immortal-deity civilization, strive for benefits for the wizard civilization."

Xu Jing Heavenly Master replied readily.

In short, Xu Jing Heavenly Master, representing the Heavenly Court, gave the Michel grand sage a promise: not to oppose, but even to encourage him to have a foot in each boat, to court both sides, and to profit from both.

By rights, such a boon should give the Michel grand sage no reason to refuse.

After all, the Michel grand sage can not only achieve sage or heavenly venerable status before his lifespan runs out, thereby extending his life while boosting his strength,

but also gain a pivotal position between the two universes.

Yet the Michel grand sage instinctively feels that doing so is highly improper.

Even if he has grown resentful of the Supreme Council and harbors a notion of breaking free from its control,

temptation and dilemma lie before him, and the Michel grand sage wavers.

Light or darkness—where should he go?

In a single thought.