Chapter 153: Chapter 153: Are You Still Threatened by the Undead?
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In the final vote, the fourteen Sages encountered an awkward voting ratio.
Seven to seven.
Half of the Sages believed that they should deepen the connection as soon as possible, while the other half believed that since a “friendly” attitude had already been conveyed, there was no need to seek further contact in the short term. It was sufficient to wait for a reply and keep a close watch.
Since the final vote resulted in a tie, the matter had to be set aside, and, in the end, it was the opposition that saw their outcome prevail.
“We need a new Sage,” Leman immediately added, “In the past, we were accustomed to careful and slow actions, but with the Trial approaching fiercely, we need greater efficiency. Any delay could lead to a heavy price.”
On this point, there were not many objections—ten votes in favor.
The discussion about the selection of a new Sage subsequently began.
Meanwhile, in human civilization, the Global Unified Association quickly determined a course of action in response to the friendly message from Planet No.6.
“We have decided to respond actively and dispatch an envoy to deepen our understanding,” Dong Gong reported to Shen Hao, “Although we have little intelligence at the moment, several points can be made clear. It is likely a world that primarily follows the path of magic and is resource-rich. It could form a good complement to us. If we can launch economic, technical, and even military cooperation, it could bring immense benefits to both sides.”
Indeed, this was an easily observable fact.
Such a civilization, likely heavily steeped in magic, could significantly compensate for humanity’s own shortcomings in the magic realm if a close relationship could truly be established.
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Moreover, considering the size of the planet, its natural resources were certainly exceptionally abundant, especially some rare magic resources.
More importantly, deepening ties and cooperation could also provide a significant advantage when facing other civilizations.
The more alliances, the fewer enemies.
With multiple interests at stake, and facing a civilization that had initiated friendly communication, making this choice was not difficult.
Naturally, Shen Hao had no objections.
For him, he was actually quite hopeful of gaining more allies. On one hand, it could better withstand the Trial, and on the other, it could further enhance its strength through cooperation and exchanges.
And so, an official response was sent out promptly.
The method chosen was not radio, but magic as well.
Within the Level 21 Mall, both magic and cultivation had reached another phase of advancement compared to the over 10 levels.
This was already the Extraordinary Third Stage.
This kind of large-scale, long-distance magic communication naturally existed. In comparison to technological means like radio, the greatest convenience was that it required no translation. It could precisely transmit the necessary communication directly into the consciousness of living beings, making it more suitable for initial interactions between different civilizations.
Somewhat unexpectedly, although the other side had sent the message first, it took a full three days after humanity responded to receive a reply, accepting and welcoming the dispatch of envoys from human civilization.
That’s right, it took three days!
In those three days, the first batch of people had already settled into the Underground City, and a large number of production industries were also moved there. Additionally, the construction of the second batch of 632 Underground Cities began, and various superior technologies and equipment from the Level 21 Mall were transported to various places, quickly increasing the civilization’s strength. Even the recently planted World Tree had grown to twenty meters tall.
Under the looming crisis of the Civilization Trial, three days were enough to witness many changes.
This also made some people realize that this civilization might not be as enthusiastic as they first thought.
However, regardless, since the other side had agreed, the diplomatic mission still had to be formed.
Yang Jun participated once again, but this time they also dispatched Liu Ruoxi and part of the magic professionals among the Chosen Ones.
With Liu Ruoxi and Yang Jun’s complementary offensive and defensive capabilities, their safety could be ensured to the greatest extent.
Of course, a larger guarantee still rested with Shen Hao.
Although he did not go, and did not imbue power into these two individuals as he did before, he was now able to maintain constant attention, and at this distance, he was also capable of providing interstellar support in an instant through the Emperor’s Scepter.
No matter what situation was inside that planet, he believed they could ensure the safety of the envoy.
The envoy was dispatched swiftly.
With the major upgrade of the mall, the technological domain of the Space Shuttle had undergone tremendous changes. This one was a standard Space Battleship, equipped not only with high-powered anti-gravity engines but also with immensely powerful energy weapons, as well as a protection field.
Although it was only of White Level, its shape, size, and functions were already quite impressive.
What’s more—Chosen Ones could inspect the level of the products.
Wanting to engage in trade with others, one needed to show their capabilities. The Mall at Level 21 was truly unique during this Civilization Trial.
Simply using some of the products from within the mall for trade was an offer most civilizations could not refuse.
“This time is comparatively normal for a diplomatic mission.” Standing on the spaceship, Yang Jun looked out at the planet that was drawing ever closer, and said with a smile to Shen Qian, “You can perform normally now.”
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“We still don’t know the specific situation of this civilization,” said Shen Qian, shaking his head with a rather serious expression.
Unlike last time, they had investigated the Siti Civilization thoroughly before heading out. This time, they were indeed somewhat in the dark.
It’s not that they hadn’t explored, but when they were unclear about the other party’s methods, they had to be careful in their exploration.
The same was true for the other side.
Aside from the first time when they conducted extensive probes into the magical domain, such exploration had never appeared again.
Clearly, they had realized the strength of humanity, and that recognition formed the basis of peace.
As the spaceship rapidly approached, the massive planet also gradually came into clear view in front of the envoy team. It was indeed a planet brimming with life. Even now, covered in snow and ice, the hint of green beneath the frost could not be concealed. The huge trees frozen in time exuded a unique grandeur during such times.
But what truly caught the eye were the giant cities wrapped in red protective shields scattered across the land.
“Is this their way of resisting the cold snaps and blizzards?” mumbled Yang Jun, his expression turning grave.
As powerful Transcendents, they could naturally feel how astonishing the magic power contained within those protective shields was.
The quality might not be very high, but the quantity was indeed exaggerated.
If transformed into an attack method and unleashed, it could even flatten a city to the ground.
This made them clearly recognize that magic was not merely a personal form of Extraordinary Power.
It could also serve as a facility, belonging to everyone.
“The landing coordinates have been sent over,” reported someone. “It’s a huge city called Ogen.”
The image of the city appeared on the projection screen as well.
It was indeed a vast city, built between valleys. As far as the eye could see, the entire city spanned over a hundred kilometers, and the massive magical protection field even enveloped the valleys, enclosing the green giant trees and the Winged Dragons soaring in the sky within it—a sight still full of vitality, as if existing in a world separate from the snow and ice outside.
Just this single city was home to tens of millions of people.
As the spaceship truly neared, the shocking spectacle of a different civilization came face to face with them.
The distinct architectural style, the magicians shuttling back and forth above the city, and the giant orange barrier radiating light and heat—all unabashedly displayed a strong and prosperous civilization for all to see.
Everyone realized that even with Shen Hao, human civilization was not considered strong in this Civilization Trial.
However, confidence still remained, as Shen Hao was humanity’s greatest confidence.
At this moment, the arrival of the spaceship also attracted many curious gazes, with magicians floating in mid-air turning their heads to look at this sizable spaceship, many showing expressions of surprise and curiosity.
It was not until a voice echoed throughout the city that these people showed understanding, their eyes filled with even more curiosity.
With the aid of translation magic, Shen Qian and others also understood the meaning of the voice.
It was explaining their origins to the city’s inhabitants, telling them there was no need for panic.
“It seems we’re not valued very highly,” said Shen Qian, his gaze lowered.
“Indeed,” Yang Jun said, frowning slightly.
Not until their arrival was the news conveyed to the people in the city, which undoubtedly indicated a lack of importance.
And the events that had transpired prior only confirmed this once again.
Although a formidable Guard Team had come to welcome them on the plaza, the person leading them merely introduced himself as the “deputy to the city lord.”
As representatives of another civilization, were they only being received by the deputy of a city?
“Please accept our apologies,” said this Sky Spirit called Siger, expressing regret at the earliest possible moment according to the customs of the Sky Spirit People. “These days, the scourge of the Undead is escalating, with most cities threatened by them, including ours. The city lord is busy dealing with this. However, envoys need not worry—Ogen City is one of the strongest cities of the Sky Spirit People, and you will be absolutely safe here.”
“I see, the Undead?” said Shen Qian, maintaining his smile but artfully displaying a hint of surprise, “Does your civilization, which follows the path of magic, also endure threats from the Undead?”
Siger was taken aback.
Though a high-status noble, he was clearly unaware that The Sage’s Council had only recently learned this information.
But the implications of this statement told a different story…
The envoy’s civilization was also plagued by those powerful Undead, yet they had been contained?
“If your civilization requires it, we would be happy to offer some experience,” Shen Qian continued with a smile. “Our civilization has completely resolved the risks posed by the Undead.”