Necromancer, summoning 055? What the heck?

Chapter 504 A Glimpse into the Divine Kingdom: A Dimensional Reduction Attack (Seeking Monthly Tickets)

After the meal, the entire delegation from the Starry Sky delegation was completely bewildered.

Before today, they could hardly imagine that there was a race that could devote so much thought and effort to eating.

The sheer extravagance and complexity of it all reminded Liu Shuang of the vast and boundless aristocratic etiquette she could never seem to memorize.

How many rules were there again? Three thousand? Or five thousand?

She once thought that was the epitome of upper-class nobility, but now she suddenly realized.

What's the use of elaborate forms? Content is what matters, and rich content is the key.

A seemingly ordinary dish of "boiled cabbage in clear broth" contains the concentrated essence of countless ingredients in its crystal-clear broth. Beneath its simple appearance lies a rich tapestry of flavors.

At this moment, she scoffed at the so-called nobles of the starry world.

That's why Liushuang has such a keen sense of perception.

In fact, Dongxia once placed great importance on etiquette, but with social development and the progress of civilization, it began to degenerate on a large scale.

Because any status manifested through appearance and demeanor is essentially a "false" status. Things that can be obtained with time and at a low cost are not true barriers.

The true superiority or inferiority can be determined by material things.

To give a simple example, imagine you make dozens of different shapes out of a pot of steamed buns, and before the meal, you perform ten warm-up exercises, eight devout prayers, and three bows and nine kowtows, burning incense and purifying your hands—you've got the whole show. But can you compare to the guy next door in flip-flops, a tank top, and beach shorts, eating abalone and bluefin tuna dipped in soybean paste?

They might maintain a little politeness, but there's no need for any formality.

This is why, often, those who take the lead are unwilling to encourage those who follow. If everyone has money, how can we demonstrate our sense of superiority from having wealth?

It's like back then, when I stood out from the crowd in a suit and tie, I looked like a crane among chickens, very imposing. Now, insurance salesmen and salespeople all have suits, so what's the point of me wearing one?
In short, this banquet truly taught everyone two truths.

First, the Dongxia people had a way of turning anything that wouldn't kill them immediately into a dish. And, most likely, it would even taste quite good.

Secondly, in the face of a true, long-standing, and brilliant civilization that has lasted for thousands of years, the aristocratic heritage and family lineage that we are so proud of are nothing at all.

After the meal, Commander Li Zehua considerately asked everyone if they needed to rest, and received a unanimous negative answer.

Are you kidding me? You only have such a short time to rest?

"Alright, then I'll proceed with the original itinerary and arrange for everyone to visit and see the sights. Please also give us your feedback!"

Carrying their full bellies, the members of the Han Hai delegation walked out of the hall and embarked on their visit once again. From that moment on, they were once again in a strange trance.

This feeling is hard to describe in words.

If we're talking about being shocked, they've already seen all sorts of "black technologies" that Chen Mo brought from Dongxia in the Starry World: those steel behemoths that can tear orcs apart on the battlefield; those machine guns and cannons that can mercilessly mow down cavalry charges; those airships and drones that can detect enemy activity thousands of miles away; and those miraculous medical techniques that can perform open-heart surgery, blood transfusions, and limb repositioning...

The world was dazzling and wonderful, and they believed they were fully prepared for the power of this world.

But when they actually set foot on this land, breathed the air here, and saw everything that truly existed before them, they suddenly realized that everything they had seen in the stars was just the tip of the iceberg.

The scenery outside the car window blurred into a thin line, passing towering power towers, crisscrossing overpasses, a constant flow of traffic, and rows of buildings. Everything was proclaiming to them in a unique way that this was a "land of gods on earth."

Then, the delegation boarded a special train.

Anthony sensed the difference immediately.

"What is this? Is it different from the maglev train we came on?"

"Of course!"

The accompanying staff slowed down their speech slightly, trying to make sure everyone could hear clearly: "This is an experimental road leading to the Star Shield New City Laboratory, from our East Station to the West Station, a total of twenty kilometers."

"We are using vacuum tube levitation technology, which is theoretically designed to reach a maximum speed of 3,200 kilometers per hour! If we go at full speed, it will only take us about 20 seconds to reach our destination."

"Unfortunately, this car can only reach its theoretical speed when it is completely unloaded."

"Considering the human body's tolerance, both acceleration and deceleration require a process. It took us four minutes and forty-three seconds to reach our destination. Our instantaneous top speed barely exceeded the 500 km/h limit, only one-sixth of the maximum speed."

The staff member smiled and gestured to Master Anthony, saying, "Even so, we have to thank Academician Anthony for providing the psionic protection and buffering technology; otherwise, the running time would have been at least half again as long."

"In the future, we will lay longer lines and improve our buffering technology. Then, we'll invite you all to experience the thrill of high-speed travel..."

Most of the delegation members were still somewhat clueless about data; they knew it was fast, but they didn't have a concrete concept of exactly how fast it was.

However, academic giant Anthony, engineering giant Norton Ironbrow, and Xia Yuanchen, a military academy student representative with good math skills, all felt their hair stand on end immediately, and even the dwarf master's beard stood up.

In short, the first hook of delicious food captivated the entire audience, while the second hook firmly secured the technical talents in the visiting delegation.

Then, Dongxia began to close in.

The first stop was the science park in Star Shield New City, and this route was arranged very carefully.

According to the expert team of [Cihang], the most important member of this delegation is undoubtedly Liushuang, as she is an extremely important emotional link. However, there is no rush; they can talk about it slowly.

What we really need to race against time is to get Anthony and Norton to where they are needed.

A quicker communication can mean a quicker reward.

However, we cannot force them to stay; we must respect their wishes. Therefore, a vacuum tube levitation system piqued the interest of the technical experts and sent them to the science park as quickly as possible.

The effect is immediate.

The two of them immediately lay down and refused to leave.

What kept Anthony was the Central Research Institute in the Science Park.

This place covers an area of ​​over 40 square kilometers and is home to more than 300 research institutions and 60,000 top researchers. The large screen at the exit shows an aerial view of the entire park, which resembles the motherboard of a precision instrument. Various functional buildings are arranged neatly like chips, and connecting them are straight, spiderweb-like, densely packed ground roads, sky corridors, and underground tunnels.

The moment Anthony stepped through the door, he saw his own half-body portrait among the densely packed photos hanging on the wall of honor.

With flowing white hair, an air of otherworldly elegance, and a faint smile playing on his lips, he was incredibly handsome.

Just as Anthony's lips curled into a smile, he saw Academician Shen Boyuan, with whom he had a love-hate relationship for several years.

Although the two had never met, they had maintained constant communication and video messages, making them practically the most familiar strangers. Upon meeting face to face, Academician Shen made no polite gestures and waved repeatedly.

"Old An, come quick! We recently developed a new power model for the 'Spirit Electricity' energy cycle conversion system, but we're stuck on a part of the practical application. Come take a look!"

"I kept telling them that you'd be able to solve the problem if you came, but Old Ma didn't believe me. Let's teach that stubborn old man a lesson and show him what's what!"

Anthony instantly transformed into a super-powered warrior, sprinting forward while shouting back as he ran, "You guys keep watching, I'll stay here!"

Before he could finish speaking, Shen Boyuan had already dragged him away and disappeared into the laboratory corridor.

This marked the first non-combat casualty in the delegation.

Walking next door, you'll find the second case, where Norton Ironbrow is completely captivated.

If Anthony swims freely in the ocean of academia, then Norton is lost in the steel jungle.

As a recognized engineering genius among the dwarves, Norton had an extremely wide range of interests. He was intimately familiar with everything from the dwarven steam forging hammers and the gnome's precision gears to the rune arrays of the human magic society, and even the modern equipment transported from the Eastern Xia. He thought he had already witnessed the engineering level of the "God's Kingdom".

Until he stepped into this enormous workshop.

Beneath the towering steel dome, more than a dozen areas are neatly divided, where Dongxia has arranged its best mechanical engineering equipment.

Nine-axis five-linkage CNC machine tool; thirteen-axis multi-task milling and turning center; two giganewton multi-directional die forging hydraulic press; ultra-high precision turbine blade flexible manufacturing workshop...

Powerful gantry milling machine; precision high-speed machining center; 64-bit tool magazine gantry milling platform; integrated intelligent production line for die casting parts...

Servo direct-drive CNC electric screw press; electron beam melting furnace; ultra-high pressure water jet cutting machine; precision CNC EDM machine; and that ultra-large metal powder bed fusion 3D printer...

Every machine and every function here would be a miracle if placed in the starry world!

In the eyes of the dwarf master, this was the factory of the gods, a temple of steel and machinery.

Norton Ironbrow went inside without even saying goodbye, accompanied by his assistant.

He was also greeted with hero's cheers and honors. To the Dongxia engineers and technical experts present, this old dwarf, wielding an iron hammer, had managed to forge the "Starry Sky Type 59"—a completely revolutionary piece of equipment—under the conditions of the Starry Sky World. He was practically a "level 10 craftsman" reborn, a living legend.

Norton climbed onto the upper control panel via the elevator platform. The old dwarf stood atop the tall construction machinery, his face glowing red. For a moment, he looked like a giant!
Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

Of course, there are also team members who have a relatively relaxed schedule, such as Mage Downs.

Chen Mo went through four stages in his learning and growth.

Black Crow Castle can be considered a place of enlightenment, but it is extremely unfriendly to him, so it cannot be considered a kindergarten. It is more like a children's shelter for bald eagles or a resource reserve base for Loli Island.

Fortunately, he escaped early on.

The farmhouse of the Hal Mage could perhaps be considered a primary school. It was here that Chen Mo met a decent teacher named Morton, who guided him onto the right path of cultivating as a summoner mage.

Tang Si was Chen Mo's high school homeroom teacher.

Although the old man wasn't enthusiastic about teaching and had a lot of flaws himself, he did achieve two things: first, he guided Chen Mo step by step to steadily advance to each promotion stage; second, he created a sufficiently rich atmosphere and environment to ensure that Chen Mo's scores in each "major exam" always exceeded the passing mark.

That's enough!
Chen Mo is now essentially attending a private university, surrounded by a professional team of mage instructors, expert advisors on call 24/7, and even several dedicated research groups to tailor learning programs for him.

Towns is now completely free, but that doesn't diminish Chen Mo's and Dong Xia's heartfelt respect for him.

Dongxia arranged many optional activities for the old man, and Towns chose without hesitation—fishing!
Moreover, it's the kind of wild fishing where you hide your identity and blend into the crowd.

The warm sunshine bathed me, and a gentle breeze rippled across the water, creating shimmering waves like scattered silver. White egrets flew by in the distance, while sparrows skimmed the surface. The banks were shaded by lush trees, and vibrant flowers bloomed in front of me.

This is a semi-natural high-end fishing spot. Dongxia's security team is scattered among the crowd, leaving only one personal staff member to help the old man with tasks such as landing a net.

The old man has to do all the baiting, hanging the hook, and casting the line himself; otherwise, what's the point of fishing?
Unsurprisingly, the old man sat there for more than an hour.

The choice of this fishing spot is important. There shouldn't be too many people, otherwise it will be too chaotic and lose the atmosphere of fishing. But there also shouldn't be too few people. It's a unique kind of fun for anglers to observe each other and brag to each other.

Sure enough, as Towns swung his rod again and again, only to miss repeatedly, a middle-aged angler nearby came over.

The man was in his early forties, with slightly tanned skin. He wore a wrinkled T-shirt, mud-splattered sneakers, a sun hat, and a dry towel draped over his shoulders. He exuded the air of a seasoned veteran who had spent years in the wild.

"Hey bro, that's some pretty good gear!" He sidled up to Downs, his eyes fixed on the gleaming fishing rod. "That must cost... several thousand dollars, right?"

Downs had no idea. He looked at the Dongxia entourage next to him, and the young staff member nodded: "I bought it for my uncle. It cost tens of thousands. My uncle loves fishing!"

"Wow, I knew it looked unusual!"

"The texture, the luster, wow..."

The middle-aged man stepped forward a few paces, casually took out a cigarette, and offered it to Towns. When Towns waved his hand to indicate that he didn't want it, the man took the cigarette out of his mouth and tucked it behind his ear.

"Not smoking is good, it's a good habit. I've always wanted to quit, but I just can't!"

"Brother, is this your first time at this spot? There are plenty of big fish here, but they're incredibly cunning. Let me tell you, these days we're all a bit cheeky; the harder they are to catch, the more we want to come!"

The man, who was very friendly, sat down and chatted with Towns for a few minutes. Seeing that Towns had missed another shot, the middle-aged man finally couldn't help but ask, "Hey bro, can I take a look at your cue?"

"Great stuff, really great stuff!"

The fishing rod in Downs' hand is no ordinary fishing rod. It was built with top-quality materials and technology by Dongxia, and it also has many spiritual energy effects from the Starry World. It is said to have the effects of calming the mind, pacifying the spirit, soothing the nerves, and nourishing the body. It is also said to have certain effects of enhancing one's fortune.

Aside from not being able to catch any fish, it's practically perfect.

The middle-aged man praised it highly, which quickly attracted more onlookers. Although the crowd could not clearly understand what was so good about the rod, that was the magic of the angler; they all seemed to have an instinct to find the right feel for it.

They praised the old man to a high degree, and exchanged tips and experiences, turning the fishing spot into a chat session.

Towns was enjoying himself. He found that although these people were all ordinary people, they were incredibly knowledgeable about fishing.

What about "fishing on the shallows in spring, fishing in the deep pools in summer, fishing in the shade in autumn, and fishing in the sun in winter," what about "fishing along the banks in the morning and evening, and fishing far out at noon," what about "fishing at the river mouth when the water is rising, and fishing in deep pools when the water is falling"...

"Have it!"

As they were talking, the middle-aged man suddenly exclaimed and flicked his wrist.

With a flick and a sway, as if a rainbow had flashed by, the fishing rod drew an elegant arc in the air, tossing the three-inch-long fish in front of everyone.

Several fishermen were mesmerized by the sight and took out their phones to snap photos.

"Hey bro, where did you buy this pole? Could you get me one?"

The accompanying staff quickly waved their hands: "You can't buy this. I used my connections to have it custom-made in the lab. Just wait, maybe it will be available on the market soon!"

The middle-aged fisherman, who was casting his line, sighed regretfully, picked up the small fish and put it on the ground. He then took out a bottle of cola about the size of a cotton swab, a cigarette the size of a fingernail, and a teacup that could hold at most a few drops of water from his pocket, set up the angle, and started taking pictures.

"What...does this mean?"

"Brother, you're such an honest man!"

Everyone laughed and offered their own explanations, but in the end, it was the middle-aged man who, shaking his head, came up with this explanation.

"There's an old saying in Dongxia: some things, if you don't weigh them, they won't be four ounces; but if you weigh them, they'll be a thousand pounds. Have you heard of that, brother?"

Tang Si had indeed heard it. When the Han Hai Inspectorate was carrying out a major purge, Xia Yuanchen had said it more than once, his tone firm and murderous, the implication of which made the old mage feel a sense of awe.

It's unbelievable that an ordinary fisherman on Earth could speak so eloquently. The "political literacy" of this divine kingdom is truly extraordinary.

"I've heard of it, but what does it have to do with fishing?"

"Let me tell you, the same principle applies to us fishermen, only it's reversed!"

The middle-aged man smiled smugly and showed the photo to Downs. Compared to the other objects, the fish looked enormous.

"Here in our fishing village, if you don't weigh it, it's a thousand pounds; but once you weigh it, it's less than four ounces!"

(End of this chapter)