Alchemists do not need self-cultivation

“A huge space…” Tenryu Mima pondered.

The monster's belly contained a vast space—was that even possible? Mima could only attribute it all to the country's wondrous alchemy.

"How did you guys get out, Nameless?" Mima asked.

"How did we get out? Isaac drew a huge pattern, and then we came out," the nameless man said.

A huge pattern? Could it be a transmutation circle?

This monster is definitely related to alchemy.

"So...did he talk to you about anything?" Mima asked.

Even just learning a little about alchemy from a few words is excellent.

“He said some very strange things,” Wuming said. “Something about gems representing the body, the moon representing the spirit, and so on…and ‘one is all, and all is one.’ Anyway, I didn’t understand any of it.”

“One is the whole, and the whole is one?” Mima repeated in a low voice.

“Yeah, that’s it!” Wuming said, his face puffed out in a huff. “That guy also said something like if even I could understand it, then there wouldn’t be so few alchemists in the world.”

"!!"

Mima quickly grabbed Wuming's shoulder: "Wuming, repeat what you just said."

Nameless looked at his elder brother with a puzzled expression, but still said, "If even I understood it, there wouldn't be so few alchemists in the world. What's wrong, elder brother?"

Mei Ma released Wuming, her brain racing.

Could this statement be the key to alchemy? But how should we understand it?

It seems we're still stuck at the starting point.

That evening, Isaac and his men delivered the ammunition.

“It’s a pleasure to cooperate, Brigadier General,” Mima said, shaking hands with Isaac.

Although she still didn't understand the meaning of that sentence, Mima decided to finish the important business first, since she didn't have much time left to stay in Amestris.

“It’s a pleasure working with you,” Isaac said. “I might come and check on you once you’ve finished dealing with the Kabane.”

“Then we will certainly welcome you,” Mima said with a smile.

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.

The next day, everyone in Japan packed their bags and prepared to set off.

"Then we shall meet again sometime, Brigadier General."

"Will do."

Wuming watched the team prepare to leave, then looked at Isaac, ran over to him and said, "Isaac, are your enemies in this country monsters like that fat guy from yesterday?"

“It could be even more dangerous than that,” Isaac said.

Since they are artificial humans, someone must be creating them behind the scenes, and judging from the fake Gate of Truth from yesterday, it must be an extremely powerful alchemist.

If something like the Gate of Truth can be forged, his power may have exceeded Isaac's imagination.

We must reassess this potential enemy.

The nameless man walked up to Isaac and suddenly grabbed Isaac's collar: "I know, but be careful, don't die."

"I would be very troubled if you died."

For her, the few days she spent in Amestris were the most unforgettable days of her life.

After saying this, Wuming returned to his group.

As time went by, their group went further and further away, disappearing from sight.

Isaac returned to headquarters to take stock of the total assets acquired in the transaction.

"We've made a fortune! This much gold is enough to last a lifetime," Isaac laughed.

"Oh, I wonder if little Isaac will get a share?" The old man, Gulaman, who hadn't appeared until now, suddenly came out.

“Of course,” Isaac laughed. “Two-eighths.”

"You're too kind, giving me so much..."

"I get eight, you get two."

"This is unfair! I provided the weapons, so why is there only so little?" Gulaman shouted.

"Isn't that obvious?" Isaac said disdainfully. "I was the one fooling them from beginning to end. You didn't do anything. You should be grateful that you even got paid."

"but……"

Before Gulaman could say anything more, Isaac whispered in his ear, "And you're allowing virus carriers to enter the country. If this gets back to you, it could affect your career. Have you thought this through?"

“…You’re even more cunning than me.” Gulaman conceded defeat.

“By the way, little Isaac, Roy might be in trouble in the Central Region.” Gulaman’s expression suddenly turned serious.

“I know that. He even called me specifically.” Isaac recalled Roy’s earlier call to him. “What happened?”

Gulaman took out a slip of paper from his pocket: "The Royto people gave me a set of chess pieces. I found this among the pieces. Take a look."

Isaac took the note, which told him to go to Central City.

Chapter 163: The Cross-Dressing Master Appears Online

At the Central City train station, a beautiful young girl stepped off the train.

The girl had a beautiful face, wore a black long-sleeved dress, and had long, shoulder-length black hair, with her bangs covering her right eye. Her gaze added a touch of dashing spirit to her appearance.

As she strolled through the crowd, passersby all turned to look at the young woman.

The girl ignored it and walked along the road, speaking a dialect from somewhere in the new country.

"Diu Lei Lou Mou".

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.

A few hours ago.

Inside the Eastern Command office, Gulaman and Isaac discussed their strategy.

“Roy called me from the pub’s phone earlier, he must have discovered something important that he needs to verify,” Isaac said.

The fact that Roy would proactively seek his help proves that the situation has exceeded what he can decide on his own.

“It is indeed necessary to help him,” Gulaman said. “However, he is probably already under surveillance by the central government. If he goes there rashly, he will definitely be discovered.”

Gulaman was very distressed. As the old general of Amestoris, he was inexplicably transferred to work in the East. You know, being transferred from the central government to a local position is equivalent to being demoted.

There must be some unspeakable secret in the central government.

“Why don’t I go? I’m going to visit Hughes anyway, and I can also investigate what Roy said,” Isaac suggested.

“I think it’s unlikely.” Gulaman crossed his arms and held his nose, saying in a deep voice, “You’ve seen the letter Roy gave me. He absolutely cannot be discovered in the past. He must be under strict surveillance now, and anyone who has been in contact with him will be investigated.”

Moreover, he is likely being monitored by high-ranking officials in Central City.

"Then what do you suggest we do?"

“You definitely have to go, but according to Roy, you can’t be discovered,” Gulaman said. “So, little Isaac, you’d better disguise yourself if you want to go.”

"You mean I should go in casual clothes? That's easy..."

“How could it be that simple?” Gulaman waved his hand, rejecting Isaac’s idea. “You’re a brigadier general in this country. Do you think the Central Army doesn’t know what you look like?”

“Then stick on a fake beard and wear a wig,” Isaac said.

“It’s still too easy to be discovered,” Gulaman said, shaking his head.

"Wear a full suit of armor?" Isaac thought of Alphonse's armor and figured that wearing a similar suit would prevent him from being recognized.

“Won’t this just attract more attention?” Gulaman continued to shake his head.

“Then I have no choice. At worst, I’ll blow up the Central Command and draw everyone’s attention there, then I can meet up with Roy in the chaos.” Isaac shrugged, indicating that he couldn’t think of any other solutions.

"Don't always be so violent... I have other methods." Gulaman said, flashing his signature foxy smile again.

Isaac felt a little uncomfortable looking at that smile.

"What do you want to do?"

“I’ve already thought of a casual outfit for you,” Gulaman said with a smile, then stood up and took out a black dress under Isaac’s puzzled gaze.

"This was worn by my granddaughter years ago, and I'm borrowing it now..."

Bang!

Before Gulaman could react, Isaac slammed his head against the ground.

"Ouch! Ouch! Don't be impulsive, little Isaac!" Gulaman cried out for mercy.

"If you don't give me a reasonable explanation, I'll send you to heaven right now." Isaac's eyes were extremely dangerous.

"This is a great opportunity to see Roy, believe me!"

"Why does it have to be women's clothing? Blowing up the Central Command would be more reliable than dressing up as a woman," Isaac said angrily.

Gulaman felt Isaac's hand pressing down on his head getting heavier and heavier, and hurriedly said, "Your disguise will definitely not be discovered! Maybe Roy's information can help you become the president."

After Gulaman finished speaking, he felt the force on his head disappear.

He stood up, dusted himself off, and complained, "I'm an old man, don't always resort to violence."

"You're lucky I didn't kill you." Isaac looked at the dress on his desk, his face grim.

"Alright, it seems little Isaac has agreed," Gulaman said with a smile. "I'll find someone to help you get dressed up right away."

One hour later.

A beautiful and elegant young woman emerged from the changing room.

Gulaman was also momentarily stunned by the 'girl' before him, and immediately smiled, saying, "I didn't expect you, little Isaac, to be so suitable..."

Before he could finish speaking, a pistol was pressed against Gulaman's head.

"Old man, I'm in a really bad mood right now. If you want to die, I'll grant your wish." The cross-dressing version of Isaac's face was even more gloomy, with a faint killing intent in his eyes.

Isaac is more dangerous now than he was before!

"Hey, remember to say hello for me when you find Luo," Gulaman said as he quickly ran away, afraid that Isaac might shoot him in a fit of anger.