Chu Yan had long been aware of the nature of this world, though he had never delved deeply into its complexities.
Much like in his previous life, he had known that the planet he inhabited was spherical, yet he had scarcely explored even the provinces of his own country, let alone the outside world.
In this realm, it was described in historical texts as a vertical world resembling a tower or tree.
Each layer constituted its own world, rich in resources and inhabited by diverse races.
However, after several centuries, each world would inevitably descend into decline, its magical essence waning, leaving it to wither.
If this merely signified the disappearance of extraordinary powers, it would be manageable; without magic or swordsmanship, life could still continue.
But...
The monsters remained unaffected!
Their power endured, while the strength of all races diminished, akin to an apocalypse.
Thus, every few hundred years, all races are compelled to undertake an upward migration, settling in a new layer and awaiting the next "few hundred years."
This information was well known among the inhabitants of this world; even those unacquainted with written texts would learn it through oral tradition.
However, ascending to a higher layer is by no means an easy endeavor.
The upper layers may harbor hostile natives, not to mention that before reaching the new world, one must first confront the "gatekeeper boss."
"I fail to understand why you assert that Weylin's maritime expedition is connected to the new world, given that the tower is located there."
Chu Yan gazed towards the distant inland, where, beyond a thousand mountains and myriad valleys, obscured by heavy clouds, he could faintly discern a dark, towering structure—the Celestial Tower.
The entrance to the new world lay at the tower's pinnacle, where the most formidable "gatekeeper" awaited challengers at the great door's threshold.
Aunt Nancy brushed aside the hair from her forehead and directed her gaze towards the same distant point, her tone tinged with a sense of helplessness and fatigue as she replied:
"According to the records established after the church's formation, the original 'gatekeeper' of the first layer was merely a slime, a lowly creature easily vanquished by united, robust individuals.
Chu Yan, do you grasp what this implies?"
"I do not."
"...At such times, it's best not to be flippant."
"Very well, I understand.
Your implication is that the 'gatekeeper' has grown increasingly powerful. By this layer, it may have become impossible to overcome, and perhaps, during the next migration, there will be no hope for breakthrough.
Therefore, Weylin is casting her gaze overseas in search of new possibilities?"
"Indeed, Weylin is one of the most renowned among the dragon-blooded, and if she too harbors doubts about 'moving upwards,' one can only imagine the challenges present at this layer.
In this scenario, the church can no longer afford the loss of their clergy, particularly the more formidable ones."
"Because time is no longer on their side, and they cannot wait for new star priests to mature?"
"Chu Yan, your mind is still capable of discerning the situation."
"I simply found it tedious to think; I can certainly reason it out."
Chu Yan felt somewhat underestimated, but upon reflection, he realized it was not entirely negative.
He would not have to bear the weight of others' unfounded expectations, and he welcomed the leisure it afforded him, for the recognition of his abilities could easily transform into a justification for exploiting his labor.
Nevertheless, Chu Yan did not allow such long-term considerations to distract him.
There was a pressing matter that Aunt Nancy had yet to propose a solution for—
"So, what will the church do? Once the next batch of ecclesiastical carriages arrives, I will find myself in a predicament."
Nancy's expression remained one of dejection; her elegant, voluptuous figure and beautiful visage were overshadowed by an air of despondency.
She approached, playfully pinching Chu Yan's cheeks, and said:
"The answer lies within the situation itself. The church cannot withstand further losses in personnel and combat power, do you understand?"
Chu Yan, slightly disoriented from her playful assault, suddenly grasped her meaning and mused:
"I see, Aunt. You want me to present myself as a paper tiger; if a conflict were to arise, it would be best for me to show my strength right from the outset?"
Indeed, while the church undoubtedly possessed the resources and strength to suppress all taboo inhabitants along the Sea of Death, they could not accomplish it without incurring losses.
As long as they exhibited sufficient "power," capable of inflicting damage, the church would likely retreat.
Moreover, Chu Yan must demonstrate this strength before any injuries occurred, lest the church realize he had already sustained damage and decide to press on regardless.
This principle is known as "sunk cost."
"Are you saying that even after binding those nuns for so long, it could all be swept under the rug?"
"At least until we successfully make our way to the new world, it certainly can be," Nancy affirmed with conviction.
"Before we reach the new world... understood."
He would not dwell on matters too distant; first, he must navigate the immediate challenges ahead.
With Nancy's insights, Chu Yan's next course of action became increasingly clear.
He needed to ensure that his imprisoned sisters regained their strength, preparing to confront the church with a grand display, treating it as a welcoming ceremony that would intimidate them, and subsequently transition into normal negotiations.
What specifically needed to be discussed would have to be determined at the time.
The script was already written, and he hoped it would not deviate too drastically.
"To truly address deviations, Aifalin is the key player. Her involvement would significantly smooth the confrontation with the church. If she unexpectedly breaks the slave contract, that could spell serious trouble!"
Just as well, since the activation of that slave contract, the work of rebuilding Extreme City and exploring the miraculous array had nearly spanned half a month, it was time to solidify the contract's efficacy.
With Nancy's departure, Chu Yan hurried to the kitchen, not needing to ponder much before producing a batch of fried milk.
He had not prepared many desserts in quite some time, primarily because he had made them for Weylin too frequently, leading her to tire of them, relegating them to the list of discarded options. Now, he sought to reconnect with the craft.
Carrying today's offerings, Chu Yan entered the chamber of the proud, beautiful blonde matron.
As night approached, Aifalin had already retired to bed.
She was clad in a delicate, alluring black lace nightgown, her voluptuous figure exuding an irresistible charm, exuding a captivating allure that seemed capable of ensnaring and captivating anyone. Her lower half was adorned with sheer black tights, accentuating the curves of her hips and waist.
Though Chu Yan felt compelled to comment on her choice of sleepwear, questioning whether she mistook tights for pajama bottoms, he could not deny the formidable impact of Aifalin's appearance.
"Good evening, Lady Aifalin. Here is the complimentary dessert: fried milk, which you may enjoy with warm milk."
"You deliver desserts at night, rather than during the day, is that intentional?"
Aifalin did not disguise her contempt, her emerald eyes scrutinizing him with a piercing gaze.
Noble life prided itself on such details, detesting the taste of food lingering in one's mouth before slumber, especially the sweetness.
Inside the room, the haughty and beautiful matron faced the strikingly tall and graceful "young lady." To an uninformed observer, it might appear as though a cruel mother-in-law were chastising her daughter-in-law or a meticulous noblewoman reprimanding an inexperienced and careless servant.
Chu Yan was acutely aware that he would soon be "employing" her, so he sought to ease the tension between them, hoping to earn Aifalin's favor and display sufficient capability, though this did not mean he would willingly accept her disdain.
"Daytime discussions concerning important matters delayed me, hence the late delivery. I believe, Lady Aifalin, you should try it before your mood deteriorates further, especially since you've been in Extreme City for half a month."
"..."
Aifalin's lovely eyes narrowed slightly, her expression unfriendly.
She understood what "half a month" signified.