Chapter 67 Hidden Dangers

"Because the hidden dangers of this method… are simply too great!" Ding Xuewen sighed. "Leaving aside the fact that, after selling our faith to the deities, our thoughts can easily be influenced and controlled by their will, causing our views and loyalties to shift, leading us to betray our homeland and people…"

"Just the fact that our bodies, altered by divine power, would become like the native creatures from abroad—no longer able to perceive anything below the micron scale—is already unacceptable to us scientists."

"If the realm below the micron were to be completely sealed off, then the genes and bloodlines of our people would lose their meaning. They would be beyond our understanding and control…"

"This would be tantamount to crippling ourselves, utterly cutting off our future, leaving us at the mercy of the gods, pinning all our hopes on their charity and benevolence!"

"This is the one thing all of us scientists—no matter what—can never accept. Our genes, our future, the destiny of our people, must never be held hostage by anyone!"

…

Bodies altered by divine power, the microcosm rendered invisible… Could that really happen? Heilong pondered. Why would these native deities do this? What were they hiding?

As a devoted follower of the Grand Church of Physics, Heilong understood all too well: compared to the macrocosm, it is the microcosm that is truly vital to humanity!

Not only is it more accessible, more readily understood and applied, but it is also intimately entwined with the progress of human civilization.

The more we uncover about the microscopic world, the more advanced our technologies become. When we reach a certain point, we might even return to the origins and deduce the essence and truth of the vast universe itself!

It is no exaggeration to say that if humanity were to lose its ability to explore the microcosm, if everything below the micron were sealed off, the consequences would be unimaginable!

With that in mind, Heilong now understood. "So, the method you mentioned is to have Yu Xiaomin seek aid from a deity using gold?"

"That's right…" Ding Xuewen nodded, looking troubled. "Although the transformation by divine power can't heal Yu's injuries, as long as his life form is converted and his body is no longer allergic to magical elements, then we will have many ways to save him."

"In the past half year, our nation's trade with intelligent races beyond our borders has primarily been to exchange for their rare treasures, magical artifacts, magical technology, and arcane knowledge…"

"Compared to our industrial society, the only things they can offer us are these remaining resources."

"So actually, we have a considerable stock of potent healing goods—just our collection of precious life spring water and holy water exceeds a hundred liters."

"As long as Yu's body is no longer allergic to magical elements, saving him will be easy."

…

"So the main dilemma and controversy you face is the worry that, once Yu Xiaomin's body is transformed by the deity, his thoughts and views will change, and he won't be the same person anymore?"

"Exactly. And there's also the matter of setting precedent." Ding Xuewen sighed again. "Once we open this door, if such cases occur in the future… are we to save them this way as well?"

"For a collective, fairness is paramount. If we save Yu in this manner today, what about Wang or He tomorrow? Must we save them as well?"

"If things keep developing like this… I can even foresee people deliberately injuring themselves so that they can openly undergo this transformation!"

"Compared to the collective good, people are obviously more inclined to pursue their own interests!"

…

Heilong fell silent for a moment, then let out a slow, smoky sigh. "All that is true, but Yu Xiaomin's life is at stake. We can't just stand by and watch him die!"

"Yes, we can't turn a blind eye." Ding Xuewen agreed, sighing. "Yu is a clever young man, and we need minds like his. We can't afford to lose such talent."

"Besides, he was injured in the line of duty, so no matter how heated the debate, in the end, we will surely save him."

"There are mainly two issues for us to consider now," Ding Xuewen continued. "First, the deity he is to believe in must be a benevolent one, preferably one of lesser divine power. That way, Yu will be more likely to retain his true self."

"Agreed."

"Deities of lesser power are generally easier to deal with." Heilong nodded. "I think Freya, the Goddess of Love, would be a good candidate. As it happens, she seems to be looking for me too. I'll talk to her—perhaps we can arrange for Yu Xiaomin to receive some special favor from her."

"Mr. Huang, your thoughts match ours. She was our first choice as well." Ding Xuewen smiled for once. "Yu is a romantic at heart—he's fallen for that angel of light we've detained… With such qualities, he might indeed catch Freya's attention."

…

Fallen for an angel? Impressive, my friend, are you the modern-day Dong Yong? Heilong was surprised and made a mental note to ask Yu Xiaomin what it's like to fall in love with an angel.

"And what is the other issue?" Heilong asked curiously.

"The other matter… is where we need your assistance." Ding Xuewen said, "We hope that through this transformation ritual, we can explore and understand how divine power actually transforms the bodies of our people."

"…And how am I supposed to help with that?" Heilong asked, puzzled. "If the microcosm is sealed, even your electron microscopes are useless. What can I possibly do?"

"There is a way." Ding Xuewen beckoned to a staff member, who brought over a finely crafted jade box. "In fact, intelligent creatures in this world haven't been entirely unable to explore the microscopic realm. In ancient times, powerful mages would use a magical artifact called the Eye of Truth to pierce the veil covering the microcosm and study the essence of magic."

"We actually traded for this Eye of Truth with an ancient nomadic tribe, in exchange for two tons of salt and fifty tons of steel."

Ding Xuewen opened the box, revealing a crystal orb the size of a fist. However, its luster was somewhat dim, having long lacked the nourishment of magical energy.

"Mr. Huang, you've always wanted to enhance your vision. I think this Eye of Truth could help you."

"The Eye of Truth…" Heilong muttered, then leaned in to examine it closely. After a while, seeing nothing remarkable, he simply swallowed it whole.

His eyesight had indeed deteriorated somewhat; presbyopia still lingered. Rather than squinting in vain, it was better to perceive with the 'heart.'