Li Shengjiang logged out of the game, took off his VR headset, quickly handled his physical needs, and posted an update online.
After an hour-long lively discussion, he immediately re-entered the game.
"I've told them clearly—every hour in reality is four years inside the game. I'll log out once every four years for exactly one minute. Those medical researchers will leave comments on the thread detailing their progress, telling me what plants they need investigated or what actions I should take to aid their research."
"Communication every four years—hopefully, with the collective wisdom of modern netizens, I can find a solution in the other world."
Thinking this, Li Shengjiang put on his VR headset again.
Whoosh.
He opened his eyes, returning to an exquisitely luxurious secret chamber within the royal palace.
For Li Shengjiang, the forty-plus years of his real life felt fleeting and insignificant compared to the magnificent and vibrant wizarding life he had here as the reigning Alchemy Emperor Grantham. This felt more like his true life.
"Now that I rule this world, I can finally indulge in what I love without restraint."
And what did he love most?
Naturally, farming and developing technology.
Year 415, Kingdom of Babylon.
Alchemy Emperor Grantham dedicated himself fully to alchemical development.
He became the most visionary emperor in human history, governing wisely without any cruelty or violence. Charismatic, heroic, and ambitious, he pioneered mechanical alchemy, advanced alchemical pharmacology, and founded institutions like the Babylonian Wizarding Academy, the Half-Orc Wizarding Academy, and the Charles Royal Academy.
Within these wizarding academies, he established three core disciplines: Alchemy, Pharmacy, and Wizardry. Every three years, talented witches from different academies competed in cross-border tournaments for resources.
Each generation produced dazzling prodigies who would later serve in the royal court, becoming ministers and advisors, listening attentively to the wise teachings of the Alchemy Emperor.
He abolished slavery, proclaimed equality for all beings, and actively promoted wildlife preservation, urging witches to hunt fewer giant beasts and magical creatures, thus protecting ecological balance.
Known for his compassion and sincerity, the invincible emperor was admired by countless women as their dream lover. Many genius witches secretly yearned to win his affection, but Grantham remained devoted only to the seven sleeping little witches, tirelessly researching alchemical medicines to extend their lifespans.
Great, heroic, mysterious, invincible, and deeply affectionate—his reign brought countless praises and was celebrated as the most glorious period in history.
…
Year 422, Babylonian Kingdom.
Alchemy and magical pattern formations matured fully, triggering an unprecedented era of alchemical advancement. Talents from wizarding academies multiplied like stars across the night sky.
That same year, Grantham published the alchemical masterpiece, "Gate of Truth":
— "The great Creator once said, the reason humanity is called an intelligent species is our ability to use tools!"
— "Wizards embody the pursuit of truth and knowledge. Give me infinite knowledge, and I shall move the entire world!"
These two famous quotes from Grantham's work set the ideological foundation for the wizarding civilization.
Year 423, Babylonian Kingdom.
Alchemy Emperor Grantham gathered generations of talented witches from wizarding academies to build a legendary world wonder: Adolf, a colossal alchemical giant as immense as a mountain.
Powered by thirty thousand slimes serving as perpetual engines, Adolf continuously dug deep into the earth, wielding an enormous iron shovel to explore the world's depths. The giant, seemingly alive, consumed endless carts of "food" and "meat," delivered daily by diligent witches.
Three years later, at Charles Grand Canyon, a massive, bottomless abyss appeared on the surface, known among nearby towns as the terrifying "Tartarus" Alchemical Abyss, symbolizing boundless darkness and fear.
"Such a terrifying giant continuously digging beneath the earth created this monstrous abyss…"
"Our great Alchemy Emperor's mastery has reached unprecedented heights, crafting a giant that's perpetually active and virtually god-like. If not for witches regularly replacing worn-out parts, we'd believe it's truly alive…"
Such miracles were now common in Babylon, astonishing everyone.
Xu Zhi was speechless seeing this.
Previously, this fellow had used tentacles in his tiny sandbox backyard, frantically digging holes to mine ores. Who knew he'd return to old habits, now digging massive holes into the ground?
Truly, some habits die hard.
…
Inside the mystical and exquisite Babylonian Royal Palace.
On both sides stood finely detailed columns engraved with intricate magical patterns, while soft sunlight gently illuminated the white-domed hall.
At the top of the oval chamber sat a three-meter-tall man upon an ornate white throne.
He possessed a flawless physique like a Greek sculpture, as handsome as a Norse god, with deep, insightful eyes. He sighed gently, saying:
"Long ago, the great Sumerian Hero-King Gilgamesh explored the edges of the world and declared it flat with four corners, yet he never explored the poles above and below."
"Today, I, Grantham—the Alchemy Emperor of Babylon—shall complete humanity's understanding of this world. Human history is one of courage and exploration, chronicling humanity's unending resistance and curiosity about nature!"
"Let me become that pioneer."
Below, the witch ministers held their breath.
This was a historic moment beyond praise. Never before had Babylon seen such glory. Its prosperity now rivaled the legendary, short-lived Sumerian golden age.
Their Emperor was as visionary and powerful as the legendary Gilgamesh himself!
A moment later, a beautiful, talented witch entered the royal hall. She knelt reverently, passionately gripping her staff and said solemnly:
"Our great Emperor of Babylon! Supreme Alchemy Emperor! Lord of the Wizarding World! Adolf has reached the deepest point underground—thirty thousand feet below—beyond which we cannot dig further."
Xu Zhi had naturally set spatial boundaries for this sandbox world; thus, they could not dig any deeper.
"Thirty thousand feet?"
In the royal hall, a thoughtful sigh lingered for a long time, before Grantham murmured softly:
"The earth has a limit… but what about the sky?"
He raised his head slowly, gazing profoundly through the palace ceiling into the endless blue heavens beyond.
"The sky is surely mysterious and unknown. The gods reside there… When the Three Witches fell, Mercury, the God of Wisdom, descended from the heavens and performed three miracles: the Flower Monument, the Fragrant Rain of Blood, and the Hymn of Fate."
"Today, join me as we ascend to the heavens in search of the legendary land of the gods—'Achilles'—to thank the gods for their blessings upon our mortal realm!"
In Babylonian language, Achilles meant "Land of the Gods."
"Royal Historian!"
"Yes, Your Majesty!" A beautiful witch in deep crimson robes stepped forward.
"Record these words into history, in my commissioned chronicles, 'Spear of the Magnificent Wizards': Year 428 of Babylon, Alchemy Emperor Grantham mobilized the kingdom's resources to construct the Babylonian Hanging Gardens, aiming to ascend the heavens and meet the gods!"
He whispered gently, raising his staff.
Boom!
The ground trembled violently.
The entire royal palace shook dramatically.
Rumble!!
Over countless years, the Babylonian palace had become an enormous warship, vastly surpassing his original airship. A terrifying, unprecedented alchemical construct powered by thirty thousand slimes, it rivaled Adolf—the legendary world wonder, the Babylonian Hanging Gardens.
Crack—Crack—Crack!!
The entire royal palace, adorned with buildings, gardens, flowers, and trees, lifted off the ground, soaring straight into the skies.
Constructed from massive beast bones and sturdy timber, it resembled a gigantic fighter jet modeled after Earth's stealthy J-20 aircraft.
Countless exquisite buildings rested atop its massive body, with elegantly streamlined wings and a sleek, fish-like form. The royal throne room stood at its cockpit in the forefront.
"Heavens above, what's that?!"
"That's the entire Babylonian royal palace!"
"It's flying!"
Below, people emerged onto the streets, staring skyward in awe as the immense aircraft cast a colossal shadow over Babylon, blocking the sunlight.
Inside the spacious cockpit.
"Now, let's see what's beyond the sky."
Seated regally upon his throne, Li Shengjiang held his wooden staff, exuding an imposing presence, eyes gazing downward thoughtfully:
"The gods of this other world must be shocked upon seeing my creation. Perhaps my ingenuity will impress them, and I'll be elevated to divinity, igniting the divine flame to become the God of Alchemy—Grantham!"
Before him stood a row of beautiful witch ministers, exceptional prodigies dressed in crimson courtly robes, proudly wearing the Babylonian royal emblem. Graceful, elegant, and breathtakingly beautiful, they respectfully bowed before their Emperor.
Outside the sandbox, Xu Zhi, who had just retrieved a high-powered electric fan from his storage room, shook his head and smiled oddly.
"Li Shengjiang, you've really gone too far! You're supposed to focus on alchemy and pharmaceutical research to cure my illness. Instead, you've built this giant airplane to bring your entire Babylonian court to the heavens in search of gods?"
"It seems you, like AutumnMountainSpeed, have never experienced the harsh beating of society," Xu Zhi muttered, turning the powerful fan towards the ascending aircraft.