Lin Ye stood at the center of the council space, sensing the tension radiating from every representative.
The appearance of the Transdimensional Ones had shattered the balance of order they had only just established.
"We know nothing about the Transdimensional Ones," said a representative of a Fourth Dimension civilization. "If we make contact rashly, could we repeat the mistakes of history?"
"What mistakes?" Lin Ye asked.
Guanlan's presence flickered. "In ancient times, civilizations once attempted to contact beings of higher levels."
"Those civilizations all vanished in the end, without leaving even a trace."
"Some say they were destroyed. Some say they were absorbed. Others say they were taken somewhere else."
"But no matter which possibility was true, none of it was good news for us."
The Absolute One rarely voiced agreement. "I support Guanlan's cautious stance."
"We worked hard to build this network. We should not risk it out of curiosity."
But the Primordial Origin offered a different opinion.
"You are wrong." A hint of excitement colored its voice. "If the Transdimensional Ones wished to destroy us, they would not need to contact us at all."
"The fact that they chose dialogue means they have some sort of need."
"And if they have needs, then we can communicate. We can negotiate."
"This is an opportunity, not a crisis."
Lin Ye seriously considered both sides' arguments.
The cautious faction had a point, but the Primordial Origin's analysis was also highly persuasive.
"I have a question." He looked at the Primordial Origin. "As a Sixth Dimension being, you should know more about the Transdimensional Ones."
"What exactly are they?"
The Primordial Origin fell silent for a moment, seemingly choosing its words.
"The Transdimensional Ones are not 'life,' at least not life as we understand it," it said slowly.
"They are more like...