While ether clone was constructing the flying fortress at the East India origin point, the outside world began to stir once more. Other countries moved in open light.
The Freedom Union, the Great Dulu Federation, and several smaller nations suddenly declared all-out war against India. No warning. No clear reason given to the public.
Ordinary people across the world were shocked. News spread fast. Why would the Freedom Union attack now? India was strong—rich economy, powerful military, weapons enhanced by Magic Energy that could wipe cities off the map. Everyone knew India could hit back hard.
So why risk it? Had the Union found a stronger weapon? Discovered a weakness in India's defenses? Or was there something valuable hidden inside India they wanted badly?
Common people guessed online. Forums filled with theories. But most were not worried—the war felt far away, they are not in trouble.
They did not know the real reason.
India's capital. Official residence of Prime Minister Mordan.
Mordan sat in a sealed meeting room with his most trusted ministers and military leaders. No recording devices. No aides. Nothing that could leak.
He slammed his fist on the table. Anger clear in his voice.
"They have discovered our secret. Who is the traitor? I will skin him alive when I find him."
General Amit spoke calmly. "Sir, we will hunt the traitor later. First, we must handle the crisis. Freedom Union and Great Dulu forces are already at our borders, with small allies supporting them."
Another general added, "Their plan is ground war. Soldiers against soldiers. Not super weapons. We can delay them for now."
A minister shook his head. "But real fighting will kill thousands of our men. We cannot afford war in this chaotic time. Magic Energy is changing everything. We must preserve strength. Wait until the world settles."
The military leaders disagreed strongly. One stood up. "If we do not fight, we bow again. Give in to demands. We have bowed before. No more. We must show these foreigners our strength. Drive them back."
More voices joined. Ministers wanted caution. Generals wanted blood.
Mordan listened quietly. Inside, he cursed the traitor who leaked the information.
We guarded that secret carefully for so many days. One betrayal ruined everything. I do not even know who it is—that is the worst part.
In the past, to protect my people, I gave in to their demands. Avoided open war. But when they asked for too much, I refused. Then came the terrorist attacks. Strange how those terrorists suddenly vanished. I still do not know how. But it helped us.
Now the same enemies return—not in shadows, but openly declaring war.
And I know exactly why.
He remembered the report some weeks ago. A mysterious valley in East India. His men could not enter. Technology failed. Humans teleported out.
Mordan went there himself by helicopter. Experienced it firsthand.
The valley had the highest essence concentration recorded. And the barrier—it stopped only humans and their machines. Animals and insects passed freely.
After internet theories about spiritual qi reviving, Mordan ordered quiet research into old novels, xianxia stories, cultivation tales.
This valley matched descriptions perfectly: a secret realm. A dungeon. Hidden space full of treasures, techniques, resources that could skyrocket power.
Maybe just theory. Maybe empty.
But it was India's discovery. India's future.
He ordered the military to guard it twenty-four hours. No outsiders.
Now, in the meeting room, Mordan collected his thoughts.
He muttered under his breath, "I made sure no one could find that secret realm. Who leaked it…"
"Sir? Did you say something?" General Saurav asked. "You must decide now. What will we do?"
Mordan sat straight. Eyes sharp. Voice firm.
"We cannot let them touch that secret realm. It is ours. We discovered it first. We will fight."
He looked around the table.
"Not just Freedom Union and Great Dulu. Watch Xing Nation too. They are quiet now, but planning behind scenes."
Then he turned to one minister.
"Minister Raj. While we hold the borders, take scientists, analysts, and those special consultants—the novel experts, trustworthy readers and writers who understand cultivation stories. Find a way to open that valley. Understand?"
Everyone answered together.
"Yes, sir."
The meeting ended. Doors sealed again.
Minister Raj quickly gathered his team. Top scientists. Military analysts. And carefully chosen civilians—Indian novel writers, longtime xianxia readers, people who knew every trope about secret realms and barriers.
All vetted. All loyal.
They flew east by helicopters. Landed near the valley.
The newcomers experienced the mystery for the first time. Helicopters hovered—pilots blinked outside. Teams walked in—reappeared at the entrance.
Stunned silence. Then excitement.
They threw ideas fast.
"Find jade tokens!"
"Find hidden passage!"
"Blood sacrifice? No, wait."
"Speak a password!"
Hours passed. Nothing worked.
They tried more. Again and again.
Meanwhile, deep inside the valley, ether clone continued building the flying fortress.
He sensed the helicopters. Saw the people outside the barrier.
But he ignored them completely.
They could not enter without his permission. The vyuha field held strong.
He had important work.
The foundation of the fortress grew larger.
Walls began to rise. Silent. Steady.
The fortress took shape under open sky.
Ether clone focused only on that.
The outsiders could wait forever.
5 days quickly passed.