Chapter 208: The Situation

Chapter 208: The Situation

After the incident of stealing Sikes Technology's data concluded, several days passed before the White Eagle Federation spokesperson made a statement that sparked a frenzy in the international community.

The White Eagle Federation claimed that Great Xia had obtained future world technology, surpassing human technology by a staggering 1,500 years.

The White Eagle Federation further clarified that this future world technology was a gift from the Sikes Civilization to humanity, a shared treasure for all mankind.

The White Eagle spokesperson also sternly condemned Great Xia for monopolizing this technological data and called upon nations worldwide to unite and demand that Great Xia release the Sikes Civilization's technological information.

This statement immediately sparked a global wave of public opinion.

Countries around the world, especially those in the West, pointed their fingers at Great Xia, believing it to be a stumbling block hindering human civilization's progress and a sinner against humanity's advancement.

The White Eagle Federation openly threatened to unite with other nations to impose sanctions if Great Xia's refusal to share the Sikes Civilization's technology.

Human nature is a peculiar thing.

An ancient sage once said a profound truth: "The problem is not in having too little, but in the unequal distribution."

And so, the situation became quite helpless.

If all of humanity lacked Cybernetic technology, there wouldn't be any struggle or covert battles to seize it.

However, now that Great Xia possesses the 1.6-level technology of the Sikes Civilization, it has become the target of universal condemnation.

Countries that didn't obtain this technology are eager to claim their share of the cake.

Enemy nations first sent Metahumans to attempt theft, and when that failed, they swiftly turned to the media, stirring up a global campaign against the East.

As the media frenzy grew, numerous malicious incidents occurred.

In some countries, there were multiple instances of harm inflicted upon Great Xia's ethnic groups.

Moreover, the perpetrators faced no punishment.

Some states within the White Eagle Federation were even discussing legislation to prohibit Great Xia's ethnic groups from using their abilities.

They believed that Great Xia's use of abilities was solely for criminal activities like theft.

The pirates' logic of "the thief crying 'stop thief'" was in full display.

...

That morning, Lu Heng was invited to visit the Southern War Zone headquarters, where he met the commander of the Southern War Zone, Li Guining, at the Ability Warriors' training camp.

"Welcome, welcome," said Li Guining, the commander of the Southern War Zone, as he proactively extended his hand to Lu Heng.

"Hello, hello," Lu Heng replied, not recognizing the commander at first. It wasn't until he sat down and heard Jian Qing's introduction that he became aware of the commander's identity.

The commander, in his fifties, had a somewhat amiable appearance, was neatly dressed, but maintained a low profile.

Without wearing a formal uniform, he lacked the distinctive shoulder epaulettes, which was the primary reason Lu Heng didn't recognize his rank.

"Comrade Lu Heng, on behalf of the organization, I would like to express our appreciation for your contributions," Li Guining began, representing the official stance. "The organization has decided to bestow upon you a meritorious service award, but since we're unsure of your preferences, the organization has decided to wait for your request. As long as it doesn't violate the law or morality, and the state can fulfill it, any request you make will be granted."

Lu Heng had been contemplating what reward he might ask for.

Crystal Cores, weapons, and equipment were all possibilities.

However, the formal promise from a War Zone Commander held more value than any weapon or gear.

Lu Heng could make this request whenever the need arose.

And this promise, until fulfilled, held the most value.

It meant Lu Heng could demand the state to do something, as long as it didn't breach morality or the law.

The value of this promise was limitless.

This was the true reward of 1.6-level civilization technology.

Previously, Jian Qing had mentioned the possibility of making a request to the state, but as a Captain, her promise wasn't as official.

Now, with a War Zone Commander's commitment, the reward was confirmed.

Subsequently, Li Guining brought up the recent espionage incident and praised Lu Heng, saying, "I've read your report, and you truly are a talent among millions."

"The commander is too kind," Lu Heng humbly replied.

"By the way, have you heard about the news from abroad these past few days?" Li Guining asked, bringing up the recent events.

The international media frenzy was controlled by the White Eagle's mouthpiece, spreading their narrative.

These pirates first sent Metahumans to steal the technology, and when that failed, they immediately resorted to media tactics to target and smear Great Xia.

They had learned the sage's wise words, "The problem is not in having too little, but in the unequal distribution."

If everyone lacked this technology, there would be no dispute over it.

However, when one nation possesses future technology, others without it naturally harbor resentment.

Hence, the international media unanimously attacked Great Xia.

Even some remotely cultivated products within the country joined the criticism, denouncing their own nation, claiming that Great Xia should reveal the Cybernetic technology to promote human civilization's advancement.

Li Guining casually asked, "Comrade Lu, what's your take on the current international sentiment?"

Lu Heng thought for a moment and replied, "Just ignore it."

Li Guining nodded slightly and asked, "Aren't you concerned about the damage to Great Xia's reputation?"

Lu Heng smiled and replied, "Our ancestors have already given us the answer. Non-kin, their hearts must be different. Even without this incident, don't expect the Western nations to have a favorable attitude towards the Great Xia ethnicity."

Li Gui Ning nodded in agreement, "I didn't expect someone as young as you to see things so clearly. Unlike some youngsters who learn a bit of Western culture and then go online to pontificate."

Lu Heng had witnessed the cruelty of the Abyssal Apocalypse and knew the true nature of the descendants of those Western pirates.

In contrast, the people of Great Xia, living on this land, were hardworking and resilient, possessing the ability to improve their lives through farming.

Unlike some races with a history of plundering, the people of Great Xia relied on honest labor rather than pure piracy.

In ancient times, the Great Xia had the capability for long-distance ocean voyages, but their focus was on spreading civilization and cultural exchange.

However, after some races learned navigation, every time they discovered a new continent, they would unleash bloody massacres, even going as far as wiping out the native populations and occupying the land.

The descendants of these pirates had cruelty and vileness ingrained in their genes.

Centuries ago, they plundered with muskets and spears, and centuries later, they continued their pillaging through financial warfare.

The methods have changed, but the essence has never altered.

After a moment of contemplation, Li Gui Ning asked, "The international public opinion is currently against us. What do you think we should do?"

Lu Heng smiled calmly and replied, "There's no need to worry about it. Times have changed. If they had other means, they wouldn't resort to verbal abuse."

With his knowledge from his rebirth, Lu Heng was well aware that this world was no longer one where public opinion could influence the situation.

In peaceful times, public opinion might carry some weight, but when the apocalypse arrives, even survival becomes a luxury, and public opinion becomes a joke.

When the nations that defame and insult Great Xia are battered by the Abyssal Demons and lose their temper, they will immediately beg for aid.

Some races are so ridiculous; when they feel powerful, they act arrogantly, but when they are beaten to a pulp, they will beg, and even in their begging, they will maintain their self-righteous haughtiness.

Lu Heng had seen it all.

The human world was destined to be unable to preserve all nations. As the situation evolved, some nations, lacking in strategy, were fated to perish.

Great Xia, however, was the last bastion of the flame of civilization, as it was the largest industrial nation on the Blue Planet, inhabited by the most hardworking people on the planet.

Lu Heng paused, then added, "I've seen other worlds invaded by the Abyss, and according to the pattern of development, the human living environment will become increasingly harsh. It won't be long before those who insult us will come begging for our help."

Li Gui Ning continued, "In that case, do you think we should publicly release future agricultural technology while keeping weapon technology secret?"

Lu Heng shook his head again, "It's not feasible. It's better to keep everything secret. If we release only a portion of the technology, those Western nations will think we're easy to deal with, and they'll use even more despicable methods to force us to reveal weapon technology."

"In summary, this is an insoluble situation. Their racial traits dictate their pirate logic, and it won't change one bit due to our compassion."

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end