C10 The Danger

"Then, it must be so."

"You're saying... Alright, I get it."

"I understand as well. For the sake of the greater plan, let's proceed in this manner."

The three inscrutable beings finally reached a consensus.

The executor of this plan was naturally Academician Soong, who enjoyed Crick's profound trust.

Just a few years ago, he was a prominent researcher on the Yellow Flame Planet, already distinguished and privileged. Now, through Crick's influence, he had ascended to the rank of an academician at the Science Academy.

This esteemed title turned him into one of the most sought-after figures on the entire Yellow Flame Planet, wielding authority that had increased more than tenfold. The difference between a senior researcher and an academician at the Science Academy might seem slight, but in terms of power and perks, it was like night and day.

Across the Yellow Flame Planet, the planetary government, the military, and the Science Academy operated as three distinct systems, each maintaining a check and balance on the others.

The highest governor of the planetary government, the supreme marshal of the military, and the chief academician of the Science Academy—these were the individuals perched at the apex of the planet's power pyramid.

To become the chief academician, one must be a leading scientist within the grand Science Academy. Below him, the other academicians, primarily from the Science Academy, each wielded considerable authority. With fewer than ten academicians on the Yellow Flame Planet, Academician Soong ranked in the top ten within the Academy's hierarchy and among the top thirty of all the elite.

Previously, as a Great Researcher, he was just one among nearly a thousand at the Yan Huang Star's Science Academy—neither outstanding nor at the bottom of the pack.

Now, with the power vested in Academician Soong, he had the authority to command the Academy's second-tier research starship. The Science Academy possessed only one first-tier research starship, reserved exclusively for the chief academician.

Owing to the Academy's unique status and formidable strength, its second-tier research starship surpassed the planetary government's first-tier motherships in performance and was only marginally less capable than the first-tier warships of the supreme marshal of the military.

It was inevitable; the Academy of Science manufactured all the spacecraft, and the best materials and equipment were always first allocated to their own research starships.

The warships utilized by the Military Department, while ostensibly meeting the same standard specifications as those of the Academy of Science, were in reality somewhat inferior. The vessels employed by the planetary government were essentially hand-me-downs from the military, outdated by at least one generation, and possibly two when compared to the Academy's fleet.

Academician Soong stood in the command cabin, issuing orders to his crew with a stoic demeanor, all the while pondering deeply.

The mission at hand was straightforward: transport Jun Lindao from the underground city to his starship, then pilot the vessel to a destination ten light-years away. With the starship's velocity, the journey should take roughly three universal standard time units—a measure now equivalent to a day on humanity's ancient homeworld, in remembrance of it.

What awaited them upon arrival was unknown to Soong. Spiritual Crick had not divulged the full plan, merely instructing, "Once there, you need not concern yourself with anything. Conduct a brief survey of the vicinity, then you're free to return to Yellow Flame Star."

This lack of information caught Academician Soong off guard. He had believed himself to be a trusted confidant of Spiritual Crick, having been involved in all prior plans without any secrets kept from him. Yet, this mission seemed to be an exception.

"It appears a higher authority is at play. Likely, other eminent scientists of the spiritual type are involved. My status doesn't grant me access. I never imagined that even as an academician, I'd still be just a minor piece in someone else's game," Soong reflected with a hint of self-derision.

Known for his prudence and meticulousness, Academician Soong was adept at managing affairs, which was why he had become a close adviser to Spiritual Crick. He approached his responsibilities with thorough consideration to avoid any mishaps.

"Assigning Jun Lindao the role of an assistant researcher to facilitate his move from the underground city? No, that won't do. He's too young to hold such a position. Typically, one must graduate from the Hall of Truth or reach the late first stage of cultivation after graduating from the Hall of Knowledge to qualify. Given Jun's recent completion of the comprehensive exams just five years ago, he would, at best, be in the midst of his studies at the Hall of Truth, not yet ready to graduate."

Creating a plausible and legal identity for Jun Lindao to seamlessly gain access to the starship would be a trivial matter for most nobles. They could easily concoct an excuse or, lacking one, brazenly bend the rules. Who would have the audacity to question them? However, Academician Soong couldn't resort to such tactics.

He needed to proceed with caution, ensuring the process was flawless, without drawing any undue attention or engaging in any rule-breaking. The stakes were high with the 'create a god' initiative; perfection was essential at every juncture.

"If only this were a planet under the spiritual type's control, things would be so much simpler. Why bother with all this hassle? But on the flip side, if we were on a spiritual type planet, what worth would I possess? Lord Crick has an abundance of talent at his disposal; he has no need for someone like me, a scion of the Golden Civilization, especially since the spiritual type is predominantly ruled by the Silver Civilization."

With that realization, Academician Soong promptly halted his train of thought. There were certain matters he knew better than to ponder, and he didn't dare delve deeper. He was an intelligent man, and intelligent people don't create unsolvable problems for themselves.

"Ah, I've got it. Three years ago, I brought Jun Lindao here under the guise of developing 'demonized warriors.' I can use the same pretext to move him out now. Since this project was a collaboration with the Military Department, I just need to notify them. The process is watertight."

"Using any other pretense could invite scrutiny from the Academy of Science's own agencies, not to mention the planetary government and military. They've established stringent checkpoints throughout the planet, each requiring meticulous inspections. The government and military often harbor resentment towards the Academy's special privileges and enjoy making a fuss over trivialities, rarely granting easy passage. But under the banner of a military collaboration, there should be no issue. The 'demonized warrior' project is a classified military operation, not for public knowledge. A leak could incite widespread unrest. The recent surge in disappearances from the slums has likely already caught the government's eye."

Academician Soong gathered his thoughts and murmured to himself, "All I need to do is coordinate with the military and leak a bit of information to the planetary government. They'll help us contain the news. After all, nobody looks good when this kind of story gets out—'inhumane research at the Academy of Science,' 'the military's malevolent schemes,' 'the government neglecting the lower classes.' These are labels that could stick and tarnish our reputations. The planetary government will want to avoid that as much as we do, so they'll work with us to keep this project under wraps. Once I've aligned the interests of all three systems, I can secure a joint exemption pass. That's when I'll truly have free rein."

"Indeed, a clever strategy, Little Song. You haven't let me down," a voice echoed faintly.

The blond man materialized before Academician Soong, expressing his pleasure. He had been aboard the starship all along, his senses attuned to every subtle movement and sound within. Thus, he had overheard every word of Academician Soong's quiet soliloquy.

"Lord Crick," Academician Soong bowed in respect.

"Handle this well, and the rewards will be substantial. And it's not just from me; you'll be earning the recognition and commendation of the entire spiritual type. Do you grasp the significance?" the blond man intoned with depth.

A tremor ran through Academician Soong. Recognition from the entire spiritual type was a profound honor, signifying a potential future among the inner circle of the spiritual type's venerable leaders. Of course, this hinged on his flawless execution of the task at hand.

"Yes, I understand. I will spare no effort in fulfilling this significant mission for the spiritual type!"

...

Seven days later, thanks to Academician Soong's diligent efforts, the situation had progressed as he desired.

He began by consulting with military leadership, agreeing to press on with the 'demonized warriors' project. Next, he orchestrated the spread of related rumors among the populace to agitate public sentiment, drawing the planetary government's focus. The military then stepped in to negotiate with the government. In the end, a final agreement was reached between the government, the military, and the Academy of Science—the project would proceed discreetly, with a complete lockdown on public discourse.

Consequently, the government became aware of the 'demonized warrior' concept and tacitly approved it.

Academician Soong successfully obtained an inspection exemption pass from the three major systems, preparing to discreetly move the 'demonized warrior' from the underground city to his research starship for subsequent transfer to other planets. Jun Lindao was included in the group of 'demonized warriors' being relocated.

To move just one individual, such an elaborate operation was necessary. Academician Soong reflected, "Times create heroes, and heroes shape their times." Jun Lindao was a hero forged by the future, a "god" in the making, while he himself was the true hero orchestrating these times from the shadows.

Yet, things don't always go as planned, and the best-laid schemes of mortals often fall short. This maneuver inevitably drew the attention of some who operated from the shadows.

"How is it that the military and the Academy of Science have been conducting human experiments in the underground city for so long, and you're only now finding evidence? And this evidence was deliberately released by someone? Are you not doing your jobs? Have taxpayers been funding a bunch of incompetents? With over 50,000 unawakened individuals from the slums mysteriously disappearing in recent years, are you truly not taking this seriously?"

A silver-haired elder chastised his subordinates sharply, "As descendants of the Golden Civilization, you've lost touch with our illustrious past, and your attitude towards your work has revealed as much. Our civilization has always held the principle 'people first.' If you cannot uphold this, how can we hope to restore the glory of the Yellow Flame Planet and rejuvenate the Golden Civilization?"

"Even though the supreme ruler has tried to suppress this issue, he has authorized me to conduct a thorough investigation. I've decided to deploy a special department to delve deeper into this 'Demon Blood Warrior Project.' I have a hunch that there's more to it than meets the eye, a scent of conspiracy. The fact that the initial intelligence was intentionally leaked suggests there's a puppeteer behind the scenes. You must investigate this matter thoroughly, understood?"

"Yes, Vice-Chairman Huang," the subordinates responded gravely.

"If the Military Department and the Academy had such a plan, they would have briefed the government from the start, but they didn't. Instead, the news was mysteriously leaked after years had passed. That's quite peculiar," the elder mused with a hint of intrigue.

"I have grounds to believe that there has been infiltration within the ranks of the Military Department and the Academy. It is imperative that you conduct a thorough investigation. However, be cautious not to spook the enemy. We are the progeny of the Golden Civilization, and the other civilizations—Silver, Black Iron, and Bronze—are constantly vigilant, fearing our resurgence in strength. On this matter, it is crucial that all comrades remain exceedingly vigilant." Vice-Chairman Huang continued to instruct.