Ever since that night when he had contacted her, Qi Ze hadn't received any private messages from the young girl for many days. But he wasn't overly worried. With the rag doll around, not to mention ordinary people, even ability users would find it hard to lay a hand on her. Moreover, he had left a wisp of consciousness inside the rag doll. It didn't have the function of prying, but it did serve as a warning. The moment the young girl encountered danger, he would soon be able to sense it.
He had already become an extremely popular figure in the entire Galaxy, with crowds of influential people vying to curry favor with him wherever he went. Headmaster Helian had repeatedly invited him to stay and teach, but he had firmly declined every time. In recent days, news had come that the Empire was preparing to grant him the title of Duke, and attach a planet as his private territory.
Qi Ze didn't care about titles, but he did have some interest in private territories. He was eagerly awaiting the day when this matter would be settled. That's when he saw Mu Ran posting a message on his personal webpage, inviting all the top mecha manufacturers in the Empire to jointly host a technical exchange conference, aimed at breaking down technological barriers and promoting scientific progress.
As soon as the news came out, many mecha manufacturers left messages on the webpage, saying they would certainly attend on time. The respected old seniors didn't put on airs either, and gradually wrote articles praising the event. Netizens rushed over to join in the fun, all saying that Mu Ran was indeed a rare breed among the Mu family, concerned about the country and the people, and with a broad mind. He was the pillar supporting the revitalization of the Empire's military industry. Of course, when mentioning Mu Ran, they didn't forget to give Qi Ze a thorough compliment as well, even giving the two of them a common nickname, called the "Imperial Twins."
It was unknown what kind of mood Mu Ran was in when he saw this nickname, but Qi Ze felt extremely nauseated. When had his father given birth to a brother for him?
"I'm not going!" He forwarded the message and firmly refused.
"Why? I sincerely invite you, hoping that you will put aside past grudges and join the grand event." As netizens went into a frenzy, Mu Ran immediately ran to leave a comment under the post, his attitude respectful and sincere, doing his best to keep a low profile.
"My technology is not for external exchange."
"Since you're unwilling to see your technology spread outside, why did you leak the Mu family's technology in the first place? Don't you understand the principle of not doing to others what you wouldn't want done to you?" Before Mu Ran could speak, the Fifth Prince couldn't hold back and personally logged in to confront him, "Although the Mu family was wrong, it has nothing to do with Mu Ran. He realized the danger of technological monopoly to the country and made a change. Why can't you? Don't you have any sense of national pride?"
"I understand the principle of not doing to others what you wouldn't want done to you more profoundly than anyone else. It is precisely because I know too well what I fear the most that I will make a corresponding counterattack when I am persecuted. You're free to put your technology out for exchange; that's your business. I have the right to handle my intellectual property." Qi Ze was not afraid of offending anyone.
The Fifth Prince gritted his teeth in anger, typing word by word, "You're too narrow-minded!" Under this reply, many netizens went from admiration to disappointment to contempt for Master Qi, swearing that he was shameless, narrow-minded, and selfish. Many renowned mecha manufacturers also stood up, fiercely criticizing him for being a small man and for his arrogant personality.
"My narrow-mindedness is my own business." Qi Ze smiled nonchalantly. "Just to clarify in advance: My ultra-ability mecha modification technology has already been exclusively purchased by the Yan family. It's impossible for you to get the technology for free from me. I won't take the blame for technological monopoly. I'm not like the Mu family, who would rather rot the technology in their hands than let outsiders taste even a bit of its sweetness. I'm alone, with no family power to develop, no family members to support, and no family business to maintain. I can sell the technology I invent when I want to. Whoever can afford the high price will win the bid. When you're cursing me, please think twice."
He paused and continued, "In the future, if there are any new technologies, those interested can pay to buy them, instead of holding these so-called exchange conferences. I know exactly what you have in mind. I have a few rules that I hope everyone will remember: First, those who have offended me shouldn't expect to buy technology from me. Second, if I don't like you, please leave. Third, my technology is only for sale, not for free. Quit the idea of taking advantage. Finally, I wish Master Mu's exchange conference a successful event."
When these words came out, those who had wanted to jump on the bandwagon and stir up the rhythm didn't dare to type a single word, for fear of offending Master Qi and thus cutting off future opportunities for cooperation. How could they have imagined that Master Qi would be such a unique person? The ultra-high-end modification technology was sold without hesitation! Could this be called narrow-mindedness? This was simply a grand and extraordinary act!
In comparison, his previous statements didn't seem so offensive anymore. He was right. The Mu family would rather let the technology rot in their hands than let outsiders taste even a bit of its sweetness. He had just sold it for some money. It really wasn't a big deal. If this was called selfish and greedy, then what would you call the Mu family? Insane and heartless?
Besides, he was alone, with no interests entangled. Having technology didn't have much use for him. It was better to exchange it for some benefits. Working with him was far more comfortable and reassuring than working with the Mu family!
When everyone was stunned by this message, Qi Ze opened the comments webpage and blacklisted those who had scolded him, especially those with high status, like a certain family's heir, a certain member of the royal family, a certain mecha manufacturer, a certain arms dealer, and so on.
This move stunned everyone againâ
Yan Junyu heard that Uncle was out of retreat. He immediately returned home to discuss how to handle Mu Ran with him. Being able to control so many mechas with mental force, Mu Ran's existence posed a serious threat to the Empire's security. Of course, in comparison to him, Qi Ze was the more dangerous one, but as the saying went, "beauty is in the eye of the beholder." In Yan Junyu's eyes, Qi Ze was perfect in every way. Even if he wasn't, it was because he had been forced into it.
"I saw the news a few days ago. The Fifth Prince's fiancé was allegedly chased by a mini mecha. Did Qi Ze do that?" Yan Zhongkui asked gravely.
"There is currently no evidence to indicate who the perpetrator is. We can't jump to conclusions." Yan Junyu said honestly.
"Alright, I won't ask about that," Yan Zhongkui was a bit helpless. "You've seen it. The abilities of these two have already exceeded those of ordinary people by far. We have no way to curb them! How do you plan to deal with Mu Ran? Get rid of him? If it's not successful the first time, how do you think he will retaliate? This time it was nine mechas, next time it might be ten, a hundred, a thousand!"
"That's why I'm so worried. If we don't curb him, he could form a private mecha army at any time, rebel against the Empire, or even severely damage it."
"Why aren't you worried about your little friend? He can make a model mecha that's more powerful than T4 with ease, crushing the Empire would be a breeze, wouldn't it?" Yan Zhongkui asked coldly.
"He won't," Yan Junyu said without thinking.
"How do you know he won't?" Yan Zhongkui countered.
"Don't worry about nothing. I also think Little Ze won't," Old Master Yan walked in with a smile. "I've lived for hundreds of years, and I may not have any other abilities, but I'm pretty good at reading people. Compared to Mu Ran, who is so ambitious, Little Ze can only be described as not striving for progress. Look at the message he sent, it's too unique."
The old man patted his bald head and laughed. "Nope, I have to take a side! Junyu, log in to our Sixth Army's official website and post the news that we've bought out the ultra-ability mecha modification technology. Those bastards want to get someone else's technology for free without saying it out loud, and they're holding this exchange conference. It's too damn despicable! Since Mu Ran got together with the Fifth Prince, his methods have become more and more disgraceful. I'll never believe this if it wasn't for Helian Zhao's instigation."
Yan Junyu immediately turned on his smartbrain and found that the Star Network was already in an uproar. Some people didn't believe that Qi Ze would actually sell such advanced technology, and in a one-time sale, wouldn't that be a loss? The other five major families were in a panic, frantically sending private messages to the upper echelons of the Sixth Army, inquiring about the truth of the matter.
Mu Ran's exchange conference had not only received strong support from the royal family but also had them pushing behind the scenes. The purpose was all for the technology in Qi Ze's hands. The result was that they fell into the pit they had dug themselves. They offended Master Qi to death, and their hearts ached!
Yan Junyu roughly skimmed through the webpage and learned about the events. He couldn't help but laugh. Besides himself, no one else seemed to be able to successfully trick Qi Ze. He was filled with joy, carefully weighing his words, modifying them several times, before finally posting the messageâ@Master Qi, after friendly negotiations, our army successfully signed a contract on the sixth of this month, buying out the ultra-ability mecha modification technology invented by Master Qi. We have successfully modified three mechas so far, and the results are pleasing. Thank you, Master Qi, for your generosity, and I hope to work with you again.
Damnit! It was true! The other five major families were furious, and Emperor Helian Zhao almost smashed his jade seal. If they had known that Qi Ze would sell anything for money, why had they tried to force him with the country's righteousness? Wouldn't it have been more straightforward and reassuring to just pay the money? Having produced an ambitious man like Mu Yun, how could they have imagined that Master Qi would be such a simple person, with only money in his eyes?
In order to stir up the rhythm, they even sent their family's juniors to scold and insult Qi Ze on his webpage. Now they had all been blacklisted and refused cooperation. Their hearts were literally bleeding! What was the phrase "lifting a rock only to drop it on your own foot"? That was it! A few arms dealers were so regretful that they almost spat out blood.
Who was the person in the Empire that could not be offended? After this incident, the answer to this question was finally clear: one was Master Qi, who would turn his face when he was out of breath, not afraid of your siege no matter how you attacked; the second was Master Yan, in addition to Kaiyang, the Yan family now had three ultra-ability mechas, and there would be more in the future. This combat power could already rival the entire country.
At this point, the military balance of the Empire was finally broken. Not only was the royal family's status not secure, but the other five major families were also in jeopardy. But old ginger was still the spiciest. Old Master Yan, of course, would not let the Yan family become the target of everyone's attacks. After negotiating with the Master, he decided to sell this technology, and all the proceeds would be used to build the Master's studio.
This favor was too big. The other five families, no matter how upset they were in their hearts, had to show their gratitude. After truly understanding this technology, they were less wary of Qi Ze. The technology was good, and the effect was also great, but it wasn't as scary as they imagined. Activating the Berserk Mode once would cause the mecha to become scrap. Besides being used to save a life in a critical moment, it didn't seem to have any other highlights.
Mu Ran let out a sigh of relief when he got the technology through the royal family.
"Refining negative energy?" The mysterious person he was communicating with chewed on these words repeatedly, then suddenly burst out laughing maniacally. "Hahaha, I understand, I finally understand! It was the effect of negative energy, why didn't I think of it?"
The smartbrain emitted a crackling noise, then a puff of black smoke, and finally became completely scrap. The mysterious person was nowhere to be found. Mu Ran had to take off the smartbrain and reapply for one. He was angry, not at Qi Ze or the mysterious person, but at himself for his rigid thinking and inability to innovate. If he had been like Qi Ze, boldly using his imagination and creativity, and trying all possibilities, the results he would have achieved wouldn't have been just this much.
With that, he plunged into the lab and started researching earnestly.
After the Yan family announced their cooperation with Master Qi, the Li family also issued a statement, claiming that Master Qi would rebuild a body for Young Master Li. Young Master Li's comeback was imminent, stay tuned. This news was like a heavy torpedo, as soon as it was launched into the star network, it blew many deep-sea diving netizens out of the water.
"It's no wonder Young Master Li suddenly entered the public eye. It's because he got in touch with Master Qi! Looking forward to the return of the fighting hero!" This was an excited fan.
"Before Master Qi became famous, Young Master Li and Young Master Yan had already gathered around him. The ability of meta-humans to discern talent is indeed precise!" This was a supporter of the theory of human races.
"Bullshit. Except for these two young masters, why haven't other young masters discovered the special qualities of Master Qi? Good eyesight has nothing to do with whether you're a meta-human or not! Look at the webpages of the Fifth Prince and Young Master Du. Didn't they also mock Young Master Yan for choosing a carbon-based human? Don't think deleting comments will solve everything. We'll take screenshots!"
With this comment out, many people started to dig for old posts. Who had ridiculed Master Qi, who had mocked Young Master Yan, who had sworn that Master Qi was a short-lived ghost, it was all exposed by screenshots. Those who were exposed were all influential figures in the Imperial Academy. Not only were they scolded by their elders at home, but they also felt very embarrassed. If they had been the ones to bind with Master Qi, how could Yan Junyu have the limelight now? Unfortunately, daydreaming was easy, but there was no medicine for regret. They could only indulge in fantasies in their hearts.
These matters caused a stir for a long time. Just when things started to quiet down, another big piece of news was announcedâThe Federation would hold joint military exercises with the Empire for the first time, the location was set on Mars. The relationship between the Federation and the Empire had always been tense. Unless there was an invasion of bugs or other large-scale disasters threatening the entire Galaxy, there was little cooperation.
Without a doubt, the Federation could put aside political and ideological differences and take the initiative to improve relations with the Empire. A large part of the reason was due to Qi Ze. If the ultra-ability mecha modification technology was not revealed, it could indeed achieve a significant deterrent effect. The leaders of the Federation had been unable to sleep for more than ten days. The feeling was like when nuclear bombs were first invented in ancient times, an ever-present anxiety of a sword hanging over their necks.
In order to obtain this technology, the Federation was willing to pay any price. Thus, there was this joint military exercise. The reason why the Empire did not refuse was also to probe the Federation's bottom line. All six armies would participate in the exercise, and Yan Junyu would pilot Kaiyang to perform a live demonstration for the two countries' people.
On the day the military exercises began, the planet welcomed dignitaries from various countries. Naturally, Qi Ze was also among the invited guests, with a very front seat. Li Ziqian and Meng Kui were sitting on his left, and Ouyang Ye got an invitation as a bodyguard, and was now sitting on his right. The flying recording camera circled above Master Qi's head, capturing every expression of his in close-up. Compared to all the leaders, dignitaries, and stars, he was the focus of the entire venue.
"I'm going to the restroom." Qi Ze patted Ouyang Ye's stiff shoulder and comforted him. "Relax. No one would kidnap me at this time unless they had water in their heads."
"What if?" Ouyang Ye held Wind Forest and Fire Sea tightly and said stubbornly, "I'll go with you."
"And I'll go with A'kui." Li Ziqian said with a smile.
"Are you all kindergarteners? Do you have to hold hands and go to the bathroom together?" Qi Ze couldn't help but mock, but he didn't refuse everyone's good intentions. After using the bathroom and coming out, he spotted a little girl with chubby cheeks and rosy skin at the end of the corridor, her three-head ratio making her a whole head shorter than the nearby flower pot. The unruly curly hair on her head was sticking out in all directions no matter how she tried to comb it.
"Brother Qi Ze!" The little girl held a rag doll in her arms and timidly called out.
"Well, my little friend is here today too. I'll go over for a bit, you guys don't have to follow." Qi Ze put his hands in his pockets and walked over at a leisurely pace. His gaze circled around the little girl and asked, "You haven't been eaten yet?"
Ming Rui touched her forehead and said softly, "No, I think they're still considering how to eat me. I can feel that Aunt is very anxious, but Uncle has been very calm, so this must have been instigated by my Uncle." As she spoke, her big eyes began to turn red, and the curly hair that stuck out everywhere drooped down.
"So white and chubby a doll, of course, it must be steamed to be tasty." Qi Ze squatted down and deliberately frightened the little girl. But Ming Rui wasn't afraid at all, instead, she covered her mouth and laughed. Through the rag doll, she could sense Master Qi Ze's inner thoughts. There was no sympathy or pity, only warm concern. He wasn't like Brother Zhao Da, who knew how to coax people, but she felt incredibly reassured.
"You can come to the military exercise venue, it seems your Uncle isn't an ordinary person?" This piece of information was recorded in the file, but Qi Ze acted as if he knew nothing.
"He used to be a technical consultant for the Mu family's military factory, specifically in charge of network maintenance. Now he works for the Fifth Prince and is an engineer for the information troops." Ming Rui held up Xiaohei and said sincerely, "I came specifically to thank Brother Qi Ze. Thank you for sending Xiaohei to me. She's my very, very best friend, and you're also my very, very best friend. If I can grow up safely, I will definitely repay you well in the future!"
"Forget it, don't just flatter me, try to stay alive!" Qi Ze pinched the little girl's cheek and didn't promise to solve all her troubles.
"Ruirui, where are you? Ruirui?" A voice of anxious calling came from not far away. Soon, a luxuriously dressed middle-aged woman appeared around the corner. Seeing Ming Rui, she sighed in relief and hurried over. Then she was startled again when she saw who she was talking to.
"Hello, Master Qi!" She looked extremely agitated, but her heart was full of fear. She probed, "Do you know my Ruirui?"
"I saw her wandering around here, so I found it strange and asked. It turns out she was just playing and got lost. You came at just the right time. I was just going to send her back. There are many people and complicated hands here. You need to be more careful." Qi Ze patted the little girl's head and joked, "Such a cute little girl is easily targeted by human traffickers."
"Yes, yes, yes. We will definitely be more careful in the future. Thank you, Master!" Fang Yuan bowed repeatedly.
Ming Rui wrapped her arms around her calf and looked up with a small face, sweetly saying, "Aunt, Ruirui was wrong. Ruirui won't run around anymore. Did Auntie get worried? A kiss from Ruirui will make it better." As she said it, she climbed up on all fours. After being lifted by Fang Yuan, she kissed her. Her face was full of obedience and flattery, but there was no stiffness or unnaturalness.
Qi Ze raised one eyebrow and silently gave the little girl a thumbs up for her acting skills. After getting used to extreme fear, she had clearly darkened. Her big eyes stared at people intently, looking just like Xiaohei. The only difference was that Xiaohei was craving Fang Yuan's soul and brain marrow, while she wanted to drag out Fang Yuan's thoughts to figure them out. It was unknown which was worse.
After creating one little monster, Qi Ze seemed to have cultivated another little monster, but he didn't feel that there was anything wrong with it. When you're being harmed and don't think about fighting back, do you just lie down and wait to die? "Goodbye." He waved casually and turned to leave.
"Goodbye, Brother Qi Ze!" Ming Rui lay on Fang Yuan's shoulder, her little fat hands waving quickly.
"She's been tainted by you." Li Ziqian said to the youth who was slowly walking over, "Not metaphorically, but literally. The dark aura in her brain has already enveloped her entire body. In my eyes, she's a mass of black mist. The darkest point is the rag doll in her hand. What did you do to the rag doll? When it was first sewn, it only had a little black. Now, it's desperately absorbing the dark aura in the surrounding environment and then pouring it into the little girl's body."
"Her present is your future." Qi Ze spoke in a low voice, "I just infused a wisp of vitality into the rag doll. Its soul was given by Ming Rui. They have become one. The stronger the desire to become stronger, the thicker the black aura. What originally would have consumed her brain bit by bit is now being assimilated by her. I wonder if her good Uncle, who wants to make a move on her, can withstand this thoroughly blackened brain. Seeing her like that, are you afraid?"
Li Ziqian pondered for a moment and shook his head. "No, on the contrary, I can't wait anymore. If you can't resist the invasion of the darkness, assimilation with it is actually a way of survival. Of course, this is under the condition that there's no other way out."
"Choosing cowardice and escape in the face of difficulties is what creates the so-called dead end with no way out. As long as you're alive, what method can't you think of?" Qi Ze waved his hand. "Let's go, to the viewing platform. It's my first time seeing an ultra-ability mecha other than Tianzhu. I wonder how the performance is."
Li Ziqian thought carefully about the youth's words and felt incredibly relaxed.