With the future development path of Starry Sky Group firmly mapped out, Liu Hui was suddenly overflowing with energy. At this moment, he was more eager than ever to possess a piece of land entirely his own, a territory where he could construct his ideal nation according to his own vision. Regrettably, the construction of the Starry Sky City he dreamed of would be a long process; to see the city in its entirety would likely take over a decade. Even the first batch of components for the Starry Sky City, which had already been ordered, wouldn't arrive in Hong Kong for another three days.

A sudden restlessness stirred within Liu Hui. He left the Starry Sky Group premises and walked over to the submarine manufacturing plant next door, where he found Chen Changsheng in the dry dock.

Chen Changsheng was a pure scientist, interested only in scientific research, completely unconcerned with the sensational news of nuclear explosions currently dominating the world. He was now at the construction site, directing the submarine assembly with a team of researchers. Before them, the nascent form of a colossal deep-sea submersible was steadily taking shape.

Seeing Liu Hui approach, Chen Changsheng quickly joined the other scientists to greet him. They might disregard international events, but ignoring their boss was out of the question.

"Director Chen, is this the ten-thousand-ton manned deep-sea submarine you mentioned?" Liu Hui inquired.

"Indeed, Boss. This submarine is our very first product: the deep-sea manned submersible. Its displacement is ten thousand five hundred tons, and it can reach a maximum depth of eleven thousand meters, meaning it can access the deepest trench on Earth—the Mariana Trench. See how the keel has been laid? Within this keel, we've integrated our latest research achievement: the Solid Array Formation. We've embedded this formation within the keel, which increases its strength by more than a hundredfold compared to similar products. Only this level of reinforcement can withstand the immense water pressure of the deep ocean," Chen Changsheng stated proudly, gesturing toward the submarine’s backbone.

Liu Hui squinted at the vessel. "The construction speed is quite fast. I recall it hasn't been that long since I approved its construction?"

Chen Changsheng replied with satisfaction, "Naturally, Boss. We utilized a great deal of cutting-edge technology during this submarine's construction."

"What kind of new technology?" Liu Hui asked.

"Boss, please look over there. That massive lifting platform is the anti-gravity device platform we fabricated. By modulating the strength of the array's true essence, we achieve the effect of elevating heavy objects. That platform can lift up to two hundred tons at once, and the entire lifting cycle is extremely brief. Furthermore, observe that other enormous mechanical arm; its power source is the Level Four Energy Stone you supplied. A Level Four Energy Stone contains one million degrees of electrical energy, so we specifically designed a high-grade motor compatible with it. With such a powerful source, this advanced motor operates at peak efficiency, boosting the power output of this giant arm by more than tenfold. Of course, there are also clever applications of other formations involved, which is why our current work efficiency is so high. Excluding time required for necessary curing or material processing, our progress is generally more than ten times faster than initially projected. Thus, we can complete a ten-thousand-ton class submarine in just three months." Chen Changsheng explained triumphantly.

Liu Hui clicked his tongue in admiration. "Remarkable. It seems the saying that science and technology are the primary productive force is absolutely correct."

Chen Changsheng smiled. "It is, Boss. Since building this submarine is the first major application of our research results, we held back many of our innovations to ensure foolproof execution. However, we are confident that after this construction trial, our techniques will become far more mature and practical. Once we upgrade these systems again, efficiency will leap forward even further. I believe that when that time comes, even constructing a hundred-thousand-ton class submarine could be finished within a few months."

Hearing Chen Changsheng’s words filled Liu Hui with genuine joy. He had invested immense effort into the Science Academy, and now it was finally beginning to demonstrate its value—this submarine was proof. As long as he continued his support, he believed the Science Academy would bring him a continuous stream of monumental surprises.

Liu Hui then thought of the recent nuclear incident and asked, "Director Chen, I heard some of your former colleagues specialize in energy weapon research, is that correct?"

Chen Changsheng replied, "Yes, Elder Shen focuses on energy weapon development."

"You're aware of the nuclear explosion that occurred in the Indian Ocean a few days ago, so the world isn't exactly peaceful. If, once our Starry Sky City is completed, someone becomes envious and tries to seize it, or if someone launches a nuclear weapon against us, what countermeasures would we have? Moreover, this ten-thousand-ton deep-sea submarine of ours will be navigating the abyss; without protective weaponry, how can we guarantee its safety?"

Chen Changsheng glanced around furtively, then ushered Liu Hui into his office and shut the door. He looked at Liu Hui with a slight, knowing grin.

"Director Chen, what's that expression?" Liu Hui asked.

"Boss, actually, I was just about to tell you. Our Science Academy initiated research into energy weapons some time ago, and we already have some preliminary results," Chen Changsheng announced proudly.

"Initiated research already? How is that possible? Aren't energy weapons the pinnacle of science? How could you have results so quickly?" Liu Hui asked, surprised.

"Boss, currently, the practical energy weapons being researched by the scientific community are mainly laser weapons and railguns. Other types, like ion weapons or particle beam weapons, are still only in theoretical research and refinement stages. Laser weapons and railguns have already seen practical application. Many nations and institutions have equipped themselves with laser weapons, and railguns are close to combat readiness. However, they all face the same two hurdles: unresolved issues regarding energy consumption and miniaturization. Once those two problems are solved, both laser weapons and railguns can be deployed in combat. Therefore, the technology for laser weapons and railguns isn't inherently profound; any entity with a basic industrial foundation can manufacture them. The critical key is the power source." Chen Changsheng explained.

Liu Hui had some superficial understanding of laser weapons and railguns, but he lacked detailed knowledge. He asked, "Director Chen, you mentioned you've achieved some results. What exactly have you accomplished?"

Chen Changsheng smiled. "In fact, when we decided to build the Starry Sky City, we considered its defense needs. The scientists involved in the discussion agreed that we must vigorously develop energy weapons, as their immense power makes them the mainstream weapons of future warfare. Moreover, their research is highly covert, unlikely to attract the attention of other nations or organizations. Therefore, we specifically established a research division for laser and railgun weaponry. The breakthrough I mentioned pertains to the progress they've made on these two systems."

"What kind of breakthrough exactly?" Liu Hui asked, deeply interested.

Chen Changsheng replied, "Laser weapons and railguns have historically been unable to see practical deployment because the problem of instantaneous, massive energy drain couldn't be solved, which prevented miniaturization and resulted in unstable firing sequences. However, now that we possess the advanced Energy Stones supplied by the Boss, we have instantly overcome the primary weakness of energy weapons. We are using Level Six Energy Stones as the power source for both the laser weapons and the railguns. A Level Six Energy Stone contains a staggering one hundred million degrees of electrical energy—equivalent to the annual output of a small nuclear power plant—so it possesses sufficient energy to drive the high-intensity firing cycles of both weapon types. Since the underlying technology for lasers and railguns was already quite mature, installing this powerful energy source allowed us to create the first combat-ready laser weapon and railgun."

"We already have the first laser weapon and railgun?" Liu Hui exclaimed, a mixture of surprise and elation washing over him.

Chen Changsheng nodded. "Boss, we do indeed possess the first laser weapon and railgun capable of practical deployment. We plan to use the laser weapon to counter incoming missile strikes from the sky, while the railgun will primarily target enemy aircraft and naval vessels. As for sub-surface deployment, we will mainly install railguns on the submarines. Coupled with supercavitation projectiles, they can strike submarines fifty kilometers away and also intercept incoming torpedoes, ensuring our subs remain extremely safe underwater. However, due to our current manufacturing processes being somewhat primitive and crude, both the laser weapon and the railgun still have imperfections. We will need to conduct further modifications and upgrades in the future."

Liu Hui’s heart gave a slight jolt. "If they still have issues, does that mean they aren't practical right now?"

Chen Changsheng chuckled. "It doesn't mean they aren't applicable; it means they aren't perfect. To put it plainly: if an incoming missile attack were launched against Starry Sky City right now, our laser weapon could destroy those missiles high in the atmosphere. Of course, our current laser weapon has limitations: if more than five missiles attack simultaneously, we cannot destroy them all. As for the railgun, it must cease firing after launching slightly over a thousand shells."

Liu Hui considered this. "Director Chen, you must persist with energy weapon research. The future security of Starry Sky City depends entirely on them. Granted, Starry Sky City is still just blueprints, but I hope that by the time it’s built, the laser weapon and railgun will be flawless, capable of guaranteeing our safety. Tell me what equipment you require for your research, and I will secure it for you."

Chen Changsheng responded, "We currently need more talent in related fields. Our existing personnel reserves are insufficient to support research of this magnitude."

Liu Hui assured him, "Don't worry about the talent issue. I will bring the necessary people to you. Even if they are unwilling, I have ways to ensure they end up in your academy."

When Liu Hui left the submarine plant, he was filled with elation. The self-defense capability of Starry Sky City, which had long worried him, finally had a promising direction. Once the laser weapon and railgun systems were finalized, Starry Sky City would be as unshakeable as a mountain, fearing no hostile force. He now possessed various high-grade Magical Beast Crystal Cores, which, once converted, would serve as the energy sources for these advanced energy weapons when put into practical use. Only with the protection of these weapons would his Starry Sky City possess the martial power necessary to sever any malicious hands reaching out towards it.

In the following days, the nuclear explosion remained the hottest topic internationally. The tsunami triggered by the blast eventually struck all coastal nations and regions bordering the Indian Ocean, leading to catastrophic destruction in some low-lying countries. The Maldives, famous as a tourist paradise, was almost entirely devastated by the tsunami; over 40% of its landmass had vanished. Had they not evacuated the populace early, their population might have been halved. The tsunami also inflicted immense human and economic losses on other nations along the Indian Ocean rim.

According to statistics compiled by the World Health Organization, the direct and indirect death toll from this nuclear incident had reached 250,000, with injuries exceeding 350,000. Moreover, although the initial explosion had passed, it was followed by the expanding threat of nuclear radiation and contamination. Fortunately, during this period, the dominant ocean and atmospheric currents were all flowing south, carrying the contaminated air and seawater toward the Antarctic. This temporarily spared humanity from further harm, yet the mere fear of nuclear radiation cast a shadow over the hearts of everyone across the globe.

The Starry Sky Charity Foundation, a subsidiary of Starry Sky Group, immediately appeared in the disaster-stricken areas. They distributed relief supplies, erected temporary shelters, treated the injured, guided survivors toward self-help measures, and provided funds for reconstruction. The presence of the Starry Sky Charity Foundation alleviated much of the suffering endured by the victims, earning widespread praise from the affected nations and their people. Consequently, the reputation of Starry Sky Group soared to new heights in those countries.

The Starry Sky Charity Foundation worked in the disaster zones for three days before international charitable organizations began dispatching rescue teams and allocating aid. Their response was significantly slower than that of the Starry Sky Foundation. This was unsurprising, as Starry Sky Group had immediately mobilized funds and materials right after the incident occurred, rushing to the affected areas. International aid organizations, conversely, needed time for meetings, planning, and then gathering resources and funding, delaying their arrival by several days.

The Starry Sky Charity Foundation seized the spotlight, elevating Liu Hui’s father, Liu Decheng, to prominence as well, earning him the support and affection of the disaster victims. However, Liu Decheng was slightly frustrated because the American Amy Group, upon learning of the Starry Sky Charity Foundation's actions, established the Amy Charity Group. Moving a beat slower, they also announced a commitment of $500 million in aid and funds for the relief effort. Then, led personally by Chen Shaokang, the Amy Charity Group also arrived in the affected nations, deliberately following the footsteps of the Starry Sky Charity Foundation—wherever one went, the other followed. Along the way, Chen Shaokang persistently pushed for the merger of the Amy Charity Group into the Starry Sky Charity Foundation, expressing willingness to serve under the leadership of the Starry Sky Foundation's Vice President—Liu Hui’s father.

Liu Decheng clearly understood that Chen Shaokang's true motive was Mina, but under the prevailing atmosphere of large-scale relief operations, he had no excuse to turn him away. Thus, Chen Shaokang arrived punctually every morning at the disaster relief command center, eagerly accepting tasks assigned by the elder statesman, and then cheerfully carrying them out. Liu Decheng instantly sensed a threat and, refusing to be outdone, rallied his spirits and displayed equal enthusiasm in front of his wife. The two mortal rivals had turned the relief effort into one battlefield for their romantic contest, vying for position. Yet, due to their exceptional dedication, the relief operations proceeded smoothly, inadvertently boosting both their reputations and prestige.

Many days passed, and the nuclear accident investigation team, spearheaded by the United States, found nothing substantial at the blast site. After all, the force of 200,000 tons of TNT had pulverized everything into dust, leaving no traceable clues. Coupled with the Al-Qaeda claiming responsibility for the incident, the investigation team shifted its focus to preventing future nuclear detonations by the group and planning further strikes against them.

Just as the US-led team was deliberating strategies against Al-Qaeda, an environmental protection organization called "Guardians of Earth" suddenly emerged globally. Their slogan resonated: "Prevent Humanity's Destruction of the Earth by All Means Necessary." Members of this organization, uniformly dressed in green, executed highly organized demonstrations in the capitals of all nuclear-armed nations—Moscow, Paris, London, Washington, New Delhi, Islamabad, Jerusalem, and others. They demanded that these countries completely ban nuclear weapons, demanding a whole Earth for humanity and for all living things upon it, asserting that the planet belongs to more than just mankind.

The "Guardians of Earth" demonstrated remarkable organizational capabilities. The scale of their protests rapidly escalated, leading to violent clashes with the police. Some members were injured or killed during these confrontations, causing the organization to face immediate joint suppression from the relevant nations. However, with the aid and support of other environmental groups, the "Guardians of Earth" stubbornly survived, though their actions became noticeably less aggressive.

Liu Hui later learned that the "Guardians of Earth" organization had also planned such a demonstration in China’s capital city, but they were discovered by the vigilant Chinese police force. The authorities decisively took measures to preempt the budding protest, thereby maintaining national harmony and stability.

Liu Hui, however, remained detached from the world's turmoil. He had dispatched the Starry Sky Charity Foundation and contributed $2 billion in funds and materials, considering his duty fulfilled. His primary focus remained firmly fixed on the development of Starry Sky Group.

One day, while Liu Hui was managing official business in his office, his secretary, Li Lian, delivered a package.

"What is this?" Liu Hui asked, looking at the rather simple package.

"Boss, the security personnel at the gate delivered this. They said an elderly man handed it to them and insisted it be passed directly to you. The security team has already scanned the package, and there are no dangerous contents," Li Lian replied.

"I see. You can leave now," Liu Hui said.

Liu Hui took the package. Scrawled messily across the wrapping were a few characters: "Mr. Liu Hui, receive." Upon opening it, he found a thick bundle of cash—it looked like two to three hundred thousand yuan—along with a letter. He picked up the letter, which also contained several lines of crooked handwriting.

"Mr. Liu Hui, greetings. I am Wang Xiao Er from Mingyue County. I previously borrowed three hundred thousand yuan from you to treat my mother's illness. I am now returning the full three hundred thousand yuan."

Liu Hui paused, instantly recalling that before leaving Ba City, he had lent money to a farmer named Wang Xiao Er for his mother's medical treatment. He remembered giving Wang Xiao Er 300,000 yuan, but 100,000 of that was intended for nutritional supplements for his mother. Why was Wang Xiao Er returning that extra 100,000 as well?

Liu Hui looked at the bundle of cash on his desk. It looked crisp, with one large stack bound to make exactly 300,000 yuan. Liu Hui picked up the money and walked to the entrance of the Starry Sky Group. Coincidentally, A'Huo was on duty at the gate today.

Liu Hui asked, "A'Huo, where is the person who just handed this package to you?"

A'Huo replied, "Boss, that old man left immediately after giving us the package."

"Which direction did he go?" Liu Hui asked.

A'Huo pointed toward the sea. "He headed into the woods by the shore."

Liu Hui commanded, "Come with me immediately. We need to find that man."

So, Ah Huo and another security guard followed closely behind Liu Hui as they made their way toward the grove of trees by the sea. They entered the woods, beginning their search for the old man, and finally spotted a solitary figure sitting on a rock near the shore, their head bowed low.

“Boss, that’s him,” Ah Huo said, pointing toward the figure. He instantly recognized the man by the clothes he was wearing.

“Brother Wang?” Liu Hui called out, but the seated person remained utterly still. A wave of foreboding washed over Liu Hui, and at the same moment, he caught the pungent, heavy scent of pesticide hanging in the air.

Liu Hui rushed forward in a few strides, reaching the front of the seated person, only to find a face contorted in agony, blood oozing from all seven orifices. Beside him lay an overturned, empty pesticide bottle.

Liu Hui reached out and checked the man’s neck, discovering that there was no pulse whatsoever; the body was already ice-cold, as dead as one could possibly be. Connecting this grim discovery with the overturned bottle and the strong odor of poison clinging to the deceased, Liu Hui immediately understood: the man had taken his own life by ingesting poison.

Is this really Wang Xiao’er? Liu Hui thought, astonishment mingled with shock. Although the man’s face was twisted and bleeding from the orifices, Liu Hui could still discern an extreme age; the wrinkles on his face were deep-set, and his hair and beard were completely white. Yet, the Wang Xiao’er in his memory had been a young farmer, a figure completely incompatible with the aged shell before him. However, upon closer inspection, some of Wang Xiao’er’s defining features remained. He couldn't fathom why the man had aged so drastically in the span of just two years.

“Ah Huo, call the police,” Liu Hui instructed.