Three months after the viral crisis subsided, the world began to settle back into its usual rhythm. Everything snapped into order, and the world found itself in a rare golden age of development.

It was at this precise moment that Anqi suddenly contacted Liu Hui, insisting he come to the Starry Sky Scientific Research Institute without delay.

When Liu Hui received Anqi's call, he initially assumed she was simply missing him and wanted to see him. After all, Hu Xian'er had accompanied Shu Yan back to China, supposedly to help Shu Yan locate her father in this era. With Hu Xian'er’s constant presence, Liu Hui had zero worries about their safety; under Hu Xian'er's protection, no one in the current world could threaten them.

So, when Liu Hui arrived at the Starry Sky Scientific Research Institute in high spirits, he found both Anqi and Chen Changsheng in the office, both wearing distinctly tense expressions.

Liu Hui paused, asking, "Director Chen, what’s wrong? Is there something that could make the two of you this nervous?"

Chen Changsheng glanced at Liu Hui, sighed, and said, "Boss, the situation appears rather grim. You should ask Anqi for the specifics."

Liu Hui was startled, finally realizing the gravity of the situation. Chen Changsheng was usually unflappable; the fact that even he was anxious meant something serious must have occurred. "Anqi," Liu Hui asked, "what exactly happened?"

Anqi replied, "Liu Hui, do you remember the bipedal mecha piloted by that Japanese woman during the night of the great tsunami?"

Liu Hui nodded. "I remember. That Japanese woman was named Maeda Atsuko. But didn't we destroy her? Why are you both so tense?" Anqi pressed a button on a device in her hand, and a section of the office wall immediately turned transparent. Behind it, a room was revealed, and the lights flickered on, clearly showing a towering humanoid mecha standing within.

Liu Hui exclaimed in surprise, "Isn't that the same bipedal mecha from that night? Wasn't it completely destroyed?"

Anqi explained, "That mecha was indeed utterly annihilated by Sister Xian'er that night. However, I felt the machine held significant research value, so I brought back the components and began studying and repairing them here at the Institute. Sister Xian'er’s destruction wasn't absolute, so after more than two months of dedicated effort, we managed to fully restore this bipedal mecha. That’s why you see it now." Liu Hui chuckled, "If you successfully repaired it, that should be cause for celebration. Why the tension?"

Anqi sighed. "During the repair process, we discovered the optical computer controlling this mecha. We started analyzing it, but it had incredibly sophisticated defense measures; we couldn't breach it. Only after our supercomputer ran extensive calculations for two full months did we finally crack its defensive programming and gain access to its database, from which we read some data."

Liu Hui inquired, "What kind of data was recorded on that optical computer?" Anqi responded, "The data we retrieved was fragmented and incomplete. The records began from the moment the Japanese woman started using it. Through analysis, we discovered something: the Level Eight energy stone we lost all those years ago was actually stolen by the Japanese side and was being used as the power source for this bipedal mecha."

Liu Hui asked, "And then?" Anqi said, "This is the critical part. Do you see that red button on the mecha's abdomen?"

Liu Hui looked and immediately spotted the red button on the mecha’s torso. He nodded. "I see it. What does that red button do?"

Anqi continued, "By interpreting the data from the optical computer, we discovered that the red button is actually an emergency distress beacon."

Liu Hui questioned, "A distress beacon? Who is it calling for help?" Anqi sighed. "Liu Hui, don't you understand yet? This bipedal mecha is not an Earth-made product. It was manufactured by aliens, somehow ending up on our planet. Its distress signal, naturally, would be sent back to their home world." Liu Hui was genuinely shocked this time and quickly asked, "So, has this red button ever been activated?"

Anqi confirmed, "According to the optical computer’s records, this red button was activated once three years ago, and the distress signal was transmitted at that time."

Liu Hui pressed, "So, are you saying this bipedal mecha might have attracted those unknown aliens to Earth?" Anqi affirmed, "Exactly. Once I realized this possibility, I consulted Director Chen, and this is what has been worrying us. You must understand: if an ordinary person piloting a bipedal mecha can wield power comparable to a Divine-level master, it suggests that alien civilization is far more advanced than ours on Earth. If this mecha truly attracted those aliens to our planet, and if they harbor malicious intent, Earth will be completely defenseless, defeated, and utterly controlled."

Liu Hui inwardly shuddered, forcing a smile. "According to our probes, there should be no aliens within ten light-years of the solar system. Surely that distress signal couldn't reach that far, could it?"

Anqi sighed. "Through my research, I discovered that this mecha’s signal transmission utilizes an incredibly peculiar method. This method causes space to briefly fold, allowing the signal to propagate rapidly over vast distances. Its maximum effective range is one hundred million times that of a standard electromagnetic wave. By our estimates, the farthest propagation range of this mecha's signal extends to five hundred light-years from the solar system. In other words, if any aliens within five hundred light-years received that distress call, they would know Earth’s location." Liu Hui offered a strained smile. "It couldn't be that coincidental, could it? That there just happens to be aliens within five hundred light-years?"

Anqi countered, "We can only currently scan within ten light-years of the solar system. Who can say what the universe is like beyond that?" Liu Hui tried to rationalize, "If aliens do come from five hundred light-years away, even traveling at the speed of light, it would take at least five hundred years to reach Earth! By then, we might all be long dead. Why worry about it now?"

Anqi explained, "I mentioned earlier that the mecha's information transmission uses space-folding technology, enabling rapid long-distance communication. Since they employ space-folding for information, do you think those aliens haven't mastered space-folding technology for their spacecraft? If that’s the case, even if they are five hundred light-years away, they could reach Earth very quickly." Liu Hui suddenly felt a knot of tension in his stomach. If things were as Anqi described, this was a massive problem. 'Star City' had only just begun its expansion beyond Earth and lacked deep technological foundations. If aliens showed up now, the outcome would likely be disastrous. He was too naive to believe that aliens capable of interstellar travel from five hundred light-years away would be weaker than him, nor could he hope that they would be civilized beings who would treat Earthlings fairly.

Seeing Liu Hui’s tension, Anqi suddenly broke into a smile. "Liu Hui, you don't need to be this worried. What I just described is only one possibility; perhaps we are just worrying unnecessarily, and no aliens will actually arrive."

Anqi noticed Liu Hui still frowning and continued, "Liu Hui, you truly don't need to fret so much. While we retrieved the record of the distress signal sent from the optical computer, we also found a significant amount of useful high technology within it. If you give me some time, the technological level of our 'Star City' will advance by leaps and bounds, quickly reaching an unimaginable height. By then, even if those aliens do come, they might not have an easy time against us."

Hearing this good news, Liu Hui felt a measure of relief. Whether aliens arrived or not was beyond his control, but starting now, he could focus on accelerating his own technological growth and overall strength. If the aliens did come, he would at least have a fighting chance. He asked, "Anqi, what kind of technology did you find within this optical computer?"

Anqi laughed. "This optical computer suffered significant damage, so most of its database is gone. We didn't directly find any usable schematics. However, while searching the database, we located an encrypted data packet. We cannot open it yet, nor do we know its contents, but we are currently working on cracking it. We believe, given enough time, we will eventually decrypt the packet and discover what’s inside." Liu Hui felt a touch of disappointment after hearing Anqi’s explanation. "So, we didn't get anything concrete after all!"

Anqi smiled brightly. "How can you say we got nothing? Do you realize that just the manufacturing processes and computation methods of this optical computer have given me tremendous insight? I have an entirely new blueprint to create a brand-new optical computer. This new unit’s processing power will not only completely surpass every computer on Earth but will also be comparable to the optical computer of this bipedal mecha."

"I believe we can fabricate this new optical computer in a very short time. Once we have it, combined with our mastery of the miraculous arrays, our new optical computer will be infinitely more powerful than this alien one. With this revolutionary hardware, the processing speed of our supercomputers will reach a new echelon, allowing us to generate genuine Artificial Intelligence. At that point, our technological capabilities will advance exponentially, productivity will soar, and we will leave the rest of the nations on Earth far behind."

Liu Hui countered, "But relying on this alone won't give us the power to defend ourselves! After all, our potential opponents are aliens."

Anqi chuckled. "You are too hasty, Liu Hui; I haven't finished speaking! What I mentioned so far pertains to the insights gained from the optical computer. Have you forgotten that we also obtained the bipedal mecha itself?"

Liu Hui's eyes lit up. "Are you saying there’s also incredibly advanced high technology embedded within that bipedal mecha?" Anqi nodded. "Indeed. The mecha inherently contains a very high level of technology. Not just the weapon systems and drive mechanisms on the hull—the unique material composition of the bipedal machine alone could drastically enhance our technical capabilities. If we can fully master the technology within this mecha, our military strength will advance by leaps and bounds." Liu Hui pondered for a moment. "Whether the aliens arrive remains uncertain, but we cannot afford to be complacent. Therefore, starting now, we must not only accelerate the construction of 'Star City' but also expedite our plans to terraform Mars. We must strive to convert the entire solar system into our military base. If aliens do arrive, having home-field advantage will ensure we aren't totally helpless."

Anqi stated seriously, "Rest assured, Liu Hui. With this bipedal mecha, combined with our utilization of the miraculous arrays and advanced energy stones, I am confident in ensuring the absolute security of 'Star City'."

Liu Hui nodded. "That’s good to hear. From this moment on, all resources of 'Star City' will be channeled toward your Scientific Research Institute. You must not disappoint my expectations." Anqi and Chen Changsheng immediately replied, "Boss, don't worry, we will work our hardest." ~~~~~~~~

Liu Hui left the Scientific Research Institute. Although his outward demeanor showed nothing unusual, he felt a deep sense of unease. Previously, humanity couldn't be sure if aliens existed, but after acquiring the Planar Trading Device and completing transactions across several different planes, Liu Hui was certain that extraterrestrial life existed.

Even though Earth and the merchants he traded with occupied different planes, Liu Hui was positive that aliens also existed within Earth’s plane—they simply hadn't discovered Earth yet.

Once Earth was discovered by aliens, its current situation would be dire. Liu Hui had no illusions that aliens would arrive with noble, benevolent intentions to help humanity. The law of the jungle applies everywhere. In that event, Earthlings would face only one outcome: either being wiped out by the aliens or captured and enslaved forever, unable to rise again.

Thus, upon learning of the potential alien arrival, Liu Hui resolved to adjust the developmental focus of 'Star City.' They absolutely had to develop more powerful weaponry to ensure 'Star City' was beyond threat from anyone.

Just as Liu Hui was feeling tense, his Planar Trading Device chimed. He immediately activated it, and the smiling face of Alexander appeared on the screen.

"Esteemed Teacher, greetings!" Alexander said.

For some inexplicable reason, the sight of Alexander calmed Liu Hui instantly. He settled his mind and smiled back. "My dear Alexander, hello! You look quite pleased; have you encountered some good fortune?"

Alexander joyfully reported, "Teacher, our Church of Light, in alliance with the Pompeii Kingdom, has finally eliminated the nearby Jilv Kingdom!" Liu Hui was greatly surprised. "I heard you mention a month ago that you were planning to join forces with Pompeii to attack Jilv! How did you finish them off so quickly?" Alexander explained, "This is all thanks to the miraculous weapons you provided, Teacher. When our forces allied with Pompeii’s army to attack Jilv, the Jilv forces arrayed themselves on the plains, preparing for open battle. The moment they were shelled by our artillery, the Jilv army disintegrated. Our combined forces pursued them relentlessly, crushing their entire army and absorbing Jilv's territory."

Liu Hui asked curiously, "When you attacked Jilv together, did the neighboring Elf Vassal States take no action?" Alexander laughed. "Jilv did have its allies. Negotiations were underway regarding the terms for sending aid to Jilv, but before their allies could mobilize, Jilv collapsed. The other nations, seeing how quickly Jilv was defeated, were uncertain of our joint coalition's true strength and remained inactive, waiting to gauge our power before making any moves."

Liu Hui smiled. "So, you took the opportunity to occupy all of Jilv’s territory—is that correct?" Alexander happily confirmed, "That's right; Pompeii and I have secured all of Jilv. However, the Pompeii side is currently negotiating with me, wondering if they might take all of Jilv in exchange for giving us the entire territory of the former Xiling Kingdom." Liu Hui chuckled, "It sounds like you are about to become the ruler of an entire nation. Congratulations."

Alexander became slightly bashful. "All this success is due to your guidance, Teacher. Oh, and Lou has a gift for you as well." Alexander then took out a large sack and placed it onto the Trading Device interface.

Liu Hui initiated the exchange and held the heavy sack in his hands. Opening it, he found it filled entirely with the crystal cores of Divine-level magical beasts. The unique, multicolored divine radiance emanating from the cores nearly blinded him.