Chapter 37: One Must Not Let an Honest Man Go Hungry

Chapter 37: You Can't Let Honest People Go Hungry

"Actually, I think this is a good thing. These papers would be worth a fortune in the outside world! Right now, we are the fastest-progressing nation in the world. In terms of extraordinary research, we are truly number one globally!"

Peng Bing said this simple truth with all seriousness, only to be met with Jiang Ju's look of utter disdain. "And how many papers do you read a day, Uncle? How much new knowledge are you actually absorbing?"

"Ah? Well, I am working hard at learning, it’s just that my efficiency is a bit low..." With that, Peng Bing fell silent.

Learning is learning, but there is a vast difference in how one learns. Peng Bing only studied one paper a day, and it was always about the Path of Vitality, taught to him step-by-step by experts who had already fully digested the material. His learning process wasn't painful; it was simply a case of a teacher instructing and a student listening.

"Alright, enough joking around," Xiong Yan said, tapping a bell to bring the room to silence.

"I have some good news for you. Our secret base in a certain part of the Great Northwest has been completed, and we will be moving in within a few days. That facility can support the daily lives of 300,000 people. It is fully equipped and far better than this current base."

"Furthermore, thanks to Jiang Ju’s research breakthroughs in solving our water shortages, the second phase of construction is already underway. In a month, it will be finished, and the base will be able to accommodate a million people."

"So, we will all be relocating to the new base soon. The equipment there is more advanced, the security is tighter, and there will be more people, which should ease the pressure on you. You won't have to stay confined to this small base every day with nowhere else to go."

"More importantly, we will officially begin our first round of extraordinary training there, and all of you will serve as part-time instructors. As a basic benefit, your family members, lovers, children, and even friends—within a set quota—can be among the first to receive formal extraordinary training."

"Of course, after their training, they will also be subject to the summons of Great Xia. When necessary, they must serve as teachers, traveling across the country to instruct students and propagate the extraordinary arts."

"I can take this chance to bring Keke here!"

"I can bring my parents, my future wife, and my in-laws over! I’ll be Xiaoxiao’s personal teacher!"

"I want to..."

*Clang.*

Xiong Yan struck the bell again, waking those who had drifted into their own fantasies.

"Hey, you there! I’m talking to you. What on earth are you thinking about? You're even drooling! Watch your image!"

"Also, I won't be heading into the newly manifested Void Realm tonight. You are free to choose your own paths and let your abilities shine."

"To date, all twenty-six of you have achieved the extraordinary. Some through the Path of Vitality, others through the Path of Qi Refinement."

As the first group to sense the call of the Void Realm, their sensitivity to spiritual energy was truly top-tier globally, fully meeting the standards for Qi Refinement. One by one, they had succeeded in the Void Realm first. Thus, even though only a month had passed in reality, they had successfully cultivated Qi and achieved the extraordinary.

"Given your individual combat prowess and intelligence, I believe it is quite possible for you to conquer a Void Realm the size of a small town. Of course, if you truly cannot, do not force it."

Xiong Yan paused, giving everyone a few seconds to think. "Remember, if you encounter a True Realm evolved from a blueprint of reality, the best strategy is to climb the technology tree."

"How to manufacture acids and alkalis, how to make gunpowder and explosives, how to quickly and simply restart the technology tree from scratch—the experts have already summarized all of this. I don't need to tell you; you know it better than I do."

"If the Void Realm you encounter is a small town in a future society, then spend a month studying hard online. The knowledge you gain might be useful, or it might not, due to the differences between reality and the Void Realm. But learning more never hurts."

"If you encounter a more idealistic, mystical realm, do not be afraid. The mystical realms rely on luck and destiny—and your luck and destiny are not bad at all!"

In truth, idealistic worlds were actually friendlier to them. They could potentially become "children of destiny" or "protagonists of the world." They might trip and stumble upon an ancient legacy, or bump into a fisherman who turns out to be a reclusive master.

"Finally, you may encounter some strangers this time. In the past month, the number of people who have awakened talents through various miraculous encounters is certainly more than you can count on your hands."

Within half a year, the concentration of spiritual energy in the world would remain relatively consistent. Those who could awaken their talents usually did so within the first seven days. For those who couldn't awaken within those seven days, it was likely they never would. Of course, under special stimulation or life-altering events, experiencing a spiritual epiphany and awakening one's talent was perfectly normal. But those were low-probability events, unpredictable and rare.

Most people obtained their opportunities and then awakened their talents. Perhaps while walking, they just happened to be near a Void Realm transitioning from void to reality, and the surge of spiritual energy stimulated their talent. Perhaps while sleeping, a treasure from the Void Realm manifested, perfectly suited to them. The person and the treasure would then resonate, leading to the awakening of their talent. Or perhaps they simply stumbled upon other opportunities.

In this era of spiritual awakening, the one thing there was no shortage of was opportunity!

"When you encounter these newcomers, you can state your identity directly and share some basic common knowledge. Don't rush to recruit them, and don't use your official status to coerce them."

"Tell them the facts. Tell them about the Institute of Special Affairs and the Special Affairs Management Bureau. Then, tell them about the benefits you receive."

"We believe in treating people with sincerity."

"Of course, you must also tell them that no matter who they are, as long as they live on the land of Great Xia, they must abide by the laws of Great Xia!"

"Extraordinary individuals are still people and must obey the law. You cannot become superior just because you are extraordinary, nor can you treat the common people like grass or the law as nothing."

"However, even if they choose not to join the Institute or the Bureau, we will not forcibly seize their opportunities. Tell them that as long as they follow the law, they are good citizens of Great Xia!"

"Furthermore, the Institute and the Bureau have provided a special talent allowance for all extraordinary individuals."

"At this current stage, as long as they are willing to register their basic information with the Bureau and remain law-abiding, they can receive a special talent allowance every month. While the amount is not huge, it is enough to keep a person fed."

It’s just as I said: you cannot let law-abiding extraordinary individuals go hungry!