Necromancer, summoning 055? What the heck?

Chapter 273 The Pangu Conference: The Strategic Shift of the World Tree in Dongxia (Part 1)

Star Shield New City, the Underground World.

This is the core command center of the Dongxia [Cihang] Engineering Department. As Dongxia interacts more and more with the Starry World, this place has also become the second largest decision-making core area of ​​Dongxia after Chang'an.

In the very center of the conference room hung two large characters, written by the leader himself, in bold and powerful strokes: Pangu!
The work that the [Compassionate Voyage] Engineering Department is doing now is comparable to the creation of the world.

The meeting being held here is a special meeting of the Cihang Engineering Department. Unlike previous meetings, this meeting is one that has been upgraded to a higher level of secrecy even within the already top-secret Cihang Engineering Department meeting system.

There were only twenty attendees, all of whom were comrades standing at the pinnacle of the Dongxia system.

Before attending this meeting, even the Commander-in-Chief of Cihang, Elder Tian Shu, and the two special advisors ranked second and third in the order, General Gu Liyang, the Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Cihang, had undergone another round of rigorous political vetting.

Arranging one's own review may seem like a formality, but it actually sends a clear signal to everyone present.

In the words of the commander-in-chief, as long as Blue Star has one opponent who can challenge Dongxia, this document will never be declassified.

As the heavy alloy door slammed shut and the signal shielding system activated, the only connection between the entire interior and the outside world was a small duct connected to the air purification system.

There was no way around it; many of those present were heavy smokers, and especially at such a crucial moment concerning the fate of Dongxia, it was difficult to concentrate and calm one's mind without something between one's fingers.

Isn't this a different kind of "gunfire" atmosphere?
Before entering the venue, everyone's mobile phones, including those of the commander-in-chief and chief advisor, were collected and sealed by designated personnel. Except for an old general who served as a part-time recorder, no one else was allowed to bring paper and pen.

The chief commander and top decision-maker of the [Cihang] project, an elderly man with graying temples and piercing eyes, spoke first: "Comrade Li Yang, let's begin. Give everyone a comprehensive report."

Today's meeting was chaired by Deputy Commander-in-Chief, General Gu Liyang.

The general, in the prime of his life, took a deep breath and exhaled.

"Distinguished leaders and colleagues, we are gathered here today to discuss the nation's overall strategy for the next stage. I have received authorization from the highest command that no one is permitted to leave the venue for any reason before this meeting is adjourned. Furthermore, please maintain strict confidentiality; under no circumstances should any information from this meeting be disclosed to the outside world!"

Gu Liyang's voice wasn't loud, but it carried a resounding quality, clearly reaching everyone's ears.

"For a long time in the past, in order to accumulate strength and free up more resources to accelerate construction and development, we have long adhered to the strategic defense policy, trading space for time, and have achieved remarkable development achievements."

"Originally, according to the country's established plan, we were in a phase where the balance of power was shifting, and our strength was increasing day by day. Therefore, we would maintain a proactive defensive posture until the enemy went completely mad."

"But now, a completely new and unprecedented situation has emerged! It forces us to reassess our existing strategies and, very likely, requires a major strategic decision-making transformation!"

Because electronic devices were prohibited at the event, Gu Liyang took out a picture and showed it briefly.

The picture shows a sapling with its branches and leaves spread out, lush and green, radiating a vitality that is hard to describe in words.

"Comrades!"

"First of all, I want to thank the [Wanderer] who is still striving in the Starry World!"

"It is precisely because the wanderers actively explored and boldly made contacts that they were able to expand the situation from scratch, creating an unprecedented opportunity for the further accelerated development of Dongxia!"

"And now, the 'budding' of our World Tree's initial stage, the Tree of Life, has taken root in the land of Dongxia."

"Now, please allow me to give you a full report on the latest information sent back by [the Wanderer]!"

That's right, in Chen Mo's style, whenever he sees something new in the Starry World, he has to share it with his hometown first.

For no other reason than to fill the somewhat empty bloodline altar.

As part of the two-way transport, the offerings that Chen Mo transported to Dongxia were of the same weight and specifications as the supplies that Dongxia transported to Chen Mo. However, when Chen Mo transported things to Dongxia, the load was often not full, and he often had to use some soil and stones to make up the difference.

For example, this time, Chen Mo obtained more than 10,000 pieces of [Sky Dance Leaf] from the elves, but the total weight was less than 20 kilograms.

Unfortunately, the special products of the Starry World, whether magic scrolls or mana crystals, are typically of high quality but small quantity, which is significantly different from the large-scale industrial manufacturing capabilities of the Eastern Xia region.

Along with [Ethereal Leaf Dance], the latest version of the sprite "History Record" was also delivered.

Although the elves were at a significant disadvantage in their struggles with the humans, this was the result of a complex interplay of factors, including history, resources, and internal conflicts, and did not mean that the elves were truly without merit.

In fact, the war situation of the Elven race is directly related to how much good stuff the Vast Ocean Territory can extract from the Elven race.

In the latest round of transactions, the numerous war artifacts displayed by the Vast Ocean Territory further enticed the Elven race. Besides special products from the Silvermoon Forest, Aiona also secretly reached an agreement with Lord Chen Mo.

In exchange for greater support from the Vast Ocean Territory, they will use the secret records about the World Tree in the Elven literature.

Well, elves don't just write poetry; in fact, what they really use to record important information is called the Silver Moon Scroll.

Aiona said meaningfully to Chen Mo, "The World Tree's growth history is known to no one in the Starry World except for the Elf race!"

"Only elves have ever possessed the World Tree, and only elves have witnessed the different stages of its growth. These materials should have been completely sealed away as secrets deep within the Silvermoon Forest. However, to thank you for your support of the elves, Lord, we are willing to share a portion of the Silvermoon Scrolls with you!"

"Perhaps one day, you... or some being related to you, will be fortunate enough to possess your own World Tree? At that time, this knowledge will come in handy, don't you think?"

Chen Mo was still young after all, and he didn't pretend to be confused. Of course, it was also possible that he was worried that the other party would change their mind, so he accepted the Elf Scroll as quickly as possible.

They didn't even ask the price!
Elder Aiona is too wicked; she has Chen Mo completely under her control. When this thing was put on the Nine Heavens Drone flying to the Vast Ocean, the Elder didn't even offer a price.

They seemed certain that as long as I didn't set a price, I wouldn't lose money!

The favors bestowed by the Lord of the Vast Ocean are the most valuable things!

After the tireless joint analysis of the expert team under the [Compassionate Voyage] Engineering Department, the contents of this secret scroll were enough to convince the highest decision-making level of Dongxia to initiate today's major policy discussion, which could affect the fate of the nation.

"According to the elves' records, the World Tree is also known as the 'Staff of Gods'!"

Gu Liyang's voice carried an barely suppressed excitement: "It is a 'world law' second only to the gods themselves, a 'divine power' that can be grasped by civilization!"

"The growth of the World Tree is divided into several stages. Currently, our 'budding' is still in the first stage."

"This stage should be called the primary form of the Tree of Life. Its most distinctive feature is that once it takes root, it cannot move before entering the next stage."

"This is also its most vulnerable stage!"

"At this stage, based on the analysis of the Elf Scrolls, the main abilities that the World Tree may exhibit in its initial stage include—[Life Perception], [Breath of Faint Light], and a basic level of [Psionic Conversion]!" "[Life Perception] refers to a natural spirituality possessed by the World Tree itself. Even as a sapling of life, it can vaguely perceive the emotional fluctuations and potential intentions of life forms within a certain radius, possessing a natural, almost instinctive ability to distinguish between good and evil."

"This is one of the Tree of Life's self-protective mechanisms!"

"Why does our [Sprout] have a different attitude towards Researcher Zhang Changlin than towards others? The expert group, based on data analysis, concluded that it is because it can sense that pure, selfless goodwill. Therefore, it took the initiative to establish a conscious connection with Researcher Zhang."

"The rest of us, to varying degrees, are all thinking about 'What is the use of the Tree of Life?' or, to a more noble degree, 'What use is it to the country?'"

"From the World Tree's perspective, it's still not pure!"

General Gu Liyang spoke slowly, providing a detailed analysis of each point, combining the original records of the elves, the expert group's interpretation, and the on-site performance of [Sprout].

【Breath of Light】 refers to the light spirit that comes with the World Tree. It has the ability to enhance the activity of plants, heal minor injuries and illnesses of living organisms, and has a significant calming effect on animals.

In other words, within the range of the Tree of Life's dim light, animals become kind and peaceful, and it's common for tigers to lick the fur of rabbits.

As for the "Psionic Conversion," according to the Dongxia analysis team's understanding, similar to gradually converting sunlight and carbon dioxide into oxygen, the World Tree will gradually convert external energy into regional energy, similar to psionic energy, over a relatively long period of time, thereby transforming the regional environment.

Gu Liyang raised the drawing board in his hand again and said, "So far, all three abilities have been partially or fully manifested in the [Budding Sprout] of the [Purple Cloud] Nature Reserve."

"After multiple rounds of joint review, the expert group under the Engineering Department unanimously concluded that: since we did not proactively provide any feedback to the Starry World regarding the specific performance of 'Sprout' on Blue Star, the records in the Elf Scroll about the first stage are highly consistent with our on-site observation results."

"Considering the current predicament faced by the Elven race and their real need to befriend the 'wanderers,' we can treat the later contents of this secret scroll as valuable authentic information."

"Therefore, the abilities recorded in the Elf Scroll for the subsequent stages will be an important consideration in our strategic decision-making."

In the second stage, the Elf's Secret Scroll also recorded three outstanding abilities.

"The first ability, which the elves call 'Nature's Blessing,' awakens plants within a certain range, turning them into mobile, scouting, and defensive forest guardians."

"The second is called [Psionic Extraction]. In the elven race, this means condensing and transforming the Fountain of Life through a certain method to form higher-level [Moon Spring] and [Source Essence]!"

"Although we currently possess the Fountain of Life sent back from the stars, we still have no clue about its formation mechanism, nor do we know what kind of final product this [Psionic Extraction] will form on Earth. These questions may only be answered after [Sprout] truly grows into the second stage."

"The third ability, which the elf names [Life Resonance], is an upgraded version of the Breath of Light. Within the influence area of ​​the Tree of Life, living beings will receive comprehensive enhancements, including extended lifespan, improved physical attributes, better adaptation to energy systems, and so on!"

At this point, Gu Liyang paused and let out a soft sigh of relief.

"After carefully studying these materials, our expert team put forward a hypothesis."

"The many distinctive characteristics of the Elven race are highly consistent with the effects of this [Life Resonance] ability!"

"So much so that the expert group unanimously concluded that the Elf race is very likely a 'symbiotic beneficiary' that gradually evolved under the long-term influence and immersion of the World Tree's [Life Resonance] field possessed by their ancestors!"

"Lifespan is the most important thing!"

"Among the biological data we have been able to obtain about the various intelligent races on the Star Continent, we have compiled their lifespan data in detail."

"At the same time, through the dissection and analysis down to the cellular level of biological samples from different races sent back by the 'wanderers,' the expert team discovered that the underlying physiological logic of the reproduction, aging, and extinction of life forms on the Starry Continent is not fundamentally different from that of carbon-based life on Blue Star."

"In fact, the lifespan of ordinary humans on the Starry Continent is between sixty and seventy years old. Professionals, depending on their rank and the amount of spiritual energy they absorb, can extend their lifespan by ten to thirty years."

"Other races such as orcs, dwarves, half-orcs, and sea creatures generally have even shorter lifespans than humans."

"According to our understanding of modern biology and medicine on Earth, for a species to achieve a lifespan far exceeding its physiological basis, it usually needs to meet some special conditions, such as a lower basal metabolic rate, stronger protein structure and stability, or having a significantly different body structure and physiological circulatory system, etc."

"However, the Elf race clearly defies this rule."

"From the perspective of basic physiological structure, cell activity, and metabolic patterns, elves are not fundamentally different from other humanoid races. However, on the Starry Continent, the lifespan of elves is unique; they are the only, and extremely outstanding, 'long-lived species' among all small-sized humanoid intelligent races!"

Gu Liyang's voice rose unknowingly, becoming a deafening shout in the air.

"Their lifespan did not increase slightly, but rather increased by an astonishing eight to ten times!"

"Combined with the characteristics of the drug 'Eternal Song of Life' produced by the elves, which can significantly improve telomere loss and optimize cellular oxidative folding, the expert group believes that the 'Life Resonance' of the Tree of Life is the core reason why the elves have become an immortal species."

Those sitting in the hall today are all important national officials, who have worked their way up over decades. Their character and abilities are all outstanding, the best of the best. They can be said to have been tempered to the point of being as solid as a rock. However, upon hearing this, some minor disturbances still occurred.

For those with selfish motives, the sudden prospect of extending lifespan several times over is enough to stir their hearts.

Those who are selfless and devoted to their country are even more captivated and yearn for the possibility of their entire race standing out from the rest of the world, achieving longer lifespans, healthier bodies, and greater potential, and becoming a truly unprecedented "immortal race civilization"!

The commander-in-chief gently tapped the table: "Alright! Ask any questions later, Comrade Li Yang, you can continue."

The room fell silent immediately. Gu Liyang nodded in acknowledgment and continued his explanation.

He then pointed out several other notable characteristics of the Elven race, all of which highly align with the hypothesis of "Life Resonance".

Among the elves, the proportion of "professionals" who can sense and utilize extraordinary energy is far higher than that of other races, almost ten times higher. This can be explained by the fact that in the [Life Resonance] environment, an individual's affinity for energy and the success rate of sensing it are greatly enhanced.

Half-elves, who are the offspring of elves and other races, suffer a significant reduction in lifespan, usually only one-third to one-half the lifespan of pure-blooded elves.

If a half-elf then mates with a non-elf race and produces a third generation, their lifespan will be "reset" back to the original level of their non-elf ancestor. The expert group considers this to be clear evidence that this gene is not an innate gene, but an acquired mutated gene.

“This also explains it from another perspective,” Gu Liyang added, “why in the Starry Continent, the vast majority of half-elves, even if they no longer show obvious elven characteristics in appearance, tend to return to the embrace of the elven race in terms of emotions and cultural identity.”

"One very important practical reason is that it is difficult for them to reproduce with other short-lived groups. Watching their offspring age and die faster than themselves is a psychological torment that is hard to bear."

Gu Liyang gave a summary of the current stage: "We cannot yet accurately predict the extent of the influence of abilities like [Life Resonance] once our 'budding' has grown, how long it will take to show significant effects, or what its specific mechanism of action is!"

"However, the strategic assessment center of the [Cihang] project is in complete agreement: as a civilization with a history of ten thousand years, our ancestors laid the foundation for us. We must, and we must, pave a better future for future generations and firmly grasp this opportunity that may concern the fate of our nation in our own hands!"

"Whatever the cost!"

What else is there to say?
At this moment, the radicals in the Dongxia team even conceived a crazy idea.

Strike first, eliminate everything that might threaten the growth of the World Tree, leave no one alive!
(End of this chapter)