Chapter 148: Zero_1

The First Emperor of Qin said helplessly, "We should have heeded Confucius's advice. Jiang Yu daring to give Tyler poison indicates that he has already dug a trap and is waiting for us."

Those in attendance were all stunned. Why did this sentence sound so familiar?

The First Emperor of Qin cleared his throat and said, "We have decided that in any future confrontational actions against Jiang Yu, Confucius will have a veto."

Previously, during their meetings to discuss the announcement of Jiang Yu giving Tyler poison, Kong Xiang suggested waiting for a better opportunity, as Jiang Yu surely had a contingency plan.

Everyone thought, with Sophon monitoring Jiang Yu, even if he did have any plans, they would certainly be forewarned.

It must be said that the advantage provided by Sophon made their actions somewhat reckless, realizing only after suffering a blow from Jiang Yu the pain it inflicted.

After all, they had already been bested twice by Jiang Yu, and this time they finally learned their lesson.

The First Emperor of Qin then asked, "What are the various opinions on this incident now?"

There was a brief silence in the meeting room before Einstein was the first to speak, "The teams under Jiang Yu are despicable!

"They do not directly attack us in the media but create some disgusting characters for ETO members in short videos, subtly and openly mocking us.

"Many people have gradually shifted from neutral to standing against us."

King Wen of Zhou followed up with a report, "Several of our main sponsors have come to ask me if there is any more poison that killed Tyler?

"Although I explained desperately, everyone seems to believe that we were the ones who killed Tyler."

Mozi said, "Jiang Yu has completely drained our credibility. It will be difficult for people to trust information released in the name of our organization in the future."

Von Neumann said with a helpless expression, "Although my Wallbreaking operation was successful, Jiang Yu has minimized the impact on the Wallfacer Project.

"Gentlemen, I have to admit, under Jiang Yu's manipulation, our Wallbreaking operation has become meaningless, and humanity's confidence has not taken any hit!

"This is a great victory for Jiang Yu, while everyone present here, including myself, has failed."

Another silence fell over the meeting room.

After about ten seconds, the First Emperor of Qin said, "Don't be so disheartened, everyone. The 'Poison Apple Project' is progressing smoothly right now.

"Once we have the human elite under our control, Jiang Yu will become insignificant.

"Especially with our success in inciting opposition to all space projects, we are amassing more strength.

"When we have enough power, we will destroy all space projects, including Jiang Yu's 'Moon City Project.'

"The ultimate victory will belong to us!"

The mood of those present finally lifted somewhat.

Confucius, who had been silent, suddenly said, "Jiang Yu has already noticed that this 'Anti-Escapeism' is quite abnormal, but he has not made a move in haste!"

Everyone fell into silence again, uncertain of who would win or lose this round of struggle.

Mozi said, "At least for now, we still have the initiative."

Clearly, this did not comfort everyone.

...

Jiang Yu silently followed behind Tyler's coffin, escorting him to the gravesite and watching as his casket was gradually covered by soil.

Tyler's funeral had ended, but there were still many affairs to be handled.

Firstly, representatives of the PDC member countries were unsure whether Tyler's plans had been deciphered by the Wallbreaker or not.

Regardless of whether they had been deciphered or not, Tyler's plans would be terminated.

So, would a new Wallfacer be selected to replace Tyler or would Tyler's resources be allocated to the other Wallfacers?

In the end, the PDC prepared to introduce a charter for the Wallfacing Plan, stipulating that any Wallfacing Plan must not, like the plan disclosed by Tyler's Wallbreaker, pose a threat to the human world.

After a three-day hearing, the PDC finally decreed to halt Tyler's Wallfacing Plan and not to appoint any new Wallfacers; the resources Tyler was entitled to would be merged into the mainstream defense plan to alleviate its funding shortages.

Jiang Yu had been following the meeting with the hope of securing Tyler's resources for himself.

By the second day of the hearing, he felt it was impossible, as all countries were strapped for funds and eyeing the resources at Tyler's disposal.

Although resources belonging to America wouldn't be touched, allies like Canada, Australia, and Japan weren't so fortunate.

Moreover, Jiang Yu realized that many of the country representatives were actually well aware that Tyler had indeed been Wallbroken, and there were many doubts surrounding his death.

It was just an open secret among them.

When Jiang Yu left, the rotating chair of the PDC personally saw him to the airport, and when they said farewell—making sure no media personnel were around—he whispered to Jiang Yu, "Thank you for preserving the Wallfacing Plan."

Jiang Yu responded gravely, "The Wallfacing Plan and the Wallfacers should be protected by the PDC!"

The rotating chair sighed heavily and said nothing more but shook hands firmly with Jiang Yu.

As the plane ascended, Jiang Yu reflected once more on the rotating chair's words.

Although there hadn't been any perceptible change in the public image of the Wallfacers, the PDC's member states understood that Tyler had been Wallbroken.

Therefore, the PDC would certainly strengthen its oversight of the Wallfacers to prevent the emergence of dangerous plans like Tyler's in the future.

Jiang Yu gazed at the clouds outside, some rolling tumultuously and others tranquil, aware that no one would pay attention to why they must stay high in the sky.

It was just as the representatives of the member states never mourned Tyler's death nor praised the contributions he had made, from beginning to end.

…

In the evening, Bil received a phone call from Di Fengyi, instructing him to report to Jiang Yu's office immediately.

Bil thought Jiang Yu had returned from America and wanted to discuss the Moon City inhabitants' screening and training plans, and so he went eagerly with the relevant documents in hand.

Guided by Di Fengyi into the office, Bil saw not only Jiang Yu but also a man in his fifties, whom he recognized as the chief engineer of China's Mars exploration efforts.

Jiang Yu handed Bil a piece of paper, "Take a look, can you secretly assemble a probe that fits these requirements within your project team?"

After glancing at the requirements and specifications on the paper, Bil confirmed it was for a Mars probe. The difficulty level wasn't too high, but he queried, "Why does it need a self-destruct system?"

No probe had ever been equipped with a self-destruct system before.

Jiang Yu replied succinctly, "Top secret!"

Bil nodded, not pressing further, "It's not too difficult, but it would take over a year, mainly waiting for some special parts!"

Jiang Yu then inquired, "Is there a way to launch this probe to Mars without being detected by all of humanity's monitoring systems?"

Bil pondered before responding, "Launch it from the Moon!"

He continued to explain, "Currently, no human space monitoring system can observe such a small object.

"The most advanced space telescopes might be able to see it, but they are engaged in the 'Scout Project,' constantly monitoring beyond the Solar System. Nobody will notice something this small being launched from the Moon."

Jiang Yu nodded, "That could work!"

He then spoke solemnly, "Bil! I now officially assign you to a top-secret mission codenamed 'Zero,' in charge of the assembly and launch of this probe.

"In addition, the Moon City Project team should design a spacecraft capable of voyaging to Mars, and try to build a launch base on the Moon within five years, and complete the assembly of the spacecraft there!"