Chapter 524
Before long, Oren arrived at the palace.
Before heading to Liyue, he specifically researched online and did his homework. He knew that the City Lord of Liyue was exceptionally powerful, even invincible.
He not only ended the long-standing war between Victoria and the Sarkaz, but was also the first to pierce the Star Pod.
The more Oren learned, the more he admired him. Now, Zhongli has even established Cross-border Communication Network, freeing various countries from centuries of isolation.
This achievement alone is enough to put him on par with the Witch King of Sargon. He entered the Rearguard with extreme caution, afraid that looking directly at the other person would displease him.
"Mister Zhongli, I am Oren, the Messenger of All Nations from Laterano. Our country plans to host Summit of All Nations in Laterano City on March 15th next year, and we hope you can take time out of your busy schedule to attend. On behalf of the Laterano Church, I extend my deepest respect to you."
After speaking, Oren presented the invitation with both hands, keeping his head down and avoiding any eye contact.
"March..."
"Yes, Mister Zhongli, is there a problem?"
It is now the end of November 1098, exactly four months before the Summit of All Nations.
At that time, Mudrock will be 8 months pregnant and Texas will be 6 months pregnant; neither of them will be due to give birth yet.
Even if a premature birth were to occur, a single phone call could summon Shi Lei back. This is the convenience brought about by establishing Cross-border Communication Project. Essentially, Shi Lei did this for his own convenience, but it is undeniable that the people of Terra also enjoy the benefits.
Flying from Liyue to Laterano in southern Syracuse takes only one or two hours at full speed. Shi Lei just wanted to gather various countries to provide them with technology from Pre-Civilization for free.
He stared at the Messenger of All Nations and asked:
Which countries have confirmed their participation?
Oren kept his head down, his attitude extremely respectful. He dared not lie and answered truthfully:
"Currently, all the major powers in Terra say they will only go if you go. If you want a certain country to go or not, I will do my best to negotiate."
"Heh, I don't have that much influence."
Shi Lei grinned and continued:
"However, I happen to need an occasion where representatives from various countries gather to announce certain matters. I wonder if your country would mind allowing me to speak at the Summit of All Nations?"
Without hesitation, Oren readily agreed. They would do their best to meet all other demands, as long as it wouldn't interfere with the Pope's peace speech.
"No problem, absolutely no problem!"
"That's good. I'll be there next March. If any country hasn't sent a representative, you can call your subordinate to let me know, and I'll help you get in touch."
Shi Lei's sharing of Pre-Civilization technology requires the presence of representatives from all participating countries. If someone is contacted but still fails to attend without a valid reason, then he cannot be blamed for not sharing.
Oren was overjoyed upon hearing this and quickly thanked him:
"Mister Zhongli, His Holiness the Pope would be very pleased to know that you are willing to participate."
Shi Lei has never liked these kinds of polite words, but there's no need to offend Exusiai in front of her.
"If there's nothing else, you can go downstairs."
"I apologize for the inconvenience; I will return to report immediately."
Oren clasped his hands in a respectful greeting, only glancing at Shi Lei briefly as he turned to leave. He had expected the man to be at least middle-aged, but he was surprisingly young.
After Ines led the person away, Exusiai withdrew her gaze and turned to Shi Lei, saying:
"Zhongli, remember to take me with you when you go to Laterano, it's been so long since I've been back."
"Okay, definitely."
Time seemed to fast-forward like a movie; four months passed in the blink of an eye, and it was now March 15th, 1099.
Given the low monthly fees of Cross-border Communication services and the strong promotion by governments around the world, the number of users of Cross-border Communication services has skyrocketed to tens of millions in just four months. It has defeated telecommunications companies in various countries and become the merchant with the most users on the Terra.
Online shopping platforms have sprung up in various countries, injecting a strong influx of foreign customers into the stagnant consumer market.
Shi Lei then launched the 'Liyue Pin' platform, drawing inspiration from the operating model of a certain Pin platform before the crossover.
Leveraging multinational network servers, they sent promotional text messages to millions of users, decisively defeating other shopping platforms and capturing 95% of the market share. By leveraging the one-to-one advantage of their own products, they completely monopolized the industry.
In addition to qualification certification, merchants must also pay a certain insurance premium to join the platform. If a merchant can provide videos and pictures demonstrating product quality issues, a refund will be issued directly.
For businesses across the country, Penguin Logistics is currently the only logistics option. In fact, Penguin Logistics doesn't have that many employees; it outsources most of its operations to Fengchi Logistics.
It's a case of someone who doesn't put in any effort or manpower, but can make a fortune just by having a title. The Emperor is certainly not short of money, but he won't refuse the wealth that comes his way.
Penguin Post Station are being built in cities around the world, with franchisees joining the network. Fengchi Logistics is only responsible for long-distance logistics, as long as the goods are undamaged and put into storage. Subsequent delivery and pickup/receiving are the responsibility of the franchisees.
The impact of Cross-border Communication services is profound; now, for just ten yuan a month, one can operate without leaving home. Businesses from various countries can accurately grasp the market value of other countries and adjust their strategies for purchasing and selling goods in a timely manner. Although the profit margin per transaction is not as high as before, the volume of transactions is much higher.
Rhodes Island, as one of the merchants on the Liyue Pin, sells souvenirs made by Operator. However, the most popular item is a special Originium inhibitor, which is 70% cheaper than importing it from Columbia. It has consistently ranked in the top ten of the site's best-selling list, with exceptionally high sales.
Rhodes Island's mission has always been to help Originium-related illness patients around the world. They sell Originium inhibitor at cost price, which is far more efficient than distributing them all over the This Ship. Although those without money still need to be given free medication, those with some money have found a way to buy the drugs and no longer have to bear the burden of exorbitant prices.
Columbia pharmaceutical manufacturers suffered a sharp drop in revenue, but they were powerless to stop it. Faced with Shi Lei's overwhelming strength, all their schemes and tricks seemed ridiculous. At most, they would curse him in private, but they dared not provoke the Terra's Number One Person who could punch a hole in the sky.
At the forefront of this era, the tourism industry has also experienced explosive growth. Countries suitable for tourism, such as Scherzag and Sistag, have attracted tourists from all over the world thanks to online promotion.
In early spring alone, Scherzag welcomed 200,000 tourists. All three trains were fully booked and began to feel the strain.
However, the three families bore this 'pain' without complaint. With the help of Liyue's international social networking app 'Liyue Circle', they brought the semi-isolated Scherzag into the world's view by showcasing pictures and videos of their hometown. Taking advantage of this, they explored a unique path of development that belonged to them.
Many industries, including agriculture, manufacturing, cross-border e-commerce, and finance, have experienced a resurgence. Cross-border Communication services are like catfish introduced into a school of sardines, upending the original global landscape.
The software that Shi Lei created based on the world before he transmigrated was not for profit. It was mainly for the people of Liyue to use, and incidentally, to benefit all of humanity.
This resulted in other profiteers who wanted to replicate the software losing everything. For platforms of equal quality, Liyue's software was cheaper. And for platforms of equal quality and similarly low price, Liyue's software had a larger user base.
It's unbeatable, absolutely unbeatable.
Whether it's clothing, food, housing, transportation, or the public's burgeoning desire for expression after the completion of Cross-border Communication Network, all have found corresponding software platforms to satisfy their needs.
Even if most people are unwilling, they have to admit one fact: the once separate and independent Terra Nations have entered the 'Liyue Era'.
The public gained a platform to voice their opinions, resulting in an enormous impact. Many media outlets that had long manipulated public opinion were gradually stripped of their hypocritical masks. Once any media loses its credibility, it means it won't survive for long.
The birth of the Liyue Circle brought the class conflicts between different nations to the forefront for the first time.
Previously, the aristocracy could use Originium-related illness infected individuals as a shield to draw hatred from the middle class and the lower classes. But now, that tactic no longer works.
In fact, this situation was a deliberate result of Shi Lei. If a conflict cannot be resolved, it should be escalated. When it reaches its limit, someone will naturally step forward to propose various solutions.
He had no ambition to dominate the world, nor would he eliminate the aristocratic classes of various countries. Since violence could not solve the problem, he decided to escalate the issue.
The underprivileged in one country may not be able to cause much of a stir, but what about the underprivileged around the world?
If the aristocratic class wanted to quell the anger of the people, it had to relinquish some of its vested interests. This redistribution of wealth was a way to ease class tensions.
What goes around comes around.
Having exploited so much in the past, it's already a great favor to only ask the aristocracy to relinquish a little benefit. Shi Lei's decision not to personally intervene is a sign of benevolence.
The aristocratic class lacked conclusive evidence that Zhongli had orchestrated the outbreak of class conflict. Privately, they all harbored a complex mix of love and hate towards him. They loved him because of the increased opportunities to make money, but hated him because he had to relinquish some of his profits.
But who cares about their hatred?
A strong fist means you can do whatever you want!
The Yan keenly noticed the shift in public opinion and also discovered the undercurrents beneath the Liyue Circle. They intentionally leaked intelligence that should have been top secret, revealing to other countries that Shi Lei had sealed away the Sui Beast that had killed a god a thousand years ago.
Sami only realized this after learning the news and then belatedly announced it on the official Liyue Circle account. It was Zhongli who was invited to the Yinfei Icefield to eradicate the Demons of the other world and to close the Stargate, driving the Calamity out of Terra World.
Shi Lei's reputation began to soar.
The nobles and merchants who had previously harbored resentment and harbored some unusual thoughts towards him were now like wilted eggplants, completely devoid of any will to resist. They could only emulate the Elector Count of Sargon, hoping to outlive him to death.
What else can we do?
They not only defeated the strongest Sui Beast on Earth, but also drove the Demons from another realm back to their homeland. Even if they had hundreds or thousands of years, they still wouldn't have reached that level.
When Zhongli's power surpasses that of all nations, his underhanded economic sanctions and import/export restrictions against Liyue have no effect whatsoever. Columbia initially did the same, but later completely withdrew them.
If you can't beat them, you can only suffer in silence.
There is no other way.
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PS: This book will be completed this month, and there may be occasional breaks in updates. It will be released again after it has been revised. I hope readers will understand.
Chapter 599 The Simple and Honest People of Laterano (4K)
March 15, 1099, 7:30 am
After breakfast, Shi Lei took Xi, Exusiai, and Lappland and set off for Laterano City.
Texas and Mudrock are currently pregnant and should not travel around. They should take good care of themselves during this time, and staying in the city will allow them to be looked after and minimize any potential risks.
Originally, only two people were to be taken this time, but Lappland insisted on going after hearing the news. Like Exusiai, she particularly enjoys joining in the fun. Shi Lei knew that she couldn't stay still in Liyue, so he agreed.
If they act recklessly, having someone to back them up will prevent the situation from escalating to the point of being completely out of control.
The four departed from Liyue City at 7:40 AM and arrived in Laterano at 9:10 AM. Shi Lei parachuted in at the gates of Laterano City, preparing to pass through security and enter the city.
Since Yan and Sami exposed his sealing of the Sui Beast and defeat of the Demons, there was no longer any need for him to hide his strength from the public.
Influenced by the Liyue Circle, Shi Lei's photos from his Lungmen days went viral. Previously, when outsiders didn't know him, he could keep a low profile and act like an ordinary person. Now that he's practically a pioneer of internet celebrities, continuing to hide would make him seem out of place.
To be honest, Shi Lei's Liyue Circle account has never posted anything. He's attracted tens of millions of followers simply by virtue of his officially verified badge. These days, unless he wears a mask and changes his identity, he'll be recognized wherever he goes.
Oren, the Messenger of All Nations, stood at the door, pacing back and forth, sometimes craning his neck in anticipation. He only Exusiai's contact number, not Shi Lei's new mobile phone number.
The Summit of All Nations had not yet convened, and it would be impolite to call and urge them, so they could only stand here and wait.
Seeing Shi Lei and his group descend from the sky, Oren quickly went to greet them warmly:
"Mister Zhongli, you've arrived. This way, please. I'll show you the way."
Whether Zhongli attends or not is crucial to whether representatives from other major powers will be present.
The Pope originally wanted to greet them personally, but due to the summit and other commitments, he was unable to do so. After discussion, it was decided that Oren, who had previously met with them, would receive them.
"Um."
Shi Lei nodded and led Xi inside. Exusiai and Lappland followed closely behind.
With Messenger of All Nations personally receiving him, the city security check was unnecessary. Now everyone knows Mister Zhongli's power; forcibly checking him would only cause trouble, wouldn't it?
White safety barriers were set up along the main road extending from the city gate. The Sarkaz people on both sides of the road screamed and shouted, like enthusiastic fans chasing after their idols.
Three months ago, the people of Laterano already knew that Mister Zhongli would be attending the summit.
I staked out a good spot early this morning, just waiting for the other person to show up so I could take a picture and post it on the Liyue Circle to show off.
Shi Lei waved in greeting, showing great friendliness.
Besides Sarkaz, who seemed to have an aura of prestige, there were also many wealthy businessmen and nobles from other countries present.
They were all large and stout, a stark contrast to the well-proportioned Sarkaz people.
Just like Shi Lei's guess about Exusiai two years ago, the halo above Sarkaz's head generates a high energy consumption. Therefore, no matter how much high-calorie food they eat, they do not gain weight.
Looking around, Shi Lei couldn't find a single obese Sarkaz. Some people wore loose robes that made them appear slightly overweight, but their figures were still well-proportioned underneath.
Oren, half a step behind, leaned forward with great respect and took the initiative to introduce him:
"Mister Zhongli, the hotel check-in procedures have been completed in advance. The Summit of All Nations will start at 2:00 PM sharp, and you are free to do as you please before then. Or, I can show you around the city's attractions."
Oren spoke these words without much confidence.
Because attractions within Laterano City, such as the stone sculpture of His Holiness the Pope, have been destroyed countless times by the Sarkaz people, who have an innate love for explosive art.
As for the classical-style buildings in the city, they might have been passable a few months ago. But now, compared to the meticulously crafted architecture of Liyue, they are worlds apart.
Since Terra entered the 'Liyue Era', all aspects of life for the people of all nations have been affected.
I learned about Liyue, a city built on a mountain over a thousand meters high, through the internet.
Initially, many speculative real estate developers wanted to invest heavily in land speculation here. However, Shi Lei was a man who had plenty of money and could even print more, so he didn't care about such things at all.
The Core City of Liyue is the residential area for him and his subordinates. The Inner City is where the early members of Liyue live, or those who joined later but were allocated housing through outstanding performance. Trading of housing is prohibited.
The only thing that could tempt outsiders was the mass-produced two-story houses in the Outer City. These two thousand-plus houses were what caused countless powerful and wealthy people to fight tooth and nail for them.
Prices have also skyrocketed, with prices per square meter even exceeding those in the Core City of major countries. It's a case of supply being limited by price; even with money, you might not be able to buy one.
These days, buying a house in Liyue Outer City is no longer about buying a house; it's about buying a means of survival.
As everyone knows, Zhongli, the Liyue City, used his supreme divine power to drive the invading Demons from another world back to their homeland.