A Different Future

Lianfeng's expression was solemn, but she was not easily swayed by Si Yao's sharp words. "Mr. Si Yao, while what you say has some truth, the Super Seminary is not the culprit behind pushing civilizations towards aggression. We spread knowledge and technology with the initial intention of giving various civilizations more possibilities for development, allowing them to survive better in the universe."

"As for the future direction of a civilization's development, it's not something the Super Seminary can fully control. Every civilization has its own choices and paths. Just like Earth civilization, even if it possesses great power in the future, it may not necessarily embark on a path of aggression. We have been striving to guide them, to let civilizations understand that power should be used for protection and peace."

Qiangwei couldn't help but interject from the side, "That's right. Earth civilization has its own values and moral principles. We have experienced hardships and understand the preciousness of peace even more. We will not easily disrupt the tranquility of other civilizations."

Si Yao's expression remained unchanged. "Ridiculous. In the face of immense profit and the temptation of power, so-called values and moral principles are often vulnerable. What makes you believe Earth civilization can always adhere to its true heart?"

"Moreover, I have seen the history of this Earth civilization. War, endless war. From ancient times to the present, the flames of war have never truly been extinguished. Including this civilization you support, 'peace-loving' is its true heart? How can you have the nerve to say such nonsense?"

Lianfeng took a deep breath. "Because we believe that the kindness and justice in human nature will not easily be extinguished. Furthermore, the Super Seminary will continue to play its role, constantly educating and guiding, so that civilizations establish correct concepts during their growth. Just like now, we are also working hard to teach Earth civilization to coexist harmoniously with other civilizations."

"Harmonious coexistence?" Si Yao sneered. "On the cruel stage of the universe, harmonious coexistence is merely a beautiful fantasy. When resources are limited and living space is tight, conflict and war are inevitable. What significant effect can your so-called guidance have in the face of reality?"

"Don't forget how Denuo was destroyed. Do I need to remind you?"

A wisp of ghostly light flashed in Si Yao's eyes, invading Lianfeng's consciousness.

Lianfeng felt the scene before her instantly distort and change. The space she was in disappeared, replaced by a scene in the vast universe.

She seemed to be in an invisible observation point, overlooking the two brilliant yet crisis-ridden planets below—Dexing and Nuoxing.

Initially, they were prosperous and peaceful, their technological lights shining brightly. However, with the injection of technology from the Super Seminary, the shadow of an arms race quietly spread.

On Dexing, giant warships were continuously built in the spaceports; Nuoxing was not to be outdone, and dangerous energy reactors sprang up.

The tense atmosphere intensified daily, until the news of Dexing's "Shenhe Power" project nearing completion became the last straw that broke the balance.

Nuoxing launched the first offensive. Warships descended like a dark cloud, lasers poured down like rain. Dexing quickly counterattacked, energy cannons roaring thunderously. The universe was filled with warship wreckage, cities turned into ruins, and flames and smoke obscured the sky.

And the Lieyang Civilization, a civilization with intricate ties to Denuo, was also drawn into this conflict.

Lieyang's stellar energy technology was coveted by both sides. After their attempts at dissuasion failed, Lieyang had no choice but to participate to protect its own interests.

As the war continued, the situation became increasingly out of control.

To prevent the Deno Civil War from affecting the Lieyang Civilization, and with the support of the Super Seminary, the Lieyang King at the time chose to personally go to the Denuo star system, intending to mediate this war with the news that the Sun of Light was about to be completed.

But unfortunately, as soon as they entered the Denuo star system, they were mistaken by both sides as coming to support the enemy.

Subsequently, warships from both Dexing and Nuoxing launched an attack on the Lieyang King's warship.

In the ensuing melee, the Lieyang King perished.

Enraged, Sun God Emperor Hong Kun chose to detonate the star of the Denuo star system, ending this war.

Brilliant radiance instantly devoured everything. Under the ravages of the shockwave, planets cracked, mountains turned to dust, and oceans evaporated.

The prosperous Deno Civilization was thus completely annihilated.

Lianfeng recovered from this shocking scene, her body trembling slightly, her eyes filled with complexity and heaviness. "No! This cannot be entirely attributed to the Super Seminary. The Deno Civil War was the result of multiple factors. Although the Super Seminary brought technology and knowledge, it did not force them to go to war."

"Every civilization has its own choices. The Deno Civilization chose war and must pay the price for its choice."

"Today's Earth civilization has a different cultural foundation and historical trajectory. We believe they will have a different future."

Si Yao couldn't help but laugh. "Cultural foundation? Historical trajectory? How can you guarantee that Earth civilization will not repeat Deno's mistakes? Can you prevent Earth civilization, after gaining powerful strength, from coming into conflict with other civilizations due to resource competition and territorial expansion?"

"When one is weak, one can say anything, but actions after becoming strong do not lie."

"Perhaps you want to talk about unity, but that is merely a temporary alliance when facing survival. Once the threat is removed, internal conflicts and disputes over interests will resurface."

"Look at Earth's history. Wars between nations over resources, territory, and power have never stopped. Now, with the greater power brought by the Super Seminary, these disputes will only become more intense."

"Anyone can paint a beautiful vision, but reality is often much crueler and uglier."

Si Yao paused. "Of course, I don't mean anything else by saying this. I am merely expressing my views on this so-called Earth civilization. Whether they will uphold justice like angels, create chaos like demons, or plunder everywhere like Taotie in the future has nothing to do with me, and I don't care."

"However, from what I see, this civilization seems to like using the so-called law of the jungle as an excuse to plunder others when they are strong."

"Since that is the case, the Taotie's invasion of Earth is merely them practicing their so-called law of the jungle. You want to ask for my help using so-called... justice? Morality? Or... some other messy stuff? Don't you find it ridiculous?"

"Law of the jungle, don't just shout about the law of the jungle when you are strong."

"Since you like this philosophy, shouldn't you also accept the fate of being devoured by the strong when you are weak?"

"..."

Lianfeng hesitated to speak. She wanted to retort, but she really couldn't.

She had observed Earth civilization for thousands of years and naturally understood how prevalent these things Si Yao mentioned were in Earth civilization's development and evolution. This was true for civilization as a whole, and for the people within it.

When weak, they cry out for morality; when strong, they practice the law of the jungle.