Senator Li's question drew everyone's attention.
Every researcher present looked at Lü Yongchang anxiously.
Lü Yongchang considered it for a moment, then slowly shook his head.
"The changes in the Sun most likely weren't this civilization's doing."
Before Senator Li could breathe a sigh of relief, Lü Yongchang continued gravely, "I suspect another advanced civilization has tampered with the Sun."
The Head Councillor's pupils contracted sharply, and he blurted out in shock, "What?! There's another one?!"
After that instant of shock, Senator Li regained his usual composure, though traces of anxiety and unease still lingered deep in his eyes.
"Yongchang, can you tell us what you based that judgment on?"
At Senator Li's question, Lü Yongchang slowly raised his head and explained solemnly, "It's simple."
"The Hall Thruster isn't actually a very advanced means of propulsion."
"Or rather, among civilizations in the universe, Hall Thrusters should rank as the most primitive form of propulsion."
"My basis for that judgment..."
"Is that even we have already gained a rudimentary grasp of Hall Thrusters."
The expressions of everyone present shifted slightly.
It was harsh, but undeniably reasonable.
If even humanity, confined to its home planet, could master Hall thruster technology, then how advanced must the technology of extraterrestrial civilizations capable of traveling between Stellar Systems be?!
Watching the Head Councillor's troubled expression, Lü Yongchang chuckled. "There's no need to be so pessimistic, everyone."
"There is still some good news."
"At least the extraterrestrial civilization we discovered on the Moon is at roughly the same technological level as us."
Senator Li paused, a bitter hint of amusement appearing in his eyes. "I suppose that's the only way to look at it."
"But... if another advanced civilization has set its sights on the Sun, wouldn't that mean we're..."
Lü Yongchang's expression grew even more