"Is this our first official meeting?"
Hou Tianhua smiled as he looked at the young Eastern face. The Demon World had been monopolized by those ancient players for so many years, and the Federation had never been able to break through. According to intelligence, the power of those guild players was almost despair-inducing, making it increasingly difficult for newcomers to complete the mission.
That's why he set his sights on those designers, attempting to use some version information to defeat those players who were already difficult to beat.
The person in front of me is probably the most successful one besides Number One, and he seems to have a more amiable attitude than Number One.
Despite their gentle smiles, the councilors were extremely wary of Chen Qing. Number One One's madness still haunted them. If this young man hadn't anticipated this, the entire Federation Data City would probably have been wiped out by Number One by now!
"I suppose so." Chen Qing smiled as he sat down opposite him, looking at the elderly man who held the highest position in the Central Federation as described in the intelligence report.
This guy is ruthless. It's said that in order to successfully capture Number One, he even used his most promising offspring as bait and died.
He looks like a kind old man, proving that the saying "your appearance reflects your heart" is just nonsense.
"No need for formalities, let's get to the point." Chen Qing smiled and said, "I've done what you asked me to do. The four major Federation have issued surrender statements, the external crisis has been resolved, so shouldn't we discuss the promises you should keep?"
The councilors at the table all frowned. Chen Qing's words were forceful, not their preferred style, but there was nothing they could do. He was now in a certain position of power, especially now. If it weren't for that so-called spell binding him, he could even do the same thing as Number One.
"Mr. Chen, please speak," Hou Tianhua said with a smile.
"As per our previous agreement, the territory I occupy will always be open to you, and you will be in charge of screening those who enter. However, except for a few individuals, their memories must be erased. This is the fundamental condition for our cooperation!"
All the members looked at each other and fell silent for a moment. This practice of erasing memories was the point they had discussed the most and the most controversial point. Even now, they have not reached a complete consensus.
According to Chen Qing, preserving memories would make management inconvenient. His world needs the support of the people, and if players who intrude retain their memories, they would deal a devastating blow to his power.
The invasion of the Outer Demon will inevitably lead to the same predicament as the King of Qin in the past. Once his identity is exposed, it will cause a backlash from the people. Now, the guild players are eyeing him covetously and are all planning to awaken. At this time, there is no time to fight. We must seize every moment to increase our strength and resist the ancient players who are about to awaken!
Most councilors actually agree with this viewpoint. The reason why the Demon World project has been unable to move forward for so many years is because of the threat from the ancient players. Today, their biggest enemy is still them.
But once I agree to Chen Qing's request, things will become more complicated later.
Losing memories makes management easier, but that's only for Chen Qing. If the memories don't return, the people who transmigrate to this world will most likely side with Chen Qing, making it impossible for them to organize their own military forces in a planned way.
"We agree with Mr. Chen Qing's assessment of the overall situation," Hou Tianhua said earnestly. "However, you should also understand our concerns. This is such a large-scale national project, especially with a large number of people traveling through time. We are responsible for their future, and it's unrealistic to gamble everything on you, Mr. Chen."
"So what?" Chen Qing looked at the other person. "You don't intend to keep your promise?"
"Hey, how could this be?" Hou Tianhua immediately sensed danger. The feeling of danger and the strangeness did not come from Chen Qing, but from all directions, as if the whole world was hostile to him.
Is this what they call the binding force of spells?
Hou Tianhua was surprised, but outwardly remained calm and said, "Of course we are willing to cooperate closely with Mr. Chen. After all, you have achieved the greatest results and are the most likely force to provide us with a stable New World. However, we also need a certain degree of autonomy, don't we? Putting all your eggs in one basket is never a safe bet."
"Just state your conditions," Chen Qing said with a smile.
"We want to increase the number of special slots."
Chen Qing looked at them. He had probably guessed before he came that if the other party wanted a price, it would be on this issue.
For him, the more people who retain their memories, the higher the risk. However, if he only allows a few people to retain their memories, he might not be able to convince them. Chen Qing is not Number One. He has no intention of massacring this place and starting over. Perhaps it is a matter of personality. Since he has tolerated the existence of these people, he must try to bear some of the consequences himself.
"How much more do you plan to increase?" Chen Qing asked directly.
"Ten thousand people!" the only person in military uniform in the conference room immediately exclaimed.
Ten thousand men is an ideal number. The soldiers he has prepared are all military-trained and trusted members of his family, totaling around ten thousand. If he can fit them all in, it will be very advantageous for him to take the initiative in controlling the situation in the future.
"Ten thousand people?" Chen Qing sneered, "Can you control them? Are you sure ten thousand people won't let anything slip?"
"We are very certain!" As if afraid Chen Qing would refuse, the general said, "These men are all scions of powerful families with years of military experience. They are absolutely loyal to the Central Federation Central Federation and would never harm its interests."
Chen Qing didn't bother to look at the other party. His absolute loyalty to the Central Federation was a lie, but his loyalty to the aristocratic families was probably real.
He looked at the old man who had the final say, "Is this your idea?"
We will manage this strictly!
Clearly, Hou Tianhua also wanted to discuss the amount, and said seriously, "If anyone reveals their identity, Mr. Chen, you can handle it entirely. And Mr. Chen doesn't need to worry about them resisting; we will install Disintegration Program on everyone!"
" The Disintegration Program isn't a panacea," Chen Qing said coldly. "Just like with Number One this time, your Disintegration Program was useless, wasn't it?"
Everyone: "."
Just as several councilors were about to continue lobbying, Chen Qing waved his hand and said, "Ten thousand is fine too!"
Upon hearing this, everyone's eyes lit up. So easy to talk to?
They had many other conditions they hadn't yet presented.
I have two conditions.
"Mr. Chen, please speak."
"First, as you just said, Old Master Hou, preserving memories carries the risk of revealing one's identity. I've always emphasized this point; it could be the key to the collapse of our power, especially during this period of accumulation. We absolutely cannot allow any accidents to happen. So, if anyone leaks it, I will show no mercy. I will announce to the public that it was an invasion by Outer Demon, imprisoning all the spirits in the Underworld. To convince everyone, you won't even have a chance to reconnect with them. This point must be made clear first!"
These words stunned all the councilors, sending a chill down their spines. Spirits imprisoned in the Underworld?
What does that mean? Does it mean they'll never be reincarnated?
This feeling is more terrifying than murder.
"Can't we just erase the memories and reincarnate?" someone couldn't help but ask timidly.
"Of course not." Chen Qing sneered, "Once it leaks out, do you think only the common people are watching him? The Ghost General and judges of the Underworld are all watching. Since it's an invasion by Outer Demon, he can't enter the Samsara. You should clearly inform everyone of this risk. I don't want to deal with too many things like this!"
Most of the councilors swallowed hard; this was too ruthless.
"Alright!" Unlike the others, Old Master Hou was the first to agree to the condition.
"What is Mr. Chen's second condition?" Before the other councilors could object, Hou Tianhua asked directly about the second condition.
"I need to have someone here to support me at any time."
"This won't do!!!"
Chapter Three will be a little later.