Chapter 14: The Most Urgent Task

At this moment, a philosopher seated in the corner, Zhang Zhixing, who had remained silent throughout, raised a question,

"Everyone, should we first discuss where this system itself comes from? Does it possess 'consciousness'?"

Its emergence, what kind of impact will it have on human civilization? This is far more profound than merely discussing energy conservation or material structure—it carries the weight of ultimate questioning!

His words instantly lifted the scientists, who had been focused on technical details, to another level of thought.

For a moment, the meeting room fell silent, but soon after, everyone began to discuss again.

"Exactly! Its origin! That's crucial!"

"Could it have been made by an extraterrestrial civilization? Or… a product of a prehistoric civilization?"

"It can copy anything—what is its limit? What is the upper bound of copying? And what effect does it have on the operator, Comrade Qin Hao himself?"

Various professional terms, bold conjectures, sharp doubts, excited murmurs, and curiosity about the unknown intertwined,

forming an unprecedented academic storm in the meeting room.

These bigwigs, who usually dominate their respective fields, are now arguing nonstop, their eyes shining.

Qin Hao looked at this group of national treasure–level scientists with an average age over sixty, feeling immense respect.

What they displayed now was a drive to explore the unknown and a thirst for knowledge—this dedication and passion were moving.

Luo Lao watched the somewhat out‑of‑control scene before him, a deep smile in his eyes. He did not interrupt immediately, letting these pillars of the nation speak freely, letting ideas collide.

Only when the discussion's clamor subsided slightly did he let out a light cough.

"Cough cough."

The meeting room gradually quieted, and everyone's gaze once again focused on Luo Lao.

"I completely understand your questions and excitement. Precisely because it is unbelievable and contains infinite possibilities, we need your wisdom, we need everyone to discuss it together."

"Next, we will launch a comprehensive study and application centered on this system."

The specific organizational structure, research directions, resource allocation, and your concrete assignments will be refined later by dedicated teams we will set up.

"Today, I simply want you to know first that our Yanhuang Guo is facing an unprecedented historic opportunity!"

Luo Lao's words stirred the scientists present, making their hearts surge.

The subdued discussion in the meeting room rose again to a boil.

"Special Envoy Comrade!"

At this moment, Academician Qian Bowen stood up first, excitedly adjusting his glasses.

"If so, could we… ask Comrade Xiao Qin to cooperate with us for more comprehensive testing of the system?"

"For example, replicate some superconducting material samples that we currently struggle to synthesize? This is crucial for us to study the system's copying precision and range."

"Exactly, exactly, exactly!"

Academician Li of materials science immediately echoed, his voice trembling a bit,

"What Academician Qian said makes perfect sense! Or perhaps high‑purity monocrystalline silicon, or even catalysts of a specific crystal form—if we could directly copy them, it would be a leap‑forward development for our semiconductor and chemical industries!"

The refined biologist could not hold back either.

"There are also some extremely complex natural drug molecules, or rare enzyme preparations! If we could precisely copy them, our new‑drug development cycle would be greatly shortened, and many rare diseases would have a cure."

"Exactly, and there are also special high‑temperature‑resistant alloys for aerospace engines!"

"High‑precision optical lens assemblies!"

"……"

In an instant, the meeting room erupted with everyone talking at once.

All kinds of rare materials and cutting‑edge components that are normally only taken out when needed have now become the objects the scientists urgently wish to replicate.

Their gaze toward Qin Hao was like a pack of hungry wolves spotting tender meat, their enthusiasm making Qin Hao's scalp tingle.

Qin Hao instinctively shifted closer to Cheng Haitang, feeling that he had truly become the "delicacy" they spoke of, liable to be carved up at any moment by these science‑mad fanatics.

Luo Lao raised his hand to signal everyone to quiet down.

His gentle yet powerful voice sounded again:

"I completely understand everyone's enthusiasm and thirst for scientific research. These needs are also key to the nation's future development, but…"

He shifted tone: "You have to eat a bite at a time and walk a step at a time."

He looked at Qin Hao, then turned to the assembled scientists,

"As Comrade Cheng Haitang just mentioned, Comrade Xiao Qin's system is still in its initial stage. To unleash greater potential, it first needs to absorb electrical energy, then accumulate the conditions for upgrade."

"Therefore, our top priority now is to charge the system and complete the upgrade. Only with a solid foundation can subsequent applications fall into place naturally."

Luo Lao voiced his plan.

The scientists, hearing this, nodded in agreement, their excitement easing somewhat.

Academician Qian Bowen was the first to express his stance,

"What the Special Envoy said is absolutely right! We've been a bit impatient. Energy is the foundation; without sufficient energy, even the most powerful functions cannot be deployed."

An energy expert also added:

"A hundred billion kilowatt‑hours of electricity is not difficult for the nation. Prioritizing the system's upgrade is the wisest decision!"

"Exactly!" everyone chimed in, nodding.

"Since charging is the first step, could we, while ensuring safety and confidentiality, observe the charging process?"

"This could help us understand how the system draws energy, perhaps even its operating mechanism, and might yield unexpected inspiration."

A scientist raised his hand to speak.

As soon as this proposal was made, it immediately received a response from most of the scientists present.

"Exactly! If we could observe it up close, perhaps we could analyze some of the secrets of energy conversion!"

"This is a great opportunity! It might even inspire our future energy technologies!"

Luo Lao pondered for a moment, his gaze sweeping over the expectant faces, and he gave a slight nod,

Okay, this request is reasonable. However, this matter is of great importance and must be carried out under absolute confidentiality and the highest security level. The personnel participating in the observation must also undergo strict screening.

He turned toward Cheng Haitang and Liu Zhijun:

"Comrade Haitang, Commander Liu, you are responsible for the specific arrangements of this matter. Choose a suitable location while ensuring the entire process is flawless."

"Yes!"

Cheng Haitang and Liu Zhijun stood at attention and replied.

Old Luo then turned to Qin Hao, asking gently: "Comrade Xiao Qin, what's your opinion?"

Qin Hao quickly nodded: "I have no objections; I will follow the organization's arrangements."

He couldn't wait to fully charge the electricity, to see what new functions the system upgrade would bring.

"Good."

Old Luo nodded satisfactorily: "Then today's meeting will end here. Once the location is confirmed, we'll notify everyone again, and adjourn!"

……