Chapter 257: Ripples of Thought

The first to be affected were several Third-level Civilizations closest to them.

Their leaders could not understand how a Silicon-based Union, whose territory spanned over a thousand light-years and was famed for its computing and absolute military power, could collapse so completely in just three years.

Even more incomprehensible to them was the cause of their defeat.

It was not due to more advanced weapons, nor due to a larger fleet, but because of something called "thought".

This term, transmitted via various channels to their homeworlds, gave the ruling classes of these civilizations a chill that came from the marrow.

A weapon, if it could destroy a warship, they could build sturdier warships.

An energy, if it could tear space, they could research more stable shields.

But how can one defend against a thought?

It is formless and intangible, yet it can subvert the strongest fortifications and dissolve the most loyal soldiers.

It can even cause a silicon-based lifeform to voluntarily abandon logic and choose a concept called "freedom", a void.

This is more terrifying than any dimensionality-reduction strike.

Thus panic began to spread.

In the following months, the border of the Human Federal became unusually bustling.

Various paint schemes and forms of reconnaissance ships frequently appeared at the edge of the Federal territory, conducting information gathering.

Solar System, Blue Star.

Federal Supreme Command Center.

On a massive holographic star map, outside the blue light ring representing the Federal territory, dozens of red light points representing unknown reconnaissance units flickered.

"Liberating a silicon-based civilization is like stirring up a hornet's nest."

Federal Defense Minister Zhou Shaoqing looked at the star map, his voice low.

"According to the Intelligence Bureau's summary, over the past three months, abnormal spatial fluctuation signals at our border have been three hundred times greater than the total of the past three years.

"At least seven different Third-level Civilizations are conducting high-intensity close-range reconnaissance on us."

Intelligence Minister Kong Jie added:

"Their fear has taken concrete form; some low-encrypted communications we intercepted show they call us the 'Thought Plague', believing we possess a weapon capable of overturning the foundations of civilization."

Lao Luo sat in the chief seat, brows slightly furrowed, pondering something, temporarily silent.

Zhang Yunfeng beside him had a solemn expression:

"If this panic continues to ferment, it may very well turn into hostility. We cannot rule out the possibility that, out of extreme fear, they will unite to launch a preemptive strike against us."

After this analysis, the entire conference room was shrouded in a tense, oppressive atmosphere, as if a storm were imminent.

The joy of just having defeated the Silicon-based Union vanished, replaced by a more serious problem.

The Human Federal seemed to be becoming the target of everyone's ire.

"Our strength is not enough to simultaneously oppose seven Third-level Civilizations." Qin Hao participated in this meeting via virtual projection.

As soon as he finished speaking, everyone's gaze focused on him.

"Overly radical thought liberation sounds wonderful, but in practice it pushes us into opposition with all civilizations."

Qin Hao stood up and walked to the star map.

"We cannot use our own values to forcibly define the form of all civilizations.

Moreover, this action would not only anger the neighboring Third-level Civilizations, but could also alert higher-level civilizations.

His finger lightly traced a more distant region on the star map.

"For example, a Fourth-level Civilization."

As soon as these words were spoken, the temperature in the conference room seemed to drop a few degrees.

"Our current strength might allow us to hold our ground among Third-level Civilizations, but before a true Fourth-level Civilization we might not even have the ability to strike back.

"To spread it loudly and openly would be an extremely unwise act."

Qin Hao's words hit the nail on the head.

Lao Luo nodded in deep agreement.

Afterwards he also looked toward Zhang Yunfeng beside him.

He spoke calmly:

"I agree with Qin Hao's view; one must eat bite by bite and walk step by step.

Our civilization still needs time to settle and accumulate; keeping a low profile and nurturing our capabilities remains our current core strategy.

"The spread of thought needs to be reined in."

Lao Luo finally spoke, striking the final note.

"We cannot become the public enemy of the Milky Way Galaxy."

The meeting quickly reached a consensus.

The Federal needs to temporarily sheath its edge and soothe the fragile, sensitive nerves of neighboring civilizations.

"Immediately draft a statement from the Federal to other civilizations."

Lao Luo issued the order: "Broadcast through all public channels to nearby civilizations."

"The core content of the statement is just three points."

"First, the Human Federal is a peace-loving civilization; we respect any civilization's mode of survival and path of development."

"Second, we pledge never to actively infringe upon any civilization's sovereignty and territory."

"Third..."

A glint of sharpness flashed in Lao Luo's eyes: "We fear no form of infringement; when friends come, we offer fine wine; when jackals come, the only greeting is a hunting rifle!"

These words, soft yet firm, both expressed our stance and drew a red line.

The meeting ended, and the Federal's publicity department immediately went into high gear.

However, Qin Hao did not go offline.

He said to Luo Luo, "Regarding the issue of thought dissemination, I need to talk privately with someone."

Upon hearing this, Luo Luo immediately understood whom he was referring to.

"Hmm."

Luo Luo nodded, "The Church Leader's understanding of the great person's thought is deeply engrossing, but he can easily fall into fanaticism. Going to enlighten him is more effective than us saying a hundred times."

Interstellar Liberation Vanguard Army, temporary headquarters.

This place was once the Holy Hall of the Star Sea Divine Sect, but now it is filled with the revolutionary red aura.

The walls bore the great person's quotations, and the soldiers coming and going all addressed each other as "comrade."

At this moment, the Church Leader was in a quiet chamber, facing a holographic projection of the great person made of energy, engaging in his daily study of thought.

His expression was devout and fervent, murmuring words as if chanting the most sacred scripture.

Qin Hao's silhouette appeared silently behind him.

"What are you doing?"

The flat tone startled the Church Leader.

When he turned his head and saw Qin Hao, his fervent expression instantly turned to reverence.

"Instructor Qin!"

He respectfully saluted, "I am studying the great person's thought; each time I study it, I gain a deeper understanding of the truth of the universe."

"Really?"

Qin Hao's gaze fell upon that holographic projection, "What have you understood?"

"I have understood that the great person's thought is the ultimate weapon to defeat all enemies, the sole truth for liberating the entire universe!"

"We should spread the light of this truth to every corner of the Milky Way Galaxy, so that all oppressed civilizations may gain liberation under its light."

The Church Leader's voice was impassioned, his eyes flashing with the light of a fanatic.

Qin Hao simply listened quietly, without interrupting him.

Only after he finished speaking did Qin Hao slowly shake his head.

"Church Leader, you are wrong."