Chapter 81: Definition of a Third-level Civilization

"Second, it's technology." Qin Hao continued speaking.

"Breaking the shackles of disease and lifespan, average life expectancy extends to over twenty thousand years. Warp drive or space-jump technology becomes the regular mode of transportation, and the civilization's territory spans at least a thousand light-years."

As these words were spoken, several academicians of biology and high-energy physics leaned forward slightly, their hands clenched tightly.

Extremely long lifespan!

Isn't this the ultimate dream humanity has pursued since its birth?

As for roaming the cosmic starry sky, it's equally tempting.

"Third, social ideology."

Qin Hao's tone paused, as if he were organizing his words,

"Due to the extreme abundance of material resources and the extreme extension of individual lifespans, the basic structure of society will change."

"The traditional concept of the nation will gradually fade, replaced by a 'civilization community' formed from shared ideals pursued together."

"Society's main contradiction is no longer the distribution of survival resources, but rather a dispute over the direction of civilization's development."

Luo Rui Xiang and Zhang Yunfeng exchanged a glance, each seeing deep thought in the other's eyes.

As senior members of the state, their understanding of this point is far deeper than that of the scientists.

"Fourth, the economy." Qin Hao continued his explanation.

"The traditional monetary system will disappear, as material needs can be met on demand, so all basic survival and development resources will be provided free of charge."

"The measure of an individual's or organization's value is no longer wealth, but (civil contribution) and (creativity)."

"For example, a new scientific discovery, a great work of art, or a novel idea that can advance civilization—these are what society recognizes as wealth."

"Fifth, education."

"Education will run through an individual's entire life cycle, becoming a way of life."

"The acquisition of knowledge will no longer rely on traditional books and classrooms, but will involve uploading data directly into the human mind."

"The core of education is to cultivate each individual's independent thinking ability, logical reasoning ability, artistic creativity, and most importantly, moral and ethical values."

"To ensure that great power is used in the right place."

Finally, Qin Hao took a deep breath and spoke the final point.

"Sixth, military. The manifestation of military power has gradually departed from conventional warfare; the number of warships and weapons is no longer the primary factor, but rather the ability to interfere with the fundamental rules of the universe."

"For example, creating a temporary micro black hole as a defensive barrier, or using spatial slicing to strangle enemies. The form of war will take place on the dimensional level."

When Qin Hao finished speaking the last word, the entire Command Center fell into a prolonged silence.

Everyone was digesting the tremendous impact of these words.

Is a Third-level Civilization really this powerful?

"Unbelievable."

Huang Qishan was the first to break the silence, muttering to himself.

"This completely exceeds our current technical means; they exist only in conception."

"Yes!"

Zhang Yunfeng leaned back in his chair, letting out a long breath, "I was just thinking, how many years would it take to achieve this."

"Now it seems this is not something that could be accomplished in just a few generations; it's practically like asking a primitive person to understand the blueprints of an aircraft carrier."

"Even if we had physical objects and data replicated by the system as reference, it still couldn't be fully grasped overnight, after all, the gap in civilization levels is too great, and many things would simply be incomprehensible."

Everyone present felt a strong sense of helplessness welling up inside.

That goal is too dazzling, too distant, so distant as to make one feel despair.

Just as this oppressive atmosphere was about to spread, Luo Rui Xiang's voice sounded.

He showed no trace of discouragement; instead, he stood up, walked over to Qin Hao's side, and lightly patted his shoulder.

"Don't all wear grim faces."

He scanned the crowd, his face bearing a composed smile,

"Didn't the system just say? The condition for upgrading is that Xiao Qin's country fully enters a Third-level Civilization. It didn't require that it be all of human civilization, nor did it set a specific time."

He walked to the huge screen, which still displayed the steady operation of the Lunar Mine.

"Before today, the path beneath our feet was one we explored ourselves. We didn't know where the endpoint lay, nor whether the direction was correct."

"We merely relied on a spirit of not admitting defeat, pressing forward with our heads down."

Luo Rui Xiang turned his body, his gaze becoming sharp.

"But now, it's different. The system has given us a map, a route chart to the sea of stars! It tells us what the destination looks like."

"The journey is distant, but we now have a clear direction! Energy, technology, livelihood, education—aren't these exactly the directions we are currently striving to develop?"

"Every step we take is moving us closer to that goal!"

"With this map, every step we take in the future will be steadier, more accurate, and faster!"

Luo Rui Xiang's voice echoed in the Command Center, dispelling everyone's confusion.

"Eat food bite by bite, walk the road step by step. Our generation will first set a small goal."

He extended his finger, pointing at the Moon on the screen.

"First, we start by fully mastering our (Blue Star, Moon) system, step by step entering a First-level Civilization, and then we can talk about other things."

"I really agree with Old Luo's idea; as long as the direction is right, there will surely be a day we reach it."

Zhang Yunfeng chimed in from the side.

The academicians and experts present also expressed their agreement.

"But..."

Zhang Yunfeng shifted his tone, his sharp gaze sweeping across the assembly, pulling the topic from the distant future back to the pressing reality,

"Although we certainly need to go to the sea of stars, we must first settle matters at home."

"The banana person incident—although public opinion guidance temporarily quelled public anger, that suffocating fire still burns in the hearts of the nation's people."

"The US pressure problem is an obstacle on our path of rejuvenation that we cannot bypass, and also an obstacle that must be resolved as soon as possible; we will eventually have a direct confrontation with them."

"We previously chose to endure because the timing wasn't right and the cost was too high."

"Zhang Yunfeng's fist clenched slightly at his side,"

"But now, the system has reached level three, and we have obtained this big killer—copying the high-tech from movies."

"I think it's time to speed up the rejuvenation plan."

"Our greatest advantage now is that we can precisely choose the technology we need."

"Everyone, let's discuss: how can we solve this problem with the smallest cost and fastest speed? Which technologies should we prioritize copying at present?"

"As soon as this question was raised, everyone began to think, Qin Hao included."

"At this moment, Wang Hongbin, the person in charge of military equipment R&D, spoke first:"

"If we're talking about the most suitable, I first propose copying the Energy Shield technology!"

"Saying that, he extended his finger and traced an arc in the air."