Chapter 188: Not to Crush, But to Seize

The launch of Phase Two of "Deep Blue Exploration" and the "Rule Analysis" initiative marked a subtle shift in Qin Feng's strategic focus. He was no longer content merely expanding his influence within the existing framework—he began turning his gaze toward the fundamental rules that underpinned this world itself.

This was undoubtedly a path far more difficult, far more dangerous, yet far closer to the ultimate mystery.

Preparations for the first manned exploration of the "Civilization Tombstone" were underway in frantic haste. Qin Feng deployed the most advanced technologies from 【Super Technology】 concerning extreme deep-sea survival and operations to construct a micro-research submersible codenamed "Abyss Walker." It possessed formidable pressure resistance, agile maneuverability, and a mechanical arm integrated with multiple sensing and sampling devices.

The exploration team was led personally by Qin Feng, with members including Gao Yuan (responsible for security and operation) and three top experts selected from the "Wind Rises Future Technology Research Institute" in the fields of materials science, energy science, and ancient civilization symbolism.

Meanwhile, under Qin Feng's leadership, the "Rule Analysis" team was secretly established. He did not choose renowned academic authorities but, using the 【Wealth Prediction】 function, gathered a group of young scientists and independent researchers whose thinking was wildly imaginative, rejected by mainstream academia, and even considered "mad." He provided them with certain peripheral theories from the 【Super Technology】 database regarding fundamental physics and cosmic constants—non-sensitive material—to serve as their starting point and stimulus.

Qin Feng knew well that analyzing rules required not incremental, rule-bound accumulation, but revolutionary thinking and the courage to touch the forbidden.

As he immersed himself in these two grand plans capable of altering the course of civilization, the 【Wealth Prediction】 function issued another alert. This time, the target was not a technology or a company—but a person.

A young Russian woman named Elena Volkova, currently a low-profile junior researcher at the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN). The marker indicated that her independent data analysis on "anomalous Higgs boson decay" was highly likely to uncover a previously undiscovered flaw in the current Standard Model of particle physics—and possibly even relate to… microscopic-level rule disturbances.

Rule disturbances?

Qin Feng immediately became deeply interested. He had already experienced macroscopic world rules rejecting him—could similar "wrinkles" or "flaws" exist at the microscopic particle level?

He immediately ordered Sun Zhe to find a way to contact Elena Volkova and attempt to recruit her to "Wind Rises," or at the very least, obtain her research findings.

However, several days later, Sun Zhe returned with discouraging news.

"Mr. Qin, we attempted to contact Dr. Volkova, but she… refused our invitation," Sun Zhe said, his tone weary. "She is extremely independent, even stubborn, and holds deep suspicion and aversion toward commercial capital interfering in pure theoretical research. Moreover, CERN appears to have noticed the potential value of her work and has increased its attention and protection of her."

"Refused?" Qin Feng raised an eyebrow. This was unexpected. With the conditions and reputation offered by "Wind Rises," few researchers could refuse.

"Yes. She explicitly stated she wishes to complete her research within CERN's purely academic environment and does not wish to be disturbed by any external forces," Sun Zhe added.

"Purely academic environment?" Qin Feng let out a light, mocking laugh. He knew well that elite institutions like CERN were equally entangled in complex national interests and academic politics—what purity was there to speak of?

Yet her refusal only stoked his competitive spirit.

He had never failed to obtain what he desired.

Since gentle recruitment wouldn't work, he would try another approach.

His gaze returned to the system, to the fully unlocked 【Malicious Curse】 function, glowing with ominous red light.

A thought, like a venomous snake, slithered silently into his mind.

What if he used the curse to plunge CERN into chaos or scandal, to degrade Elena's research environment—would she then turn to him?

The idea was deeply tempting. With his current power, making CERN suffer was not difficult.

But just as his intent was about to touch the 【Malicious Curse】 icon, he abruptly stopped.

No.

He frowned.

When had he become so… dependent on such crude, brute force?

When encountering obstacles, was his first reaction no longer to devise a more refined strategy, but to deploy a curse—a rule weapon—to forcibly sweep them away?

This was entirely different from how he had dealt with the Xiao Family and those shadowy forces before. Then, it was retaliation, establishing dominance—clear targets, brutal means were necessary.

But now, facing a scientist who merely wished to conduct quiet research, deploying a curse was not merely beneath him—it risked triggering rule backlash that could intensify his alienation from the world's source, a net loss.

More importantly, when had Qin Feng ever needed to rely on threats and coercion to acquire talent?

He sought loyal devotion, shared pursuit of truth—not submission born of fear.

Realizing this, the faint irritation caused by her refusal vanished instantly, replaced by a grander, more confident perspective.

He turned to Sun Zhe, his eyes gleaming with penetrating insight:

"Our previous approach was wrong."

"For truly top-tier talent—especially scientists like Dr. Volkova, who possess independent thought and unwavering dedication—simple monetary and resource incentives often have limited effect."

Sun Zhe pondered: "Then your meaning is?"

Qin Feng's lips curled slightly into a calculating smile:

"She wants a 'pure' research environment?""She fears commercial capital defiling the sanctity of science?""Then we will give her a 'pure' environment she cannot refuse."

He rose, walked to the massive world map, and precisely pointed to the location of the under-construction "New Era" city-state.

"Tell Dr. Volkova—and every scientist at CERN who feels constrained by the current system and craves greater freedom of exploration—""that in the near future, a city-state entirely governed by scientists will rise in the South Pacific—'New Era.'""There, there will be no cumbersome administrative procedures, no tangled interests, no national borders. Instead, there will be the world's most advanced research equipment, unlimited research funding, and… absolute freedom to explore every unknown frontier!""And I, Qin Feng, will serve as the founder and Guardian of this city-state, pledging never to interfere in any pure academic research—only to provide the most solid backing and the broadest platform for their exploration!"

Sun Zhe was stunned by Qin Feng's description. A scientist-governed city-state? It was the utopia every researcher dreamed of!

"But… this will trigger massive backlash from the current academic establishment. CERN and national governments will never stand idly by…" Sun Zhe worried.

"Whether they agree or not is irrelevant," Qin Feng said calmly, yet with undeniable authority. "What matters is whether we can offer them what they cannot."

"Our goal is not to crush CERN, nor to create chaos with curses."

His gaze sharpened like a blade, as if he already saw the future:

"Our goal is to seize. To seize the truly brilliant sparks of wisdom, to seize their pursuit of truth, to seize… the right to speak on the future of science!"

"With our incomparable platform and ideals, we will openly attract talent!""Let 'New Era' become the sacred destination yearned for by the world's top scientists!"

Listening to Qin Feng's grand and confident blueprint, Sun Zhe felt his heart surge—his earlier worries vanished entirely.

"I understand, Mr. Qin! I will immediately revise the plan and issue 'Explorer Invitations' in the name of the 'New Era' Science Council to the world's top research institutions and individuals!"

"Go," Qin Feng nodded. "Remember—we seek willing allegiance."

Sun Zhe departed.

Alone in the study, Qin Feng gazed at the map, at the emerging city rising from the sea, his eyes gleaming with anticipation.

Forcing with curses was the dark path. Tempting with profit was the inferior strategy. Only conquering with ideals and platform was the true way!

He would make "New Era" not merely a city, but a symbol, a sign, a final beacon drawing the world's brightest minds!

When countless sparks of wisdom converged upon that sea-bound city, analyzing the World Rules and breaking through his own limits might no longer be an unreachable dream.

And all of this would unfold openly, with righteous strategy.

This—this was the stature and method befitting Qin Feng.