Chen Xu would absolutely not sell this technology, but that doesn't mean he won't release it in the future. However, it seems Guan Yi was right; many people have long been envious of him, and this is just a convenient excuse for them.
"A common man is innocent, but he is guilty of possessing a treasure." Having the technology of virtual reality but keeping it hidden would likely cause objections, even from the military, which has always supported him. After all, the use of virtual reality in the military would represent a revolutionary innovation!
Seeing Hao Aiguo's offer of 50 billion yuan for the acquisition, Chen Xu knew this was the biggest benefit the military had secured for him; in that respect, they hadn't really let him lose out. However, the thought of selling such a valuable asset, especially one that was being forcibly sold, naturally displeased Chen Xu, so he directly rejected Hao Aiguo's proposal.
"I believe the virtual reality technology will be available when necessary, but the technology will absolutely not be transferred for a small amount of money. Also, since you're making things difficult for me, then don't interfere. They're after me, so let them try whatever they want, I'll take it!"
Chen Xu shut down his communicator and went straight to the internet, launching several futuristic hacking software programs.
In fact, given Chen Xu's current capabilities, he has absolutely no need to rely on other people's existing software to launch attacks; his hacking skills are at least at the level of a top-tier hacker.
However, Chen Xu is now facing attacks from all sides of the world! Moreover, there is an artificial intelligence manipulating things from behind the scenes!
In fact, Chen Xu was not afraid of Miwad.
Chen Xu naturally discussed this freak, created by a human soul entering the computer world, with Zhan Jing, who had the highest level of computer skills.
The final conclusion of the discussion was that Mivad had now become a program, and therefore he had to follow the rules of the program. This guy could indeed roam freely on the internet, but it wasn't entirely without ways to subdue him!
If the network this guy is on suddenly disconnects—for example, if Mivad is hacking into a computer and the network suddenly drops—then this guy will be trapped in that computer's hard drive! Unless that computer is reconnected to the network, this guy will be permanently sealed inside the hard drive… At that point, performing several system formattings…
Of course, this is on the premise that he did not copy himself.
Self-replication is a characteristic of viruses and follows computer rules. However, Chen Xu had a vague feeling that this guy wouldn't do that.
If the copied entity possesses independent thought like him, then this is not good news for Mivad himself.
Chen Xu knew Mivad quite well. After all, Chen Xu had access to Mivad's memories before his death, and in that instant, he gained a deep understanding of the man's personality.
He was arrogant, always thinking he was unique, as if the earth wouldn't turn without him.
With a personality like that, he shouldn't be able to create a second version of himself, because if a copy were created, the other version wouldn't obey Mivad's orders, and that's something he can't accept.
Of course, this is just speculation.
Therefore, Chen Xu launched a series of attacks on IPs that had been infiltrated from abroad.
Just how powerful were the futuristic hacking tools Chen Xu possessed? They exploited countless currently unknown system vulnerabilities, and combined with Xiao Min's incredibly powerful computing abilities, the networks in many overseas regions were quickly and severely paralyzed. However, to Chen Xu's surprise, GOD's strength was indeed formidable! He remained elusive on the internet, impossible to catch, yet this guy always managed to gather new forces and launch counterattacks regardless of the cost!
His counterattack was not against Chen Xu, but against the internet in mainland China!
In an instant, the entire internet became incredibly lively! Countless hackers and security experts joined this battle.
Imagine this: GOD initially assembled a group of hackers as henchmen, but Chen Xu, during his counterattack, directly attacked the IP address and region of that hacker. This naturally provoked a counterattack from other hackers in that IP address and region. This was GOD's intention: to use this guerrilla warfare tactic to push SMMH to the opposite side of hackers worldwide, forcing those hackers and security experts who were initially unwilling to deal with SMMH to take action.
His method did indeed work, but there's a saying: you can only guess the beginning, not the ending...
GOD's original intention was to use this method to force other hackers to take action against SMMH, but Chen Xu wasn't stupid! He was angry and frustrated, but he wasn't foolish enough to confirm the other party's framing of him at such a sensitive moment! Even if Chen Xu was blinded by anger and couldn't think of it, don't forget that he had Guan Yi by his side.
"A network outage will inevitably provoke a counterattack from the hackers there, but this has a double effect! If the person who created this situation is too powerful, so powerful that even if they join forces, they can't fight back, then they'll have no choice but to compromise... Xu, if your teacher is confident enough to challenge hackers worldwide, then he can continue his attacks, forcing other hackers to side with SMMH and expose those who are pulling the strings behind the scenes... That's how the world works; strength reigns supreme, and the strong are respected. Under absolute power, all tricks are meaningless; in the end, they'll only harm themselves!"
Following Guan Yi's instructions, Chen Xu launched a frenzied attack.
At first, the hackers in that region were able to fight back, but under Chen Xu's thunderous attacks and Xiao Min's impenetrable defense, all their attack methods were ineffective. In the end, they could only send a representative to contact Chen Xu: "Please stop attacking, okay? We know you are angry, but you should only target those who used tricks against you. We are willing to help you find these bad apples. Please stop attacking, okay?"
In this way, the hackers who actively attacked the Chinese network were identified and temporarily banned from the internet. However, to truly punish them, they must go through the local judicial authorities.
But without the support of the X organization, would those judicial institutions still give SMMH face?
Don't forget, if legal proceedings really go through, the culprit behind this network outage is SMMH!
Although he had no interest in these lowly minions, this outcome still left Chen Xu feeling deeply exhausted.
He now realizes that his influence in reality is not as great as he had imagined. With his allies betraying him and his own strength yet to grow, his power in reality is almost negligible compared to those powerful forces!
Just then, Chen Xu opened his email and saw the letter Dr. Mildred had left for him...
Chapter 368 Requesting Support
"Without strength... it's all just empty talk."
After reading the letter Dr. Midro left for him, Chen Xu took a deep breath. He realized he was still too inexperienced!
Thinking that possessing a supercomputer from the future would allow him to manipulate the world's two major organizations? Such thinking is undeniably naive. He also failed to realize that while Tarot was showing him goodwill, he was simultaneously relentlessly searching for his weaknesses—fortunately, the virtual reality system, while exposing his power to some extent, also provided him with a cover. They believed SMMH's greatness and terror stemmed from this virtual reality system, akin to a second world, completely unaware that it was simply a person possessing a computer from the future.
"What should I do..." Chen Xu felt powerless for the first time. He had no power to protect himself in reality. After losing that mysterious veil, his situation had become very dangerous. Now, let alone defeating that GOD, even his own safety was almost out of guarantee.
If, if it were three years from now... if Tongchi Island had developed as he had planned, then he would still have the power to negotiate with the major organizations. But now... he was completely isolated!
At this time, Jimmy and several retired special forces soldiers on Tongchi Island also reported to him that in recent days, radar monitoring around Tongchi Island had detected a large number of ships gathering, which was probably someone's intention to attack Tongchi Island.
But what can Chen Xu do? Right now, there's nothing he can do!
Guan Yi could sense that Chen Xu was in a very bad mood these past two days, often locking himself in his room. At first, she thought it was because of the hacker war, but she quickly realized something was wrong.
Today, her father called her over, saying he needed to consider the cooperation with SMMH and that she should keep her distance from Chen Xu for now. Guan Yi was completely confused by this; her father had previously been very supportive of the cooperation with SMMH. But why now…
Grandpa Guan looked at his anxious daughter and sighed softly, "This time, it's the biggest test SMMH has faced since its debut. The Tarot and X organizations have now joined forces to target SMMH. For the sake of the family's interests, we can no longer get too close to SMMH. Unless... that God of the Internet can overcome this crisis. Otherwise..."
Upon hearing this, Guan Yi's face turned pale instantly.
European Tarot. American Tarot!
She was perfectly clear about what these two organizations represented!
That would mean that the major energy and arms groups that dominate the world are making moves at the same time!
Historically, these groups have only acted together once, during World War II, when they joined forces against the Rothschild family, a financial giant in Europe at the time!
As a result, even a powerful organization like the Rothschild family was nearly wiped out by these forces' underhanded tactics, and has now lost much of its influence. And now, these groups have truly become the rulers of this world. If they were to unite again, could the SMMH withstand them?!
Now Guan Yi understood why Zhan Jing had always looked so worried when he contacted her these past few days.
She said many well-known domestic hackers have been isolated on various charges. It turns out this hacker war involved such a terrifying force; isolating these hackers seems like a compromise. In fact, it could be considered a form of protection, letting them give up the fight and preserve their lives.
My father's words echoed in my mind: "The four major Chinese families today—Guan, Li, Dong, and Yu—appear incredibly powerful, but in reality, undercurrents are swirling. Over two hundred years of development have turned them into several tempting pieces of meat, and everyone wants a bite. However, if they dare to take a bite, they themselves will suffer greatly. Currently, among the Western powers, two major circles have formed, led by X and Tarot, each possessing some kind of futuristic technology that they are currently developing and perfecting. This circle, however, excludes our four major Chinese families. I originally thought that SMMH was qualified to form a three-way balance with these two circles, allowing our four Chinese families to continue to contend with the Western powers. But unexpectedly, they..." "So quick! Hey, they're probably planning to eliminate SMMH before it grows too powerful. First SMMH, then it'll be our turn… But most of the family members haven't grasped the situation. They think they can just coast along and live a life of luxury forever… In recent years, the family has gradually shifted its business towards Asia, or more specifically, the Chinese market, hoping that one day when these wolves target our steward, they can preserve a branch of the family line. Xiao Yi, our hope now rests on Chen Xu, the one you value. If he and his mentor SMMH can survive this ordeal, then the family will support him wholeheartedly from now on! If he doesn't… then you should both return to the mainland and never come out again!"
Guan Yi, being an exceptionally intelligent girl, naturally understood the meaning behind her father's words. This alliance of several major Western powers served two purposes: firstly, to deal with SMMH, and secondly, to deter other forces.
To strike the mountain to scare the tiger, to kill the chicken to warn the monkey.
The butler is like a tiger that has been frightened and a monkey that has been warned!
Can Chen Xu, and his teacher, pull through?
"Can we make it through?!" Chen Xu asked himself the same question. Judging from the current situation, it seemed unlikely that he could survive.
Just today, a firefight has broken out in the vicinity of Tongchi Island!
The other party's fishing boat, whose origins were unknown, had crossed the warning line of Tongchi Island. Wolf Fang and his men ordered their troops to open fire, and the fishing boat quickly fled.
Although this incident was just a minor conflict with no casualties, Chen Xu and his team knew very well that the other side was probably getting impatient. This time they only sent fishing boats to test the waters, but what about next time? Would it be a destroyer?!
Does this mean we really have to obediently hand over the data on the virtual reality world?!
Although Chen Xu was still young, he was not so naive as to think that the other party would let him go after he handed over the technology of the virtual reality.
Wolves are greedy. If they get the information about the virtual reality today, they will want more tomorrow. The only way to deal with such wolves is to beat them hard with a stick, beat them until they feel pain, or even break their bones and a few claws, before they will behave!
It seems we need to launch a truly shocking attack!
Previously, Chen Xu had not allowed the cyber war to spread to some sensitive areas, and he had not even released some of the advanced viruses he possessed. Of course, the latter was also due to Zhan Jing's advice. Chen Xu had given a sample of a virus called "Reschel" to the Red Hacker Alliance, asking them to use their own channels to warn those forces with malicious intentions. If they were pushed too far, he would release "Reschel" or even more serious computer viruses.
Reschel is a highly malicious, destructive, hard drive-resident virus. Once it breaks out, it can spread to any PC or server via the network in a very short time. Once activated, the virus will frantically delete data on the hard drive and generate countless disordered files, making hard drive recovery impossible.
It's safe to say that if a computer is infected with this virus, unless there's a backup of the data elsewhere, the information on the computer is completely lost, and even top experts can't recover it.
Moreover, this virus also has the function of residing on the hard drive. Without a dedicated removal tool, even if the system is reinstalled, the virus will continue to run after booting up. This means that before a dedicated removal tool is released, the computer will be useless all day long.
This is an extremely domineering and malicious computer virus; once released, it will have endless consequences.
Chen Xu had no need to be mysterious about computer matters, so he had the Red Hacker Alliance convey his message: if the other party persisted in their ways, he would release this kind of virus, or even one more terrifying than this one. He couldn't control how much impact and damage it would cause to the internet.
This was just one of Chen Xu's methods of using threats. In fact, he didn't dare to release the virus casually. Moreover, Zhan Jing and Blue Baby both opposed this method because once the virus was released, it would be like opening Pandora's box, and it would be very difficult to take it back.
But given the current situation, Chen Xu felt that if he didn't take some threatening actions, he might really be looked down upon by the other side!
Of course, we should put the virus issue aside for now. Chen Xu directly attacked Wall Street's computer systems and Citibank's online banking system!
Suddenly, Wall Street's stock market data contained serious errors, and several online trading orders at Citibank also malfunctioned!
If Chen Xu's previous attacks were limited to civilian networks, then this operation is clearly targeting the most sensitive areas of cybersecurity!
The economic, technological, and military fields that rely on the internet have always been the areas of greatest concern for security agencies in various countries. Previous global hacker wars have always been fought on civilian networks, with a large number of hackers involved. As the saying goes, "the law does not punish the masses," and this hacker incident is even more complicated because many large forces are backing it up, which is why the stalemate has continued until now.
But now, as soon as SMMH launches an attack on the online financial industry, these behind-the-scenes forces immediately become restless!
The money in their hands is just a number on the internet! A piece of data!
SMMH's demonstrated power showed them that absolutely nothing in this networked world could stop it! Not even the most secure banking network systems! If angered, it could even directly modify user deposit data on Citibank's servers! Any company relying on the network for financial statistics could potentially be compromised!
Fortunately, SMMH's actions this time were clearly just a warning.
The stock market on Wall Street was in chaos for two hours. A warning letter and a piece of virus code were posted on Citibank's back-end page. The warning letter contained only one sentence: "Do not try to challenge my bottom line again unless you can give up the entire network. If the attack has not stopped in 24 hours, I can guarantee that the Internet will become a hell!"
Citibank is controlled by four major American families. After receiving this letter, the members of Organization X fell silent.
Okay, so what if SMMH's actual strength is almost zero?
On the internet, he is like a god!
Ten years ago, when the internet was just entering ordinary households, they might have gritted their teeth and made a clean break in the face of this threat. But now, with technology advancing rapidly and the internet becoming increasingly relied upon, encountering someone who can do whatever they want online and offending them is certainly not something to be happy about.
Fearing that the SMMH might again infiltrate U.S. military systems, the U.S. military has fully equipped itself with the most primitive telegraph, requiring confirmation via telegraph and other means in addition to military networks when issuing orders.
However, in the civilian sector, the area covered by the internet is too vast and too wide. If SMMH is really determined to attack these civilian companies, the damage to these forces would be difficult to quantify!
Both X and the computer experts in Tarot felt a profound sense of powerlessness; the gap between them and this god of the internet was simply too vast!
Especially the computer experts in the Tarot organization!
They originally thought that the existence of GOD had opened a new window for them, allowing them to glimpse a field that others could not access. They thought they were ahead of the entire era in the new field of computers!
However, they did not expect that their opponent's strength was far superior in this field!
While they were rejoicing over the sapling they had acquired that hadn't even grown yet, others already possessed a primeval forest!
"Give up..." Dr. Midro said helplessly after studying the virus code. "Putting everything else aside, this one virus alone, once released, will paralyze the entire world's network."
Dr. Midro's eyes were filled with resentment, and his assistants knew why he was so unwilling—SMMH was originally a close ally of X! But because of greed, they had turned this ally into an enemy! From now on, the X organization would probably never be able to get help from SMMH again.
Dr. Midro's decision to give up doesn't mean that other people driven by self-interest will do the same. Immediately, someone asked, "He's already given you the virus code, so why doesn't he use this mechanism to create a killer application?"
"A dedicated killer?" Dr. Mildred suppressed the urge to laugh. "There's so much in this code that I can't even understand it! How can you expect to create a killer with this?! I've only understood a portion of it, and I already know how powerful this virus is. If you don't believe me, then keep attacking! Our team's computers contain a lot of valuable data. We must disconnect the network now, otherwise, all the data will be wiped out!"