No one spoke.
Dr. Mildred is practically the world's top security expert, yet even he says he can't understand these statements. There are only two possibilities: first, these codes are completely fabricated by SMMH; second, the code is so sophisticated that the level of technology it represents is far ahead of the rest of the world!
"Give up..." Dr. Midro said, "Even if SMMH is a powerless baby in reality, his computer skills alone are enough to make him a god in this world... the god of the internet! If you are not confident that you can catch SMMH in person, then I suggest you stop trying to do this, because on the internet, no power can stop him. He represents invincibility, unless you are prepared to abandon the entire internet."
Three hours later...
The online battles have finally subsided, and the internet has returned to normal. For many netizens, these past few days have been a nightmare.
Furious and eager to find the culprit, they discovered that all the accusations against SMMH online had vanished. Searching for "SMMH" on search engines like Baidu and Google yielded nothing... all reports and information related to SMMH had been blocked.
But few people know that searches for "Chen Xu" on the web have also disappeared...
"This is the state's protection for you and your apprentice. On the surface, for ordinary people, this matter is basically over." Huang Anping personally came to Las Vegas to meet Chen Xu: "The pressure the higher-ups have been under in this incident is truly unimaginable. Don't think that the higher-ups could only compromise in this incident and didn't provide any protection for you or the domestic hackers; that would be too unfair. Our country is not strong enough yet, and from the state's perspective, many things are not convenient to do openly. But behind the scenes, if it weren't for the strong support from the higher-ups for you and your apprentice, you would really have been handed over. The power of those large financial groups and politicians in Europe and America is beyond your current imagination."
In fact, Chen Xu now vaguely understands that he was blinded by anger before and did not consider many things. However, after Guan Yi and Zhan Jing's guidance, he has basically figured things out.
In this matter, the higher-ups are indeed under tremendous pressure, after all, those are some of the most powerful forces in the world!
They couldn't cause trouble for that fictitious SMMH, but they were, after all, living, breathing human beings!
It should be easy for these people to cause trouble for me, but they haven't taken any action yet. In some ways, they are probably still wary of SMMH and dare not go too far. But another very important factor is that the country is protecting me.
This was Huang Anping's purpose in having himself awarded a medal: with the strong protection of the country, those people wouldn't do anything to him, a "minor figure."
Of course, if they knew that they were SMMH, that would be a different story.
"By the way, does SMMH really possess mature virtual reality technology?" Huang Anping asked. "I was fortunate enough to participate in this incident. I heard that SMMH's virtual reality technology can create an independent world, just like in the real world? But can it create anything?"
“That’s an exaggeration.” If it were before, Chen Xu might have been angry if Huang Anping had directly asked about the virtual reality, but now he understood and explained, “I’ve also experienced the teacher’s virtual reality technology, and it’s not that exaggerated. Although it’s a place that’s similar to the real world, it’s only similar. Everything in it, from the sun to a speck of dust, is made up of data. All the external tactile sensations a person experiences are determined by the system. The reason we can conduct experiments there is because the teacher’s research far surpasses current technology. The experimental data and formulas are readily available and can be directly applied. But it’s still impossible to use this kind of illusion for creation, after all, the teacher isn’t a true creator.”
Upon hearing this, Huang Anping's face showed a hint of disappointment, but his interest was even stronger: "How do I enter the virtual reality? Can I try it?!" He paused, then continued, "The country is very interested in this invention. To be honest, the significance of this technology will be epoch-making. However, we don't know if the technology is mature enough, or to what extent it can be developed, so we need to conduct a real-world investigation. You've seen what happened recently; the reason the Western powers dared to act so recklessly is because they have sufficient strength. If this technology is truly mature and equipped in the military… you should know, regarding this incident, based on the information provided by the retired soldiers of your Eastern Divine Sword Brigade… well, you don't need to look at me like that. Although those soldiers have retired, although now…" They're still your bodyguards, but they're all patriotic, and they'll definitely report this. The military has made a bold prediction: to use virtual reality to train soldiers. There, they won't fear casualties, and they won't need firearms, weapons, or even planes, tanks, missiles, or nuclear bombs! Things that are priceless in reality will just be ordinary data there, greatly reducing the cost of military exercises! Using this to train troops, in less than three years, we could train a million-strong, battle-hardened army proficient in land, sea, and air combat! The significance for national strength would be epoch-making! Therefore, Chen Xu, whether from a public or private perspective, I strongly suggest, even demand, that you persuade your teacher to sell this technology to the country. As for the money, don't worry about that at all!
Chen Xu had long ago implemented virtual reality technology on Tongchi Island for scientific experiments and also for training the soldiers.
The military was not surprised at all when they learned about the virtual reality concept, because they had already developed the product and were prepared to promote it.
After all, Chen Xu is short of money right now!
The emergence of virtual reality is a veritable money tree. This technology can be applied to all aspects of life and will be a revolutionary product! The profits involved are naturally immeasurable. Moreover, Chen Xu originally intended to use this technology for the military, but before he could even voice his intentions, this situation arose.
Seeing Huang Anping's eager gaze, Chen Xu smiled and said, "You don't need to tell me; I already know what this technology represents for the military. In my teacher's words, the virtual reality system is humanity's greatest invention after the steam engine, generator, and computer! My teacher would never sell the patent for this technology. I think you also know that virtual reality has so many applications; it's no exaggeration to call it a golden goose that lays the golden eggs. Therefore, my teacher can only offer this technology as an agency, not sell all the intellectual property rights at once... If you were in my shoes, would you do that?"
Huang Anping chuckled, "If it were me, I definitely wouldn't sell it either. Alright, I understand what you and your teacher mean. I'm just asking as a formality. Everyone knows this patent isn't something you can just sell casually. But right now, we need detailed information and test products. I hope you can convey this to your teacher. Also..." Huang Anping's expression turned serious, and he said, "That island in the South China Sea, it seems Tarot gave it to you now, right? What are your plans? That location is very sensitive!"
Chen Xu naturally understood Huang Anping's meaning. Currently, many islands in the Spratly Islands have been occupied by other countries, and several countries are fiercely contesting the sovereignty of these islands. However, Tongchi Island is located at the easternmost point. If Tongchi Island is confirmed to be incorporated into the territory of the People's Republic of China, then there is naturally no reason for the islands west of Tongchi Island to be occupied by other countries.
Of course, things are not as simple as they seem. The Spratly Islands are barren, but their geographical environment and underwater resources are coveted by many countries. China, the Philippines, Indonesia, and Malaysia are all eyeing that precious land, and there are countless private conflicts between them. However, such issues are difficult to resolve without provoking war. China's biggest problem now is that it dares not send troops out casually, because once the army is deployed, foreign media will immediately have something to say, followed by lengthy articles on the "China threat," which is detrimental to the country's international reputation.
“Let me tell you your opinion first. Although the official slogans are loud, in private, that island is now your ‘territory’,” Huang Anping said with a smile. “Our intelligence is that you have taken over all the scientists left behind by Taro and are preparing to develop the island… What are you and your teacher planning? It’s not just about establishing a few research bases on this island and making it a real-world stronghold of SMMH, is it?”
Chen Xu laughed: "Alright, stop testing me. I guarantee that my teacher and I will not do anything to betray our country. According to our goal, this island will become the official border of the southwest coast of our motherland in the future, but before that, I need your help."
"What kind of help?"
"Chairman Mao said that political power grows out of a bullet. Now Tongchi Island is surrounded by enemies on all sides, and its location is so sensitive. It was fine before when our relationship with X and the Tarot organization was good, but now that we've torn off all ties, I'm afraid some people will regret giving this island to my teacher."
“We know that. The area around Tongchi Island isn’t peaceful right now. The Americans don’t dare to directly deploy the Seventh Fleet, but the Malaysian navy is eager to make a move. Moreover, their usual tactic is to send a group of naval personnel to impersonate pirates, and we know they might be detrimental to Tongchi Island. But our navy can’t just deploy casually, let alone go to such a sensitive area, otherwise it will be a war… What do you plan to do?!”
Chen Xu said, "You're right. Our navy can't be deployed casually right now because it's too politically sensitive. So, my teacher plans to establish a private navy after this crisis, one that is not nominally affiliated with any power!"
Huang Anping's eyes lit up: "You mean... a navy without a designation, at least nominally not under Chinese control?!"
Seeing Chen Xu nod, Huang Anping's expression shifted between light and shadow, and after a long while, he sighed and said, "SMMH has quite the grand scheme! This kind of army is like those pirates secretly disguised by Southeast Asian countries; nominally, they don't belong to any political force. In that case, even if this army does something, international public opinion can't condemn China... But isn't the risk too great? Tongchi Island is too far from the coastal naval port, and the islands and reefs in between are occupied by other forces. If we do this, then the country really can't provide you with much support. Where will you get your ships? And future maintenance and upkeep won't be easy. I'll say something harsh, please don't take offense, but with the current facilities on Tongchi Island, it's simply not enough to support a small fleet."
Chen Xu laughed: "Who says you need a fleet to dominate the seas?! When you go back this time, help me find three thousand outstanding warriors and send them to Tongchi Island. In three months, I can turn them into an elite force that will dominate the South China Sea in the future!"
Seeing Huang Anping's disbelieving expression, Chen Xu sighed: "Of course, it's just training these soldiers and letting them enter a virtual reality world... But in reality, we need equipment, and we simply can't manufacture it right now!"
"What equipment?!"
"A manned, single-soldier operational robot! In short, a mech... My teacher already has several mature design blueprints, but excluding other materials, the biggest problem is the engine these mechs need. With the country's current engine manufacturing technology, it's simply impossible to build one!"
Looking at the printed document that Chen Xu brought over, Huang Anping felt his hands trembling for the first time.
Countless times, he and the military assessed the value of SMMH, each time thinking they had overestimated its strength, but they never imagined that its strength was far beyond their expectations!
Mechs?!
This is something militaries around the world dream of! Something war scientists worldwide are desperately researching! And SMMH already has a finished product?!
Moreover, these are design blueprints for several different types of mecha!
What is the significance of mechs?
It's like those heavily armored cavalrymen in the Middle Ages!
Its formidable combat power and agile mobility are enough to change the nature of warfare!
But now, someone has actually developed the design blueprints for the mecha, but it's only in the theoretical stage? Is the reason that engine technology can't keep up?!
"These... SMMH doesn't have an engine, so these blueprints are just figments of imagination?!" Huang Anping subconsciously tried to find an excuse to deny this, but he didn't know why. Perhaps he just didn't want to believe that SMMH's technological level had reached such a terrifying level.
"Of course not. Teachers naturally have their own methods... The manufacturing technology of these mechs, in every aspect, is absolutely ahead of the world's aircraft manufacturing industry... You can take this information back for evaluation. As long as you follow the requirements in the information exactly, you can manufacture a perfect finished product. I think that with the power of the country, mass production is not possible at present, but specializing in producing one or two should still be possible, right?"
"Yes, of course!"
"But we need a large number of mechs! A squadron of three thousand Jingwei-class amphibious mechs capable of conducting any military operation on the sea with agility. Even if the Seventh Fleet comes, my three thousand mechs might not be afraid of them! As for the navies of small countries like Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand, they are no match for them!"
Huang Anping nodded excitedly to show he understood... How long had it been since he'd lost his composure like this?!
What do highly agile mechs represent in naval warfare?
That means these agile, flea-like creatures will no longer be affected by water currents and will be able to perform various maneuvers at sea! When enemy torpedoes and missiles come at them, they can even easily dodge them! And once these mechs jump onto the enemy ship... it will be a nightmare for the infantry on board!
Chen Xu was right, this is an epoch-making invention! This is an invention that changes the entire mode of warfare!
Three thousand of these mechs are indeed enough to wipe out any mid-level navy. Even against the Seventh Fleet... well, that's a bit difficult. But one thing is certain: if the two really clash, the Seventh Fleet's clumsy aircraft carriers and cruisers might not be able to win!
These are equivalent to three thousand manually piloted Transformers!
“I will immediately go back and report this to my superiors, and immediately order the military factory and research institute to speed up the production of the first batch of mechs. As for the soldiers, the three thousand are a bit of a problem right now, but I will immediately notify the military to send a group of soldiers with piloting talent to Tongchi Island to be handed over to you… But,” Huang Anping looked at Chen Xu, “but the premise is that you must defend Tongchi Island!”
Huang Anping solemnly said, "The online battle has finally ended in a complete victory for you, Master. However, the enemy's attention has already been turned to Tongchi Island. It seems that the enemy regrets transferring such a strategic location to you. They dare not act openly, so they have to resort to some of their usual underhanded methods. The Seventh Fleet is currently patrolling the surrounding high seas, aiming to contain the nation's navy. We cannot send troops to help you, at least not our naval fleet. Here's what we'll do: I'll go back immediately and have a group of special forces sent to the island, along with some heavy weapons. Tongchi Island's geographical location is too crucial, and its future role will be too critical, but for now, this is the only way we can do it."
Chen Xu nodded in understanding, while Huang Anping gritted his teeth and said, "Of course, the higher-ups will also put some pressure on those forces. As long as we can stall for a few months until the first batch of mechs is successfully manufactured, the situation will be different. By the way... you gave the military the blueprints for these mechs for free?!"
"How could that be?!" Chen Xu rolled his eyes. "If I were given it away for free, this spendthrift of mine would probably get beaten to death by the teacher! Of course, let's leave the money aside for now. I want three thousand finished mechs!"
Huang Anping gasped: "You're really asking for the moon! Three thousand vehicles! Even a military region might not be able to equip itself with that many... You have to understand that these engines can't be mass-produced; they're like Shenzhou V and VI, they were bought with money! Three thousand vehicles, you really dare to ask for that?!"
Chen Xu chuckled. If the engines could be mass-produced, three thousand mechs wouldn't be too many. At that time, the cost of one mech would be around two million RMB, so three thousand would be over six billion. To be honest, both sides could accept this amount of money. However, without a reliable engine, things were hard to say. Although the data contained advanced technology, the inability to mass-produce the necessary materials was always a troublesome matter.
"Let's talk about that later. I'll deliver all three thousand vehicles at once. To be honest, just based on the manufacturing processes of a few engines in this document, it's worth more than this price. If you princelings embezzle less, this money will come out."
Huang Anping chuckled. The engine problem was indeed a headache, but it wasn't him who was troubled. With this information, his future career was much more secure; he no longer needed to rely on his father's connections to climb the ranks. Of course, Huang Anping also knew one thing: from this moment on, he was officially branded with the mark of SMMH, an indelible stain. From now on, he, SMMH, and Chen Xu were inextricably linked; their fates were intertwined. If one day Chen Xu truly used these new killing machines to resolve the issue of the Spratly Islands, then he too would share in the great merit of expanding territory and protecting the country. At that time, the rewards would be beyond mere meteoric rise.
Therefore, Huang Anping did not linger at noon and flew directly back to China.
We must report this intelligence, even if it means facing considerable pressure, we must protect Tongchi Island!
But how can we save it?!
Huang Ping had just returned to China when he received a message that made him turn pale – three days later, Malaysia and Indonesia would conduct a joint naval military exercise, and the exercise area would be the area surrounding Tongchi Island!
This is a serious matter!
Tongchi Island cannot be found on any officially published maps worldwide, but this does not mean that the island does not exist; rather, it has been deliberately erased.
Therefore, this exercise may not be of much concern to ordinary people, but the militaries of various countries all know that the real intention is not what it seems.
Upon receiving this news, Chen Xu was stunned. He hadn't expected Tarot to be used in such an ingenious way!
Judging from the scale of this exercise, they probably intend to blast Tongchi Island directly into the sea!
"Jimmy, immediately take the important documents on the island and evacuate all the scientists and soldiers!" Chen Xu had no other choice but to give Jimmy this order. No matter what, save everyone first. As long as the survivors are alive, there's always hope. Tarot, I'll remember what happened today!
Although Tarot originally gave them this island, their current attitude is at most equivalent to the owner regretting it and taking back what they gave away.
However, Chen Xu has invested a great deal of effort into Tongchi Island! It was the first step in building his real-world power!
But tragically, this step had barely been taken! The billions already invested would be reduced to ashes in the flames of war… How could Chen Xu possibly accept this?!
But what could Chen Xu do when he was at a disadvantage? This world often doesn't reason with people; it's all about who has the bigger fist.
Chen Xu's fist is no match for Tarot's right now, so he can only swallow this insult. The billions of dollars he invested will indeed just go down the drain.
Although he was very unwilling!
"Xiao Fei, after you've organized and stored the data, destroy all the data here, especially the server-side files for the virtual reality world." Contacting the pseudo-intelligent program left by his grandson, Chen Xu said helplessly, "Before you leave, activate the self-destruct device. This time, we don't want them to bomb us; we'll wipe everything off the island ourselves… In the future, if we have the chance, we must avenge this humiliation. Even if we don't have the chance, we'll create one!"
"It seems you're in trouble, Grandpa? Big trouble!" Many times, Chen Xu didn't treat Xiao Min and Chen Fei as programs because their anthropomorphism was too high. Sometimes Chen Xu really felt that they existed in a real life, just like Miwad and GOD, a real life belonging to the internet.
"The trouble is enormous, it comes from the real world, and you can't help at all... After all, in the real world, your grandfather is still just a student, without any real power of his own. And our enemies seem to have realized this, so they were defeated by me online. But in reality, they dare to do whatever they want."
"Grandpa, are you so pessimistic?" Chen Fei asked in surprise, "The opponent is very strong? Unable to withstand them?!"
"That's right. You should have information on Tarot and X, these two organizations from the real world. They should be the main characters in a grand hoax in the future. And now, they've set themselves up against me. In reality, I can't fight them for the time being."
"Beep... Condition triggered!" Chen Fei's voice suddenly changed from a normal human tone to a rigid, mechanical synthesized voice: "Condition triggered. Current time: March 2, 2008. Master's real-world strength level is rated as D-level. Hostility towards the two key organizations, A-level Tarot and X, exceeds 100. Situation: Extremely dangerous. Requesting support. Requesting support..."
Chapter 369: The Mech Appears!
In God's name, I absolutely loved this exercise, but what I don't understand is—why didn't we just take over that island? God, I've been eyeing that island's radar system for ages, why not take advantage of this rare opportunity to get it? That would greatly enhance our navy's strength.
The speaker was Malaysian Navy Vice Admiral Zhu Naidi. After learning the true purpose of this military exercise, he trembled with excitement. Those around him glanced at him but remained silent. Zhu Naidi was a well-known hawkish commander in Malaysia, and he had never publicly expressed his views. In his opinion, the waters and resources of the South China Sea belonged to Malaysia, and those corrupt Chinese had no right to possess such abundant waters.
This "military exercise" was clearly orchestrated by several powerful forces behind the scenes. It was a sabotage operation spearheaded by the unfortunate Malaysians and Indonesia, with the aim of destroying this highly sensitive large island reef, codenamed "DS3978." However, many high-ranking officials know that this island reef was originally a restricted area in the South China Sea, only losing its usefulness due to favorable winds.
Zhu Naidi was very excited. He loved carrying out such destructive missions. Malaysia and the United States had previously conducted several joint military exercises in this area. The purpose was very clear: to deter China. As expected, China only expressed its protest... "Protest all you want, a regime that only knows how to protest with words."
This is Zhu Naidi's idea.
The purpose of this military exercise was to destroy an island—an island whose current owner was Chinese, as he knew. The psychological satisfaction that destroying this island would bring him far outweighed the previous joint exercises.
"I can't wait!" Zhu Naidi exclaimed, her face filled with a sickly ecstatic look.
Yes, it's pathological.
In Malaysia, both among the public and the government, many people know that this Zhu Naidi is a severely hawkish general. To be precise, he is a very, very psychopathic guy.
In his own words, what could be more exciting than coordinating a behemoth that dared not do anything to him and could only resort to so-called public condemnation? Whenever he saw that power he could not look up to only issue some condemnations under various pressures and dare not take any substantial action, Zhu Naidi felt an unparalleled sense of pleasure... Oh, he couldn't help but convulse all over his body, just thinking about it made him climax!
Moreover, what they're doing today is far more than just child's play—driving away Chinese fishing boats. Before the eyes of this behemoth that is China for two decades, they're destroying an island of paramount strategic importance!