pertwk Page 68
Page 68
This name was definitely chosen by China. It's a base built independently of the previous lunar base, and all intellectual property rights, inside and out, belong to the state. When it comes to concentrating resources to accomplish major tasks, if China claims to be second to none in the world, then there's no one first, except for that cheat Qin Shan.
As human activity spreads across the moon, it also increases the probability of Abyss Gates appearing on the moon. As for what kind of enemies will appear, or what lies on the other side of the gate, that's like opening a blind box, and one with no guarantee of what you'll get.
In the previous life, although humanity's footprints reached the moon and even Mars, these efforts ultimately came to naught due to the Abyss Gate. But this time, humanity will go even further.
The first batch of extraordinary individuals from Changbai Mountain Academy graduated. Fairy Yunmeng presented them with their graduation certificates, hoping that they would continue to work hard in their new positions. A group of beings who are physiologically superior to ordinary people have officially emerged in the human social structure.
They will bring profound changes to human civilization, just like their abundant energy.
What's strange is that none of these extraordinary individuals entered politics; almost all of them chose the military or research professions, and their reasons were both laughable and absurd—"Ordinary people can't keep up with my pace."
This is indeed true. When superhumans can work efficiently for a week without sleep, only need an hour or two of rest, and easily enter a deep sleep, ordinary people can't catch up even if they work themselves to death.
While you're forced to rest physically, the superhuman is working twice as hard and ten times more efficiently.
The result is that the work efficiency of ordinary people is dragging down the superhumans. This is especially common in bureaucratic systems. Often, complex procedures exist to ensure that responsibilities are locked in between. There are many other political maneuvers involved. But once the superhumans get involved, no matter how well they try to be compatible, these people are too slow. Even when it comes to bickering, their efficiency is not as high as that of the superhumans.
It was very awkward, extremely awkward, especially since these extraordinary individuals had previously interned in the civil service during their internships.
Then they discovered that they could only rely on seniority. But the problem was, by normal standards, they could easily climb to the top three just by accumulating seniority, since their lifespan was much longer.
It really makes ordinary people feel hopeless.
Unless everyone becomes a superhuman, the incompatibility between ordinary people and superhumans in terms of efficiency will continue to occur in all walks of life. In that case, we can only open up positions that allow superhumans to demonstrate their extraordinary efficiency less obviously, or positions that allow them to better utilize their expertise.
For example, scientific research, the military, and cutting-edge literature and art.
In any industry, the leaders are the privilege of a few, and ordinary people can neither understand nor grasp them. This is perfect for extraordinary individuals to cultivate and refine their expertise, making everyone happy.
However, as Qin Shan gradually loosened restrictions on the awakening of Earth's native superhumans (superhumans outside of humans were to be eliminated, with at most a few special superhuman races that were easier to communicate with being preserved), the security of various countries around the world began to deteriorate.
After all, there are still too many injustices in the world. Often, those who possess great power are more accustomed to solving problems with their fists, which leads to fluctuations in the security of various countries, except for China. Therefore, China has become a new era of capital paradise, and even if they have to be shackled here, they are happy to do so.
Because in other places, the lives of ordinary people are not guaranteed, nor are the lives of capitalists. There are even superhuman groups that specialize in robbing the rich, helping to redistribute the wealth of human society.
These people are popular in impoverished areas, and news of political figures dying in the streets appears from time to time in various countries.
There are so many news stories like this that there are tons of live streams on Golden Eye website, including terrorists who livestream themselves killing and setting fires, that people all over the world are getting tired of watching them.
Almost all countries are now pursuing centralization. If they cannot, their governments will likely be overthrown by teams of superhumans who appear out of nowhere. This is because only centralized national power can effectively suppress these superhumans or cultivate their own superhumans, and these people are all sent to Changbai Mountain Academy.
Who can blame them when this is the world's premier school, with guidance from highly skilled and extraordinary individuals? Other countries can only envy this.
On March 1, 2033, the sky was clear and blue, but something strange began to appear in the sky above Kyoto, Japan.
"A new gate to the abyss, let's go to Kyoto, Japan."
Section 146: Great scholars will compile scriptures for me.
Home world, Kyoto, Japan.
Life after the civil war was like a rebirth. Every Japanese who survived was grateful to the Celestial Empire for sparing their lives (after all, those who deserved to die had already been killed, and the rest did not deserve to die).
With the complete withdrawal of Western powers from Asia, the light of China shines throughout the East and continues to extend along the Belt and Road Initiative.
As the saying goes, "After entering the pass, great Confucian scholars will naturally come to debate the classics for me."
But now, great Confucian scholars are not only debating the classics, they have even started debating the classics.
No, no, the old-fashioned public intellectuals can't stand this. If they don't read a ton or two of Yilin magazine, the readers simply won't be able to recover.
Japan and South Korea, both former lapdogs of the United States, have now been demilitarized. North Korea once considered marching south, but South Korea is a UN-recognized country. If you forcibly destroy it, the international community will be unpredictable. Moreover, given the current situation on the Korean Peninsula, if North Korea, with its current size, tries to take on South Korea, it might be counterattacked on another level.
The Soviet Union serves as a cautionary tale regarding capitalism's usurpation of socialism.
So overall, the Korean Peninsula remains the same, except that the 38th parallel barrier has been partially opened, North Korea has resumed international trade, and is denuclearizing (if they don't go, Qinshan will help them physically denuclearize). This peninsula, which has been turbulent for more than half a century, can be said to have entered a period of true peace and development.
Then Japan and South Korea were pleasantly surprised to find that their lives were actually much better than before.
First of all, the Chinese troops stationed here will definitely not cause trouble for ordinary people in their country, and the number of troops is small. It is more of a symbolic gesture for maintaining stability. As for the naval base, it is just American facilities with some modifications. Even if the two countries are in internal strife, they can afford to pay for it.
With the removal of obstacles, the East Asian trade zone has officially started. The previous internal turmoil has also released the contradictions within the two countries. Many people have been purged, and social conflicts have been greatly alleviated. Not to mention, the deaths of many vested interests have freed up many positions, and the old network of interests has been cut and shattered. The reshuffling of interests will allow many people to live a much more decent life than before.
Meanwhile, various goods from China have greatly enriched the shelves of both countries, causing the happiness index of the people to soar.
Putting aside everything else, Koreans genuinely don't like eating watermelon rind kimchi.
In the past, there was no other choice; watermelons were too expensive. But when there were other options, who would want to eat kimchi every day? The Japanese were forced to eat mainly vegetarian food back then. They liked carbohydrates because carbohydrates were the only cheap source of happiness. Extreme poverty can create a rather miserable cultural atmosphere.
But now they don't need those anymore. The new "old father" has no shortage of industrial and agricultural production capacity. After completing industrial upgrading, the world's first and only super industrial power with a population of over one billion needs the world to help it absorb its production capacity, and that capacity covers all products and categories from high-end to low-end.
Life is much more dignified now than before.
Now that they have a respectable status, the two former rebellious sons have begun vying for favor.
Everyone knows that now, not only East Asia, but the whole world is in chaos, and China has the final say on whether it is in a state of turmoil. China not only has strong production capacity, but also a vast market. With the increase in national purchasing power, China's market has become the target of fierce competition among countries all over the world.
If you can fight your way out of here, you can go anywhere in the world!
Even internationally, the phrase "My brand is so popular that people everywhere are buying it" has become a brand effect.
It's reminiscent of the days when imported goods surpassed domestic ones, leaving countless public intellectuals heartbroken, longing for the return of their beloved country from afar.
Who told you to tear up your passports? Now behave yourselves and be good citizens. If you don't want to build your own country, then you can only build someone else's. Put aside your desire to help others and respect their fate. The truth is, when you're at the top, countless people will fawn over you, and all you'll see when you look down are smiling faces.
The incident began when a Japanese broadcaster, after traveling to China, remarked that this was the true great power of the East, and that only by following China could Japan find a way out. He added that Japan's future was tied to his elderly father, and his words implied, "Father, please love me one more time."
Not long ago, a fierce battle between Japan and South Korea broke out on the international internet, which later drew North Korea into the fray.
Originally, there was nothing special about these kinds of videos. Domestic netizens have become desensitized to such praise videos recently. What used to be the code to gain popularity is now everywhere, from Jinyan.com to Bilibili, Douyin, TT, and even Indian-made live streaming software. It's a vibrant and competitive scene.
But at the end of the discussion, this Japanese broadcaster inadvertently added: "When I went to South Korea before, everything there was so cheap and shabby. No wonder it's made by those American devils. If we're talking about who's closer to and further away from China, it has to be Japan."
As is widely known, South Korea did not exist before; there was only one North Korea.
Unfortunately, post-World War II Korea was divided into two parts, and the two sides fought each other to the death, creating a blood feud. Ultimately, under the Cold War dynamics, they became two completely different countries.
As for legitimacy and legality, it is clear that North Korea is more independent and autonomous, and has the full strength to sweep South Korea without external interference. North Korea is more qualified than South Korea, and its history is more fair and objective than South Korea's. Therefore, after the power of the United States was diminished, South Korea became very awkward in terms of both its geographical location and national legal system.
Israel and South Korea were both concepts created under the auspices of the United States that did not exist in the past. Now that Israel has been eliminated, let's turn our attention to South Korea.
South Korea is panicking, extremely panicked, and some are even acting recklessly in their panic.
Specifically, any international issue questioning South Korea's legitimacy will be met with a barrage of online criticism and counterattacks from the five permanent members of the UN Security Council, sometimes even including personal threats. This demonstrates that South Koreans are as sensitive as demon ninjas on this issue, and will launch a frenzy of attacks if they are not careful.
This time was no exception, especially since the ones mocking them were Japanese, and right in front of their father—it was absolutely intolerable!
Adhering to the principle that they could not lose to the Japanese, the Koreans united as one, denouncing the Japanese invaders while repeatedly proving their loyalty to their father.
"South Korea is the good child who has brought disaster to us, we are the filial sons, and you are the thieves!"
"We Koreans started demolishing America before those bastards even left, unlike you three Star Rage factions!"
"Oh my, isn't this a Japanese Shibata Inu? It's only been a few days and it's already so arrogant."
"Just an American dog, are you still thinking about licking your godfather's ass?"
"Don't think I don't know the filth you Japanese devils did during your invasion. You're nothing but a bunch of human beasts."
"Listen, there are beasts barking."
The above content is relatively mild (the more intense ones are only marked with asterisks and can only be seen on Jinyan.com). Anyway, when it comes to criticizing the Japanese, the Koreans have fully demonstrated their collective wisdom, united will, and strategy of attacking one side while the other side attacks, defeating them one by one. They have not only exported tons of anti-Japanese rhetoric on Jinyan.com, but have even taken over some Japanese social media platforms.
The Japanese man who was robbed of his drug was first stunned, then flew into a rage.
Only our father can criticize our mistakes. What right do you dogs have to speak ill of our great Japan? You were our colony back then too!
Thus, the "close exchanges" between the people of the two countries on the Internet quickly turned into mutual insults and accusations of exposing each other's dirty secrets. Xiao Xiba and Xiao Baga fully demonstrated the linguistic art of human beings in swearing, constantly testing the limits of human language. Later, they even upgraded to quoting classics and being sarcastic. It has to be said that the potential of human beings in arguing is still quite huge.
Amidst this lively situation, Chinese netizens naturally prepared their seats immediately, showing their support for Japanese and Korean netizens with concrete actions: "This kid likes to watch, give us more!"
Logically speaking, Japan and South Korea are about equal in terms of negative publicity, both carrying historical burdens. However, Japan's historical burden is obviously heavier. But, historical burdens are history after all, while South Korea also carries the burden of its illegitimate founding.
Having seized upon South Korea's weakness, Japanese netizens began to exploit this point relentlessly, and even proactively opened up new fronts, going to other platforms to specifically explain to netizens from other countries "why South Korea's founding was illegitimate," complete with pictures and evidence.
This time, South Korean netizens were truly outraged. They had nothing to offer but fabricated history to explain this issue, and bringing up those pirated accounts now was practically an attempt to displease the Emperor!
A filial son should never do such a thing. Besides, those fabricated histories were just for his own amusement. If it were to be discussed in a proper setting, even a glance from someone would be considered disrespectful to the official history.
South Korea, which lacks a strong foundation from the outset, is on the verge of falling into self-doubt under the siege of Japanese netizens.
Then, something unexpected happened: the South Koreans actually went to North Korea to ask for help through the Golden Eye website.
It's all about legitimacy, isn't it? We were originally one nation. Even though we're separated now, even if we've broken bones and severed tendons, there's still some bone meal to fertilize the land. Let's help each other out, since we're all Korean!
Although North Korean netizens aren't particularly fond of South Korea, and even harbor some hostility, if Japan bullies South Korea, then it must be retaliated against. My foolish little brother can only be bullied by me, and at most, his father is allowed to teach him a lesson. What kind of thing is Japan? A spineless dog from World War II dares to bark and rave here!
Thus, the battle between the two countries turned into a three-way struggle for supremacy, with the two sides arguing fiercely on the internet, fully satisfying the Chinese people's love of gossip. Some broadcasters even made analysis videos and explained the causes and consequences of the event, making a lot of money.
Sure, at least in terms of grabbing attention, everyone has been very successful.
However, while they could live in peace and tranquility, Qin Shan had many other concerns. When strange changes began to appear in the skies above Kyoto, the people living there realized that the world they lived in was very different from before.
In Qin Shan's memories of his previous life, this was the beginning of the "Kyoto Catastrophe," one of the five great abyssal catastrophes.
Section 147: Shallow Ponds Have Many Turtle
Based on his memories from his previous life, Qin Shan's understanding of the Kyoto Cataclysm was all supplemented with historical materials from later periods.
Because in the early stages, humanity was essentially in a state of complete collapse across all three levels of the Honkai Impact 3rd universe when facing the Abyss invaders. Everyone was struggling to survive, let alone have the energy to reach out to other places. The five major Abyss Cataclysms, which occurred successively in the five years following the events of that time, profoundly changed the entire world. For one thing, the concentration and activity of supernatural power skyrocketed. If in the past it was like a drop of water falling into the desert, then from now on, the world is entering a period of torrential rain like the Carnivorous Era. Not only humanity, but also plants and animals will accelerate their transformation into supernatural beings.
The great catastrophe that occurred in Kyoto was also very Japanese and was named "Hyakki Yagyō" (Night Parade of One Hundred Demons).
Because what leaked over from another world were truly a bunch of demons and monsters, and in his previous life, Qin Shan frequently dealt with these guys from other worlds for a considerable period of time, some becoming friends, others turning into battles. The anomaly over Kyoto was quickly broadcast to the world through the Golden Eye Network, and the newly established Japanese government cried out for help, mainly seeking assistance from the great Eastern power, preferably with the help of the Fairy of Yunmeng.
Japan doesn't even have a Self-Defense Force anymore. The national army consists of less than 200,000 police officers, whose weapons are all police equipment imported from the University of Tokyo. Although they are quite powerful, in a real fight, the Dongfeng Express would obviously feel safer.
China reacted quickly. After all, China is now the great father of the East. While enjoying the offerings, China also has to shoulder the responsibility. Unlike the United States, which only knows how to take advantage of others and is unwilling to give back in the slightest, China has a high level of credibility.
At this point, Japan, which already possessed nine aircraft carriers, immediately deployed two carrier strike groups. Simultaneously, the PLA forces stationed in Japan entered a state of high alert, ready to meet any new enemy. Of course, the first priority would be to make contact and test the waters, to see if communication could be established.
This suggestion came from Fairy Yunmeng. Not everyone who comes through the Abyss Gate is an enemy; communication is also important. It may sound like pointless diplomatic rhetoric, but the ability to communicate is crucial in international relations, and even in future trans-global relations. It can prevent many unnecessary conflicts. If the cost can be reduced with words, then there's no need to resort to force with guns.
Lessons learned from the colonial era in Europe and America.
Unbeknownst to them, Qin Shan had already closed the Abyss Gate, leaving only a tiny crack to release the least dangerous creatures—monsters and spirits—from the other side. These creatures, though somewhat terrifying, were actually quite weak. Once an isolation zone was established, the rest would be a hunting game. Qin Shan himself, along with Lexington, Rodney, Changchun, Xiao Luo, and Xiao Zhai, entered the other world.
It was dark over there, but the city below was brightly lit, exuding a unique kind of prosperity.
After making some inquiries, we learned that this place is called Ying Kingdom, also known as the "Kingdom of a Million Great Demons".
"This name sounds like a Japanese alternate world counterpart, a million great demons. It's probably the kind of great demon where there are many turtles in a shallow pond and big brothers everywhere." Qin Shan's half-joking prediction quickly turned into a hilarious reality.
As soon as the group landed, monsters came out to cause them trouble.
"This is my territory, humans!"
It has two heads and looks just like the ogre from Warcraft. Locals call it a mountain demon.
The other person's speech sounded like Japanese mixed with some Chinese. If you were a native Chinese speaker, you would find the mixed Chinese and Japanese language awkward, much like the Japanese eating spicy cheese hot pot. But understanding it would still be a problem.
Then this imposing-looking giant, clad in full armor, was taken away by Changchun, who had summoned his ship's rigging, and was bombarded with artillery—not even main guns, but machine guns. "So weak," was Changchun's assessment.
"But the atmosphere here is a bit scary."
What Rodney called "scary" is actually what the locals call "demonic energy," a type of supernatural power. Depending on the user and the environment, this supernatural power can change accordingly. But to say that these ship girls of rank eight and above actually find this place scary is simply a lie.
Before the main guns of battleships and the heavy bombs of bombers, all beings are equal.
Moreover, this is an extraordinary attack launched by a ship girl using her ship equipment; its maximum potential rivals that of a Tsar Bomba nuclear missile, and its minimum potential is at least a tactical nuclear missile. "It seems there's nothing worth paying attention to here. Let's go to the city."
Qin Shan pointed to the bustling city at the foot of the mountain. According to records from his previous life, this city should be called Sakura Capital, the capital of Ying Kingdom. It exudes a distinctly Japanese atmosphere, both inside and out.
However, it's not surprising that most of the worlds connected by the Abyss Gate share a common characteristic: they are parallel worlds, or rather, each world represents a possibility of another world at a certain point in time, signifying a certain past or another future.
Of course, there are also worlds like Augu Continent, which are filled with other worlds inside and out, but that's a matter of probability. I've said that this applies to most cases, not absolutely.
The above are all Qin Shan's life experiences from his previous life, summarized by humanity after a painful exchange with the abyss. Some warriors even briefly traveled to another world, gathering intelligence with the awareness of living towards death, bringing another possibility back to Earth, and allowing the withered flower of hope to bloom again and again.
Yes, humanity did fail in Qin Shan's previous life, but no one can say that failure was a predetermined fate.
Perhaps in countless parallel futures, there will also be a victorious resurgence of humanity on Earth.
"Admiral, the atmosphere here feels..." Anyway, Lexington really dislikes this place.
"It's a place with many monsters, after all; it's understandable."
Qin Shan had never been to Sakura City in his previous life, but the great yokai who had conquered Japan built a "Yokai City" on the ruins of Kyoto. It was said that they built it according to the standards of Sakura City, and it was eight or nine parts similar.
It turns out that the aesthetics of those monsters are not on the same level as those of humans. Their aesthetics are 80-90% similar, or even 10-20% similar. They are not exactly the same, but rather vastly different.
The only truly similar feature is probably the outline: a square with sides of 330 meters, plus a large crossroads running east, west, north, and south, with roads about ten meters wide and paved with stone slabs.
However, most of the structures here appear to be made of brick and stone, with wood mainly used for beams and supports, indicating that earthquakes here are definitely not as frequent as in Japan.