Chapter 479: The Core of Heaven’s Kingdom Plan

“What impact will this plan have on life in Qinggang?”

“How much is this plan expected to cost?”

“And how do you guarantee its security?”

“…”

After Professor Bai finished speaking, he faced the audience, waiting for questions.

Since many of the attendees were already familiar with the plan, few raised their hands.

Only a handful of researchers—who, like Lu Xin, were hearing about the plan for the first time—and several seemingly ordinary yet unusually poised individuals, raised their hands to question Professor Bai from various angles.

Clearly well-prepared, Professor Bai answered each question with calm confidence.

He addressed everything—from predictions about Qinggang’s future to the overall expenses and the security and contingency measures.

This Q&A lasted for about half an hour.

Gradually, the commotion in the meeting room subsided as many people fell into deep contemplation.

It was obvious that this was a meticulously thought-out plan with a high theoretical chance of success.

After all, the discussion was merely about whether to proceed with the experimental phase, akin to a trial run of the project.

There was little reason to oppose the plan, although many still showed a hint of doubt.

“We’ve already participated in internal discussions. Given the current circumstances, we all understand the situation,”

Just then, Minister Shen raised his hand and said in a deep voice, “Because I’ve known this for a long time and understand it well, perhaps I can ask on behalf of everyone the most crucial question: Who is the core candidate for the entire Heaven’s Kingdom Plan?”

“Swish!”

Instantly, several eyes in the meeting room brightened as heads nodded in silent agreement.

It was as if the most sensitive part of their hearts had been stirred.

“This is also the question we’ve pondered the most—it is the essence of today’s meeting,”

Professor Bai, having anticipated this, nodded gently before answering:

“To become the core of the Heaven’s Kingdom Plan, two conditions must be met:”

“First, the candidate must have reached at least the Third Stage in ability—capable of influencing the strength of Qinggang Main City and five Satellite Cities with their power—and be able to endure the field of an entire city without being overwhelmed by mental power, risking a loss of control.”

“Second, this candidate must be someone we can trust.”

He paused, his tone growing even more serious, and continued:

“They must have sufficient resilience so as not to use this opportunity to try and become a god in Qinggang…”

“Admittedly, if the plan were to be implemented, the core candidate would stand on an absolute pedestal in terms of mental influence; by then, everyone in Qinggang would be under their sway, meaning they could potentially contaminate everyone.”

“We cannot underestimate or ignore human ambition and desire—it’s simply in our nature. Acknowledging it is not shameful.”

“Although our plan includes countermeasures, still…”

His gaze swept silently over everyone as he whispered, “None of us want to reach that point.”

“If the situation ever forces us to suppress this candidate because they try to take over Qinggang, it means our plan has not only failed to protect Qinggang but will also collapse.”

“Simply put…”

He exhaled softly and said, “Qinggang must trust this person, and this person must trust Qinggang.”

“This level of trust must extend to the point of entrusting one’s life.”

“Qinggang would entrust everyone’s lives to them, and they, in turn, would entrust their own life to Qinggang…”

“…”

These words instantly made the atmosphere in the room oppressively heavy.

Life-entrusting trust?

Even discussing or mentioning it seemed absurd.

After all, the Red Moon hung high in the sky.

The entire Wasteland was in a state of collapse.

Yet, the person they would choose was someone willing to selflessly devote themselves to Qinggang.

Someone who held others in high esteem but would never let ambition swell to dominate all of Qinggang?

However, for many, their focus was drawn to another part of Professor Bai’s remarks.

Although he clearly stated that if countermeasures had to be used against this core candidate, the plan would fail, as long as there were countermeasures, ordinary people could still retain a semblance of security.

“Who are the candidates?”

Finally, someone asked the most critical question.

Professor Bai raised his head, his expression serious, and said, “We in Qinggang are very fortunate.”

“Many High-wall Cities might not even have a single suitable candidate, but here in Qinggang, two individuals meet the criteria.”

“One is Doll,”

“and the other is Mr. Lone Soldier.”

“…”

Swish, swish, swish.

Lu Xin sensed that more eyes were turning his way.

The covert glances that had been on him were now impossible to hide as they focused directly on his face.

Professor Bai fixed his gaze on him and said, “Ever since Mr. Lone Soldier was recruited by the Special Cleaning Department, his data on cleaning special pollution has been excellent. However, in comparison, I lean more towards Doll. Originally, Doll wasn’t suitable for this mission because her introverted nature limited her ability to communicate with outsiders and shoulder such responsibility. But now, she has changed.”

“She has begun to interact with the outside world while retaining her inner kindness. Compared to Mr. Lone Soldier, our understanding of her—both in terms of ability and character—is deeper. In a sense, Doll almost perfectly matches the requirements of the plan.”

“And that’s why I favor her,”

“of course…”

At that moment, his gaze rested calmly on Lu Xin as he said softly, “It’s still early to discuss this.”

“Before the experimental phase of this plan begins, we need to hear your opinions.”

“…”

He was steady, articulate, and reassuring, making sure everyone understood his words without haste or agitation.

Yet his remarks only added to the oppressive atmosphere in the meeting room.

Every eye was on Lu Xin, conveying feelings of tension, anxiety, and worry.

Lu Xin realized that he was, in fact, the core of this meeting.

But he couldn’t understand why everyone was so nervous.

“What are they so worried about?”

“…”

As Lu Xin fell silent in pondering their doubts, Mom, seated behind him, suddenly let out a light laugh.

“Because they’re uncertain about your stance…”

She smiled at Lu Xin and explained, “This is a rare opportunity to ascend to the steps of a Mental Overlord.”

“Do you know what that means?”

“Once you become a Mental Overlord, you transcend being ordinary. As that old man said, you’ll become like a god—holding the fate of every person in Qinggang in your hands. Everything—from money to all else—will be under your control, you’ll always be above everyone, looking down on them…”

“So, many might stop at nothing for a chance at such an opportunity.”

“Your performance in Qinggang is so impressive that they can’t ignore you when proposing such a plan. Yet, they’re also too afraid—even apprehensive—that you might seize that position, worry over your interest in it, or fear your discontent…”

“How could they not be anxious, not tense?”

“…”

After hearing Mom’s words, Lu Xin suddenly understood.

He sat silently in his seat, deep in thought, and a smile slowly spread across his face.

He felt no thrill at the prospect; in fact, he even found it a bit laughable.

Perhaps, suddenly thinking, owning the entire city—with all its money and possessions—was rather enticing.

It did have its allure.

Yet Lu Xin couldn’t figure out one thing: if all the money and everything belonged to him,

then what would he buy money for?

It’s a paradox…

“…”

Even as he pondered this deeply, whispering with Mom, the meeting room was unusually silent. Everyone watched him with serious, even anxious expressions, as if an invisible presence in the empty row behind him was conversing with him, and a smile played upon its face.

It sent chills down one’s spine.

Even the high-ranking figure in the first row discreetly cleared his throat at that moment.

The tension was such that their throats felt parched.

They all anxiously awaited Lu Xin’s decision, fearing that his first words might be the answer they dreaded.

“I have only one question,”

Amid the anxious anticipation of so many, Lu Xin, wearing a sincere smile, slowly raised his head.

Then he asked softly, “Does Doll agree?”

“…”

“…”

“Glug…”

Whether it was his imagination or not, Lu Xin thought he heard the sound of swallowed saliva.

Suddenly, the oppressive atmosphere in the meeting room seemed to vanish into thin air.

Lu Xin was happy for the lightened mood, yet he still felt a subtle tinge of discontent.

Or rather, it was more of a self-reflection.

Had he done something wrong? Why still couldn’t they trust him?

He didn’t show any discontent, so no one could sense it. Instead, they exuded an undeniable sense of relief and even excitement—as if a huge weight had finally been lifted from their shoulders, like a drowning man’s head breaking free of the water.

Throughout it all, only Han Bing, seated right behind Lu Xin, watched him intently, as if sensing something.

Her face revealed an expression that mingled worry with sympathy.