Chapter 419

Chapter 419: Popular and Well-Loved

Upon hearing this, Bazel fell into deep thought, and Ji Yongxing continued to inquire:

“If I insert a stick diagonally into a sand-like environment, can it automatically correct itself?”

“Of course not.”

Bazel responded immediately.

Ji Yongxing nodded and pressed on:

“Then why can a Densimeter automatically correct itself?”

“That’s because…”

Bazel began to answer but stopped mid-sentence, as if he had stumbled upon something significant. He stared blankly at Ji Yongxing:

“That’s in… liquid.”

The young researcher nodded, his expression growing more serious:

“See, I knew most people with common sense would instinctively think this way.

“But that alone is not enough. Since the spire has achieved automatic correction over the decades, there should at least be some signs of sinking.”

“Are there none?”

Bazel had forgotten his usual formality and now regarded the young man before him as a college classmate or mentor.

“There are none; the photos are too old to reveal those traces.”

“Then why not ask an elderly person?”

“Do you think that’s possible?”

Bazel’s spark of inspiration was quickly extinguished by Ji Yongxing.

Not to mention the elderly in Hope City, who had automatically passed away upon reaching their usage limit, the fact that the open space near the spire is a restricted zone would eliminate most potential witnesses. Finding someone who had seen it now would not be so simple.

Bazel pondered for a moment and conceded that Ji Yongxing’s points were valid.

He suddenly felt a bit disheartened; for such a shocking and unconventional hypothesis, evidence was indispensable to substantiate it.

Otherwise, regardless of the education level in Hope City, professional researchers would always present counterarguments.

After a while, he said dejectedly:

“Well, I really have no good ideas right now. I can’t just go underground to do sampling…”

Ji Yongxing brought over a Test Tube Rack from the nearby laboratory bench:

“You really shouldn’t say that…”

“What is this?”

Bazel looked surprised as he examined the Test Tube Rack, which held six test tubes. From left to right, the contents displayed a noticeable gradient in color, as if a substance with a color gradient had been divided into these tubes.

Only the last test tube not only differed in color from the others but also contained a minimal amount, making it hard to discern any pattern.

“This is the underground materials.”

Ji Yongxing did not hold back, as he had chosen to bring Bazel into his team and naturally wanted to offer something compelling enough to attract him.

For a researcher, this kind of price is not merely about money; it can also encompass substances never before seen.

“These substances were collected by superpowered individuals from various depths underground,” Ji Yongxing stated.

“From shallow to deep, it’s evident that the planet’s surface exhibits a gradual softening trend, so our recent hypothesis can be largely confirmed.

“There’s no need to delve further into this issue, as it’s no longer significant.

“The pressing matter is to determine what these substances are composed of and…”

He glanced at the last test tube, which stood out from the rest:

“And what exactly lies within this one.”

With that, the young researcher set down the Test Tube Rack and extended his hand to Bazel:

“Join my team, and together, let’s unravel these mysteries.”

—

Rewinding to one day earlier, on the morning of January 3rd, while the army, Public Security Team, and Clean-up Team were occupied with apprehending individuals worldwide, a small group convened in the largest conference room of the spire.

This room was once the domain of the Hope Council, but now it stood entirely vacant.

Five council members had perished, and five others were burdened with endless labor; they no longer had the privilege to enter this space.

Arthur had made few alterations to the original somber decor, and over the past month, he had nearly single-handedly dismantled the once solemn atmosphere of the conference room.

El, clad in a modest new outfit, lingered at the rear of the group.

Upon entering the conference room, he noticed two flower pots flanking the entrance. He discreetly touched one, only to discover it was artificial, which left him feeling somewhat embarrassed.

Swiftly redirecting his gaze forward, El observed a long conference table where a mix of unfamiliar and familiar faces had already taken their places.

At each end of the table sat the familiar Dr. Lin and, opposite him, the now renowned golden giant.

Lin Qingliu, with his slight penchant for order, had thoughtfully arranged everyone by gender.

El saw that to Dr. Lin’s left sat Wang Xiao, Ji Yongxing, Luke, who was displaying his energy arm, and a middle-aged man in his thirties or forties. To the right sat Zhuang Mian, the judge from the Year-End Judgment, and a young woman who appeared a few years his senior and seemed somewhat anxious, accompanied by… a cat.

This world is still a bit mad, El thought, as he pulled out a chair beside Luke and took a seat.

Among those present, some were meeting for the first time, some seemed vaguely familiar, and others were old acquaintances who had never anticipated reuniting here.

At that moment, Luke regarded the “Heart Snatcher,” whom he had once pursued, alongside Zhuang Mian, with whom he had collaborated, and Yan Ming, whom he had encountered a few times. He felt an odd sensation, while a woman gently tugging on the cat’s tail eyed him with a wary gaze; her silhouette faintly reminiscent of the sewer skirmish from months prior…

In any case, these individuals were now seated at the same table as him.

Prior to the meeting’s commencement, Luke had engaged in a private exchange with Arthur, having been forewarned; otherwise, he might have been even more astonished at this moment.

As El settled into his seat, Arthur, his commanding presence unmistakable, finally addressed the group:

“It’s a rare occasion for everyone to gather like this; take a moment to acquaint yourselves.

“Our internal management is quite flat, allowing for seamless alignment on details. There’s no need to fret over excessive reporting.”

It sounded like a jest from the Old Era, but alas, only the one known as "Infinite Scroll" grasped its meaning, squandering a prime opportunity for mirth.

“I had initially reserved a seat for Wencheng, but alas…”

Arthur shook his head and remarked:

“He couldn’t overcome his personal hurdles. But that’s for the best; at least he’s found tranquility.”

The golden-haired man surveyed the assembly and gently continued:

“Each of you has congregated here for diverse reasons. Some may not even be aware of our organization’s name, so let’s have Mr. ‘Missionary’ provide a brief overview.”

With those words, he shifted his attention to Lin Qingliu, who now revealed his true visage at the table’s far end.