Chapter 1511: Chapter 1174: The Cost of Knowledge
As days went by,
scientists responsible for the new alloy were going mad.
Yes, the data appeared to be correct, and some traces within it pointed to its accuracy. They could even be linked to the devices created by Long Yi at some crucial points. But the problem was, how exactly were these things connected? In scientific research, the result of the problem is not important; rather, it’s the process of research that is most important. And it was precisely those processes within that not a single scientist could understand!
If they couldn’t even understand the process, what research was there to talk about?
A large group of scientists tore at their hair in frustration; they couldn’t possibly admit their inferiority to a mere newcomer. Everyone worked overtime, sleeplessly and relentlessly, just to unravel the secrets within the data.
Finally, after twenty days, they realized something. Could this material be fake?
Once this suspicion formed, their minds were no longer focused on research but filled with rage!
We’ve been deceived! We’ve been fooled by that bastard!
The enraged scientists collectively left the research facility and headed straight for the Imperial Palace. The Emperor listened patiently to their angry recounting of just how abhorrent Henki was, and then, the Emperor said indifferently, "Go, bring Henki here. I want to hear what he has to say."
Due to Henki’s importance, he was always covertly shadowed. When the Emperor needed him, he was promptly brought before the Emperor.
Then, faced with the accusations of the scientists, Long Yi merely smiled, bowed to the Emperor, and said, "Your Majesty, I trust you remember what I said before: it’s easy to get rid of me, but to have me return, that’s difficult. I handed over all my research results to them, and now that they can’t figure it out themselves, they want my help? Where in this world are such good things handed out?"
Hearing Long Yi speak thus, one of the scientists stood up, "Asking for your help? Don’t pat yourself on the back! Do you really not know what you gave us? To hand over some fake data to us, to make us run around in circles, all to showcase your importance—did you think such cheap tricks could fool us?"
Long Yi sneered and retorted, "If I hadn’t fooled you, why did it take you twenty days to come here and complain to His Majesty? What were you doing earlier? This is the first time I’ve realized that a bunch of thieves could be so self-righteous."
The scientists sitting in the cockpit blushed with shame, their actions were indeed disgraceful, but being reprimanded like this in front of the Emperor, they naturally could not admit to it.
"We’ve already given you a chance! Now, with the wise Emperor here, do you dare to say the data you gave us is true?" a scientist quickly changed the topic.
"Let’s make a bet," Long Yi said, moving closer with a smile, a finger jabbing at the chest of the most vociferous scientist. Among The Forgotten Ones, this was the ultimate insult, equivalent to pointing at someone’s forehead and speaking.
"What do you want to bet on?" the scientist asked with burning anger.
"Betting whether my data is true or not," said Long Yi.
"If your data is fake, then I demand you pay with your life!" the scientist roared.
"And if my data is real?" Long Yi asked back.
"Then... then we’ll withdraw from the project!"
"Ha ha ha ha ha! You fool, have you forgotten that I had already expelled you all from the project? Are you planning to bet my life against something that has already become a fact? Has your brain gone bad?" Long Yi laughed loudly.
"Then what do you propose?" asked the scientist.
"I want your lives!"
Clang!
The greatsword was heavily thrust into the floor, the blade still trembling slightly, but at that moment, all the scientists fell silent.
"Delusional! Do you think your life is so cheap that you dare to bet against our noble ones?" Finally, the leading scientist spoke, seemingly lacking in conviction.
"Nobility of life? You dare to speak of your lives as noble before His Majesty? To His Majesty, we are only distinguished by our usefulness. The fact now is that I possess technology that is of more use to His Majesty, while you are nothing but waste. It is an honor for you to bet your worthless lives against the noble life of a talent like me! Accept it gladly!"
Long Yi pointed at the group of scientists, leaving no room for them to counter.
"Your Majesty!"
The scientists began to seek the Emperor’s help.
The Emperor, seated in the cockpit, was already bursting with laughter. As a Divine Worm, he enjoyed such chaotic scenes the most. The more chaotic, the merrier for him, so he had been patiently listening all along, without interrupting.
"I think it’s fair," said the Emperor.
With just a short sentence, the matter was decided.
A bet on whether the data provided by Long Yi was true or false could not be taken lightly. Hence, the incident within the research group swiftly turned into a sensation that rocked the entire scientific community of the Imperial City.
Some authorities from the academic circles were invited to act as judges. But as for the scientists of the Energy Alloy group, their hearts sunk even further. Whether the data was true or false, only Henki knew. Yet seeing Henki’s confident demeanor, could it be real?
