504: Chapter 504 Let's just get straight to it.

After receiving the information transmitted from the front lines, Fuhuan immediately activated the Grand Array of Profound Observation.

Coupled with the technological tree revealed by Shānkōng's self-detonation, the core conclusion of the report could be summarized in one sentence: Harmless and fragile.

Of course, 'fragile' was relative to the Corporation.

On the technical level, the evaluation results were basically consistent with previous analyses.

The Shānkōng Civilization was in the difficult stage of climbing from a planetary civilization to a stellar system-level civilization.

They had already established several inhabited or uninhabited outposts within this stellar system, capable of asteroid mining and basic orbital construction, and possessed several primitive fleets used for patrolling and scientific exploration within the stellar system.

Their energy core relied on fusion and stellar energy collection, and their Materials science leaned towards organic synthesis and biocompatible Materials. Their faster-than-light technology could only be described as barely existing; it was a short-range jump technology that was inefficient and had specific requirements for spatial structure. While adequate for rapid movement between different planets within a stellar system, interstellar travel was nearly suicidal.

On the military level, the evaluation team wasn't sure how to write the report after reviewing the data.

The Shānkōng Civilization had defensive capabilities, but whether in scale, technology, or combat doctrine, they were worlds away from the concept of interstellar warfare.

Their warships were closer to enhanced research vessels or armed transports, with firepower mainly consisting of kinetic weapons and low-power energy beams. Their shield technology was practically nonexistent; they relied entirely on armor to resist damage, resulting in limited defense.

They seemed to focus more on constructing planetary and orbital defense platforms, but the power of those platforms was no different from paper in front of the main cannon of the yaoqing immortal vessel.

Most crucially, their social structure and military system showed no preparation or mindset sufficient to deal with a cross-system invasion.

Regarding social structure, based on limited data analysis and extrapolation, its form bore some resemblance to the "Nova United States" that had long since vanished in human history—a human federal regime that disintegrated centuries ago due to internal conflict and external pressure.

The Shānkōng Civilization also seemed to employ a system combining representative governance with elite co-rule, possessing several major political entities, similar to nations or large city-state confederations, linked by a relatively loose interstellar joint coordination body.

Social contradictions existed but seemed to be mitigated by their mainstream ideology of equality for all beings and their reasonably developed productivity, not yet reaching a critical level.

In summary, this civilization posed no substantive threat to the Yaoqing Fleet, or even to the Corporation's regular security forces.

Their greatest weapon was perhaps their sincerity, which was enough to make one laugh or cry.

At the joint analysis meeting, the attendees were located in two separate places.

On one side were General Feixiao and the main staff officers on the front lines; on the other side were high-level representatives from the Eastern Federation and several members of the Corporation's Strategic Investment Department.

"The situation is clear enough," General Jing Yuan spoke first. In the holographic projection, his expression was calm. "The other party is harmless and has clearly expressed a desire to make contact, albeit in a rather unique manner."

"How we proceed next, I would like to hear everyone's opinion."

The representative from the Eastern Federation, a senior Advanced Advisor for Diplomatic Affairs, cleared his throat: "We believe that, given the immense goodwill shown by the Shānkōng Civilization and their relatively weak strength, our side should adopt the most prudent and respectful method of contact."

"We suggest referencing historical cases of successful initial civilization contacts, adopting a posture of accidental passage, discovering a probe, and returning the visit based on curiosity and friendship. We should dispatch an unarmed scientific exploration vessel carrying appropriate return gifts to the edge of their home stellar system and issue a formal communication request."

"We must avoid any action that could be perceived as a show of force or oppression, minimizing the cultural shock and panic that might be caused to their society to the greatest extent possible. What we need is an equal starting point for dialogue, not to violently force open their doors."

His opinion was echoed by several Eastern Federation Scholars and diplomatic officials. Emphasizing equality and respect while avoiding alarm was a conclusion derived from the Eastern Federation's own civilizational development history and ethical views.

"That is too inefficient and full of unnecessary procedures," Emerald's voice chimed in. Although her tone was elegant, her meaning was quite blunt. "We are not here to perform an interstellar play. The other party has already handed us their calling card; we just need to directly find the people in charge."

"Pretending to be mysterious passersby will only increase uncertainty. It will give the various political factions and interest groups within the Shānkōng Civilization time and space to speculate and misinterpret, potentially even distorting our intentions for their own purposes, triggering unnecessary internal turmoil and thereby undermining stability."

"We possess absolute advantages in all aspects and Domains; we don't need to be so complicated."

"You mean..." The Eastern Federation representative frowned.

"I mean, skip the probing, skip the guessing game, and talk directly with the current de facto highest decision-making body of the Shānkōng Civilization. Whether it's the presidium of that joint organization or the leaders of the several major political entities, establish a direct line of communication," Emerald's tone was very matter-of-fact.

"We can penetrate all their defense networks without them noticing and place our greetings and invitation directly into their private terminals."

"Being direct solves many unnecessary problems."

"At the same time, since we are unilaterally establishing the connection, we can completely control the scope and content, minimizing uncontrollable risks."

"This... this is information intrusion! It's unilateral technological bullying!" An Eastern Federation expert couldn't help but exclaim, "Even if the other party is harmless, even if our intentions are good, this action violates etiquette, doesn't it?"

"Violates what? Etiquette?" Aventurine interjected, wearing his characteristically inscrutable smile. "My dear Professor, rules are made by the strong, and maintained by the party that gains greater benefits from following them."

"We are the absolute strong party now, and they probably don't even clearly know what the rules are. We will not, nor are we interested in, stealing their privacy, although they have practically made everything public. What I mean is, delivering an invitation that cannot be intercepted is much more convenient than sending a ship to their doorstep and shouting through a loudspeaker."

"At least, it won't scare the ordinary citizens on their streets, right?"

"We demonstrate power, but we do not abuse power," Emerald summarized. "Considering the overall situation of the other party, it is more appropriate for us to maintain the initiative. Of course, we will also leave sufficient room for respect."

"Time is a precious resource in both business and strategy."

"Don't forget, they are just an added bonus."

"..."

The Eastern Federation insisted on a more traditional and gentler philosophy, worried that the Corporation's somewhat overbearing method of contact would plant hidden dangers or violate interstellar ethics.

The Corporation focused on efficiency and control, believing that given the vast disparity in strength, a clear and direct display of power would actually prevent more misunderstandings.

Finally, everyone's gaze fell upon General Jing Yuan, and the virtual seat representing Chen Hao.