107: Chapter 106 The Legacy of the Green Soil and the Hidden Poison

7 days after the ruling, 2:33 AM.

Zhou Zhe stared at the waterfall of data scrolling on the holographic console, having not left the analysis center for seventeen consecutive hours.

His eyes were bloodshot, but deep within his pupils, a light bordering on manic excitement flickered.

The volume of data in the core memory of "green soil" far exceeded expectations—it was not just simple logs or technical blueprints, but the entire memory of an ecological regulator that had been running continuously for over eight hundred thousand years.

From the moment the Sower Civilization first placed it underground in the Taihang Mountains, to its careful cultivation of the first batch of alien plants, to its recording of every major geological and climate change in the Solar System, and finally to it being attacked, blockaded, and convulsing alone in the dark for five hundred thousand years...

"This isn't just data," Zhou Zhe said to Li Wei beside him, his voice hoarse from exhaustion and excitement, "this is an epic written in sensors and memory crystals. An epic about 'caring for life'."

Li Wei was organizing the tactical information extracted from the data stream.

"The attack record section has been preliminarily parsed. The unit that attacked green soil five hundred thousand years ago has an 89% similarity in ship identification codes with the 'Pruning Faction' vanguard encountered in the East China Sea, but the technical characteristics are more primitive."

"They used three main weapons: a spacetime solidification field to lock down mobility, entropy-increasing rays to destroy the internal ecological cycle, and..."

She pulled up a blurry combat record playback.

On the screen, a black angular warship fired a viscous, dark purple energy mass at the shell of green soil.

After the energy mass attached to the building's surface, it did not explode, but instead "seeped" in like a living creature.

"What is this?" Zhou Zhe frowned.

"According to green soil's own damage analysis, it's a type of 'directional logic corrosive agent'," Li Wei zoomed in on the data.

"It's a smart material specifically targeting sower buildings. It tampers with the basic molecular programming of the building materials, changing 'self-repair' commands to 'self-dismantle' and 'structural reinforcement' to 'structural embrittlement'."

"41% of the damage to the shell of green soil wasn't caused by explosions, but by the betrayal of its own materials."

Zhou Zhe felt a chill run down his spine.

"A Trojan horse of smart materials... If the Pruning Faction is still using this weapon, our Lunar Fortress, Qingtian Passage, and all facilities improved based on sower technology might have the same vulnerability."

"The data packet of green soil contains a complete analysis of this corrosive agent, as well as the 'immune protocol' developed by the Sower Civilization in its later stages," Li Wei pulled up another file.

"But implementing the immune protocol requires modifying the basic molecular programming architecture of the materials."

"The engineering workload is terrifying—it's equivalent to rewriting the DNA of every single brick in the Great Wall."

"Then start from the most important places," Zhou Zhe pulled up the structural diagram of the Lunar Fortress.

"Upgrade the immune protocol for the shield generator core module first. General Zhao Yan must know about this risk."

Just as he was about to connect the communication, a higher priority prompt box suddenly popped up on the holographic console—an automatic reminder from the technical trading group:

"Galactic Council Level 1 Technical Trading Network interface activated. Countdown to initial opening: 17 minutes."

"So soon?" Li Wei looked at the clock on the wall, "Wasn't it supposed to be in seven days?"

"Council time might not be Earth time," Zhou Zhe quickly pulled up the prepared trading list, "Regardless, we must seize the first opportunity. Start the master console and prepare for connection."

At the same time, in the encrypted conference room of Bedrock Base, Lin Shen was facing another "transaction."

Sitting across from him was not a hologram, but a physical entity—a candidate inspector dispatched by the Galactic Council who had arrived earlier than the official inspection.

The visitor called himself "Liaison Coordinator," coming from a civilization codenamed "Silent Administrator."

His appearance was close to human, but his skin was a non-natural pearlescent white, without any pores or lines, and his eyes were two deep black crystals with no visible pupils.

"The early visit is to assess your state of readiness," Liaison Coordinator's voice was flat, lacking tonal inflection.

"The official inspection will take place in eighteen months. According to Article 431 of the Council Regulations, inspectors have the right to conduct informal observations in advance to provide adjustment suggestions, avoiding unfavorable rulings for the civilization due to insufficient preparation during the official inspection."

Chu Yunshen sat next to Lin Shen, a standard polite smile on his face, but his fingers tightened slightly under the table.

"We welcome any constructive feedback. May I ask which aspects Liaison Coordinator wishes to observe?"

"Three aspects," Liaison Coordinator extended three fingers that were also pearlescent white.

"First, technical integration capability—whether you can safely and efficiently integrate legacy technology into your own civilization's system, rather than blindly imitating or abusing it."

"Second, social stability—whether the sudden technological leap will lead to internal tearing, ethical collapse, or power imbalance within the civilization."

"Third, threat response maturity—in the face of external threats like the Pruning Faction, do you rely on passive defense from the legacy, or are you developing your own sustainable defense philosophy?"

With each point, his black crystal-like eyes turned to a person in the room, as if scanning and evaluating.

"Regarding the first point," Lin Shen responded calmly, "we have established a tiered technology declassification system."

"All technology obtained from the legacy must undergo at least three rounds of independent verification and adaptive modification by local research teams, and only after confirming that it is safe and consistent with the current development stage of our civilization will it be gradually released."

"We refuse any direct application of 'black box' technology."

"Example."

"For instance, 'curvature engine theory'," Lin Shen pulled up a file.

"What we obtained from the legacy is a complete mathematical framework, but the materials, energy, and control precision required to implement it far exceed our current industrial capabilities."

"So we broke it down into seven phased goals, currently focusing on research into the first phase, 'low-power space bending field generation'."

"Although this is slow, every step is built on the foundation of independent understanding."

Liaison Coordinator's eyes flickered—perhaps indicating approval, or perhaps just an optical phenomenon during data reading.

"Wise restraint. But time waits for no one. The Pruning Faction fleet will not wait for you to complete the seven phases."

"That is why we need the trading network," Lin Shen said, "to exchange our unique resources for key components or technical verification to accelerate breakthroughs."

"For example?" Liaison Coordinator's black eyes stared at him.

Lin Shen did not answer directly. He looked at the notification that had just popped up on the holographic console: Technical trading interface connected.

"Please allow me to demonstrate."

The interface of the trading network was unexpectedly... simple.

There were no dazzling holographic special effects, only a concise operation interface similar to an ancient text terminal.

On the left was the list of items for sale, on the right was the want list, and in the center was the real-time transaction scrolling record.

All entries were labeled in Galactic Common Language, accompanied by brief physical or biological characteristic descriptions.

Zhou Zhe's fingers tapped rapidly on the console.

He had already uploaded the "non-core" content filtered from the green soil data packet—mainly cultivation records of various alien ecological samples, climate regulation algorithms, and some marginal materials science data.

These were all crystallizations of the wisdom of the Sower Civilization, but theoretically did not involve strategic-level technology.

At the same time, he was searching the want list.

Keywords: "Zero-element crystal purification technology", "Consciousness acceleration safety protocol", "Spacetime stability anchor miniaturization scheme".

The search results popped up seventeen relevant entries, but each came with a staggering price tag.

"Zero-element crystal high-efficiency purification scheme (suitable for silicon-based matrix)" — Exchange condition: 5 kg of stable dark matter aggregate, or a complete "planetary-scale ecological cycle system blueprint". Li Wei read out the first item, "We have the blueprint, but that is one of the core technologies of green soil, and it will definitely be rejected if submitted for review. We only have three grams of dark matter aggregate..."

"Next item."

"Consciousness acceleration safety protocol (Basic Version)" — Exchange condition: a living specimen of an intelligent creature with "collective consciousness network characteristics", or the complete gene sequence and consciousness structure map of the species. Zhou Zhe read to here, his fingers freezing.

Collective consciousness network characteristics.

His gaze turned to the screen beside him, to the silicon-based crystal symbiote slowly growing and building tiny structures in the s-07 unit—sample 89.

"It's asking to buy... a creature like number 89?" Li Wei lowered her voice.

"Not like, it is one," Zhou Zhe pulled up the information of the trading entry publisher: a civilization codenamed "Dream Weaver," and the remarks indicated they specialized in consciousness science and neural engineering.

"They may need to study different forms of collective consciousness structures to perfect their own theoretical models."

"We cannot sell number 89," Li Wei said immediately, "It is an endangered spark entrusted to us by green soil, and we haven't even established communication with it yet..."

"But we need the consciousness acceleration protocol," Zhou Zhe stared at the screen, "Without safety guarantees, the mind acceleration project is a suicidal experiment."

"In Chu Yunshen's roadmap, this technology is one of the key leverage points."

Silence.

On the trading interface, the scrolling log was continuously updating.

Trades from other civilizations were being completed rapidly, mostly exchanging rare minerals for basic theories, or genetic samples for environmental terraforming technology.

Although the ecological data humans had posted on the sales list received a few inquiries, the offers were all very low—evidently, in the eyes of higher civilizations, 'how to cultivate alien flora' was not exactly high-demand knowledge.

Just then, a new purchase request popped up.

Publisher alias: 'Blade'.

Purchase content: 'Any data containing detailed analysis of the Order Reconstruction Faction's early attack patterns and weapons, especially corrosive weapons targeting sower smart materials.'

Exchange terms: 'Customizable. Provide a list of requirements, and we will evaluate it and propose a viable exchange plan.'

Zhou Zhe and Li Wei exchanged a look.

'Is it a trap?' Li Wei asked cautiously. 'The Galactic Council knows we just obtained the green soil data, which contains attack records...'

'It could also be another civilization currently at war with the Pruning Faction, or one about to face their threat,' Zhou Zhe thought quickly. 'The alias

Blade

sounds like a civilization with a military inclination. It needs intelligence, just as we need technology.'

He pulled up the section of the green soil data package concerning the attack records, carefully removing information that might expose the specific coordinates or current status of green soil, retaining only the weapon performance analysis, tactical pattern summaries, and descriptions of the corrosive agent's mechanism of action.

Then, he packaged it and attached a message:

'Providing a data package with detailed tactical and weapon analysis of the Order Reconstruction Faction's early (approximately 500,000 years ago) attacks on sower facilities. Seeking: Zero-element crystal purification technology, basic version of the consciousness acceleration safety protocol.'

He clicked send.

Three seconds later, a reply arrived.

It did not come through the trading interface but appeared directly on Zhou Zhe's private communication screen—just like the previous message from the 'watch spirit,' with no source identification.

'Data package preview verified. Valuable. Can provide zero-element crystal purification technology (simplified industrial version) and consciousness acceleration safety protocol (basic version). Additional condition: Within the next three years, if you obtain any intelligence regarding the Pruning Faction's main fleet commander, the "Gardener Chief," you must prioritize sharing it with us. If you agree, the trade is finalized.'

Zhou Zhe stared at the words 'Gardener Chief.' This alias had only appeared in the private warning from Stargazer 742 and was not in the public intelligence on the trading network.

The other party knew more than the public intelligence.

Moreover, the other party explicitly requested priority for intelligence sharing regarding the 'Gardener Chief,' which meant it was likely planning some kind of action against this commander.

'Dr. Lin,' Zhou Zhe said, connecting to the encrypted line, 'the trade has encountered a special situation that requires a strategic decision.'

He quickly reported the situation.

There was a moment of silence on the other end of the line, then Lin Shen's voice came through: 'Ask them one question: Why do they want intelligence on the "Gardener Chief"?'

Zhou Zhe did as instructed.

The reply returned almost immediately, consisting of only one sentence:

'Because the Blade only strikes the head.'

The trading interface refreshed immediately, and the 'Blade' purchase entry disappeared. In its place were two technology packages marked 'Pending Receipt' and a draft priority sharing agreement that required a biometric signature.

'It acts so fast,' Li Wei murmured.

'Because it might be racing against time, just like us.' Zhou Zhe looked at the agreement draft. The terms were concise with no hidden traps, but that 'priority sharing' agreement undoubtedly bound humanity together with this mysterious 'Blade' civilization.

'Should we sign it?' Li Wei asked.

Zhou Zhe looked at the communication screen, waiting for Lin Shen's decision.

In the conference room, Liaison Coordinator's black crystal eyes were watching everything. It clearly had the authority to monitor trading network activities—or rather, the entire network was under the Galactic Council's observation.

'Private intelligence trades with unknown civilizations,' Liaison Coordinator's voice remained flat, 'carry risks. In the Galactic Council's records, the "Blade" civilization's behavioral rating is "highly pragmatic and unconstrained by rules when necessary." Binding yourselves to it might bring unnecessary attention or even hostility to you.'

Lin Shen looked at it: 'Then in your opinion, should we refuse?'

'I do not have the right to advise, only the right to observe,' Liaison Coordinator said. 'But I can provide a fact: in the Galactic Council's records from the past two thousand standard years, of the seventeen civilizations that have conducted similar trades with "Blade," nine saw their survival rate in subsequent conflicts with the Pruning Faction increase by over 30%, five were dragged into deeper wars, and three... were targeted and eliminated by the Pruning Faction due to intelligence leaks.'

'What are the probabilities?' Chu Yunshen asked.

'The probability of increased survival is 52.9%,' Liaison Coordinator said. 'But please note, those civilizations with increased survival rates all had military strength ratings of 1.2 or higher. Humanity is currently at level 0.7.'

There was another silence.

Lin Shen looked at the trading interface. Those two technology packages, especially the zero-element crystal purification technology, could immediately resolve the material bottleneck for the Lunar Fortress. The consciousness acceleration protocol could launch the mind acceleration project, winning valuable time.

The cost was a future priority for intelligence, and the risk of establishing a connection with a 'highly pragmatic' civilization.

He remembered Chu Yunshen's earlier words: The history of a civilization is a never-ending defense.

And sometimes, part of the defense is choosing who to sit with at the table.

'Dr. Zhou,' Lin Shen said, 'sign the agreement. Receive the technology packages.'

'Understood.'

The signing process was disturbingly simple—it only required a biometric scan for confirmation. Two seconds later, the technology packages began downloading. On the trading interface, the 'Blade' alias disappeared completely, as if it had never appeared.

Liaison Coordinator slowly stood up, its pearl-white face still devoid of any expression.

'The first informal observation is concluded,' it said. 'You have made your choice. I will record: under conditions of limited resources and time pressure, human civilization demonstrated decisiveness in risk assessment and strategic exchange. But I will also note: this choice carries long-term uncertain risks.'

It walked toward the door, its black crystal eyes scanning the room one last time.

'Seventy-two hours from now, I will begin the second observation: social stability. I suggest you... be prepared. The cracks brought about by technological leaps often start in the most unexpected places.'

The door slid open and then closed.

Only Lin Shen and Chu Yunshen remained in the conference room.

'What is it implying?' Chu Yunshen asked in a low voice.

Lin Shen pulled up a summary from the global public opinion monitoring system. Over the past seven days, as the news that 'humanity has received temporary recognition from the Galactic Council' was gradually released through controlled channels, social sentiment across the globe presented a complex spectrum: mostly excitement and pride, but also a significant proportion of anxiety, suspicion, and... a kind of subtle resentment.

The resentment was concentrated on questions like 'Why is only Long Country leading this?', 'Will technology be monopolized?', and 'Will ordinary people benefit?'

'In the green soil ecosystem,' Lin Shen said suddenly, 'there is a glowing fern. According to the data, it requires very precise light, humidity, and mineral ratios to grow. green soil spent three hundred years creating the perfect micro-environment for it.'

He looked at Chu Yunshen.

'And we are trying to dismantle the heart of green soil and move the ecosystem it has cultivated for eight hundred thousand years in just seventy-two hours. And in the process, we must ensure that the entire civilization's social structure does not wither due to sudden changes in "light" and "humidity".'

He closed the monitoring summary.

'Liaison Coordinator's second observation will not just look at reports and meeting minutes.'

Lin Shen stood up and looked out the window—though it was just a simulated window, displaying a scene of the busy spaceport in Earth's synchronous orbit.

'It will go to look at real people. Look at those ordinary people who haven't entered Bedrock Base, haven't touched the legacy technology, but have to bear the consequences of all this.'

'And we must ensure that when they look at the starry sky, they see not only threats and distant technological miracles.'

He paused.

'But also see that they themselves are part of this miracle.'

'Even if,' Chu Yunshen added softly, 'they know nothing about it.'

The communicator rang; it was an urgent report from Elena from the Taihang Mountains:

'Dr. Lin, after the data extraction was completed, the green soil core crystal experienced irreversible accelerated decay. The estimated time to complete shutdown has been shortened from 72 hours to... 18 hours. Also, we found something deep within the ecosystem.'

'What is it?'

'It looks like... a "letter" left by the sower for those who come after. But the recipient is not us. The recipient's signature identifier has an 81% similarity to the symbol of the "Blade" civilization on the trading network.'

Lin Shen's pupils contracted sharply.

Did green soil know five hundred thousand years ago that the 'Blade' civilization would exist?

Or, an even more unsettling possibility is—

The 'Blade' civilization might be older than anyone imagined.