Chapter 94: International Maritime City Technology Exhibition

After the challenge ended, Xiao Kaitian gave no thought to the possible consequences that might follow. He knew that Xue Rong would surely report to Xiao Zhenglü that he was a "martial cultivator," but he simply did not care. The rift between him and Xiao Zhenglü had long since taken root; it was merely a matter of whether things would come to a head sooner or later.

Yet this did not mean he would make no preparations at all for the coming war. He was not alone—he had family, friends, colleagues, and all manner of inexplicable titles this world had bestowed upon him. These people gathered around him, looking to him for guidance, and for their sake, he could not ignore their safety.

He needed to forge a legitimate, personal, and secure sphere of influence. To achieve this, the first issue he had to address was not the martial world, but his own enterprise, the Tilted Tang Dynasty.

His partnership with Jameson was the lever to pry open the Tilted Tang Dynasty project. This was why he attached such importance to it.

The development of Qixi Media Consultancy was gradually gaining traction. Several key discussion conferences were proceeding as planned, and the company was expanding its staff. Some of the personnel were even beginning to shift toward Tilted Tang Dynasty.

Especially in his collaboration with Jameson, there was a demand for many technical staff as well as production line workers. Recruiting labor for the lower and middle tiers was, in Haidu, even more challenging than finding high-level employees.

Xiao Kaitian set his sights on the Haidu International Tech Expo in July. The exhibition would be held at the Haidu Convention Center, and Xiao Kaitian had leased a prime exhibition booth there—an endeavor that alone cost more than five million.

Upon learning this, Chen Jingming cried out that Xiao Kaitian was squandering his fortune. Five million invested in post-production or publicity for their film would surely elevate it to another level.

But Chen Jingming dared not say much more. The real, larger purpose of Xiao Kaitian’s participation in the tech expo, plainly, was to serve the science fiction film.

Unlike the small-minded Chen Jingming, Ling Xuan remained calm. She had long grown accustomed to Xiao Kaitian’s extravagant ways.

With little time left, Xiao Kaitian threw all available resources—manpower and material—into the project with Jameson. When the first finished product finally emerged, everyone gasped in astonishment.

"Is this... artificial intelligence?"

"It’s not full artificial intelligence, more like a controllable intelligent robot."

"But it’s so lifelike! The simulated human skin alone cost over two million, and it was worth every penny."

"At first, I had my doubts about this project, but now I have to say, President Xiao has extraordinary foresight."

"All the components are detachable, and it can interface with human nerves—this is a mechanical prosthetic. President Xiao’s move is incredibly bold."

"I wonder how the public will accept it. We’ll have to see at the expo."

While everyone discussed excitedly, Xiao Kaitian remained unmoved. What concerned him was not the product itself, but the ripple effects it could unleash.

Ordinary methods would not save the Tilted Tang Dynasty.

He handed a sheet of paper to Guo Lei, who glanced at it and immediately turned pale. "President Xiao, this is..."

"The next topic for discussion at Qixi Media Consultancy," Xiao Kaitian said indifferently, as if unaware of Guo Lei’s hesitation and confusion. "Report the results as soon as possible. For this session, invite a broader range of participants."

Guo Lei clutched the paper uncertainly. Tang Tian, watching from the side, gave a cold laugh and leaned in to steal a glance. Her expression froze as well. "This topic..."

"It’s just a discussion," Xiao Kaitian said, unwilling to alter his plans. "If you have trouble, you can ask Lin Xiang for help."

"???" The two elegant women were both left speechless. Lin Xiang was only a junior high graduate—what could he possibly do? But neither dared voice their doubts.

For this tech expo, besides the fully integrated robot, Xiao Kaitian was also exhibiting some separate limbs and internal organs. He wanted to test how receptive the nations of this world would be to such high-tech products.

But this was not his ultimate goal. He was waiting for another power to take notice—a force capable of standing against the martial world.

Fortunately, what pleased Xiao Kaitian lately was that no one from the martial world had come to trouble him again. Perhaps the aftermath of the last challenge had exposed him enough to ease his opponents’ pressure.

This allowed him to devote himself entirely to preparations for the tech expo.

July arrived, and the Haidu International Tech Expo opened as scheduled. The venue, the Haidu International Convention Center, sprawled over a vast area and was divided into several halls. Xiao Kaitian chose the "Technology Applications Hall," though its stage was not the most prime location.

Qixi Media Consultancy, a mere C-level company, was the official participant, and even this secondary spot among the premium booths was only secured thanks to Tang Tian and her family’s maneuvering.

Even so, the company had sunk over five million into the booth, leaving Chen Jingming visibly displeased upon arrival. "What is all this? Sure, there’s a crowd, but so what? In the end, it’s all about the product. Messing around with this and that—what can Xiao Kaitian possibly come up with?"

He was served by a young woman in a standard Western restaurant uniform, who smiled as she set a cup of coffee before him. "Please enjoy."

"Mm," Chen Jingming grunted noncommittally. He had no interest in this kind of expo; his business was film, and this event meant nothing to him. But glancing at Ling Xuan, who sat at ease sipping coffee, he decided to settle in as well, raising his cup for a sip. "The flavor’s not bad."

"Mm," Ling Xuan replied absently, her eyes sparkling as she watched the attendants moving to and fro across the floor.

"Never mind the coffee, these attendants have wonderful manners," Chen Jingming conceded, leaning back against the chair’s cushion. "Xiao Kaitian says this has a lot to do with our film. The expo will be followed by our movie’s premiere. What do you think?"

As a renowned director, he normally wouldn’t consult with an actress like Ling Xuan, but now, with both of them adrift, such formalities were cast aside.

"We’ll see. President Xiao is quite an interesting man," Ling Xuan replied with a faint, enchanting smile that only enhanced her beauty.

A pity there was no one here to appreciate it. Chen Jingming shook his head. "I still don’t see the connection to our film. We’re shooting science fiction, but the expo’s setup looks nothing of the sort."

"Really?" Ling Xuan set down her cup in surprise. "Director Chen, didn’t you notice that the attendant who just served you… was a robot?"