Chapter 048: The Limit Restriction

Seeing that those involved were not taking issue with the matter, Elder Liu, considering the current predicament facing human civilization, found it difficult to continue with the words he had originally intended.

General Xiao took up the conversation, speaking calmly: "It was merely some trivial matters within the military, nothing significant. We kept it hidden out of concern for appearing laughable in front of you all. As for Lin Yan’s later decision to relinquish her place, I was aware of it, and in fact, it was with my approval.

"Lin Yan was severely injured during a dangerous mission; her right leg had to be amputated high above the thigh to save her life. Because she was left disabled, others in the military came to me, arguing that she was no longer eligible to keep that place. Nevertheless, I stood firm and rejected their demands.

"Later, it was Lin Yan herself who voluntarily gave up her spot. I sent someone to consult with her, to ensure it was truly her own decision, and advised her to take time to decide. As you all know, in the end, she gave up her opportunity to go to the moon of her own accord.

"Now that we've come this far in our discussion, you might as well ask whatever else you wish to know.”

Hearing this, Xu Tianhua and the others exchanged silent glances, realizing they had truly offended people in the military today. Regarding whether Lin Yan had really given up her place willingly, the military’s words left little room for doubt, though they still harbored suspicions in their hearts.

In truth, few among them fully believed General Xiao's account. But since matters had come to this, Xu Tianhua decided to be direct, asking, "What about the severance pay Lin Yan mentioned? If she willingly relinquished her opportunity to go to the moon, the military would have had no reason to give her only enough severance for four years' subsistence in a major city, would they?"

At this, Elder Liu beside General Xiao bristled with anger, glaring at Xu Tianhua. General Xiao, however, remained composed, though his eyes narrowed slightly, betraying his own displeasure before he suppressed it.

The other elders in the conference room kept their gazes lowered, remaining silent, yet all were listening intently to every word exchanged.

General Xiao continued, "The military arranged for her to recover in a special convalescent facility and prepared ample severance pay. But she declined all of it, accepting only the standard allotment given to any discharged soldier, as per regulations.

"Moreover, I understand she later refused the housing and job the military had arranged for her, choosing instead to return alone to her father Lin Hua’s old home in WH City."

He paused for several seconds, as though recalling past memories, before continuing, "Lin Yan is a soldier with a strong character. Most in the military watched her grow up; many are elders who cared for her deeply. Yet she inherited her father’s temperament—after becoming a special forces soldier, she insisted on volunteering for the most dangerous missions.

"For this, I sent several commanders to speak with her. After all, her father died carrying out a deadly mission. But she was obstinate, and that stubbornness is what ultimately led to her grievous injury and disability."

Xu Tianhua and the others were left speechless once more, falling into a heavy silence, with no one voicing further questions.

"Very well, let us leave the matter of Lin Yan and Li Gang here, and move on to the next topic," said the elder seated at the center of the table, breaking the silence.

On the stage, Zhu Yinglong immediately switched the electronic display. This time, bold characters appeared on the screen: "Fragmented Basic Guidance Technique."

Beneath the heading were densely packed diagrams and text, detailing the cultivation methods of the fragmented guidance technique: the Physical, Mental, Strength, and Speed fragments.

Zhu Yinglong explained, "On the tenth day after the start of the game, when a Chosen One obtained a fragment of the basic guidance technique, we closely observed and recorded their practice. Soon, we collected all four fragments: Physical, Mental, Strength, and Speed.

"We then arranged for individuals with clear strengths in specific attributes to study them. At first, lacking intelligent assistants, we couldn't check our own base stats, so we relied on daily testing to verify results.

"Now, regarding this guidance technique that has appeared among the Chosen Ones on Earth, we have made some progress. Despite gathering all four fragments, no matter how we study them or what methods we try, we cannot assemble the complete basic guidance technique described by the gods. It seems a special means is required, not simply the collection of all fragments.

"Furthermore, this technique is useful to us. Comparing daily data from those who have practiced it, we see clear improvement. However, a strange phenomenon occurs: after reaching a certain threshold, further cultivation yields no increase. We surmise this is due to a natural growth limit.

"The Chosen Ones on Earth, under the effect of Rule Two, can continue to improve indefinitely. Our analysis suggests that here on the moon, no matter how we cultivate, the four basic attributes cap at 150. This appears to be the human growth limit—the threshold imposed by the gods. Rule Two applies only to the Chosen Ones on Earth, not to us.

"Other countries are also researching the guidance technique, but their results mirror our own. Moreover, it is not only the authorities; most residents of the survival bases are privately attempting to practice it, since every person, as granted by the gods, can observe the stats of their favorite contestants at any time."

After Zhu Yinglong’s report, the conference room erupted into small groups of discussion. After a while, an elder with a disappointed expression looked at Zhu Yinglong and asked, "So, according to your report, this basic guidance technique is entirely useless—mere chicken ribs—for those of us on the moon?"

Many present felt discontent; after all, what was a hard-won treasure for the Chosen Ones on Earth was easily obtained by them, yet proved all but useless. Anyone would feel aggrieved by such a situation.

"Not entirely useless," Zhu Yinglong replied. As he spoke, a subtle glint flashed in his eyes.

"Oh? What do you mean by that?" The elder’s disappointment vanished, replaced by interest.

Zhu Yinglong took a deep breath, gathered his thoughts, and answered slowly, "Based on our massive and ongoing data analysis, even though we can only train to the cap, experts in various fields have reached a consensus: if all four basic stats reach 150, not only will a person’s physiological functions be far superior and healthier than average, but more importantly, their lifespan will be greatly extended—possibly doubled."

"And for the Chosen Ones on Earth, with no upper growth limit, so long as they survive and continue to improve, they will not only become superhuman but long-lived monsters as well."

At this, those gathered in the conference room drew sharp breaths. Yet, seasoned as they were, few showed overt excitement, though each could not completely conceal their delight.

After all, most had one foot in the grave and, at best, decades left to live. If the basic guidance technique could truly double their lifespan, their remaining years would be greatly extended—living another half century would no longer be a problem.

To live several more decades—who wouldn’t be tempted, who wouldn’t desire that?

"Major General Zhu, how accurate is this conclusion?" one of the elders asked.

"The experts are still working around the clock, but based on current findings, the likelihood that ordinary people can double their lifespan exceeds eighty percent. More precise results will require a few more days," Zhu Yinglong replied from the podium.

"Eighty percent, you say?"

Joy was evident in the eyes of all present.

"Regarding this matter, so many experts were involved in the research that word has already spread to some people within the base," Zhu Yinglong added.

"That's not necessarily a bad thing. It's a blessing for all humanity—no need to keep it secret. Besides, do other countries have similar research results?"

The audience was unconcerned. After all, those who had made it to the moon were elites from every field or the privileged and wealthy. In this calamity facing all humankind, they represented the hope of their nation.

They wished for everyone to participate actively, to strengthen themselves and, by extension, the nation as a whole.

"As far as our informants can tell, there’s no definitive news from abroad, but as their research continues, they will inevitably reach the same conclusions," Zhu Yinglong replied honestly.

The conference room soon filled with heated discussion once again, which lasted more than ten minutes before gradually subsiding.

"In this matter, we have reached a consensus: all information is to be sealed from both internal and external sources, but internally, we must encourage all of our citizens to practice the fragments of the basic guidance technique as actively as possible. Externally, we are to watch the movements of other countries closely."

With that, the meeting quickly reached a preliminary agreement and moved into action. After all, when it comes to such a beneficial practice, speed is everything. Keeping other countries in the dark and secretly cultivating first could only be to their advantage.