Chapter 65: Earth—Beast Tide (VII)

A pillar of light enveloped the Exchange Hall; the monthly exchange period had arrived once again. With anticipation, Sun Meng opened the exchange panel, and as expected, the top three rows, twelve items, had transformed into goods he had never seen before.

His eyes shone as he studied them, but he was also keenly aware of his own poverty. With just over ten thousand points, he could only select three items from among these treasures.

"Forget it, better to consult with those back on Earth," Sun Meng said.

Meanwhile, the expert team on Earth had gathered once more. Xu Xiao sat at the head of the table, and the large screen displayed the twelve new items and Sun Meng’s current points.

Three rows, four items per row.

"Clearly, these twelve options fall into three major categories: large-scale environmental upgrades, high-level spirit items for small areas, and advanced technical guidance for civilization progression," Xu Xiao explained.

"The contestants have previously stated that prior to Tier Three, a civilization must ensure comprehensive development across the board, yet retain its own distinctiveness to advance beyond Tier Three. Thus, guidance materials for civilization advancement are essential, and they’ll help break through bottlenecks in our current research," said the head of the institute.

"Large-scale environmental upgrades are also necessary; otherwise, other countries will protest," remarked the diplomat.

"Let them protest! Times have changed. We’ve already shown mercy by sharing those materials. Didn’t they confidently claim they could forge their own path? If we don’t show them who leads Earth’s civilization now, they’ll never admit defeat," the military representative interjected.

"Actually, I disagree with large-scale environmental upgrades; it will surely affect the evolution speed of those external monsters. Moreover, recent reports show our native spirit beasts are evolving as well, in ways reminiscent of mythical creatures," Xu Xiao said, displaying some data.

"Let’s settle on the guidance materials for civilization progression. These are crucial for every nation. As for the options... sigh!" The deputy leader made a final decision. He was right; among the four options in the first row, three had significant support, except for one with less demand.

"Connect the representatives from other countries. This matter must be discussed," Xu Xiao said.

Three small light screens appeared beside the main screen. Unlike the main screen—Earth’s only surviving pure electronic product under the system’s protection—people now mainly used crystal screens.

"We’ve ruled out the large-scale environmental upgrades for now and are considering the guidance material options," Xu Xiao said to the other representatives.

In truth, the so-called national representatives were just those from the Americas, Europe, and Russia. Only these still had the right to dialogue with Huaguo as equals.

"Complete Spirit Stone Energy Technology for Tier Two Civilization, Complete Rune System Technology for Tier Two Civilization, Martial Ascension Overview for Tier Two Civilization, and Cultivation Overview for Tier Two Civilization."

Four options. The first two would yield effects similar to Earth’s original social structure, while the latter two would alter society’s fabric.

Though the world had changed due to the beast tide, the old elites still sought to preserve their status and interests. Hence, advancement options that maintained the societal environment were most desirable.

Given the current state, individual strength was still powerless against military might, with no hope for resistance. Thus, these nations felt further development was needed, ideally so that single-soldier weapons could suppress personal combat power at corresponding levels.

Yet, the American and European representatives could not reach consensus: the former favored the first option, the latter the second. Russia leaned toward the third. The fourth option was dismissed outright; after all, Huaguo had shown military strength with the third, while the fourth would leave fate in others’ hands.

"Can’t we choose three this time? Why not pick one of the first two, add the third, and finally a high-level spirit item for a small area?" the Russian representative suggested.

"Where would you place the spirit item? The main issue is that it only lists the item’s attribute, not its specifics; there’s too much uncertainty," replied the American representative. The European representative remained silent.

"Contestant, what do you think? Do any of these items help you?" Xu Xiao suddenly asked.

Sun Meng, who had been spectating, was taken aback. Though he couldn’t see the video conference from Earth, he received brief updates on the proceedings. Seeing his homeland so strong now, how could he not rejoice?

Asked directly, Sun Meng voiced his opinion.

"I think we should choose the rune technology and martial arts materials, and finally, a large-scale upgrade," Sun Meng said, pointing to one item. "This one—adding physical traits—I believe it’s a good way to enhance the civilization’s overall potential. With the system, there’s no fear of racial changes. You must have noticed the benefits of special physiques in previous rounds. The beast tide will surely grow fiercer ahead; if we don’t raise average individual strength, it’ll be hard to survive."

He had his own motives for this choice, since his own aptitude would improve. In the speculative web novels of his previous life, aptitude was crucial. By deduction, Earth’s people’s aptitude had declined considerably. He was certain he’d walk the path of cultivation, so his talent couldn’t be subpar, lest he drag Earth’s civilization down.

"Physical traits? I see it," a red message floated by, and Sun Meng saw the Huaguo team’s reply, indicating the issue was under discussion.

They saw Sun Meng’s comments and began their deliberations.

"If it’s truly just a physical enhancement, I support it. Most leaders are quite old, keeping pace only with resources; what about the future? I think this proposal is viable," said the European representative.

Many ancient families in Europe had seized the chance presented by this world shift to return to the stage; naturally, they favored options offering more benefits.

The American representative promptly agreed, and so did the Russian. Thus, the option passed unanimously.

Sun Meng eyed his remaining points. He actually wanted to exchange for the cultivation overview, so he could avoid detours and at least not be helpless in future worlds with pure cultivation methods. But this wasn’t his decision alone. After some waiting, Earth’s team responded.

They chose the martial arts civilization and rune civilization advancement systems. Sun Meng was satisfied, knowing Huaguo would leap ahead.

His points vanished like water, quickly spent. Three cards appeared in his hand, and he finally understood the high price of these rewards.

First, the rune civilization system: it instantly completed Earth’s foundational knowledge in this field. Step by step, the functional rune system for daily life could be quickly established, with base formulas for attack runes up to mid-Tier Two included. Earth’s power would rise sharply.

Next, the martial ascension legacy: as he hoped, combining Earth’s existing martial arts systems produced a complete standard for evaluation and training from birth all the way to late Tier Two. Body refinement, energy cultivation, mental focus, and foundation building—four realms, fully covering the journey from Tier Zero to late Tier Two, and mapping out Sun Meng’s next steps.

Finally, he activated the last card, which revealed a wheel inscribed with various physiques. Sun Meng could spin it twice, and each time Earth’s civilization advanced, it could be spun again!

Taking a deep breath, Sun Meng silently prayed and spun the wheel.