It wasn't long before Xu Lang,the leader of the Reformist faction,stood up,appearing somewhat reserved and controlled.His tall,slender figure was draped in a deep blue trench coat,and thin-rimmed glasses perched on his straight nose,lending him an air of scholarly refinement.There was no trace of panic on his face,but his eyes flickered with a sense of unease and deep thought,as if he were weighing the current situation.Xu Lang's features were sharp,not particularly handsome,but his calm demeanor exuded a certain gravitas.His brow furrowed slightly,as though he were carefully searching for the right words.
He looked up at Ming Rong,his tone calm but firm."Supreme Leader,I understand your reasoning.Optimizing our genetic pool is indeed critical for future development.But would it be possible to consider a more gradual approach?Phasing out defective genes might prevent the social upheaval that a sudden purge could cause.We could implement a genetic reset program to help those with slightly inferior genes undergo partial optimization,allowing them to adapt to societal changes step by step."
Xu Lang's voice was steady,but inside,he was fighting an intense battle.He knew that Ming Rong was not someone who could be easily swayed,and this proposal could very well put him in a precarious position.Yet,as the leader of the Reformist faction,he had to fight for a glimmer of hope for those who had no voice.Sweat slowly trickled down the back of his neck,dampening his collar,but he remained composed,standing calmly before everyone.
Ming Rong's gaze swept across Xu Lang's face like a blade,his eyes filled with disdain and mockery.It was as though he saw through everything.With a sneer,he said,"A gradual approach?Are you joking?These inferior genes aren't worth resetting.The resources we have should only be used for individuals who can propel the Empire forward,not wasted on the useless.You may have a soft heart,but this world isn't maintained by kindness."
Ming Rong's derision froze the atmosphere in the room.A slight,awkward smile flickered across Xu Lang's face,and the firmness in his gaze faltered,but he didn't retreat."I just believe that,in the long run,phasing out genes might be more beneficial for maintaining stability than a sudden purge."
Xu Lang's fingers twisted nervously at his side,his internal struggle obvious.He knew that in this power struggle,a single misstep could cost him his position,but he was determined to stick to his principles,hoping logic and reason might influence Ming Rong's decision.
At that moment,Wang Xu,a representative of the Radical faction,spoke up.His short hair and sharp features radiated a rebellious energy,and a glint of greed flashed in his eyes like a venomous snake that had caught the scent of blood.His lips curled slightly as he began calculating how to extract the greatest benefit from the upcoming purge.His sharp eyes scanned the room,his gaze carrying a subtle hint of manipulation.As a Radical faction representative,Wang Xu never hid his ambitions,and the ongoing conflicts with the Reformists and Conservatives had long bored him.Now,this purge plan presented the perfect opportunity to crush his opponents and solidify his own position.
His tone was ingratiating and supportive,laced with eager excitement:"Supreme Leader,I fully agree with your plan.These inferior genes are nothing but a burden on our progress.Purging them will not only conserve resources but also accelerate the Empire's advancement."His words dripped with loyalty and cooperation.Wang Xu's expression was confident and fanatical,as if he could already see himself standing at the center of power as the ultimate victor.
Wang Xu cast a quick glance around at his colleagues,a flash of contempt and disdain in his eyes.He was already planning to use Ming Rong's purge to sweep away his rivals,crushing them beneath him.Most importantly,he had begun imagining how he could secure a larger portion of the resources and further expand his influence,ensuring his dominance in this fierce power game.His fingers intertwined in front of his chest,his excitement barely contained.
Ming Rong did not immediately respond to Wang Xu's endorsement.He remained seated,his large form perfectly settled into his throne—a seat crafted from obsidian,towering and imposing,like a mountain dominating the room.He didn't speak right away,only narrowing his cold,knife-like eyes,locking onto Wang Xu,as if evaluating the worth of his prey.The scorn and mockery in his gaze were unmistakable,as though watching a jester perform.
Wang Xu's enthusiasm looked especially clumsy under Ming Rong's cold scrutiny.Like a hunter,Ming Rong silently observed him,ready to strike at any moment,but content to let his prey expose more weaknesses.His slightly pursed lips held a trace of derision,and his entire presence radiated an unsettling,oppressive force.
Ming Rong's cold laugh echoed through the meeting room like a sound from the depths of an abyss,dull and oppressive.Slowly,he stood up,his figure towering over everyone like a giant,his gaze sweeping across the room.Every movement was infused with power and authority,as if his mere presence was enough to silence any dissent.His voice was low and full of menace:"Since there's disagreement,let's settle this through action."His eyes gleamed with disdain and amusement as he continued,"I don't mind giving you all a chance.I only care about results."
His words carried an undeniable command,and the room's atmosphere grew even more stifling as he rose.It felt as though everyone's heartbeat was under his control.Ming Rong cast a glance at the hesitant attendees,a cruel smile forming on his lips."However,this task requires a central figure to execute it.Do any of you have someone to recommend?"
As soon as Ming Rong finished speaking,the weight of his words pressed down on everyone.The feeling of being hunted swept over the room,making hearts race.For Wang Xu,though,the oppressive atmosphere only fueled his excitement and anticipation.He knew this was his opportunity—his long-awaited stage.
Wang Xu's eyes darted around quickly,his brows slightly furrowed as his mind raced.Ming Rong's cold gaze was still locked on him,as though waiting for his next move.Wang Xu knew this was a rare chance.If he could secure control of this purge,his position within the Radical faction would solidify,and he could crush all competing factions beneath him.This was a chance he couldn't afford to miss,but he also understood that this task would not be easy.A complete purge of defective genes would undoubtedly cause massive unrest among the lower classes.Furthermore,if the plan went wrong,the full responsibility would fall on the enforcer.
Smart as he was,Wang Xu had already begun planning a scapegoat.
His eyes drifted toward Ling Bin,another key figure within the Radical faction.Ling Bin had long been Wang Xu's strongest rival,and his son,Ling Hao,was a rising star among the younger generation,possessing an almost perfect genetic sequence and standing out within the Original Sound Sequence.If Wang Xu could shift the responsibility to Ling Hao,it would serve a dual purpose:if successful,the credit would still go to the Radical faction,and as the one who recommended him,Wang Xu would reap the benefits.If the plan failed,it would severely damage Ling Bin's family,giving Wang Xu the opportunity to rise above him.
After a moment of contemplation,Wang Xu's lips curled into a meaningful smile.He stood up,his tone respectful yet composed:"Supreme Leader,I believe Ling Hao is the best candidate for this mission.His genetic sequence is nearly perfect,and he is more than capable of handling such a critical task.As one of the leaders of the younger generation,I trust he can lead us to successfully carry out this mission."
As soon as Wang Xu spoke,all eyes in the room turned to Ling Bin.A hint of tension flashed across Ling Bin's face,his brow furrowing tightly as he realized Wang Xu's intentions.However,under Ming Rong's gaze,he dared not act rashly.He could only suppress his inner turmoil and wait to see how things would unfold.
Ming Rong's cold smile remained in place,and he nodded slightly,seeming intrigued by Wang Xu's suggestion.His gaze shifted to Ling Hao,with a hint of both curiosity and amusement,as though waiting to see how the young man would handle this sudden challenge.
The atmosphere in the room seemed to freeze,with everyone holding their breath,waiting for Ming Rong's final decision.
Ling Bin's eyes flickered for a moment as he raised his head slightly,locking his gaze on Wang Xu.Years of rivalry had taught him to understand Wang Xu's schemes.Ling Bin could sense the hidden calculations and sharp edges beneath Wang Xu's words.By recommending Ling Hao,Wang Xu had placed him in a difficult position:success would mean glory for the Radical faction and personal gain for Wang Xu,but failure would place all the blame squarely on the Ling family.
But Ling Bin knew well that Ming Rong had no tolerance for hesitation or shirking responsibility.If he showed the slightest hesitation now,Ming Rong's razor-sharp gaze would pin him in place.The Supreme Leader despised cowardice and retreat more than anything.Ling Bin couldn't afford to be careless;he understood that today's meeting was not just a test for himself but also a challenge for Ling Hao.
So,Ling Bin offered a faint smile,his face calm as if Wang Xu's proposal were a mere formality."Lord Wang is correct,"he said slowly,his tone steady and seasoned with years of experience."My son Ling Hao is indeed one of the most promising among the younger generation,thanks to the
Empire's nurturing.As his father,I'm well aware of his capabilities,and I'm willing for him to take on this difficult mission.Supreme Leader,I can assure you that Ling Hao will not disappoint either you or the Empire."
His voice was soft and measured,each word chosen with care,avoiding flattery while making it clear he wasn't shirking responsibility.Ling Bin was a master of political speech,and at this moment,he was using that skill to counter Wang Xu's hidden agenda.Knowing there was no way to avoid the challenge,Ling Bin had chosen to face it head-on.
Ming Rong's gaze flicked over Ling Bin,his lips curling slightly,clearly satisfied with Ling Bin's response.The answer was flawless,and it amused him.His voice remained low,as cold as ever:"Very well,Ling Bin.I,too,hope Ling Hao proves himself worthy of his genetic inheritance.If he succeeds,a bright future awaits him;if he fails...we both know the Empire doesn't offer second chances."
Ming Rong's words cut through the air like a cold wind,lowering the temperature in the room.Ling Bin kept his smile steady,though inside,his heart weighed heavy as a stone.He knew this was an unavoidable trial,a gamble with high stakes.Wang Xu's recommendation was not just a trap,but a test from Ming Rong for both father and son.The Supreme Leader's nature ensured that the outcome of this mission would determine the survival or downfall of the Ling family.
Ling Bin nodded slightly,still smiling."Rest assured,Supreme Leader,Ling Hao will meet all expectations."His voice was calm,but his palms were already damp with sweat.Only he knew the weight of the emotions and calculations behind his composed exterior.
Ming Rong smiled faintly,saying nothing more,and the tension in the room thickened once again.Everyone's thoughts were racing.Ming Rong had made his decision,and they could only wait and react to whatever came next.Meanwhile,Wang Xu's lips curled into a smirk,already planning how to extract the maximum benefit from this mission.
"Then,I await your results,"Ming Rong's deep voice echoed through the room,sealing the meeting with finality.