212: True Powerhouse Seventh Level

"Please follow me." Li Qingshan led the group through the central courtyard to a relatively quiet reception area.

Chen Jun was already there.

He was still sprawled out on a specially made lounge chair—this chair was clearly designed specifically for a "Kindergarten environment," featuring a cute shape and cartoon star patterns.

But the aura emanating from Chen Jun, sprawled upon it, instantly made everyone hold their breath.

"Sit."

Chen Jun raised a hand.

The envoys nervously took their seats, daring only to perch on the edge of the chairs.

Karl Loren gathered his courage and was about to speak, but Chen Jun spoke first.

"Qingshan has told me about your situation."

His voice was calm, yet carried a magical power that could silence the starry sky.

"Radiance, Cang Ming, Rui, those children... they've gone a bit too far."

Just this one sentence nearly brought the envoys to tears.

Finally!

Someone finally understood their suffering!

"However," Chen Jun shifted the topic, "you must also understand them. With population explosions and resource shortages, if you were in their shoes, you would also want to expand."

The envoys' hearts immediately sank again.

"Therefore," Chen Jun said slowly, "I called you here today not to condemn anyone, nor to oppress anyone."

"I am here to... show you a path."

He pointed to the children playing around them.

"Do you see these children?"

Everyone nodded.

"Among them are direct descendants of the Chen Family, and children of ordinary Federation citizens," Chen Jun said lightly. "But here, they receive the same education and enjoy the same resources."

"Do you know why?"

The envoys shook their heads in confusion.

"Because," Chen Jun stated word by word, "the true strength of a civilization does not lie in how vast its territory is, how many resources it possesses, or even how large its Innate Martial Body population is."

"It lies in education, and in technology."

"It lies in ensuring that every child with potential receives the best possible nurturing, so that technology can develop rapidly, and only technological development can counter population expansion."

He paused, his gaze sweeping over the crowd: "Why can't your civilizations compete against Radiance and the others?"

"It's because your cultivation Systems are too backward."

"You concentrate resources on a few nobles and royals, while Geniuses from ordinary families are buried. Your society's involution is focused in the wrong direction—it revolves around how to curry favor with the powerful and how to secure marriage alliances, instead of how to nurture the next generation."

"As for Radiance and the others..." Chen Jun smiled, "Although they also involute, their focus is on 'how to give birth to more outstanding children' and 'how to provide better education for their children'."

"When the direction is right, the results are naturally different."

The envoys felt as if they had been struck by lightning.

These words completely overturned their understanding!

That's right!

The disparity is not just in the Bloodline.

The disparity lies even more in... the nurturing System!

"Ancestor Chen..." Karl's voice trembled, "Are you suggesting..."

"What I mean is," Chen Jun sat up straight—a sign that he was about to say something important, "I can help you."

"But not through marriage alliances—that only treats the symptoms, not the root cause, and the women of my Chen Family are not commodities."

"But through..."

He raised his hand and waved.

A gigantic light screen unfolded before everyone.

Detailed plans were displayed on it:

[Star Sea Civilization Education Enhancement and Peaceful Development Initiative]—

The Human Federation will open up the complete educational System, textbooks, and teacher training programs from the "Star Sea First Demonstration Kindergarten" to the "Star Sea Tenth Advanced Cultivation Academy."

Participating civilizations can send educators to the Federation to study, and the Federation will dispatch expert teams to guide the establishment of Inter-stellar Educational Systems in various civilizations.

Establish the "Star Sea Genius Children Joint Nurturing Program," allowing the most outstanding seedlings from all civilizations to come to the Federation for specialized training.

Only by nurturing relationships from a young age will you have a chance for Chen Family women to look upon you favorably.

Once a Chen Family woman successfully enters into a relationship through free will, the Federation will provide Advanced "Optimal Birth and Optimal Upbringing" technological solutions, along with scientific prenatal and postnatal preparations.

Establish an "Inter-Civilization Marriage Introduction Platform" to promote the exchange and Fusion of excellent genes between civilizations.

Launch a "Scientific Child-Rearing" Star Sea-wide publicity campaign to reverse the mistaken concept of "prioritizing Rebirth over Nurturing."

Led by the Federation, establish the "Star Sea Peaceful Development Fund," with all civilizations contributing proportionally to aid less developed civilizations in improving infrastructure.

Establish "Resource Complementary Trade Zones" to prevent conflicts arising from resource shortages.

Promote the "Technology Sharing Program," where the Federation provides some non-core Level 3.0 civilization technology to help all civilizations improve production efficiency.

Form the "Star Sea Civilization Relations Mediation Committee," jointly composed of the Federation, Guangyao Empire, Sea Song Civilization, Xuanji Federation... and all other civilizations possessing the chen clan bloodline.

Any territorial or resource disputes between civilizations must first be resolved through the mediation mechanism.

Violators... the Chen Family will withdraw all support.

The envoys watched the proposal, their breathing growing rapid.

This... this is simply... "Ancestor Chen!" The elderly envoy from Castro burst into tears. "This... this is too generous! How... how can we possibly deserve this..."

"Don't rush to be moved," Chen Jun waved his hand. "There are conditions."

"First, all participating civilizations must sign the 'Peaceful Development Covenant,' promising never to actively initiate wars of aggression."

"Second, you must implement educational reforms domestically, investing at least sixty percent of your GDP into reproduction and education, ensuring that every child with potential is not overlooked."

"Third," a profound light flashed in Chen Jun's eyes, "you must establish a comprehensive 'Family Core Values Propaganda and Supervision System'."

The envoys were stunned: "Family Core Values?"

"Yes." Chen Jun nodded. "It is these sixteen characters: 'Multiple births, optimal births, valuing education, Family harmony, and civilization co-prosperity'."

"For the specific implementation plan, my grandsons Zhao Jing and Yuan Hai will send people to guide you."

"Remember," Chen Jun emphasized, "it is not forced reproduction, but scientific reproduction. It is not prioritizing birth over nurturing, but optimal birth and optimal upbringing."

"If I learn that any civilization attempts forced reproduction or neglects education in pursuit of sheer numbers..."

His tone remained calm, but everyone felt a chill.

"I will personally go and have a talk with their leaders."

The envoys collectively shivered.

Ancestor Chen personally "having a talk"... that scene was too beautiful to imagine.

"Ancestor Chen!" Karl trembled with excitement. "We, the Loren Civilization, completely accept all conditions! No! We are willing to invest ninety percent of our GDP into reproduction and education! As long as... as long as you are willing to accept our children for study!"

"We, too!"

"Castro is willing!"

"The Free Confederacy is willing!"

...For a moment, the reception area was filled with excited voices.

Chen Jun nodded in satisfaction.

"Alright, Qingshan will discuss the specific details with you."

He sprawled back onto the lounge chair and waved his hand.

"Go."

"Remember—when a nation thrives, the people suffer; when a nation falls, the people suffer. But if we can make the people suffer less... why wouldn't we?"

Chen Jun did not mention the most important reason—

The Chen Family women have exceedingly high Aptitude, each one being top-notch and excellent. Relying solely on high-quality males within the Federation is simply not enough to 'digest' them. No... it's far from enough.

Since all the Chen Family males are working so hard and involuting so much, it's time to add burdens to the Chen Family women... especially since Innate Nurturing Feedback is extremely beneficial to women. Married Chen Family women, relying on Innate Nurturing Feedback, can theoretically—as long as they keep giving birth—

Enjoy a continuous, nearly uninterrupted period of closeness to the Innate Universe Origin!

Although they can only carry one fetus at a time, making their efficiency lower than males, the married Chen Family women have much higher enthusiasm for reproduction than the males!

Among the existing Star Arm Level powerhouses, the proportion of women is far greater than that of men. These women are all married and are benefiting from Innate Nurturing Feedback!

Three days later.

The Imperial Palace of the Guangyao Empire.

Emperor Radiance looked at the "Initiative" and Chen Jun's personal letter, which had been personally delivered by Li Qingshan, and fell into a long silence.

The content of the letter was simple:

"Radiance, My Great-Grandson-in-law:

Reading this is like meeting face-to-face.

I am greatly comforted to hear of the Empire's rapid development in recent years.

However, hearing that you intend to expand your territory, I have a piece of advice—

Vastness of territory is inferior to stability of popular support; abundance of resources is inferior to prosperity of talent.

Only when talent is abundant and technology develops rapidly is it the true way forward.

I hereby grant you a partial set of Level 3.0 civilization technology and an education System. I hope you will consider it carefully.

Furthermore, seven hundred and twenty concubines in your harem have jointly petitioned, stating that you have recently neglected the Cultivation of “productivity,” causing your cultivation base to stagnate.

As the Emperor, you must set an example.

Conduct yourself accordingly.

—Chen Jun.”

Radiance finished reading the letter, then looked at the detailed “Proposal,” his expression complex.

The personal Attendant Officer carefully asked, “Your Majesty, is Ancestor Chen... reprimanding us?”

Radiance remained silent for a long time, then suddenly smiled.

“No.”

“Great Ancestor is teaching us.”

He stood up, walked to the window, and looked at the bustling Imperial Capital outside the Imperial Palace.

“I always believed that the Empire's strength lay in its territory, resources, and military.”

“That’s why I desperately expanded and desperately had children, wanting more territory to settle the population and more resources to nurture the descendants.”

“But I was wrong.”

He turned around, his eyes shining with the light of sudden understanding:

“Ancestor is right—true strength lies in education, in talent, and in technology.”

“We possess the chen clan bloodline, guaranteeing an Innate Martial Body, which is already our greatest advantage.”

“But if we only pursue quantity and neglect quality, that is a waste!”

“If expansionist wars lead to the premature death of future Geniuses and suffering among commoners, that is putting the cart before the horse! Those are the potential spouses of our future descendants!”

The more he spoke, the more excited he became:

“Think about it! If we invest all our military expansion funds into education! If we establish a nurturing System like the 'First Model Kindergarten of the Star Sea'! If our entire Empire, from top to bottom, forms a culture of 'valuing education and valuing science'!”

“A thousand years from now, what quality will our Innate Martial Bodies achieve?!”

“Ten thousand years from now, what heights will our civilization reach?!”

The Attendant Officer was stirred by these words: “Your Majesty is brilliant!”

“Pass on my decree!” Radiance swept his hand:

“First, the Seventh Fleet is to withdraw to the border and cease all military actions against the Loren Civilization.”

“Second, the Cabinet must immediately study the 'Proposal' and produce a concrete educational reform plan. I demand to see it within one month!”

“Third,” he paused, a wry smile appearing on his face, “as for the Harem... redraw the 'Bedding Schedule.' We must set aside at least... twenty-three hours per day for productivity Cultivation time.”

“Furthermore, inform the concubines that whoever raises their children well will receive a higher 'Score'! It's not just about quantity; quality matters more!”

“I intend to be an Emperor who does more than just sire children.”

“But one... who can Cultivate the strongest generation in the Star Sea!”

The same conversation was unfolding in all civilizations possessing the chen clan bloodline, including the Sea Song Civilization, the Xuanji Federation, and the Iron Wall Alliance.

A letter and a “Proposal” from Chen Jun were like a basin of cold water, sobering these civilizations obsessed with the “pleasure of expansion.”

They suddenly realized—

There was a more Advanced way to “compete.”

Don't compete over territory; compete over technology.

Don't compete over resources; compete over talent.

Don't compete over quantity; compete over quality.

And this was the true, correct way to utilize the chen clan bloodline!

One month later.

Pillar of Leaders Manor.

Chen Jun lay sprawled on the lounge chair, listening to Li Qingshan's report.

“...Currently, three hundred and seventy thousand civilizations have officially joined the 'Peaceful Development Initiative,' including the Guangyao Empire, the Sea Song Civilization, and other former 'Expansionists.' The first batch of three hundred 'Educational Exchange Scholars' from various civilizations has arrived at the Federation and begun studying at the Model Kindergarten.”

“The Loren Civilization and other former 'victims' have withdrawn their protests from the Star Sea Council and publicly thanked Ancestor Chen for his 'benevolence and wisdom.'”

“Star Sea public opinion generally believes this marks the beginning of Cangqiong Seat moving toward true peace and prosperity...”

After Li Qingshan finished his report, he couldn't help but ask:

“Ancestor, there is one thing I don't understand.”

“Speak.”

“Did you intervene this time truly just because... you sympathize with the common people? Or was there a deeper consideration?”

Chen Jun opened one eye and looked at Li Qingshan.

Then he smiled.

“Qingshan, what kind of person do you think I am?”

Li Qingshan thought for a moment: “You are an unfathomable ancient existence, a benevolent and wise guide, a...”

“Stop, stop, stop.” Chen Jun waved his hand. “Speak plainly.”

Li Qingshan coughed awkwardly: “You... are a lazy person who likes to win by lying down.”

“Exactly!” Chen Jun nodded in satisfaction. “I am just a lazy person who likes to win by lying down.”

“Then think,” he narrowed his eyes, “what kind of environment is best suited for winning by lying down?”

Li Qingshan pondered for a moment: “A peaceful... stable environment?”

“Smart.” Chen Jun nodded. “If there are battles every day, and civilizations constantly ask me to uphold justice, how can I lie down?”

“Moreover, war causes deaths. The dead might be Geniuses, or outstanding prospects who could marry my descendants in the future. What a pity.”

“Most importantly,” he said slowly, “only a healthy, peaceful Star Sea that values education can continuously produce outstanding talents.”

“And these talents will become allies of the Federation, spouses of my chen clan descendants, and will bear even more outstanding offspring.”

“This is called—a Virtuous Cycle.”

Li Qingshan suddenly understood: “So you aren't acting as the 'Star Sea Police,' you are... managing a larger 'Win by Lying Down Ecosystem'?”

“You could see it that way.” Chen Jun closed his eyes again and comfortably adjusted his posture.

“Remember this, Qingshan.”

“The most brilliant control is not achieved through military suppression, nor through resource monopoly.”

“It is... making others willingly play by your rules, and even feel happy doing so.”

“Just like now—”

“Radiance and the others are happily competing in education and technology; the Lorens are enjoying peace, and all their high-quality talents are sent to the Federation, giving my descendants more reproductive choices, and they are eternally grateful; the Star Sea is moving toward prosperity, and everyone is happy.”

“And I...” Chen Jun yawned, “continue to lie here, enjoying the Peaceful Years and watching the Family grow stronger day by day.”

“This is the true win by lying down.”

Li Qingshan bowed deeply: “Qingshan has been enlightened.”

Just as he was about to leave, Chen Jun suddenly remembered something.

“Oh, right, Qingshan.”

“Ancestor, please instruct.”

“Tell Zhao Jing and Yuan Hai that their 'Family Core Values Promotion and Supervision Committee' can start promoting across the entire Star Sea.”

“But remember—” Chen Jun emphasized, “when promoting it, pay attention to the methodology.”

“Don't force it; let it seep in gradually.”

“For example, you can film some promotional videos, tell some touching stories, and organize a 'Most Beautiful Civilization Family' selection...”

“In short, make everyone feel that having many high-quality children, valuing education, and developing technology is glorious, fashionable, and... Advanced.”

Li Qingshan's mouth twitched: “Yes, Ancestor Chen.”

He turned to leave, sighing inwardly:

Ancestor Chen's methods... are truly becoming more and more "Subtle and Pervasive."

Meanwhile, Chen Jun had settled back onto the lounge chair, entering a half-asleep, half-awake state.

He felt the continuous increase in his Lifespan, the foundation of "Multiple Benefits" derived from countless descendants across the entire Star Sea, and the slow but steady progress of his Rank advancement on the System interface... A satisfied smile appeared at the corner of his mouth.

“How wonderful this is...”

“Fighting and killing are so boring.”

“Everyone having children together, focusing on education together, building a beautiful Star Sea together...”

“So harmonious.”

A true Powerhouse!

It is not only about having the strength to make potential enemies realize, when they truly become your foes:

That death is billions of times happier than living! And that being your enemy is the greatest mistake of their lives!

It is also about ensuring that the "Friendly Forces" directly and indirectly connected to you achieve complete happiness and fulfillment because of your existence!