Worldwide Awakening: My Soul Kinds Are Lost-Chapter 599: Negotiations, Deceive to the End_1

"This kid is impervious to our tactics. What should we do?" The Third Elder was somewhat irate.

"What can we do? Who could have anticipated such an extraordinary thing?" The Great Elder was also frustrated.

After all, they had no concept of a System that exceeded normal comprehension, so a misjudgment was normal.

The development of the Federation, especially in entertainment, largely employed the deeds of Heroic Spirits as material. These were typically set in ancient times; hence, the concept of a 'System' was not bred.

"What about Bai Xuan? How is his information gathering going?" Elder Jia You had no choice but to change the topic, to see if a breakthrough could be found with another System user.

"It won't be that fast; more time is needed," the Great Elder responded, and then said, "The key now is how to excavate all the unsubmitted technology from Wang Xianyu."

"So we are to implement the Ark Plan?" The Third Elder abruptly asked. If it wasn't implemented, it wouldn't matter whether there was any remaining technology.

For the Federation, the technology currently in hand was already sufficient, even with plenty to spare.

However, from the Federation's perspective, this technology could only be used for development. It would not allow them to survive the Spacetime Rift and the Annihilation Disaster.

"It will serve as a trump card, primarily because the test zone has already produced results."

"The conclusion is that it's highly feasible," the Great Elder said, presenting a report.

His judgment would certainly not be based on personal preferences. This was a matter that touched on his life and fortune; he couldn't be hasty.

Elder Jia You and the Third Elder also perused this report, their expressions serious.

The report had just arrived that morning. They were carrying out assignments at the time and thus hadn't checked it. After the Great Elder read it, they decided to execute the Ark Plan.

While it was termed a trump card, in reality, there were simply no other options.

"So, are we saying we're at the mercy of that kid?" The Third Elder looked increasingly helpless.

Having discovered that 'Wang Xianyu's' abilities were entirely reliant on an external force known as the Super Tech System, he had begun to somewhat disdain him.

He had assumed it was due to Wang Xianyu's own capabilities, only to find out he was merely a charlatan—all glitter on the outside but rotten on the inside.

This kind of disparity was indeed too much for him to bear.

Being manipulated by such a person was incredibly frustrating.

"Yes, and we also have no way to obtain it by force," the Great Elder said calmly.

Torture him? That would be tantamount to seeking death. If he didn't willingly give it up, and if he slightly altered some parameters in the knowledge he provided, the consequences would be unimaginable.

If their luck was good, they might detect something amiss early on. But if their luck was bad and they only discovered it at the final step, all their efforts would truly be wasted.

"Could hypnotic and controlling Heroic Spirit abilities work?" the Third Elder suggested.

The Great Elder shook his head. "They might work, but we wouldn't be able to gain his knowledge. It's clear that, similar to memory reading, unless he reveals it voluntarily, even if we warp his thoughts, the relevant knowledge will be encrypted by the Super Tech System, and he won't be able to speak it."

This type of ability worked on Wang Linchi but not on the Super Tech System.

"Damn it!" The Third Elder had no better solution in mind and could only swear.

"That's about enough. We need to continue questioning him. We must extract the remaining technology from him as soon as possible; otherwise, we may run out of time." After checking the time on his watch, Elder Jia You spoke up, interrupting their small meeting.

The three of them promptly got up and headed towards Wang Linchi's cell.

Wang Linchi had not suffered any grievances at all and was even enjoying good food and drinks, savoring the good life.

"Oh, you're here. What tricks do you have up your sleeves this afternoon?" Wang Linchi appeared carefree, not taking them seriously at all.

This made the veins on the Third Elder's forehead pop out.

However, he held it in. After all, it wasn't appropriate to fan the flames right now.

After the three of them sat down, the Great Elder spoke again. "No tricks. You're like a hedgehog right now; there's nowhere for us to bite."

"But despite all you've said, it's unlikely you actually want to die with us, right? Staying alive is what matters most." The Great Elder intended to approach this from the angle of survival. "And you alone can't complete the Ark Plan; otherwise, you wouldn't have given the plan to me."

"To take a step back, even if you could complete the Ark Plan on your own, you are now imprisoned here and can't carry out the plan, let alone possess enough resources."

"So, it is best for us to put aside our past grievances and cooperate again."

"You need the Federation to provide resources and talent for the Ark Plan, and the Federation needs your technology. Bickering like we're doing now would just cause us to miss a good opportunity."

The Great Elder's words effectively lowered his and the Federation's stance to an extreme degree, but there was no other choice. If they continued to act high and mighty, Wang Linchi would inevitably harbor resentment.

"That was just a misunderstanding. After all, your actions were highly dubious. As long as you're willing to continue cooperating with the Federation, you'll remain a member of the Federal Parliament and an Elder in the Elder Group, and all your privileges will be restored."

Subsequently, the Great Elder set forth the conditions and offered compensation. "You can state whatever you want. As long as it's within the Federation's capabilities and doesn't infringe upon its major interests or stability, it's open for discussion."

By this point, the Great Elder felt he had said enough.

However, Wang Linchi shook his head. "I'm satisfied with the conditions and compensation, but there's one issue: I simply don't trust any of you, or the Federation, anymore."

"The first time you came to reap the rewards, I let it slide. I even helped you clean up afterward, turning knowledge from the Super Tech System into the Federation's national capability."

"Now, it's the second time. How can you ensure there won't be a third?"

"So you need to give me a sense of security—proof that there won't be a third time you act against me, not just some verbal persuasion."

Wang Linchi wasn't about to indulge them and directly stated his terms.

"The first time, I was just a businessman. Being manipulated by you was tolerable; at worst, I could just take my money and enjoy life elsewhere."

"But this second time, I already held a position of high authority. I have a seat in the Elder Group, and my New Energy Heavy Industry Corporation even encompasses many of the Federation's key industries. My cooperation with the Federation is also extremely deep."

"And what happened? You decided to arrest me just like that, and you're even considering cutting me off, which could make me lose everything in an instant."

"How can I trust you?"

The three Elders were momentarily at a loss for words. They had indeed gone too far. But it was all for the sake of the Federation; a little sacrifice on his part seemed necessary, they reasoned.

Unfortunately, they couldn't bring themselves to say that aloud.

"What do you propose we do to give you a sufficient sense of security?" Elder Jia You asked.

"Well, that's your problem to figure out, not mine," Wang Linchi retorted, throwing the ball back into their court.

This was as ridiculous as someone demanding he prove his own innocence. If they accused him of being guilty, then it was their responsibility to present evidence, not just make baseless accusations and expect him to prove he had done nothing wrong. That kind of behavior was called framing, and without evidence, how could any accusation be true?

"We can show our sincerity for cooperation with a first step. For example, we can help your Heroic Spirit, King Heaven Equivalent, reach the Tenth Awakening. All Awakening Materials will be paid for by the Federation."

"With a Tenth-Awakened Heroic Spirit by your side, that should provide a basic sense of security, don't you think?" At that moment, this was the only concession the Great Elder could offer.

Wang Linchi nodded. "Alright, I accept this condition. I can provide some of the missing technology for strong artificial intelligence."

"Can we also..."

"No. Anything related to the Ark Plan is definitely off the table," Wang Linchi interrupted directly. He obviously knew what they wanted. A deficiency in strong AI technology wouldn't endanger their lives, but technology related to the Ark Plan was essential for their survival.

"Alright, we'll proceed as you suggest," the Great Elder agreed. Many things had to be taken step by step, especially when trust was lacking. For now, they could only endure it.

However, this was somewhat good news. Judging from Wang Linchi's attitude, he didn't want to die either, which laid a foundation for future cooperation.

"By six in the evening, King Heaven Equivalent will arrive. By eight, all Awakening Materials will be in place," the Great Elder promised, further giving a direct commitment. At this point, there was no room for passing the buck or delaying; efficiency had to be the priority.

"Deal!" Wang Linchi affirmed. This would save him a substantial amount of time.

Seeing the preliminary negotiations were successful, the three Elders didn't linger and left. Their next step was to plan how to acquire more technology.