Chapter 15: The First Sixth-Category Contact!
Who was invited? The member from the interstellar civilization? Both Huang Jingrong and his companion felt somewhat dazed. Yet, looking at Shen Yu before them, they believed in their hearts that this was likely all true.
A visitor from another world—an interstellar civilization from an alien realm—was about to arrive in their world, in their country!
“I’ll report this immediately!” Huang Jingrong took a deep breath. “Send a professional diplomatic team, I—”
“No need to make it so complicated,” Shen Yu interrupted, glancing at his watch. “The appointment is at 6:15. By my calculation, the time is just about right.”
“Isn’t this too rushed?” Huang Jingrong was startled. To him, if the other party truly represented an interstellar civilization, it warranted the utmost respect. Once the news spread, every country worldwide would scramble to extend their highest-level hospitality. This would be a genuine, friendly, Category Six alien contact!
“If there’s no parity in the relationship, yes,” Shen Yu said. “But here, it doesn’t matter. Among members, strength and status may differ, but identities are equal. The association has three relevant rules on this.”
As Shen Yu raised three fingers, Huang Jingrong instinctively sat up straight, while nearby, Xiao Xu hurriedly took out paper and pen to record.
At this moment, every detail about the Multidimensional Apocalyptic Civilization Mutual Aid Association was of immense importance to them.
“First, members shall not harm each other.
“Second, without permission from members of another world, no one may arbitrarily influence that world.
“Third, without permission from members of another world, no one may seek personal gain within that world.”
In truth, hours before Huang Jingrong’s arrival, Shen Yu had held a brief meeting with two other versions of himself in the Gray Mist Space, preliminarily establishing the association’s framework.
These three rules were part of that initial framework, designed to help each world better save one another.
At this moment, Huang Jingrong silently repeated the three rules in his mind, his eyes growing ever brighter. He clearly understood their significance.
On one hand, as Shen Yu said, members from different worlds hold equal status; no matter how powerful your civilization—even godlike—if I have no need of you, you cannot interfere with me.
On the other hand, these rules greatly curb conflicts over interests among civilizations, ensuring a foundation for fair exchange.
Otherwise, a mighty civilization could easily send warships or tempt with promises of immortality to establish genuine influence within their world.
However, with these rules, the importance of members from this world soared to unprecedented heights!
Remember, the latter two rules hinge entirely on “without permission from members of another world.”
In other words, if local members were negligent, despairing, or tempted by profit, they might become traitors, introducing ill-intentioned alien civilizations!
Huang Jingrong’s gaze toward Shen Yu had already changed.
Yet, the most pressing matter was not that—it was the imminent arrival of the interstellar civilization’s guest!
As the time approached, Huang Jingrong tensed. Under such circumstances, it seemed he alone would represent the nation’s highest authority to meet the visitor.
Undoubtedly, no matter how briefly, this would be a historic encounter. Coupled with the immense benefits it implied, Huang Jingrong had to steady himself with deep breaths.
At precisely 6:15, the same gray mist appeared beside Shen Yu.
A towering man nearly two meters tall, clad with mechanical structures and obvious cybernetic modifications in places, emerged.
At first glance, he struck a powerful impression—like a character from cyberpunk stories come to life.
Every mechanical detail was so authentic that even the faintly glowing patterns on his skin radiated futuristic beauty.
Though mentally prepared, Huang Jingrong still felt somewhat stunned.
His companion Xiao Xu, meanwhile, stood with mouth slightly agape, utterly speechless.
No identity verification was needed—the mere presence spoke volumes.
Finally, Shen Yu rose and smiled: “Welcome to my world.”
“Thank you,” the interstellar Shen Yu silently surveyed the surroundings.
Though more than two decades had passed, the familiar sensation surged from deep memory.
He was home.
He never expected to return to his homeland from a previous life.
“Greetings,” Huang Jingrong regained composure and stood, wearing a mix of nervousness and friendly warmth. “On behalf of our world, this city, and this country, I welcome your arrival.”
“Hmm,” the interstellar Shen Yu nodded slightly, then turned to Shen Yu. “You didn’t mention that representatives from the civilization’s governing body would attend this meeting.”
Huang Jingrong and Xiao Xu immediately grew anxious.
But Shen Yu seemed indifferent, casually explaining: “There’s no other way. Our world teeters on the brink of collapse. My strength and influence aren’t enough. To respond to the apocalypse in time, I must seek help from the governing body. Moreover, obtaining what you need cannot be achieved by me alone on such short notice.”
The interstellar Shen Yu said nothing but nodded slightly, as if acknowledging this.
From this exchange, Huang Jingrong gleaned much.
It appeared their civilization’s member had reached some agreement with the interstellar civilization’s member.
In some ways, indeed.
Shen Yu required efficiency, as does any world.
This conversation had even been prearranged.
“Let’s get straight to the point,” the interstellar Shen Yu said, his cybernetic eye faintly flickering with electronic light as he looked at Huang Jingrong. “I don’t know if Member Shen Yu has told you one of the highest principles of the Mutual Aid Association: ‘No gain without contribution.’ The association is mutual aid. My world also faces apocalyptic threats. Without benefits, we have neither the duty nor the capacity to help your civilization without compensation.”
“We fully understand,” Huang Jingrong said solemnly.