Trading Cosmic Battleship From The Start

No one spoke up to agree or oppose; they were simply waiting for Shen Shi's voice.

This was also a manifestation of Shen Shi's authority.

At this moment, Shen Shi did not choose silence.

"You want to become a Standing Member; in principle, I do not oppose this, but you must make a commensurate contribution." Shen Shi said calmly, "To me, the strength and development of Human Civilization is the core purpose. The Standing Member is a very good bargaining chip; unless you provide enough benefits, I can't hand over the Standing Member identity to you."

These words almost brought what was supposed to be a covert exchange of interests directly into the open.

Even some members were a bit surprised.

The identity of a Standing Member is a great honor, representing the pinnacle of rights under the current system of Human Civilization, and also the pinnacle of responsibility. After thousands of years of system, in the minds of most humans, it has even become sanctified.

Although the brilliance of Sage Saint Shen Shi has subdued the other Standing Members, each Standing Member holds a position of immense respect among most humans.

Yet at this moment,

as a Sage Saint, Shen Shi opened his mouth to treat such a sacred position as just a tradeable commodity?

"Don't you feel that saying these things demeans your identity?" Emperor Ji's consciousness seemed to contain some anger. "I admit I have selfish motives and have never denied this. However, my interests, my goals, are aligned with the interests of all humanity. At least until my goals are achieved, I will regard myself as a true human. On the contrary, you seem to be wasting away just because you might lose your supreme authority? Imposing restrictions on me and demanding more from us is not beneficial to the entire civilization!"

Emperor Ji's words were undeniably sharp.

Because he was right.

If his interest was for the power of the Relic Civilization, or even the culture of the Relic Civilization, then his interests would certainly be aligned with those of the Human Civilization.

Because he needs to truly consider himself as human, and genuinely contribute to Human Civilization, even deepening his identification with human culture. Only then is it possible to truly gain the recognition of the Relic Device, and this is merely the first step. As long as the Relic Civilization doesn't change, his change will persist.

Perhaps at some future time, he will choose to integrate the entire Starlight Civilization into the Human Civilization, no, to be precise, into the Relic Civilization!

In such a situation, considering the interests of humanity, indeed he should not be obstructed.

But Shen Shi's consciousness simply sighed.

This scene was identical to one he had seen in the future.

"You claim time and again that it is all for the benefit of humanity, but clearly, the imperial system does not serve humanity's interests." Shen Shi's consciousness conveyed, "You should understand why, despite having enough prestige to make myself emperor, I have never done so and merely maintained the status of one of the Standing Members?"

"..." Emperor Ji had a brief moment of silence but quickly gave his answer, "Because you do not care about power. In ancient human culture, this perhaps is worthy of praise, but the times have changed. Don't mention you; those present, including myself, who among us cares about power? What I seek is to follow the footsteps of the Relic Civilization, to understand more truths and mysteries of this cosmos. This is a higher-level demand that transcends the pursuit of power—a desire intrinsic to life when reaching a certain level—I have always believed if you became emperor, it would only benefit Human Civilization, with no drawbacks, so I didn't hide my initial goal."

Very eloquent words.

Not to mention Shen Shi, but there were indeed many members in the meeting who seemed surprised and slightly changed their perception of Emperor Ji.

Because in the meeting, one cannot lie.

And under the premise of opening one's soul and emotional consciousness, everyone could feel Emperor Ji's inner truth.

One of straightforwardness.

An inner truth seemingly more straightforward than the consciousness he conveyed and the words he spoke.

Just as Emperor Ji stated, he does not care whether Human Civilization or Starlight Civilization becomes powerful. He just wants to witness the form of higher-level civilizations and pursue the mysteries of the cosmos.

This deviates from some people's original understanding of "seeking to seize Human Civilization as a powerful bargaining market."

I must say.

Emperor Ji took a forthright approach from the start.

Everyone knew his background, knew his purpose. Yet, whether from the standpoint of interest or emotion, it was difficult to refuse.

In fact, Shen Shi was the same.

He clearly understood that Emperor Ji's appearance would inject powerful dynamism into the second future line, and after a certain period, it's likely that Human Civilization in the second future line might become the strongest among all future lines, surpassing even the third.

Nonetheless, he still couldn't easily concede everything.

Because he's not merely the Sage Saint of the second future line.

If he casually gave up the Standing Member and even the supreme authority status, then he would find it extremely difficult to bring the technology, resources, and devices of A-level Civilization to the other time lines.

In the past, he could do it because he is the Sage Saint! He's a Standing Member! The highest leader of civilization!

Furthermore, without putting some pressure on Emperor Ji, he might not inject a lot into Human Civilization—supported by A-level Civilization, he only needs to offer a little casually, which might be enough to gain the trust and support of the entire civilization and become its true leader.

Thus, Sage Saint Shen Shi of the second future line may not necessarily have a conflict of interest with Emperor Ji, but Sage Saint Shen Shi of the four time lines inevitably does!

"A crude evasion of the crucial points." Shen Shi said, "You say your interests align with humanity, and I believe this, but this alignment is merely a compromise under current conditions and isn't pure. This is what concerns me most about you. For instance, why are the three standing members absent today and undergoing consciousness review? Among the members present, how many have already been influenced by you? Even those outside causing conflicts with Primitive Humans, how many are following your will? It's hard for me to believe that those who don't respect the most basic rules of Human Civilization won't lead it into an abyss of total destruction."

"..." Emperor Ji was silent for quite a while this time.

Because he found that the emotions in the meeting venue began to change.

Some who were previously leaning towards them, or were initially somewhat inclined, also became wary at this moment.

Quite a few people even began self-checking.

This made Emperor Ji realize that there must be something he hasn't yet understood.

What is it?

Though he couldn't understand, that didn't mean he didn't have a way. After all, the other party would naturally bring these issues up, so he was well-prepared.

"What you're talking about is not our doing at all." Emperor Ji said flatly, "I can assure you that we didn't do these things, including those three Standing Members. We don't need to because as long as the conditions are presented, anyone can see the benefits of making me a Standing Member. So, I'm suspecting this is what you orchestrated in order to stop me, which aligns with your interests and selfish motives."

Under the rules of the meeting, everyone was surprised, even somewhat shocked, to discover that Emperor Ji hadn't lied?

Suddenly, the focus of most shifted to Shen Shi.

As if trying to discern something from him.

But Shen Shi remained calm.

In the future he originally foresaw, this kind of maneuver from the other party was entirely unexpected.

And this was also the other party's trump card, or rather the biggest hidden agenda!

Upon seeing this happen in reality, Shen Shi couldn't help but sigh internally.

Indeed.

When the level of civilization and individual ascends, language becomes increasingly powerless, and all confrontations ultimately return to the strength each holds.