Chu Zhongxiong glanced at Wang Bozhong, his gaze carrying a faint hint of vigilance.
The fact that the Earthly Research Institute had not left meant they still had the qualifications to challenge his offer.
Wang Bozhong didn't waste any time, "Our Earthly Research Institute isn't as wealthy, so we can't offer as much money as the Heavenly Research Institute."
"The settlement allowance, salary, and Qin Siyang's scholarship—all will be halved."
"However, as everyone knows, the strongest field of our Earthly Research Institute is the research of God-Hunting Weapons."
"I can make a promise right now. Within a year, Professors Li and Zhang will each receive a Level 5 God-Hunting Weapon for self-defense. The other professors will receive Level 4 God-Hunting Weapons, and Qin Siyang will receive a Level 3 God-Hunting Weapon."
Level 5 God-Hunting Weapons.
The university presidents present were all red-faced with excitement.
Such precious items were considered their school's ultimate treasures.
To use them, full approval from the school board was required.
Yet, the Earthly Research Institute was outright giving them away?
And two of them at that?
Chu Zhongxiong said calmly, "Level 5 God-Hunting Weapons are rare, but they are still just weapons."
"I don't think they can outweigh a stable salary and settlement allowance."
At this moment, Wang Bozhong chuckled, "I come from the military, unlike Dean Chu, who comes from the political world. Maybe because of our different experiences, our views are quite different."
Wang Bozhong's face was rough, with large pores and a dark complexion. Even in a dress shirt and tie, he exuded an undeniable toughness.
Qin Siyang sighed inwardly. Perhaps this was the aura of someone who had commanded troops.
Wang Bozhong continued, "We have a saying in Huaguo: 'If my neighbor stockpiles grain, I stockpile guns. My neighbor is my granary.'"
"What's the use of having so much money?"
As soon as he said this, the entire audience was stunned.
What did he mean? Was he trying to incite internal conflict?
While various factions in the Safe Zone had always had friction and disputes, it had never escalated into war.
In the apocalypse, internal strife would be suicide.
Chu Zhongxiong frowned, "Wang Bozhong, I advise you to be careful with your words. Do you think such remarks can be made so casually?"
Wang Bozhong remained unfazed, "Just because you don't care about certain problems doesn't mean they won't happen."
"I heard that over at Central Glory University, someone nearly succeeded in hunting down a large god?"
'What?'
One bombshell after another.
Everyone immediately turned to look at Han Shuo.
Han Shuo's white eyebrows drooped slightly as he stroked his beard and spoke slowly, "Dean Wang, your intelligence is quite sharp. You're not monitoring us, are you?"
"How would a research institute director like me have the time for that? But the military has always paid close attention to the safety of university faculty and students outside the Safe Zone."
"I see."
Wang Bozhong continued, "I won't beat around the bush. Let's be frank. Right now, everyone is getting along because we still don't have the ability to launch a counteroffensive against the gods."
"But our progress has been rapid. Five years ago, we could barely kill the weakest small gods. Now, we can hunt mid-tier gods at will. If you ask me, the ability to hunt large gods will likely be achieved within the next one or two years."
"And once large gods can be hunted, as long as the rumored colossal gods don't appear, humanity will be able to freely explore outside the Safe Zone."
"When external threats gradually weaken, can you guarantee that the Safe Zone will remain as stable as it is now?"
Chu Zhongxiong was about to refute, but Wang Bozhong raised a hand to stop him.
"Don't give me that nonsense about the Safe Zone always remaining peaceful. Even within your United Government, there are so many warring factions that you can't even count them."
"Not to mention the military, academia, the churches, the business guilds, and the anti-human organizations. None of them can work together."
"This entire coalition is a half-cooked stew, and you're expecting it to last forever?"
"Professor Li, trust me. You'll only feel secure if you have weapons in your own hands."
Qin Siyang fell into deep thought.
From Wang Bozhong's words, he was getting his first real understanding of the power dynamics within the Safe Zone.
It was complicated.
This Safe Zone wasn't just a temporary refuge.
It was more like a chaotic melting pot of all the world's factions, thrown together into one messy stew.
Qin Siyang had thought that moving to a more developed area for university would make things easier.
But now, it seemed like he had just stepped into an even bigger quagmire.
Yet, he had no choice.
He needed to devour mid-tier gods to advance his sequence level. And even mid-tier gods weren't always effective, like the Doom Fate Octopus, which barely gave him any boost.
But he wasn't strong enough to hunt gods alone.
And even if he raised his sequence level, he wouldn't be invincible.
There were too many advanced sequence users, unknown abilities, and mysterious God-Hunting Weapons out there.
If he arrogantly secluded himself to train, he might end up like a self-isolated nation. Completely out of touch with the world and ultimately meeting a tragic end.
Qin Siyang had already made up his mind:
He had to understand this world. He had to fully grasp its workings.
Then—he could carefully develop himself.
That was the safest way to avoid disaster.
Wang Bozhong continued, "Not only can we provide you with God-Hunting Weapons, but we can also share our latest research developments in that field. If you're interested, you can continue your studies."
"Moreover, I've already secured approval from higher-ups. Your research findings must be submitted, but you are allowed to use them yourself. That's something the Heavenly Research Institute definitely can't offer you."
Chu Zhongxiong's expression darkened, "Dean Wang, you're making empty promises. The Education Ministry would never agree to this. Research institute personnel aren't allowed to privately use their own discoveries. You claim you got approval—who exactly gave you permission?"
"Ivanov, Minister of Armaments."
"Ivanov? You, a research institute director, went to the Armaments Minister to file an application? That's like worshipping at the wrong temple."
Wang Bozhong laughed heartily, "Who cares which minister? I submit applications to whoever is willing to approve them. What's the problem? If something goes wrong, it's Ivanov who takes the fall, not me."
"Xiao Zhigang's name has 'Gang' (meaning 'firm' or 'tough') in it, but I seriously doubt he can stand firm against Ivanov."
Hearing this, Li Tianming's expression wavered slightly.
Qin Siyang could tell, Li Tianming was tempted by Wang Bozhong's offer.
It seemed that Li Tianming had a favorable view of Wang Bozhong's military background.
Since that was the case, Qin Siyang was willing to discuss his own conditions further.
"Dean Wang, since you can file applications to allow Li Tianming to use his own research findings, can you also apply for my special admission privileges?"
Wang Bozhong shook his head, "No chance."
"No chance?"
"Yeah. Your special privileges are too tricky. I'd advise you not to think about it."
Qin Siyang frowned, "You mean my privileges are harder to approve than Li Tianming's?"
"Well, it's not that we can't give you privileges. It's that even if you get them, you won't be able to keep them."
After a moment of thought, Wang Bozhong spoke meaningfully: "If Xiao Zhigang causes trouble for Li Tianming, Ivanov will step in to cover for him. But if Xiao Zhigang comes after you, no one will stand up for you."
"Did I make myself clear enough?"
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