489 The Path of Supreme (1/2)

Chapter 489: The Path of Supreme

Translator: _Min_Editor: Caron_

The fundamental part of life is the journey and not the result.

Birth, survival, fade to black.

But in the end, how many people can live a life without regret?

Immortality is an alluring concept that becomes even stronger when technological advancements reach the forbidden part of life.

For a period of time, billions of dollars in investments flooded the industry as labs began to pop up like bamboo after the rain. People were willing to pay and people were willing to experiment. The wealthy wished to enjoy their lavish lives for longer, drawn in by the temptation of immortality since they couldn't bring their paper bills with them to the next life.

But the current resources available couldn't support continuous population growth, even if only a small proportion of the population was immortal.

Once immortality became a reality, it wouldn't bring human prosperity but rather, it'd be an apocalypse.

Yes, it would be an apocalypse.

The immortals would have an endless amount of time to accumulate wealth, reinforce their status, and become toxic to society, the cancer cells of civilization. They would extract nutrients from healthy ”cells” and extract resources from ordinary people…

It would be an apocalypse.

The Science Ethics Committee was born. Three countries agreed to follow the accord and promised to prevent any technology that would cause public fear to be created while also strictly preventing others from breaking the first rule. In a world divided into three factions, a tacit understanding was easier to reach than in a world divided into more parts.

Just like the IAEA in the modern world.

But after the economic crisis in 2150, the tacit understand became threatened. Although the Science Ethics Committee still existed, their influence on the government and control of private capital was far inferior compared to half a century ago.

The summer of 2160.

”Doctor Lin Minjie, your research is suspected of violating Science Research Regulations. Please arrive at the court in Wanghai in ten days to face the interrogations of the Science Ethics Committee.” A police in black stood in front of him and presented him with his ID.

”That's impossible! My research is absolutely intended to better mankind! How dare you act on behalf of all of mankind—” Lin Minjie roared at the expressionless police.

The man in a suit behind the police interrupted his roar as he spoke with contempt in his eyes.

”Because we receive one hundred billion in donations a year, because most people agree with our cause.”

”You only abuse people's fear of the unknown, you despicable, weak-minded fools.” Lin Minjie stared at the man, wishing to strangle his neck, but his malicious intent was weaker than the strength of a policeman's hand.

”Is that so? Sorry, I also don't agree with your experiments of putting people's heads into metal boxes.” The man in a suit pointed at his own head and smiled at him.

”Please remain calm, Doctor Lin Minjie. If you are displeased with the process, please use a civilized process to resolve the problem in the courts. Of course, before that, we have to confiscate your research,” the policeman said without emotion.

”No, you can't take it away! My research is guilty of no crime!” Lin Minjie stared at the policemen flooding into this lab in despair as he watched them taking away his essays and equipment.

”One more point - only safe technology is innocent.” Before he left, the man in the suit smiled.

After being accused of violating the Science Ethics Committee, his reputation was completely tarnished in the research field. The corporations all drew a clear line between themselves and him to avoid public distrust. Without funding, although he was an information technology and electrical engineering double major, he was unemployed.

Life became very difficult.

His beautiful wife left him, leaving behind the half-year-old Lin Lin. He couldn't afford rent for their 24th-floor apartment and had to move into a damp basement, living off PAC welfare.

He spent six years in agony.

In 2166, the situation finally took a turn.

After the 2150 economic crisis, the global situation was visibly deteriorating. Each country was in conflict over resources, airspace sovereignty, and space exploration. In a matter of ten short years, trust fell to an all-time low. And naturally, the influence of international organizations such as the Science Ethics Committee became weaker and weaker.

The research previously viewed as forbidden now had a resurgence in interest. It included advanced artificial intelligence and digitalized human technology.

Finally, a renowned businessman found him.

”Doctor Lin Minjie, although it might be hurtful to say this, but I'm taking a significant risk to meet you in person. You know, the media likes to assume things.” While he was also in a suit, this man's attitude was so much better than the man who destroyed everything he owned.

”I understand,” Lin Minjie responded without any light in his eyes.

”Then I hope the risk I'm taking is worth it.” The man smiled.

”What do you want?” Lin Minjie looked up at the man in a suit.

He signaled his assistant and placed a stack of documents 10-centimeters-thick on the table. Lin Minjie looked at the documents as disbelief appeared in his eyes along with a hint of hatred.

It was because of this that he ended up in his current condition.

”Oh… how did you get this?” Lin Minjie asked in a disinterested tone.

”You're in an age where there's nothing that can't be resolved with money.” The man smiled. ”We need you to continue your research, and we'll pay for your research.”