People across the globe watched the live broadcast as Ian calmly drew an invisible barrier, confining the world-ending tsunami within the Japanese domain. This "miracle" instantly silenced the worldwide audience; everyone stared fixedly at the light screen, their breathing nearly coming to a halt.
Inside a top-secret research base in the United States, alarms shrieked piercingly. A group of top scientists huddled around instruments, their faces pale as they stared at the curves on the energy spectrum.
"How... how is this possible?" a chief scientist with a graying beard muttered, shaking his head mechanically, his fingers trembling so much he could barely operate the equipment.
Another physicist wearing thick black-rimmed glasses pushed up his frames and turned toward the General standing in the corner, his voice halting. "Based on a preliminary analysis of the energy model... this... the explosion and decay curve of this power is strikingly similar to the controlled nuclear fusion in our theoretical deductions... No, it's even more advanced and perfect!"
"This must be controlled nuclear fusion! How could he possibly master it? He even released it by hand!"
The General's face turned ashen, the veins on his clenched fists bulging. "Are you saying that guy, by himself, mastered a technology that we haven't broken through despite investing countless resources?"
The scientist nodded, cold sweat dripping from his forehead. "And the efficiency and stability far exceed our theoretical limits."
The conference room fell into a dead silence, save for the humming of the instruments. A terrifying realization dawned on everyone—the power the Chinese now possessed had far exceeded their imagination.
Inside the invisible barrier, the apocalyptic scene was harrowing. The tsunami repeatedly battered Japan's non-existent land. Beneath the water wall, magma and seawater met in an extreme temperature differential. Massive amounts of water vapor and toxic gases rose, forming a poisonous fog that blotted out the sun.
The surviving Japanese struggled in this purgatory, their cries of despair drowned by the waves. It must be said, these people were truly resilient. Some threw themselves frantically against the edge of the barrier, trying to break through; some cursed wildly, attempting to hex China; many more stared with vacant eyes, watching death approach step by step.
The light screen mercilessly transmitted this hellish imagery to the world. Countless viewers covered their mouths, eyes filled with shock and fear. This was the most direct warning to all those with ill intent: those who dare to provoke will face total annihilation.
Time passed, and the disaster subsided. Of the original Japanese territory, only a few scattered reefs remained protruding from the sea, testifying to what once existed here.
Ian stood in the void with his hands behind his back. Sweeping his gaze over the rejuvenated Chinese land, he nodded with satisfaction.
"What needed to be settled has been settled."
His voice wasn't loud, but it was clearly transmitted to the ears of Zhang Chulan, Wang Ye, and Wu Gensen, who had been observing silently.
"Next, we have a more important task."
Everyone listened intently; no one dared to interrupt Ian.
"We must find the man capable of leading China toward its true Great Renaissance."
At dawn the next day, guided by Ian's divine sense, the group moved quietly. They did not make a grand entrance but arrived as silently as an autumn breeze at a remote village in inland China, a place brimming with the sparks of revolution.
In front of a simple earthen house, a thin trail of cooking smoke rose. Ian signaled for everyone to stop.
"He is inside."
The group held their breath, watching the wooden door. The door opened, and several people walked out. One among them was particularly striking. His clothes were simple, even a bit worn, yet they could not hide his spiritual character. Between his brows resided an aura of wisdom that saw through the world and an unyielding will. His steps were steady and powerful as he discussed development strategies with several comrades beside him.
When he saw Ian and the others, a flicker of surprise crossed his eyes, but there was no panic or fear; he maintained his calm and judgment.
"And you are?"
The corners of Ian's mouth curled upward. He was clearly satisfied with his first impression of "That Man." He didn't say much and simply pointed a finger.
An invisible energy ripple instantly shot into the brow of "That Man." The latter's body jolted, his eyes lit up instantly, and then he showed a look of shock. Ian had just directly implanted into his mind a Magnetic Field cultivation technique he had personally modified—one that was more suited to the rules of this world and even more powerful.
At the same time, Ian flipped his right hand, producing a cube radiating a mysterious light—a Minecraft Shulker Box.
"Inside this are modified version Super Crop seeds. Their yield is significantly higher than ordinary crops, and they are extremely adaptable, even growing in barren soil."
"Here are some Redstone Blocks; they can provide a continuous and endless source of energy."
"Finally, inside is a Future Century Technology Tree Development Guide, recording every key node and technology of human technological development for the next hundred years."
As he spoke, Ian pulled a laptop out of the Shulker Box and handed it to "That Man." By now, the other party had recognized him as the "Immortal" from that day, but he remained unfazed.
After listening, "That Man" took a deep breath, his eyes flashing with complex light. "Why give these to me?"
Ian smiled. "Because you are you."
After the brief dialogue, Ian turned to Wu Gensen and said solemnly: "Your Spirit of the Divine Ming can perceive all things. I want you to assist him, protect him, and allow him to bring the utility of these things to the extreme, leading China to stand at the peak of the world."
Wu Gensen felt the trust and heavy responsibility in Ian's words and sensed the special destiny radiating from "That Man." He immediately accepted the command with solemnity: "Rest assured. With me, Wu Gensen, here, China shall surely soar like a dragon through the nine heavens!"
In the following days, like a pebble dropped into a still lake, the news of Ian's meeting with "That Man" spread rapidly through various channels.
The generals, soldiers, and even secret agents under the "Bald Head" who still possessed a conscience or saw the general trend felt their faith collapse. The personality cult that had been forcibly instilled for years crumbled; they finally saw the truth.
They contacted each other in secret, passing messages.
"They could obliterate Japan with a single punch. What does the Bald Head have to fight back with?"
"I heard 'That Man' has received the inheritance of the Magnetic Field secret arts. His future achievements are limitless."
"The tide has turned. Continuing to help the tyrant will only make us criminals of history!"
Within just one week, structured armies began to rush toward the base area where "That Man" was located. It started with small, scattered squads, then entire battalions and regiments, and finally, even whole divisions quietly changed their flags. A nationwide movement of "abandoning darkness for light" erupted.
At the same time, the complete disappearance of Japan and the power shown by the Magnetic Field Sect left the global powers restless.
The British Parliament's emergency closed-door meeting lasted for three days and three nights. The French government underwent a collective reshuffle and changed its policy toward China. High-ranking officials in Germany issued top-secret orders to stop all military plans that might provoke China. The White House in the United States was brightly lit, with heads of intelligence departments entering and leaving in turns, all looking grim.
An emergency meeting of the highest global caliber was held in secret. The participating nations reached a consensus—they had to change their China policy immediately.
"We must re-evaluate China's position in the global landscape."
"We must admit that the power of the Magnetic Field Sect has changed the balance of world military power."
"We have no choice but to seek peaceful coexistence with China."
Soon, various countries dispatched their highest-ranking and most eloquent diplomatic missions, carrying lavish gifts and looted cultural relics, racing to China. Nominally, it was for "congratulations" and "establishing friendly relations," but in reality, it was a plea for peace driven by fear.
Within China, "That Man" methodically accepted surrenders from all sides, integrated forces, and, with Wu Gensen's assistance, began to digest the "Big Gift Bundle" Ian had left behind.
While the planting of Super Crops further solved the food problem, it also brought more economic creations. Basic industrial mother machines were produced, and shortly after, modern factories sprang up like bamboo shoots after a spring rain. Key technologies from the Future Technology Tree Guide were systematically adopted; China's future was bright.
Above the clouds, Ian stood with his hands behind his back, overlooking the rapid changes on the land. Watching that simple yet infinitely potential figure—bolstered by the dual power of the Magnetic Field and technology—leading this ancient Eastern giant to gradually recover its vitality and move toward true prosperity.
A trace of a smile appeared on his face, his eyes filled with satisfaction.