Jiang Qixin led Professor Wan and several others inside the spacecraft.
"Close the hatch, what we're about to discuss isn't for others to hear," Jiang Qixin said to Guo Xuyang.
"Certainly. Miss, could you please close the hatch?" Guo Xuyang asked Xi Youli.
"If the hatch is closed, we'll lack air inside."
"Doesn't it have a purification system?" Guo Xuyang sounded doubtful.
"No. This type of spacecraft only circulates air and makes it breathable when it's in motion."
"Then let's not close it," Guo Xuyang said to Jiang Qixin.
"If the hatch is closed, we won't be able to stay inside. If you're worried about being overheard, we can go further in."
"Further in? Isn't it even more stuffy inside?"
"The cockpit area will be a bit better," Xi Youli suggested.
"Then let's go there."
The group moved to the cockpit.
"Young man, I heard you've made some discoveries?" Professor Wan asked eagerly as Guo Xuyang sat down.
"Yes."
"What principle is used in the braking system of this spacecraft?"
"Sir, how would I know what principles were used in its design? Your questions are beyond my knowledge."
"Can you tell me what you've discovered?"
"That I can do. I discovered that this spacecraft mainly relies on a fission device to separate hydrogen and oxygen from the air, then causes fission, thereby generating power to propel the spacecraft. The protective shield is also made using this principle, though its structure is more complex, which I can't describe. But essentially, that's how it works."
"Based on your explanation, do you think we can achieve air separation using a fission device?"
"From what I understand, it's likely not possible. You should have made some discoveries at the base. My opinion is that our current technology isn't advanced enough for this. Firstly, the fission device is probably the core of the spacecraft's power, which requires your research and might not be solved in just a year or two. Then there's the material used in this spacecraft. I've traveled in our spacecraft, and from my observation, the material used in this one is far superior to ours. As you all experienced the instantaneous teleportation earlier, if our spacecraft's material were subjected to that, it would likely disintegrate and fall apart. If these two points can be resolved, we might be able to attempt producing spacecraft components."
"It seems we were too optimistic, always thinking we could build our own spacecraft just because we have these. Now, hearing this young man, I feel our technology is truly far behind."
"Professor Wan, don't be discouraged. We are all top talents, and there's strength in numbers. These issues, once identified, are not insurmountable and will eventually be overcome." Jiang Qixin said from the side.
"You are right, but it's undeniable that we are not just one or two levels behind their technology. If we don't dare to face our own shortcomings, become complacent, boastful, and work in isolation, we will eventually be eliminated by the world." Professor Wan stated. His words carried weight and were not without reason. Nowadays, many people in China readily claim to be number one in the world or possess leading international standards, but this might not hold true if actually put to the test. It is precisely this self-congratulatory attitude that blinds some people, making them truly believe they are unrivaled.
"Professor Wan is absolutely right. Many people nowadays can't accurately assess their own position, habitually praise themselves, and never look for faults within themselves, always blaming others. This also leads some young scholars and experts to aim too high and be unwilling to conduct research with solid groundwork, always seeking shortcuts and quick results, placing too much importance on fame and profit," Professor Qu added.
"You experts have a very clear view of these matters. Indeed, there are problems like these, but it cannot be denied that the overall trend is positive. We cannot condemn everyone because of a few individuals or isolated incidents. We must see the positive and proactive aspects. There are still many people who are dedicated to their research; without mentioning anyone else, the three of you are outstanding and essentially unchallengeable in your fields," Jiang Qixin said.
"Don't heap undeserved praise on us. We know our own capabilities. I used to be arrogant, thinking these things were minor and easily accomplished. However, after coming here, I realized it's not that simple. The design, assembly, and propulsion of these spacecraft are far beyond us, not a matter of ten or twenty years, but decades, even a century. Just this air propulsion system alone would take us a long time to research."
"Professor Wan, we shouldn't boost others' morale while diminishing our own, should we? Even if we can't achieve it, other countries might not be able to either. However, we have a head start. We now have these spacecraft, which we can study, observe, and use to attempt to decipher this data. Rome wasn't built in a day. These spacecraft were obtained through other channels. To be candid with you, these spacecraft cannot be manufactured in our world." Jiang Qixin revealed.
"What? You mean alien spacecraft?" Professor Wan sounded surprised.
"How should I put this? You can understand it that way."
"So that's why I've never seen these things before! I truly thought my years of study were wasted," Professor Wan said with a laugh.
"The invitation for you all to come here is highly classified. The non-disclosure agreements we signed with you were to prevent this information from leaking. Currently, hostile forces outside are extremely rampant, and several groups have already made attempts to acquire these spacecraft upon learning of our possession. Some of these groups have resorted to extreme measures, posing a certain threat to our personnel. Once you leave here, please do not disclose anything about what happened here to prevent potential threats from enemy agents."
"It's that serious?" Professor Wan sounded disbelieving.
"It is indeed. Before I came here, someone tried to assassinate me at my doorstep, but I managed to evade them," Guo Xuyang said from the side. "Otherwise, I wouldn't have been able to meet with all of you."
"These people are too brazen," Professor Wan said resentfully.
"They cannot stand to see us prosper. They are not just hindering us, but also hindering the progress of humanity as a whole."
"If only they had your awareness, but they simply wouldn't think that way," Jiang Qixin remarked.
"They only resort to infighting and drag down the progress of world technology."
"They are accustomed to being the dominant power and cannot tolerate others surpassing them," Professor Wan said.
"Therefore, we must accelerate our pace. This time, I've been tasked by higher authorities to organize the leading experts in this field to complete this mission. I know the burden on our shoulders is immense, but we cannot retreat. This is an opportunity. This is our chance to step beyond Earth and journey into space. That's why I've assembled experts and scholars from three generations to undertake this task together. I believe with the three of you leading the way, we will certainly complete this mission ahead of schedule."
"This mission is arduous, and we are duty-bound. Let's follow what this young man said and first master this core technology, as well as resolve the issue of the spacecraft materials. We will tackle these challenges one by one, and I believe in the near future, we will soon possess such spacecraft."