A clichéd beginning
On July 1, 2209, in the scorching summer morning, in the capital city of Huaxia.
"Welcome to the world of 'Reincarnation.' Only 35 minutes left until the game's public beta. Please be patient."
Helpless, Feng Xiao exited the gaming capsule and continued browsing the official website, searching for any useful information. As a bored unemployed man who had played countless online games, no game had ever made him so eagerly anticipate it as 'Reincarnation.' Besides its unprecedented features, there were the chilling prophecies regarding his father and an unclear mission.
'Reincarnation' was a virtual technology-based online game that appeared abruptly. Over thirty countries worldwide started promoting the game simultaneously, without any prior warning. The intensity of the promotion was unprecedented, with advertisements appearing on television, the internet, magazines, billboards, buses, and even on roadside poles and public restrooms.
What was even more astonishing was that the promotion was initiated by the governments of various countries. Soon after, these governments dropped another bombshell: the game was developed by "Ying Luo," thrusting 'Reincarnation' into the limelight. Even before the game started, its popularity had reached an alarming level.
What? You don't know about "Ying Luo"? Are you even from this planet?
In the 23rd century, with the world's internet coverage reaching 99%, nearly all communications, information, lifestyle, transportation, and military activities relied on the internet. If someone could cripple a country's internet, they would become a truly terrifying existence.
And "Ying Luo" was precisely that kind of existence.
Twenty years ago, "Ying Luo" emerged in the online world, and no one knew how she came into being. Some speculated that she was an "entity" generated by the excessive intelligence of the network system, while others said she was an order manager naturally generated by the virtual world. Opinions varied, but it was universally acknowledged that she was a god within the network, capable of anything. In the online world, she could manipulate and control any area of the network with ease.
"Ying Luo's" appearance completely cleansed the filth within the online world, and most importantly, she played a pivotal role in maintaining world peace.
In 2188, more than 200 elite hackers from the United States maliciously targeted Huaxia's military confidential systems. That was when "Ying Luo" made her first appearance in the online world. Covered in a white veil, her face concealed, she issued warnings to all the malicious hackers. When warnings proved futile, she instantly blocked the IP addresses of over 200 individuals and released some of the United States' confidential information as a warning.
In 2190, Nippon Island Country launched a military strike against a small East Asian nation using a nonexistent pretext. "Ying Luo" appeared, warning them, but Nippon deceitfully persisted. In a fit of anger, "Ying Luo" paralyzed the entire Nippon's network until they ceased their actions and issued an apology. The 20-hour network paralysis caused Nippon to experience an economic stagnation for the next three years.
In 2194...
In 2195...
...
In the 23rd century, you might not know who the President of the United States was, or that snails moved slower than turtles, but you couldn't not know the name "Ying Luo" because she was the respected idol of people worldwide.
A game developed by her was enough to make people around the world excited.
According to the official promotion, 'Reincarnation' boasted the following features:
1.'Reincarnation' was a simulated reality online game developed by "Ying Luo." It achieved an unprecedented virtuality degree of 99% and could accommodate a record-breaking 100 billion players simultaneously without lag. The game was fully supported and authorized by the World Online Gaming Alliance's Feitian Group, providing hardware and equipment support, as well as controlling and establishing the currency system.
2.Adhering to principles of fairness and justice, all data and permissions in 'Reincarnation' were handed over to the intelligent host, "Feitian," eliminating any influence from game masters or external factors. The "Feitian" system, personally built by "Ying Luo," ensured that no one could manipulate or alter game data. All changes and updates were executed directly by "Ying Luo."
3.'Reincarnation' was the first online game to receive support and backing from a nation. The Feitian Group had already negotiated with the world's top ten banks to establish an exchange system between the in-game currency and the real-world currency. The exchange rate was globally unified at 1 RMB:1 Gold Coin.
The game equip ment included portable gaming headsets and portable gaming capsules. The uniform price for the gaming headset worldwide was 100 RMB, while the gaming capsule cost 100,000 RMB. The gaming capsule could be folded into a regular-sized suitcase, making it convenient to carry. It also injects nutrients into the player's body, preventing fatigue and hunger, allowing for continuous gameplay for up to a month.
4.The game equipment went on sale on June 1, 2209. Each person could only own one set of gaming equipment, which would be bound to their identity. The game's public beta will commence worldwide on July 1, 2209, at 8:00 am.
As a result, the world went crazy over the release of 'Reincarnation.' Some visionary online gaming companies gradually shifted their focus and began exploring other areas—trying to compete with 'Reincarnation'? That was nothing but wishful thinking.
A month ago, various countries started distributing gaming equipment simultaneously. In Huaxia, the sale of gaming equipment in retail stores caused an astonishing frenzy. Within three days, over one billion gaming headsets and ten thousand gaming capsules were sold out. As of June 30, Huaxia had sold over five billion gaming equipment, exceeding one-third of the country's total population. And this number continued to rise. Almost everyone had a gaming device, except for the old and the very young. No one hesitated to spend a mere 100 RMB to experience this groundbreaking game.
At 7:55 am, with only five minutes left until the public beta, Feng Xiao couldn't wait any longer and hurriedly entered the gaming capsule. The early bird catches the worm, and maybe he would receive some rewards for being among the first to enter the game. Feng Xiao aimed to be the first player in 'Reincarnation,' and he would try every possible advantage.
"Welcome to the world of 'Reincarnation.' Since this is your first time entering the game, an identity scan will be performed. Please wait."
At the same time...
In the heart of Huaxia's capital city, towering above everything else, stood the majestic Huangyan Tower, the largest commercial and entertainment center in the city. But few knew that the top floor of this magnificent building, representing the prosperity of Huaxia, housed an elegant study adorned with ancient charm. It was practically f*******n territory for anyone. Less than ten people in Huaxia had the privilege to set foot in that room.
"Sir, the global simultaneous public beta of 'Reincarnation' began ten minutes ago as planned, without any unexpected incidents. However, it is projected that the public entertainment industry will face challenges in the foreseeable future, but it won't affect the fundamentals."
The speaker appeared somewhat elderly, but his voice remained firm and powerful, filled with vitality. He was currently reporting the situation to the man standing before him.
In front of the study's window, a middle-aged man with a firm gaze and sharp eyebrows stood. His brow slightly furrowed, revealing a hint of worry, but he couldn't hide his domineering aura as the supreme leader of Huaxia. He was currently overlooking the bustling city below with an air of contempt.
"Wang Bo, you can still call me 'Young Master' like before. Using a different title makes us seem more distant," Long Wei turned around and smiled, addressing the kind old man who had taken care of his daily life since his childhood, with unwavering dedication and loyalty. Wang Bo had no wife or children of his own. He had devoted his entire life to serving the Dragon family.
"Yes, Young Master," the old man replied with excitement.
"Sir, is her method really going to work?" Wang Bo inquired.
"Perhaps. From the current perspective, it seems to be the best solution. At least, no one will die in the game. Besides, do we have any other options?"
"..."
"The gradual rise of Huaxia has already caused panic among some countries with ulterior motives. The Diaoyu Islands issue was merely their excuse. A year ago, during the world leaders' conference, they saw it as an opportunity to suppress Huaxia. If it weren't for 'Ying Luo' suddenly appearing on the conference hall's screens, we would likely have become the target of those few countries."
"This time, is 'Ying Luo' actually helping us?"
Long Wei fell silent for a moment before saying, "When Emperor Ye Tian massacred Nippon, it shocked the world, but it also left Nippon with an opportunity to exploit. After the meeting a year ago, the issue with Nippon resurfaced, and with the help of certain individuals, it escalated to the point of being labeled 'the enemy of humanity.' Given the circumstances at the time, we were indeed at a significant disadvantage. 'Ying Luo' has temporarily resolved the crisis for us."
"Young Master, we can't entirely blame Emperor Ye Tian for that incident. After all..."
"I understand," Long Wei interrupted Wang Bo's words and sighed, "If it weren't for the mission I carry to safeguard the safety of Huaxia, I might have killed even more than him... After all, it was my son, the future of the Dragon family, who died... The Dragon family ends with my generation..."
Long Wei's body trembled. Although the incident had occurred more than 20 years ago, the lingering hatred still made him lose control for a moment whenever he recalled it.
"Young Master..."
"Alright, Wang Bo, you can leave now. We have guests coming." Long Wei swiftly regained his composure, thanks to his years of cultivating an indomitable will.
"Yes, Young Master." Wang Bo turned and left the study.
As the door closed, a figure appeared in front of Long Wei like a ghost. It was a woman with a black veil covering her face, dressed in a tight-fitting black outfit that accentuated her alluring figure to the fullest. Although her face and age were hidden, it didn't diminish her charm in the slightest. The woman giggled, "Uncle Long, you can already sense my presence so quickly. Your skills are almost catching up to Uncle Ye's."
Long Wei laughed heartily, "Little girl, don't butter me up like that. Even if I had a hundred of me, I still wouldn't stand a chance against that madman. So, have you met the person you wanted to meet?"
"Yes, but I still won't tell you who he is. Hehe! I'm here to bid farewell to Uncle Long. It will be a long time until we meet again." The girl's voice carried a natural charm, and even in front of Huaxia's most authoritative leader, she showed no nervousness or shyness.
"Alright, Xiao Yatou, you can go now. Xiao Tian and Xiao Bing have been waiting for you. Xiao Tian was complaining to me earlier, but I told him it was Uncle Ye's decision, and he immediately stopped talking. Hehe."
"My little brother has been waiting for 'Reincarnation' for a whole year, yet he was pulled into special training on the day of the public beta. I wonder why he's not crying his eyes out."
"Goodbye, Uncle Long. I, Xiao Tingying, won't let you down..."
The captivating figure vanished from the study, leaving Long Wei with a puzzled expression on his face.
As the ruler of Huaxia, the most respected leader among billions of people, Long Wei couldn't help wiping away the nonexistent cold sweat on his forehead. "Hoo, finally got rid of that devilish woman... I wonder which unlucky guy caught her eye."
In an unknown space, a serene and ethereal young girl floated alone in a world filled with colorful and radiant shapes. After a long while, she let out a soft sigh, "It has been 50,000 years, and my mission is about to be completed... Will the person foretold in the prophecy truly appear?"