Chapter 350: A Grand Funeral
While fierce battles were erupting everywhere within the Nine Netherworlds, an unprecedented funeral was simultaneously taking place in Tianqing, the capital of the Huaxia Federation.
Countless people from all over the world gathered in Tianqing, filling the city to capacity. To accommodate them, the authorities had to set up several satellite venues to hold memorial ceremonies concurrently.
In the solemn and dignified main venue, everyone wore black clothes with white armbands, standing silently on either side, occasionally glancing at the surrounding crowd.
High-ranking officials from the major powers were also present, each forming national delegations and walking at the front of the procession.
There was not a single sound of speech in the venue; it could only be described as frighteningly silent...
Of course, the extraordinary silence was merely because everyone was communicating via mental fluctuations, replacing the usual whispers and murmurs.
"Today, we hold a memorial service for a hero of humanity..." The master of ceremonies, his voice imbued with the characteristic deep sorrow of a funeral, began to recite the eulogy.
"...He valiantly sacrificed himself, perishing alongside the alien entity that sought to destroy humanity, thereby saving our society from peril."
...
This was also the most unique aspect of the entire funeral: in the very center, there was no large black-and-white portrait, but only a brilliantly white photograph.
"Therefore, we decided to use a blank photograph to express our sorrow and commemorate the hero, allowing him to be eternally enshrined in our hearts!" By the end of his speech, the master of ceremonies, tasked with stirring emotions, was already teary-eyed.
Many of those watching the live broadcast of the funeral from various locations were moved by the speaker on stage, as they were the actual beneficiaries of the hero's sacrifice, and thus easily empathized with the sentiment.
In the official propaganda of the Huaxia Federation, the true cause of the unrest was an alien named the Disciple of the Crimson World, who used the peculiar power of Red Radiance to drive everyone mad. Ultimately, Bai Mo sacrificed himself, perishing together with this mastermind.
All blame was to be laid upon this alien, for both the rioting commoners and the killing superhumans had committed acts against their moral nature only after being controlled by this invisible force.
"Do you think such propaganda will be effective?" In the venue, Wen Jian was exchanging information with Chen Bo, who stood at the very front, using mental fluctuations.
"Our people need a common object of hatred. Whether true or false, this alien must bear all responsibility, or else hatred alone will tear the entire Huaxia Federation apart."
"When something like this happens, the fault cannot lie with the people; it must be attributed to a small group. This alien, not of our kin, is the best choice." Through extensive post-event investigations, Chen Bo had gradually come to understand that this was, in reality, a comprehensive eruption of accumulated social contradictions. The alien had certainly fanned the flames, but it was by no means the sole cause.
The various problems that had continuously accumulated in society over the years were, in fact, a crucial factor. Chen Bo also understood in his heart that only by resolving the difficulties of wealth disparity, bullying the weak, and class solidification could the hidden dangers truly be eliminated.
Yet, for these problems that had plagued humanity for countless years, even with his immense power and supreme authority, he had no good solution.
For he could not overturn himself or those under him; they themselves were the wealthiest and most powerful group in the nation. Addressing these issues would inevitably harm the interests of this bloc. If he were to act unilaterally, he would ultimately be abandoned by all.
"For nearly a month now, eye-for-an-eye, blood-for-blood vengeance has been relentless," Wen Jian continued. "Major cases requiring reporting to me arrive daily, and as for those that don't meet the reporting threshold, they are countless."
The blanket amnesty, a compromise between classes, prioritizing stability above all else, ignored the vengeful sentiments of many. From a macro perspective, this was not an incorrect approach; it could swiftly restore order. However, the concept of "a life for a life," deeply ingrained for thousands of years, could absolutely not be altered by a mere decree.
"Since the state won't avenge us, we'll take matters into our own hands."
"Let the world know pain!!!"
Amidst the chaos, there was no shortage of citizens whose families were shattered. Their loved ones were either killed by rioters or, as rioters themselves, were slain by others. Having lost everything and with nothing left to live for, these individuals naturally became new executioners, whether for revenge or simply to lash out at society, creating one bloody case after another.
Hatred is a never-ending cycle: "You killed my father, I stabbed you, and then your son will stab me." Unresolvable vendettas begin this way, ultimately twisting into an eternally intractable knot.
And if a touch of romance were to be woven into this process, it would instantly elevate into something profound in the eyes of onlookers. While a complete tragedy for those involved, to a bystander, it would appear as a poignant and beautiful love story.
"That's why we must direct the spearhead of hatred towards it. This monster caused all the tragedies. Only by shifting internal conflicts outward, by focusing the public's hatred on the alien, can this still-turbulent society find peace once more."
"In the coming period, I intend to vigorously promote space expansion plans. Channeling this unreleased hatred into killing aliens is surely better than having it turned against our own people."
"With the Disciple of the Crimson World as our alien target, space colonization, and carving out enough living space for humanity, becomes a natural progression."
...
Chen Bo and Wen Jian exchanged a vast amount of information. As the two giants within the same faction, complete alignment in political direction was essential.
In the core venue, hardly anyone's attention was truly focused on the funeral itself. Apart from their purely performative solemn expressions, mental fluctuations were flying everywhere.
"Do those guys up front really think we won't know about the traps they're digging?" The established power faction had their ideas, and naturally, the younger generation standing slightly further back had their own schemes.
"With this incredibly grand funeral, even if that person isn't truly dead, it would be impossible for him to reappear in this world." A young man, standing ramrod straight and clearly of military background, asserted with absolute confidence in his own abilities..
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