Chapter 229: The Meat Grinder (Part 10)

Chapter 229: The Meat Grinder (Part 10)

Even though Jie Fangcheng spoke confidently, the idea of "sacrificing oneself for others" was indeed difficult for the robot, devoid of emotions or even basic moral concepts, to compute and understand.

Robots do not possess the same moral compass as ordinary humans, and concurrently, they find it challenging to grasp human emotions. Their operations are based solely on logic and calculation.

One might interpret the robot's kindness towards Jie Fangcheng throughout their journey as a result of assessing pros and cons and granting permission accordingly.

Given Jie Fangcheng's capabilities, the robot would be more inclined to consider him as a high-ranking collaborator.

However, at this moment, when Jie Fangcheng uttered those words, the robot looked at him.

Through computation, Yan Yun actually understood that such behavior indeed existed among human groups.

It's commonly observed among parents, families, and couples.

Such behavior contradicts the very nature of robots.

Yan Yun, though not entirely crafted from machinery, was not controlled by a chip but by the neurons left behind by Yan Yun.

But this merely signifies that the robot possesses fragments of human thought.

There aren't many humans like Yan Yun left.

For the greater good of human society, he chose to sacrifice his self, turning himself into a cold, emotionless robot.

Yet now, it seemed like even the cold robot's computation had a momentary glitch.

What it should comprehend – not emotionally, but through extensive calculation – is that when human emotions reach a certain intensity, a mutual protective instinct emerges.

Such scenarios were not unheard of in Cangcui Island.

However, as the current highest-ranking official of Cangcui Island and the last protective weapon crafted by Yan Yun during his lifetime, no one has ever protected him.

Nor did he ever need it.

Humans are so vulnerable, so desperately in need of his protection.

Ultimately, the "Yan Yun" standing in front of him is a semi-biological, semi-mechanical entity, composed of vast machine computations and a few neurons.

Human emotions are so alien to robots.

Yet, in this moment, it seemed as if he perceived an indescribable flutter.

Was it a result of an electronic surge within, or perhaps damage to a component from a battle?

Or perhaps... even without a heart, reduced to mere cognition, can a robot sense what humans describe as the "flutter of the heart"?

Jie Fangcheng noticed his gaze and turned to him, asking, "What's wrong?"

The robot shook its head.

Despite their conversation, their journey wasn't hindered.

Before long, after traveling nonstop to the central city's research institute, the robot halted at the entrance.

He placed his hand on the institute's main door. Soon after, recognizing the right key, the institute illuminated from within.

The robot said to Jie Fangcheng, "There are prohibitions inside the institute; I can't enter."

That's why, despite Yan Yun being the most powerful robot capable of independently traveling to the central city, he never chose to come on his own.

As for not seeking other humans...

Jie Fangcheng didn't doubt the robot's motives and simply looked up at the institute before him.

"Whoa... it's massive!" While Jie Fangcheng wasn't easily impressed, the institute was undoubtedly overwhelming.

The six-story-tall institute looked intricate even from the outside. Without guidance, wouldn't Jie Fangcheng feel like he was on a sightseeing tour inside?

Yet, Yan Yun assured, "It's alright. Once you're inside, you'll naturally find the seed."

Trusting Yan Yun completely, Jie Fangcheng immediately pushed open the institute's main door without hesitation.

As soon as he did, he exclaimed, "Whoa! It's huge!"

Initially, Jie Fangcheng assumed that after so many years, even a high-tech institute like this would be in ruins, possibly having faced attacks from mutated organisms.

Yet, everything inside the institute was well-preserved — well, that's not entirely accurate. From the exterior, the six-story institute appeared intricate.

But once inside, it was surprisingly vast. So vast that it was almost empty, save for a towering tree at its center.

After all these post-apocalyptic years, while creatures outside mutated or perished, the tree within the institute remained lush and vibrant.

Initially, Jie Fangcheng thought the "Tree of Life" mentioned by the robot was symbolic, representing hope for the world.

But seeing the tree in the institute, he suddenly realized why it was named "Tree of Life."

This tree resembled the branches of the Tree of Life in Sector C. However, when Jie Fangcheng encountered the Tree of Life in Sector C, he felt an intense life force emanating from it.

But the tree before him seemed merely to have a form, devoid of any detectable life force.

If such a thing existed, why didn't they bring it out earlier? Doubts inevitably sprouted in Jie Fangcheng's mind.

Of course, another question loomed before him: how was he supposed to transport such a massive tree?

Wasn't it said to be the seed of the Tree of Life? How could this be a seed?

With that thought, Jie Fangcheng's mind wandered to the true "Tree of Life" in the player's hall.

If the main tree could grow to such proportions, then this colossal tree before him indeed seemed akin to a seed.

Yet, as Jie Fangcheng neared it, he noticed something peculiar.

It's well-known that soil, water, and sunlight are essential for a tree's growth.

However, the roots of the Tree of Life in the institute didn't burrow into any soil; in fact, no soil was present anywhere in the institute.

Only upon getting closer did Jie Fangcheng realize that the tangled and sprawling roots of the Tree of Life converged unscientifically onto a luminous orb.

Tentatively touching the orb, a virtual screen instantly materialized before his eyes.

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After reading, Jie Fangcheng was astonished. This was the Tree of Life that took nearly ninety years to cultivate!

No wonder such a potent tool wasn't employed earlier—it wasn't ready back then!

Jie Fangcheng surveyed the surroundings.

As for the so-called "institute", there wasn't a single room inside. Jie Fangcheng had been initially puzzled, but now he began to grasp the reason.

Based on the information gathered from his conversation with Yan Yun on their journey, in the early days of the apocalypse, human technology advanced rapidly. However, technological advancements, when realized, all ended up as weapons in the hands of different powers.

Warfare became the norm, and human resources were primarily channeled into creating weapons like laser cannons and molecular guns.

By the time they realized the unsustainable nature of their course, available resources were already scarce.

In the face of the apocalypse, people chose unity over discord. The weapons once wielded against one another were relocated to the institute, dismantled, reassembled, and reborn as the "Tree of Life"—a symbol of hope.

The so-called "institute" wasn't merely a research facility; it served as an energy collection and supply center and a sanctuary to nurture and safeguard the Tree of Life, allowing it to thrive.

It truly was...

Jie Fangcheng found his emotions entangled.

Upon his touch, the Tree of Life sensed something, swaying gently in the air.

​1​

Jie Fangcheng hesitated.

Verify identity?

He wasn't from this miniature world. Surely, he had no recognized identity here?

Thinking thus, he glanced at the robot standing by the entrance.

The robot merely nodded at him, offering a reassuring expression.

When the Tree of Life was crafted, it was a time when human unity was imperative.

Any human could pass the verification.

Reassured, Jie Fangcheng proceeded with confidence.

After scanning the orb in front of him, a few seconds of contemplation followed, seemingly in dilemma, but ultimately, verification was successful.

​2​

Following the mechanized voice prompt, the magnificent Tree of Life vanished into the orb in a blink.

The orb hovered towards Jie Fangcheng. When he reached out, it obediently nestled into his palm, making it easy for him to carry.

As he held the Tree of Life, Jie Fangcheng noticed a virtual screen emanating from the orb, essentially serving as an instruction manual.

Jie Fangcheng skimmed through it as he made his way out.

Reaching Yan Yun, he handed him the orb.

"Here," Jie Fangcheng began, "but from what I've seen, there are seven of these in total, right?"

Yan Yun nodded, "That's correct."

A single Tree of Life wasn't sufficient. Seven combined could form a protective barrier, perhaps then serving a meaningful purpose.

"Oh? Where are the other six? Let's fetch them all."

The robot looked at him, its mechanical eyes narrowing slightly.

"Why? This isn't in line with our agreement."

"Huh? What agreement?" Xie Fangcheng was perplexed.

The robot elaborated, "The cost I've incurred should only cover the retrieval of one seed from the Tree of Life."

Xie Fangcheng was befuddled, "What do you mean?"

The robot gazed at him, "The remaining six seeds of the Tree of Life are scattered across this vast continent. Our deal was that I provide you with a replica of the 'Eye of the Angel' in exchange for your help in locating one seed..."

Now understanding, Xie Fangcheng responded with mixed amusement and exasperation, "Who are we to each other? Are you really nitpicking with me over this?"

However, the robot shook its head and said with utmost seriousness, "For humans to coexist harmoniously, one party shouldn't always be at a disadvantage. This isn't how human relationships work. My control system keeps reminding me not to take advantage of you. It would be impolite."

"Friends don't need to be so calculative," Xie Fangcheng casually patted its shoulder, "Given our bond, isn't it only natural for me to help you?"

The robot fell into a rare silence.

Its computational system struggled to comprehend why Xie Fangcheng would protect it unconditionally. What exactly was their relationship?

While humans might obfuscate their emotions, robots don't.

It straightforwardly inquired, "Mr. Xie, what is our relationship? My database suggests we aren't exactly 'brothers' in the conventional sense."

Xie Fangcheng: "..."

Xie Fangcheng turned and began walking, "Let's move on and secure the other six seeds from the Tree of Life!"

Without pressing further, the robot quietly matched his pace.

Its decision not to probe deeper was a relief for Xie Fangcheng.

The two returned to the vehicle, and night had already descended.

Xie Fangcheng muttered a quick goodnight and drifted off.

The vehicle continued its journey through the vast desert. The surroundings were silent except for the sound of the car traversing the sands and the occasional mechanical joint friction.

Professor Zhan... after becoming a robot, is just... unbearably blunt!

Jie Fangcheng silently ridiculed in his mind.

Where's that Professor Zhang from before who had a cryptic tone and could convey a myriad of meanings with just one sentence?

Nevertheless, after spending so many days together, Jie Fangcheng has become quite accustomed to having a robot by his side.

He fell asleep quickly.

The next day, when sunlight filtered in through the car window, Jie Fangcheng finally opened his eyes.

He groggily turned his head and couldn’t help but mutter, "Oh damn."

The robot in the driver's seat turned to him and gave a polite nod.

"Good morning, Mr. Jie."

Jie Fangcheng squinted for a moment: "You... this..."

Before him, the robot had reverted to the face of “Yan Xun” that Jie saw the first time he entered the hunting ground.

That face bore noticeable metallic seams. Given the technology of robots, a perfect human-like appearance was achievable.

At least when the robot was impersonating Professor Zhang, there were no discernible mechanical features; even its robotic eyes were indistinguishable from a human's. Only when it processed information would data streams appear in its pupils, and its voice had a distinct electronic tone.

Otherwise, the robot could almost perfectly replicate Professor Zhang's body. Often, seeing it would make Jie feel somewhat dazed, as if he was back in "Do Not Respond" and the Professor Zhang beside him was the same as before.

But now, having reverted to the overtly mechanical appearance of Yan Xun... Jie didn't really mind.

Maybe it's the aesthetics, but Jie Fangcheng even found it quite cyberpunk, embodying a cool, mechanical life vibe.

Damn! A futuristic warrior-like Professor Zhang! So cool!

The “Yan Xun” in front of him had returned to its original electronic tone, sounding even more digital.

"What would you like for breakfast?"

The robot was indeed impressive, able to synthesize "food"—which were specially flavored nutritional supplements.

Jie Fangcheng wasn't picky. Yesterday, he had a taro milk tea-flavored supplement, and it tasted pretty good.

But at this moment, he couldn't be bothered about breakfast.

"What's going on with you?" Jie Fangcheng asked curiously, sizing him up, "Running low on energy?"

Yan Xun, with a placid expression and emotionless electronic voice, replied, "I have sufficient energy. But if I continued using 'Zhang Dao'an's' appearance and identity, I believe I'd be prone to developing 'jealousy'."

“……”

Jie Fangcheng said, "Bro, get me a refreshing lemon tea."