Chapter Forty-One: Eradicate All AI

The crowd, upon hearing these words, widened their eyes in utter disbelief.

“This Underworld King is actually this powerful!” Li Lichen could not help but exclaim in astonishment.

Number One nodded, speaking slowly, “The destructive power and invasion strength of the Underworld King are beyond our imagination—perhaps a thousand times greater than we think! I need everyone to understand this. Please, do as Chu Xiao says, right now! No more hesitation!”

“If the Nine Provinces fall, we fall with them! We swear to defend them to the death!”

The last declaration exploded through the crowd like a thunderclap, striking deep into their hearts.

Their gazes gradually became resolute; at this very moment, what burned within them was an unyielding will to fight.

Chu Xiao stared intently at Number One. He’d never expected that Number One had kept this matter from him.

The Underworld King was stirring. Why had he not been informed? Chu Xiao could not comprehend—was this truly how little Number One trusted him?

“I think this ‘AI Great Destruction Campaign’ should proceed step by step. If everything is destroyed at once, people’s lives will descend into chaos,” Qi Tianli offered his opinion.

Number One nodded, “Very well. Let’s discuss the specific procedures now.”

Chu Xiao took a deep breath. He knew this was not the time for internal strife; the urgent task was to organize the ‘AI Great Destruction Campaign.’

“Yes! First step: Destroy all electronic entertainment display devices, including computers and televisions!”

“Second step: Destroy all household electronic appliances, such as refrigerators and air conditioners!”

“Third step: Sever most power lines, preserving only the essential few!”

“Fourth step: For indispensable AI like Blue Coat, destroy them last!”

“The remaining power lines and necessary equipment will be guarded by the Red Hacker Alliance!”

“I decided on this because the Red Hacker Alliance simply can’t protect so much. Even with their utmost effort, they can only hold a small area.”

“Instead of attempting to protect everything and inevitably failing, it’s better to focus on the most vital, and gain whatever time we can!”

After Chu Xiao laid out his clear plan, not a single voice rose in opposition.

Silence reigned.

Most were simply astonished. They had not imagined the young man before them had already devised such a detailed strategy.

Not only that, this youth had founded the Red Hacker Alliance, established underground bases, built fortresses and granaries, invented laser cannons and other weapons, and prepared for everything.

And he had done it all in just fifty days.

This was terrifying strength.

Only Chu Xiao himself truly understood how much blood and sweat he’d poured into this time—and how he’d personally extinguished his own love.

“Did everyone comprehend?” Chu Xiao shouted.

“We understand!” the crowd replied in unison.

“Then act quickly! With less than forty days left, divide it in ten-day phases. Remember to assign supervisors, and explain the dangers involved!” Chu Xiao commanded loudly.

He finished speaking and glanced at his watch.

It was January 22nd, ten o’clock at night. Thirty-eight days remained until the Underworld King awakened.

The crowd dispersed, leaving only Chu Xiao and Number One in the conference room.

“Why didn’t you tell me?” Chu Xiao’s voice was cold, his phoenix eyes narrow and fraught with danger.

Number One sighed softly, then spoke slowly, “I know you must be confused, but this is how things are now.”

“I have my reasons for not telling you. But rest assured, I have never intended to deceive or hide anything from you—otherwise, I wouldn’t have spoken up just now.”

“Besides, there’s no benefit in this for me.”

“Then what is it you can’t say? Chief, I respect you greatly. You know if the Underworld King strikes early, all our plans will be ruined!” Chu Xiao was agitated, unable to restrain himself.

Number One gave him a calm look. “Control your emotions. Haven’t you noticed how unstable you’ve been lately?”

“I don’t want you to break down before the Underworld King arrives.”

“After all, the nation is still waiting for you to protect it.”

Chu Xiao gazed blankly at Number One.

He was right. Chu Xiao’s emotions had indeed been unstable lately.

Chu Xiao said nothing, choosing instead to close his eyes and calm his mind.

Eleven o’clock at night.

Everyone’s phones received the same message.

Major news headlines were dominated by the announcement.

“Breaking news! Breaking news! This is the News Agency! This is the News Agency! Residents, please take note: To resist the Underworld King’s invasion, from today we will initiate the ‘AI Great Destruction Campaign,’ clearing all AI-related electronic products.”

“First step: Destroy all entertainment display devices such as computers and televisions! Complete by January 28th! Supervisors will be dispatched!”

Yin Gang was a recluse; his only activity at home was playing computer games.

Even when called to volunteer, he never signed up.

He suffered from social anxiety; his only love was his computer.

Now, they were going to destroy the very thing he depended on to survive—he could not bear it.

“Why? Why? I don’t want to! I don’t want to! I’d rather die!” Yin Gang clutched his computer in a corner, trembling.

He refused! The computer was his everything. Without it, he was nothing.

If his computer was taken, what meaning could life possibly have?

Suddenly, there was a knock at the door.

“Is anyone there? We’re here to inspect the destruction of computers and other devices. Please open the door!”

Yin Gang trembled even more at these words.

“No! I don’t want to!” he whispered, shaking his head repeatedly, his eyes filled with terror.

“Is anyone there?” Wan Ke called again, but received no response. “Strange, where did he go?” Wan Ke muttered quietly.

“If no one’s here, I’ll force my way in!” Wan Ke had no choice—this was an assignment from above, and it had to be completed.

Yin Gang remained silent, clinging to his computer in the corner, watching the door with wary eyes.

Wan Ke kicked the door open in one swift motion.

He was met with a messy little room. Looking down, he immediately saw Yin Gang huddled in the corner.

Yin Gang stared fiercely at Wan Ke, clinging to his computer, his once plump fingers now pale and red from the pressure.

“Sir, we’re here on official duty. Please hand over your computer.”

“We’re doing this for the sake of the Nine Provinces.”

Wan Ke had encountered countless internet addicts, all fiercely gripping their computers and refusing to let go.

If it weren’t for the orders from above, for the safety of the Nine Provinces, and for concern over this person’s state of mind, he would have seized the computer long ago.