novelraw Chapter 426: Nationwide Live Broadcast (3)
Chapter 426: Nationwide Live Broadcast (3)
Another reporter followed up, "Mr. Su, you mentioned that the higher-ups provided proof for you. Does this mean the Supreme Council was aware of your dual identity long ago and chose to conceal it from the public? Is this a form of deception? Did the public have the right to know earlier?"
This question was extremely pointed, directly targeting official credibility. The entire venue instantly fell silent.
Su Zhan's expression remained unchanged. "Before I appeared at the Grand Competition, my very survival was an unknown. The handling of my identity involved the highest-level strategic security assessments. Based on the potential I demonstrated, my stance, and the overall benefits I could bring to Daxia, the Council of Elders and the Military Department, after rigorous deliberation and risk assessment, ultimately made the decision to grant me a corresponding identity and gradually guide public awareness. This process indeed did not inform the public in advance, and I understand it will cause controversy. But I stand here now, laying everything bare, precisely to end this information gap. This is also part of the official side demonstrating sincerity and a willingness to accept public oversight."
His answer acknowledged the facts while framing the authorities' actions as a prudent strategic choice. He also positioned this current disclosure as a new starting point.
"Then, Mr. Su, regarding the future, how specifically do you plan to dispel public doubts? How will you utilize your... dual powers?"
Su Zhan replied calmly, "Actions speak louder than words. I will dedicate myself to the front lines of combating the Mist and eradicating the Transcendence Society. My merits and faults can be judged in the future by the number of enemies I slay and the safety of the cities I protect. Simultaneously, I am willing to undergo regular condition assessments under official supervision and disclose key results to the public. As for this power..."
Su Zhan raised his hand again. A wisp of condensed Flame of Destruction danced at his fingertips, its pure sense of power making everyone present feel a palpitation in their hearts. "It originates from the Mist, but from now on, its edge will be directed solely at Daxia's enemies."
The direction of the live chat began to show subtle changes:
"Wait... he doesn't need to devour humans? How is that possible?"
"If it's the Supreme Research Institute's certification... maybe it really is possible?""So... he's truly different from those man-eating monsters?"
"Think about it carefully. If he really needed to eat people, how could he have passed through all those layers of scrutiny?"
"So... he's actually a human who has mastered Aberrant power?"
"If he were truly an enemy, why would he protect human towns within the Mist?"
"Perhaps... we really misunderstood him?"
"But this overturns everything we know! An Aberrant that doesn't need to eat people?"
"If this is true, then he's a heaven-sent weapon for Daxia!"
"I'm starting to believe it a little... after all, he dared to say this in front of the whole world."
"And he's willing to accept regular testing. That's a sincere attitude!"
"So Su Zhan is actually a... human hero who can use Aberrant power?"
"From enemy to ally? I can accept this twist!"
"As long as he's on humanity's side, I'm willing to support him again!"
"No wonder City Lord Mo Yuan supported him. He knew the truth all along!"
...
Although many skeptical voices remained, supportive comments began to appear on a larger scale. The balance of public opinion was quietly tilting.
The atmosphere at the venue eased slightly. Reporters began asking more routine questions.
"Mr. Su, what are your plans for the future? Will you return to Vermilion Bird Academy?"
Su Zhan began, "I will continue to fight to protect Daxia in my capacity as Special-Grade Strategic Advisor. Vermilion Bird Academy is my alma mater, and I will always be grateful. However, I currently have no plans to return to teaching."
"Does your unique dual form imply new possibilities for the coexistence of humans and Mist energy?"
Su Zhan explained, "My situation has a certain degree of uniqueness. I do not recommend imitation. However, it does indeed provide a new research direction for understanding and utilizing Mist energy."
"What would you like to say to the young people who once admired you and may now feel confused and disappointed?"
Su Zhan looked sincerely into the camera. "I understand your feelings. Please believe that I am still the same Su Zhan who sweated on the training grounds, determined to protect our homeland. My original aspiration has never changed. What has changed is that I now possess more complex power to fulfill it. I will still fight for Daxia and hope to regain your trust."
"How do you view your relationship with the other top ten prodigies? Especially regarding any follow-up with contestant Bai Pojun?"
Su Zhan said calmly, "The outcome of the Grand Competition is in the past. They are all pillars of Daxia's future. I have no personal grudge against Bai Pojun. I look forward to fighting side by side with him on the battlefield in the future."
Su Zhan handled these relatively mild questions appropriately, with a candid attitude, further easing the tense, confrontational atmosphere at the venue. It also allowed the public to see a more multi-dimensional image of him beyond the identity controversy.
...
The host smiled. "Distinguished guests, viewers watching the live stream, today we have collectively witnessed a candid and profound dialogue. Let us give truth some time and give trust a chance. Regardless of what the future holds, today's open and honest dialogue will undoubtedly become an important step in our collective journey toward understanding and reconciliation. Thank you, Mr. Su Zhan, for your candor. Thank you to all the media for your participation. This press conference is now concluded."
The host bowed. Prolonged applause echoed through the venue.
The interview ended. Su Zhan went to a restroom.
Li Su immediately approached him. "Mr. Su, you've worked hard! The Council of Elders and the higher-ups watched the entire live broadcast of the press conference. They are... extremely satisfied with your performance just now! To be honest, maintaining such clear control of the pace and delivering key messages under that kind of pressure is no easy feat. The higher-ups believe this has laid a solid foundation for our subsequent public opinion guidance and image rebuilding. Next, we will follow the plan, gradually release key information from the test reports, and arrange for you to participate in some public, positively symbolic actions at the appropriate time."
Su Zhan gave a slight nod. "It's my duty. Since I've chosen to cooperate, I will naturally do my utmost to eliminate unnecessary barriers and suspicions."
Li Su inquired, "Mr. Su, the press conference is over. The battle for public opinion has fired its first shot. Regarding your specific action plans moving forward, do you have any preliminary thoughts? The higher-ups would like to hear your opinion."
Su Zhan stated directly, "My plan is simple. Mist Creatures must be eradicated, and the Transcendence Society must also be listed as a priority target. Today, I revealed my biggest trump card here and declared my stance. Given the Transcendence Society's ideology and modus operandi, they will absolutely not tolerate an anomaly like me existing. I'm afraid I have now become the number one target on their kill list. Because they cannot tolerate a being of the same origin who possesses great power yet does not need to devour humans. This shakes the very foundation of their arguments. Therefore, between them and me, it is now a fight to the death."