Yan Long's intentions were straightforward: Zhang Lie was Chinese, and the limit fragment research that he had come up with belonged to him and him alone. China wouldn't allow its citizens' private property to be stolen, not by petty thieves, other nations' governments, nor even the world federation itself.

Even if northern Europe were to take the lead against China, not many other countries would join in the fight; it would simply be too risky, and China had made a name for itself as a difficult enemy to handle.

Furthermore, given the galactic situation, it wasn't a good time for an internal conflict—there were quite a few alien races paying careful attention to Earth, and conflict now would give them the opportunity to strike.

The hosts of the tournament were simply prodding Yan...