Earth Metaverse 10 years, September 1, 2031 AD.
Shawn had been admitted to the Philosophy Department at Sunzen University, just as he had hoped.
For him, this wasn't just the start of university life—it was the first step into the world of Soul Energy cultivation, a dream he had pursued for years.
Philosophy, often regarded as the heart of the humanities, delves into fundamental questions of existence, ethics, consciousness, thought, and logic.
At Sunzen University, the Philosophy Department was known as the Sanctuary of Spiritual Awakening—a revered institution for those seeking enlightenment and the cradle of future Spiritual Specializers.
"Finally, I'm here."
Shawn arrived at the entrance of Sunzen University early in the morning. As he stood before the grand yet understated gate, he couldn't help but murmur to himself, his eyes gleaming with excitement.
Located in the heart of Sunzen City, the university is flanked by the legendary Nine Dragon Pond at its front and the sacred Yuantong Mountain at its back. According to historical records, it was founded by the esteemed Eastland Master and was recognized by Encyclopedia Britannica as one of the fifteen most influential universities in the world.
Stepping through the gates, the first landmark in sight was the iconic Ninety-Five Steps, also known as Dragon Gate Road. This staircase drew inspiration from the phrase "Nine-Five, Flying Dragons in the Sky" from the I Ching (Book of Changes), symbolizing the ascent to greatness.
Beyond serving as the university's main entrance, the Ninety-Five Steps represented a rite of passage—a threshold that every student crossed at the start of their academic journey, just as generations before them had. From Sunzen University's first graduating class to the present day, every student has stood there for a commemorative photo.
As Shawn ascended the steps, he took in the towering ginkgo trees lining the path, their lush greenery forming a natural canopy. Students passed by, engaged in quiet conversation or lost in thought as they read beneath the trees. Through gaps in the foliage, the campus revealed itself—a harmonious blend of Chinese and Western architecture, exuding elegance and tradition. The university's reputation as one of the world's ten most beautiful campuses was well deserved.
At the top of the steps stood Huize Hall, one of Sunzen University's most distinguished landmarks and home to the Faculty of Arts, which houses the Philosophy Department.
Its architecture blended classical and baroque elements, and on its red brick facade, the university's founding motto, inscribed by Eastland Master, was prominently displayed:
"Self-Respect, Knowledge, Justice, and Action."
At the base of the grand entrance, another inscription read:
"A Hundred Schools, A World of Justice."
This phrase was widely regarded as the essence of Sunzen University's academic spirit. Together, Huize Hall and the Ninety-Five Steps embodied the university's intellectual and philosophical ideals.
Adjacent to Huize Hall stood another significant structure—Zhigong Hall. According to legend, its name paid tribute to Eastland Master's early involvement in the founding of the Zhigong Party in San Francisco.
Standing before Huize Hall, Shawn was filled with emotion. This historic building would shape his academic journey over the next few years, marking the official beginning of his pursuit of soul philosophy.
As he entered Huize Hall, preparations were underway for the Philosophy Department's opening ceremony. The main lecture hall on the first floor was already filled with students and faculty. At the entrance, luminous text flowed across the doorway like a living inscription:
"The New Student's Question for the Times."
Inside, more than a hundred students had gathered when a familiar voice called out.
"Shawn, come sit with us."
Jolie waved him over, with Donner seated beside her.
Shawn's chest tightened. He hadn't expected to see them here. Ever since his grandfather's death—caused by the catastrophic release of energy from the Zhen Palace Spirit Key—he had severed all contact with them. He was convinced that their involvement in the AGI-ST Program had indirectly led to the tragedy.
Now, standing before them once again, Shawn felt a surge of conflicting emotions but chose to remain indifferent.
The ceremony began as a holographic projection of Principal Will materialized at the podium. His first words struck straight to the heart:
"In an era of rapid technological advancement, we need philosophy more than ever to redefine human values. The Philosophy Department at Sunzen University is not just preserving ideas—it is seeking answers for the future."
Shawn was deeply moved. This was the reason he had chosen to study Soul Culture Philosophy.
His decision was deeply influenced by Professor Ranzi's renowned lecture, which posed a profound question:
"What kind of soul culture does our society need today?"
With this question in mind and his aspirations set, Shawn resolved to uncover new dimensions of soul culture in the age of the Metaverse.
As he cast a glance at Jolie and Donner seated nearby, he noticed their contrasting expressions. Donner wore a faint, mocking smirk, while Jolie's face was serious and contemplative.
"I wonder what they chose to specialize in..." Shawn mused silently.
As the ceremony concluded, a unique initiation ritual for new students began. It was both an introduction and a test of wisdom—each student would state their name and class before offering a brief response to the assigned philosophical question.
Though they remained in the same grand lecture hall, the scene around them shifted dramatically. Through holographic projection, they were transported into a simulated city of the future. Before them stood two structures side by side: a towering AI citadel, its sleek surface pulsing with data streams, and an old, decrepit theater on the verge of demolition. The juxtaposition was striking, a clear metaphor for the tension between progress and tradition,
A voice echoed from above—it was the department chair, announcing the prompt for their test:
"Is the rapid advancement of technology destined to dismantle the foundations of traditional culture?"
The students instinctively spread out, positioning themselves in ways that seemed to align with their personal philosophies. One by one, names were called, and the students voiced their thoughts.
...Donner stood beneath the AI Tower's projection, his gaze sharp and expression cold. With a sweeping motion, he gestured toward the digital inscriptions glowing on the tower's exterior.
"I'm Donner from Class 31-3. Traditional culture is nothing more than an outdated algorithm. Our generation's mission is to rewrite it—with AI."
Then came Jolie's turn. Her voice was softer, hesitant.
"I'm Jolie from Class 31-4. Honestly… that's too grand a question for me to answer right now. But I do believe technology can empower culture. At the very least, it accelerates wealth creation and strengthens power."
Earlier that day, during orientation, Shawn had reviewed the department's class divisions:
Class 31-1—his own—focused on Philosophy of Soul Culture, exploring the essence of the soul, cultural identity, and the impact of language and logic on spiritual energy.
Class 31-2 specialized in Ethics and Moral Philosophy, striving to construct theoretical frameworks for justice and behavior regulation.
Class 31-3, the Philosophy of New Wealth, delved into AI-driven economics, algorithms, and psychological manipulation in financial systems.
Class 31-4 focused on Modern Power Philosophy, analyzing power dynamics in the digital age and training students in the art of psychic influence in strategic conflicts.
As he observed Donner and Jolie, Shawn couldn't shake the feeling that their chosen disciplines were closely tied to the AGI-ST Program—the very project that had upended his life.
His suspicion deepened when he noticed something: the octagonal pendants they once wore had been replaced. Around their necks now gleamed two ominous emblems—the All-Seeing Eye and the Specter Axe Mark—symbols carrying unknown significance.
...Then it was Shawn's turn.
He stood before the theater's crumbling façade, running his fingers over the weathered carvings on its wooden doors. Taking a breath, he introduced himself before speaking firmly:
"Behind every technological breakthrough lies human emotion and values. Technology may be powerful, but without soul culture, it is nothing more than an empty shell."
A scoff came from the AI Tower. Donner's voice was laced with mockery.
"Soul? Culture? Whether it's the Bible or the I Ching, aren't they just ancient 'technologies' in essence? In today's world, they are obsolete—no match for AI."
With the last student's answer, the virtual cityscape shifted. The AI Tower pulsed with an intense blue glow, while the area around the old theater flickered to life. A ghostly audience materialized, their psychic energy visibly resonating—waiting, as if expecting a verdict.
...
Then, the test results appeared:
Donner—Excellent.
Jolie—Good.
Shawn—Barely Passed.
Shawn remained unfazed. He knew his score reflected his stance on tradition, yet he stood by his beliefs. He clenched his fists slightly, reaffirming his conviction.
"This is just the beginning."
Just then, a slip of paper was discreetly pressed into his hand. He glanced down.
In small, precise handwriting, it read:
"Donner and Jolie didn't enroll at Sunzen University just to study."
Shawn's eyes darted around the room, searching for the sender, but no one stood out. His grip tightened around the note.
Could it be that Sunzen University held secrets far deeper than he had imagined