Earth Metaverse 10 years, October7,2031 AD.
On the last day of his vacation, Shawn took a solitary walk to Nine Dragons Pond Park, located just across from the main entrance of his school.
Nicknamed "an emerald embedded in Sunzen City," Nine Dragons Pond Park was a tranquil retreat. As Shawn strolled along the embankment that stretched from north to south, the willow branches bruHe d against his cheeks, and the lotus roots swayed gently in the lake. The entire scene radiated a sense of serenity and calm.
Reaching the pavilion, Shawn was about to step inside to admire a painting exhibition when suddenly, the Spirit Key on his wrist emitted a brilliant flash of light. A familiar voice echoed in his mind:
"Shawn, this is Uncle Quinn from Kapteyn's Star. I've just sent you an important document. Please forward it to the Earth Meta Origin Society as soon as possible."
Shawn froze for a brief moment before his expression turned serious. Without hesitation, he left Nine Dragons Pond Park and hurried back to his dormitory. Once inside, he connected to his brain-computer interface and transferred the document to his personal computer.
It was an analysis report on Earth's current state.
He recalled seeing an advanced monitoring system in the Star Hall of the Monolithic Palace on Kapteyn's Star—a device that provided real-time observation of Earth's developments. The report before him was evidently compiled using data collected by that very system.
Seated at his desk, Shawn focused intently on the document. It was formatted as a letter:
> To Earth Messenger Shawn,
We are the Kapteyn's Star Meta Origin Society. Enclosed is an analytical report based on our latest monitored data regarding Earth. Please read it carefully and ensure it reaches the Earth Meta Origin Society without delay.
Earth is experiencing an era of turmoil. Social divisions are deepening at an alarming rate, and the erosion of trust spreads like an unseen storm, undermining the very foundations of human civilization...
The contents were staggering. As he read, Shawn felt a growing sense of unease. His brows furrowed.
This was more than just a report—it was a warning.
The final sentence struck him like a hammer blow:
"True change must originate from humanity itself."
Shawn set the document down and wiped the cold sweat from his forehead with a tissue. The weight of his responsibility as an Earth Messenger had never felt heavier. Yet, at the same time, his resolve strengthened—he had to safeguard the spiritual essence of humanity.
Taking a deep breath to steady himself, he picked up his phone and dialed Kent's number.
The line rang for a long moment before Kent finally answered, his voice low and urgent.
"Shawn, is this an emergency? I'm about to accompany Elder Pingzi and Ranzi to meet the Chairman."
Shawn was momentarily stunned—what a coincidence. He hesitated briefly before lowering his voice.
"I have a document that might be useful for your meeting with the Chairman."
After hanging up, Shawn felt a mix of anticipation and excitement. Ranzi was finally meeting the Chairman—another step forward in the Meta Origin Society's mission to lift the seal. Without delay, he forwarded the Kapteyn's Star report to Kent via WeChat.
Kent quickly skimmed through the file, then printed out three copies and handed them to Elder Pingzi and Ranzi.
Sitting in the car, Elder Pingzi held the report in his hands, shaking it slightly as He spoke.
"They've analyzed the situation well," He remarked. "As they point out, in our country, the guiding ideology that once fueled Huaxia's rise—centered on atheism, materialism, and the philosophy of struggle—is now in decline. Those of us who have devoted nearly a century to this cause can't help but feel a deep sense of uncertainty. Meanwhile, the younger generation is caught in a moral vacuum, unable to find belonging in tradition and left to vent their emotions aimlessly on the internet."
Ranzi flipped through the report, his voice grave.
"The stagnation in education and cultural development has left the younger generation without hope for the future. The elderly face a growing lack of resources, while the middle-aged struggle under immense economic pressure. Society as a whole is being dragged into a downward spiral. Malignant incidents are on the rise, and suicide rates have been climbing year after year... All of this signals a profound structural crisis."
Elder Pingzi sighed, a trace of frustration in her tone.
"And yet, our leaders seem powerless to respond, resorting only to heavy-handed measures to maintain control. There are now more prisons than schools, but such tactics only deepen public resentment."
Ranzi leaned forward slightly, his expression solemn.
"It's not just our country," he added. "As the report highlights, the Western model of civilization is also losing its global dominance. The contradictions of capitalism are becoming more pronounced, and divisions along racial, religious, and ideological lines are intensifying. The struggle for global influence now extends beyond economics and technology into culture and ideology. The world is in a state of unprecedented turmoil."
Elder Pingzi nodded.
"Indeed. Conflicts are breaking out across the globe, and color revolutions continue to erupt in various regions. On top of that, environmental crises loom large." He turned to Kent. "Didn't the report mention this? Read that section for us."
Kent flipped through the document and cleared his throat.
"This passage is particularly alarming," he said.
> **At the same time, the ecological crisis is accelerating. Climate change, resource depletion, and the loss of biodiversity are placing unprecedented stress on the planet. Yet, the international community remains unable to achieve meaningful cooperation. Environmental commitments are hollow, and short-term political and economic interests continue to take precedence over humanity's long-term survival.
The crisis facing Earth is not just about political systems or cultural conflicts—it is the long-term suppression and stagnation of Soul Energy. Humanity has forgotten how to resonate with the origin of the universe and instead pursues fleeting material pleasures. Your souls are being consumed by the very matter you have created. This is the same path we once walked on Kapteyn's Star—the path to self-destruction."
"The path to self-destruction..." Elder Pingzi murmured, exhaling a long sigh.
Kent glanced at the two figures in the backseat and spoke solemnly.
"Leaders, I believe this report is not just an observation of Earth—it is a direct warning to all of us."
Elder Pingzi gazed out the window, her voice calm yet resolute.
"Soul Energy is the fundamental force that grants life in this universe. Only by awakening the Soul Energy within and preserving the independence of the soul can humanity find its way forward."
Ranzi clenched his fists, his voice filled with conviction.
"You're absolutely right, Elder! External Soul Energy technologies—like the AGI-ST Program that's gaining momentum—will only accelerate the erosion of the younger generation's essence, leading to irreversible destruction. Just as the report states: true change must originate from humanity itself!"
Elder Pingzi turned to Ranzi, a meaningful glint in his eyes. "When you meet the Chairman later, try not to mention the AGI-ST Program. I have a feeling the government is involved behind the scenes."
Ranzi furrowed his brows slightly but nodded in agreement.
As they spoke, the car slowly pulled up to CP-Hub. The guards, recognizing Elder Pingzi's vehicle, immediately allowed them through.
Upon arriving at the grand main hall, Elder Pingzi turned to Ranzi. "Wait outside. I'll go in and see the Chairman first."
The CP-Hub's main hall was as imposing as ever, a symbol of national power. But today, an oppressive atmosphere loomed over it.
Inside the Chairman's office, stacks of documents covered the desk—reports detailing economic instability, diplomatic tensions, and escalating social unrest. The Chairman stood by the massive floor-to-ceiling windows, gripping a report in his hands, his gaze lost in the distant mountains. Exhaustion and anxiety were etched into his face.
Renowned for his decisiveness and iron will, he now seemed weighed down, as if the He er burden of his responsibilities was swallowing him whole.
At that moment, the heavy doors creaked open as guards uHe red Elder Pingzi inside. He walked in, supported by Kent. Though her expression remained composed, the tension in the air was palpable.
After a brief exchange of pleasantries, the Chairman personally gestured for Elder Pingzi to take a seat. A subtle but unmistakable tension settled between them.
Without hesitation, Elder Pingzi spoke, her tone steady and firm. "Chairman, the situation is becoming increasingly volatile. The public is growing restless. Relying solely on forceful suppression will only deepen the divide."
The Chairman leaned forward slightly, fixing his gaze on her. His voice carried a note of helplessness. "Elder Pingzi, do you think I don't know that? But tell me, what other choice do I have? The situation is precarious. Even the slightest misstep could have catastrophic consequences."
Elder Pingzi met his gaze, his expression unwavering. "Chairman, if we don't fundamentally adjust our strategy, it's only a matter of time before things spiral out of control. And when that happens, the entire structure will collapse."
The Chairman's brows knitted together. His voice, though low, carried a trace of bitterness. "Every issue—economic downturn, civil unrest, external threats—is like a gaping abyss. No matter where I turn, there's no clear path forward. Tell me, is there anyone in this world who can offer a real, viable solution?"
Elder Pingzi paused for a moment, his resolve deepening. "There is someone I believe you should meet. The Meta Origin Culture he advocates emphasizes balance and inner awakening. It might offer a fresh perspective."
The Chairman's expression shifted slightly. He seemed familiar with the name. He hesitated before saying, "You mean Ranzi from the Meta Origin Society? Verna mentioned him to my wife recently. But isn't he just an I Ching scholar? Another idealist lost in theory?"
A faint smile crossed Elder Pingzi's lips. "Chairman, he is far more than just a scholar of the I Ching. His work is rooted in both tradition and innovation, backed by practice and real-world application. His insights cut straight to the core of our challenges. I brought him here today—he's waiting outside. If you're willing, he can present his ideas to you personally."
The Chairman's expression shifted. His eyes lingered on Elder Pingzi's face, a mixture of scrutiny and respect.
After all, Elder Pingzi was no ordinary figure. He had long been one of the most esteemed elders of CP-Hub, a pillar of the establishment. It was even rumored that, when the Chairman first rose to power, it was Elder Pingzi who had orchestrated key moves behind the scenes, clearing obstacles in his path.
Yet, the mention of the Meta Origin Society made his expression grow more complex. He exhaled deeply. "The Meta Origin Society… For centuries, every ruling power—whether imperial or republican—has sought to suppress it, to bury it entirely. Can we really stake our hopes on an organization that history has repeatedly tried to erase?"
Elder Pingzi sighed softly, though a sharp glimmer of wisdom in his eyes. "And yet, despite every attempt to extinguish it, the Meta Origin Society has never truly disappeared. Its resilience alone is proof that it holds something of immense value."
The Chairman fell into silence, deep in thought. His gaze drifted momentarily before he finally looked back at Elder Pingzi and gave a slow, deliberate nod.
"Alright. I'll give him twenty minutes."
The weight in the air seemed to lift ever so slightly.
But Elder Pingzi knew—these twenty minutes could change everything.
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