The Chilling "Gospel"

Thud, thud, step.

As Sui Yang's footsteps finally came to a stop directly before the Metal Matrix, the atmosphere across the open research platform seemed to freeze solid.

Even the scorching heat waves filling the air appeared to slow beneath his invisible pressure. Only the deep rumble of the massive environmental simulator remained as background noise, reminding everyone of this place's abnormal physical laws.

Sui Yang tilted his head slightly and looked toward Halsey in the distance. His gaze was calm and placid, yet it carried an order that required no words.

Halsey immediately understood. She drew a deep breath, stepped forward, and issued her orders in a clear, composed voice:

"Cortana, halt the information-virus assault and clear a safe buffer zone. War Maiden, closely monitor every energy reading and information-flow state within the matrix. Prepare to establish a one-way information reception channel."

"Order confirmed. Virus assault paused. Logical buffer established," Cortana replied at once.

"Energy monitoring is in position. Channel ready to open," War Maiden confirmed simultaneously.

The preparations were completed in an instant.

Sui Yang withdrew his gaze and once more stared at the enormous construct before him, pulsating with a dark crimson sheen.

The next moment, he made no dramatic movement. He merely closed his eyes.

Just as his Offspring, Sui Meng, had experienced, Sui Yang's senses were instantly swallowed by boundless darkness.

This darkness was not merely the absence of light. It was a void that devoured all concepts, directions, and existence.

However, unlike Sui Meng's encounter, this dark space attempting to imprison his consciousness was exceedingly unstable. Fine ripples and static-like distortions continuously flickered along its edges.

The silicon-based collective consciousness that had once beguiled Sui Meng was now attempting to invade Sui Yang's mind in the same manner.

Countless invisible streams of information, filled